From Traductology to Translation Science

The aim of this article is to examine the more or less established boundaries of traductologie. First, the way ideas and theoretical approaches circulate, mainly viewed from a French perspective and in relation to other disciplines, is broadly discussed. Secondly, the impact of the increasing demands in specialized translations on the growing empirical research conducted in this specific area is analysed. Particular attention is paid to the paradigms shifting from a literary approach to translation towards a pragmatic approach. It is finally suggested that this empirical research, anchored in the functionalist and interpretive theories, yet still haunted by the experience of literary translation, is gradually focusing on the cognitive processes involved in translational behaviour.