Translation action model by Holz-Manttari

1. Translation action model by
Holz-Manttari
Presented by
Dr. Nighat Ahmed
Department of English (UGS)
NUML, Islamabad
BS-English (Afternoon)
Course = Introduction to
Translation Studies
7th Semester
Section A,B & C
Semester : Spring 2021
7th Lecture (Online)

2. Translational action model
This model by Holz takes up the concepts from
communication theory and action theory. It aims to
provide guidelines for a wide range of professional
translation situations. This approach views translation as
purpose-driven, outcome-oriented human interaction-
and focuses on process of translation as message-
transmitter involving intercultural transfer.
It is not about translating words, sentences or text but is
in every case about guiding the intended co-operation
over cultural barriers enabling functionally oriented
communication.

3. Interlingual translation is described as ‘translational action
from a source text’, and as a communicative process
involves a series of roles and players:
• The initiator
• The commissioner
• The ST producer
• The TT producer
• The TT users
• The TT receiver

4. Discussion on Translational action model
The value of Holz’s work is on placing translation
(professional non-literary translations) within its
sociocultural context including the interplay between the
translator and the initiating institution. Scholars praise
Holz for his concept of translation and his theory which is
held to provide guidelines for every decision to be taken
by the translator.
The inclusion of real-world commercial translation
constraints is welcome in addressing some of the
decisions faced by translators. However the model could
be criticized for the complexity of its jargon for example
message-transmitter compounds.

5. Also, since one of the aims of the model is to offer
guidelines for intercultural transfer, though it fails to
consider cultural difference in detail or in the kinds of
terms proposed by the earlier culturally oriented models.
Nord in critical of Holz’s disregard of ST. She stresses that
functionality is the most important criterion for a
translation, this does not allow the translator complete
licence. There needs to be a relationship between ST and
TT and the nature of this relationship is determined by the
purpose.