Do People Only Create in Their Mother Tongue? Schleiermacher’s Argument Against the “Naturalizing” Method of Translation, From Today’s Point of View

Abstract

Schleiermacher’s text “On the Different Methods of Translating” (1813) is considered here from the historical perspective. Its absence in older and more recent editions of his works is quite strange and contrasts with its central relevance for Translation Studies. L. Venuti’s role in drawing attention to the text in the field is duly stressed. Also the fact that it represents a paradigm shift in the history of translation theory and methodology is reflected upon. The argument for this historical change is based upon the analysis of key concepts used in the text, such as “border” (Grenze) and “strangeness” (fremd / das Fremde / die Fremdheit), involved in Schleiermacher’s thought about language and translation in the context of the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. This analysis eventually argues against common interpretations of the author’s alleged belief in the racial supremacy of the Germans. Finally, Schleiermacher’s considerations regarding the method of translating which he does not accept is scrutinized, not in order to contradict him, but mainly to show how his argument that people only create in their mother tongue can by no means be confirmed in today’s multicultural societies. Indeed, it is a fact that much multicultural literature is now not only published but also rewarded with prizes and awards, as for example in Germany where many successful literary authors are not native speakers of German.