Thematic structure vs. Information structure in the analysis of translation shifts

Abstract

This paper aims to show that the comparison of the source and target text's information structure should be a prerequisite of and take priority over the analysis of their thematic structure (in the Hallidayan sense). Thus, it is argued that in such analysis the original's distribution of communicative dynamism is a more important consideration that its linear arrangement. The article offers a critical analysis of Munday (1998) and contrasts his approach with the one based on the model developed by the Brno branch of the Prague School. It is also pointed out that the conflict between keeping the original's word order and the distribution of communicative dynamism may often be resolved by means of the strategies for avoiding linear dislocation described by Baker (1992: 167-172). The paper also establishes a hierarchy of priorities that the translator should follow to keep the ST's information structure.