The Paradoxical Relationship Between Schleiermacher’s Approach and the Functional Translation Theory

Abstract

There has always been an emphasis on the presumed influence of F.D.E. Schleiermacher on modern translation theories. It was even pointed out that methodological and theoretical considerations that were developed after Schleiermacher do not have any innovative aspect, especially in the German translation area. The aim of this study is to examine to what extent the functional translation theories, which refer to the target-oriented approach of H.J. Vermeer, are approaching to or are diverted from F.D.E. Schleiermacher’s two translation methods. In this context, both Schleiermacher’s essay about the translation and his views on hermeneutics are applied. As a result, it is easily observed that both translation theorists deal with the same topics: purpose, cultural differences, target reader, the role of the translator.