Translation as speech and cognitive activity

Abstract

Based on classical translation studies the article considers translation from natural languages to natural languages as a peculiar kind of speech activity connected with a specific stage at which human mind mediates the transition from form into content and vice versa. Analytical review of translation concepts (in literary translation studies and general translation studies) proves that the subject of general translation studies should be examination and description of translation as a two-way communication act which includes stages of perception and production of speech utterances. Cognitive nature of translation suggests considering context and selecting utterance as the translation unit.