Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full? Reflections on Translation Theory and Practice in Brazil

Book excerpt: This book offers an unprecedented look into the field of translation studies (TS) in Brazil, placing emphasis both on the conflict theory vs. practice and on the reception of poststructuralist thought. The implied debate between the voices heard in the book represents a wide-ranging spectrum of viewpoints not only in TS in Brazil, but also in the humanities in general. Addressing issues such as the institutionalisation of translation, the aim of translation theory and translator training, the impact of poststructuralist thought on TS and the role of multilingualism in the area, this work offers an overview of the field of TS today, while proposing new strategies for translators and translation scholars that go beyond the conflicts between theory and practice and between structuralism and poststructuralism.