Decision-making and alternative translation solutions in the literary translation process : a case study

Abstract

This paper explores decision-making in literary translation focusing in particular on written alternative translation solutions (ATSs) and their role in the translation process. Drawing on psychological research on decision-making and translation process research, it investigates why an experienced translator produces various written ATSs in Draft 1 and how he chooses among the various possible solutions during the subsequent phases of the translation process. The investigation is carried out at the translator’s workplace who is studied as he self-revises a literary translation from French into Maltese. Data collected through think-aloud, translator observation and analysis of drafts pertaining to decision-making processes behind four sets of written ATSs concerning a similar lexical item are analysed and discussed. Results indicate that the translator produces written ATSs for strategic reasons.