In the book, Bassnett discusses several key concepts and ideas, including:
Before Bassnett, translation theory was dominated by linguistic approaches (Eugene Nida, J.C. Catford) focused on formal vs. dynamic equivalence, or literary debates over “literal vs. free” translation. Bassnett argued that this was insufficient. She insisted that translation operates within larger systems of culture, ideology, and history. Her key argument, often quoted, is: “Translation is not just a transfer of text from one language into another; it is a negotiation between cultures.” translation history and culture susan bassnett pdf