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 andas the outcome of this process by demonstrating its multiple dimensions. We attempt to define thetranslation phenomenon, by taking into consideration its conceptualization in different civilizations.The general characteristics and the different translation categories are also studied by focusing onthe types of interlingual translation. Furthermore, the article explores the scientific features, the goalsand 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 benondimensional since it demands various different reflections by adopting principles, concepts andmethods from other scientific domains. Contemporary Translatology teaches us that translation doesnot make up a simple linguistic procedure and the theoretical thought regarding translation is notlimited to the text or to what is expressed through the text.