Building up Open-Ended Empirical Modules in Translating: A Case Study of “Logical Meaning Extensions”

Abstract

This paper brings in the idea of building up “Open-ended Empirical Modules” (OEEMs) as a translation skill supported by the theory of contextual parameters. With examples being subcategorized into over twenty empirical rules, the study constructs an open-ended module of Logical Meaning Extensions (LME) as a representative paradigm and presents the know-how and know-why expertise. It is methodologically notable that the case analysis and demonstration of meaning extensions from concepts in SL to those in TL are conducted in a procedural way in which the cognitive mechanism of inferential processes of LME is verifiably explored. The significance of this research is seen in its display of a systematic way of generalization and classification of empirical rules for translation skills in teaching and learning translation. It may also provide translators with a possible method to follow in generalizing empirical rules from their own practice to enrich translating skills.