What Translation Studies Owe to Schleiermacher’s Thought

This paper examines the enduring influence of James Holmes and Friedrich Schleiermacher on the field of translation studies. In the 19th century, translation evolved from loose adaptations toward a more serious commitment to preserving the completeness and authenticity of foreign texts. German preacher and theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher, in his seminal essay “On the Different Methods of Translating”, offered groundbreaking ideas on the subject. His essay is considered foundational, particularly in light of James Holmes's 1972 article, “The Name and Nature of Translation Studies”. Holmes's publication is credited with catalysing the emergence of two significant translation schools: the Manipulation School and the Functional School. Theorists within these schools have, consciously or unconsciously, drawn heavily upon Schleiermacher's insights. The current study will delve into Holmes's legacy within translation studies, highlighting the key concepts from Schleiermacher's essay that shaped the theoretical landscape of translation. Specifically, it seeks to address the following inquiries: How did Holmes's contribution usher in a new theoretical paradigm in translation? What are the principal ideas from Schleiermacher's text that have influenced subsequent translation scholars? What are the fundamental theories and principles of the Manipulation and Functional Schools, and how are they rooted in Schleiermacher's ideas?