Test on Polysystem Theory and Descriptive Translation

Question 1: Gideon Toury's Descriptive Translation Studies focuses on norms that govern translation.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that Polysystem Theory is often linked with Gideon Toury's Descriptive Translation Studies, which focuses on norms that govern translation.

Question 2: Itamar Even-Zohar, the founder of Polysystem Theory, was influenced by both Russian Formalism and Czech Structuralism.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state: "Founder: Israeli researcher Itamar Even-Zohar, influenced by Russian Formalism and Czech Structuralism."

Question 3: According to Polysystem Theory, which statement best describes the dynamic nature of translated literature's position within a cultural polysystem?

A. Translated literature consistently occupies a secondary position, adapting to existing domestic norms.

B. The position of translated literature is fixed once it is established in a cultural polysystem.

C. Translated literature shifts between occupying central and peripheral positions within the cultural polysystem.

D. Translated literature only moves to a primary, central position when a literature is already well-established.

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state under 'Dynamic Nature' that systems are rarely static and 'they shift as translated literature moves between the center and periphery of the cultural 'polysystem''. While translated works can act as a major source of innovation (primary position) or become secondary, their position is not fixed but dynamic.

Question 4: According to Polysystem Theory, which of the following statements accurately describes a functional role of translated literature within a culture?

A. It helps shape the target culture and acts as an instrument for explaining its complexity.

B. It maintains a static position within the cultural system, resisting change.

C. It is consistently regarded as a secondary, marginal activity, having minimal impact.

D. It primarily prioritizes linguistic accuracy above all other socio-cultural considerations.

Explanation: The study materials state that translated literature helps shape the target culture and acts as an "instrument for explaining the complexity of culture." It also clarifies that polysystems are dynamic, not static, and that translation is not a secondary, marginal activity. Furthermore, Polysystem Theory shifted studies away from a pre-scientific focus on accuracy to a descriptive, cultural approach, indicating that accuracy is not its sole or primary functional role.

Question 5: Descriptive translation studies do not examine how literature is transformed through translation.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Descriptive translation studies examine translated texts and their adaptations within target cultures to identify how literature is transformed through translation, as well as how it influences cultural perceptions and relationships.