Meeting in between: on spatial conceptualizations within narrative and metaphor theory and their relevance for translation studies

Abstract

In this paper I would like to explore the triadic relationship between narrative theory, metaphor theory and translation studies. This triangle not only defines three independent interactions but also a fourth perspective regarding the possible relevance of the relationship between narrative and metaphor theory for a theoretical and practical redefinition of translation studies. A combination of narrative and metaphor theory could be used to metaphorize narratives on translation and to explicitate the implicit narratives of translational metaphors, that is, to reveal ideological aspects and to create new inspiring connections. Naturally enough, the interdisciplinary approach chosen here would also have to be complemented and critically expanded by an inter-cultural approach as the one suggested, for instance, by Maria Tymoczko (2003 and 2010). Another fascinating question I unfortunately cannot deal with here regards the inter-cultural status of spatial concepts. Are spatial conceptualizations typical for western culture or do they represent a trans-cultural concern? And what would this mean for the elaboration of a globally significant translation theory? [...]