Theory of Translation 1 Introduction

2.10 Recent Theories of Translation
In the second half of the twentieth century, many theories evolved in the field of 
translation studies which stressed divergent issues from different fields. A few 
significant theories are introduced in the following sub-sections. 
2.10.1 Itamar Even-Zohar: Polysystem Theory
In the 1970s, Tel Aviv scholar Itamar Even-Zohar developed polysystem theory, 
taking insights from the Russian formalists. The concept of literature as a system, i.e. 
“a hierarchically structured set of elements” was understood and developed by the 
Russian formalists and Czech structuralists. One of the precursors of the theory is the 
Slovak translation theorist Anton Popovic. The polysystem theory strongly rejects the 
prevalent source-oriented theories which demanded equivalence and gave translated 
literature a ‘peripheral’ position. 

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According to polysystem theory, a literary work is not studied in isolation but looked 
at as a part of literary system. A literary system is defined as “a differentiated and 
dynamic conglomerate of systems charecterized by internal opposition and continual 
shifts” (Even-Zohar, qtd. in Bhatnagar, 30). Even-Zohar coined the term ‘polysystem’ 
to refer to the entire network of correlated literary and extraliterary systems in a 
society. He emphasizes the relations between all these systems and calls them as 
‘polysystem’. The various layers in the polysystem may be the genres and codes etc., 
“which are in continual interrelationship with other orders” (qtd. in Munday, 
Theories, 109).
Polysystem theory “holds that literary systems tend to be in a state of flux, constantly 
changing status” (Hatim, 67). This concept explains how the literary systems develop 
under a variety of social conditions. For example, a continuous struggle between 
different genres goes on in literary systems to get a central position. The genre or 
form like the realistic novel attempts to protect its central position and the less 
important genres, like popular fiction, tries to get some identification. 
Polysystem theory deals with the various genres with equal attention, irrespective of 
their position in the literary system. The marginal forms which are less influential 
must not be ignored. The translated literature is also a literary form like popular 
fiction and these forms should also attain identification. The translated literature is 
capable of performing a primary function. Translated literature can be a source of new 
literary forms or genres. As a result of the changing socio-cultural situation, certain 
forms become obsolete and the need of new forms or models can be fulfilled by 
translation. In Marathi, for example, ‘ghazal’ is a genre borrowed from Urdu 
language.
In the dominant literary systems, translation is considered as a secondary activity. 
Translation activity has long been struggling to seek much deserved recognition. The 
polysystem theorists examine the various kinds of texts selected for translation in both 
the literary systems. It shows the compatibility of the translated literature with the 
established literary genres. Also, the language of translation may be considered to 
“research its response to the existing norms and models in the receiving culture” 
(Hatim, 69). 

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Even-Zohar’s hypothesis presents an important development in translation studies.
There are various advantages of polysystem theory. Edwin Gentzler comments that it 
allows the study of literature with social and economic forces (119). Another 
important point offered by Even-Zohar is about the concept of equivalence. 
Polysystem theory allows for variation consistent with the historical and cultural 
situation of the text. This proposition may take translation studies away from the 
recurring and revolving arguments about equivalence.