A Conceptual Analysis of the terms “Translation” and “Translation Studies”: definition and specific traits

The present article aims to explore the concept of the translation phenomenon both as a process and as the outcome of this process by demonstrating its multiple dimensions. We attempt to define the translation phenomenon, by taking into consideration its conceptualization in different civilizations. The general characteristics and the different translation categories are also studied by focusing on the types of interlingual translation. Furthermore, the article explores the scientific features, the goals and the structure of the science of translation as well as the evolution of translation thought. Afterwards, the epistemological features, the evolution and the goals of the science are described. The main conclusion drawn is that the scientific approach of the translation phenomenon cannot be nondimensional since it demands various different reflections by adopting principles, concepts and methods from other scientific domains. Contemporary Translatology teaches us that translation does not make up a simple linguistic procedure and the theoretical thought regarding translation is not limited to the text or to what is expressed through the text.