Abstract:

The “bridge concept” proposed by Andrew Chesterman over a decade ago has not received the due attention from the translation studies community. At the macro level, the “bridge concept” inherits and develops the classic theories of the descriptive translation studies school, and adds sociological concepts and categories to the field of translation, thus effectively driving the integration of translation disciplines. The “bridge concept” provides specific methodological guidance within the framework of constructing social translation studies, and the proposal of this concept is beneficial to promoting the construction of social translation studies, perfecting its theoretical framework, and elevating the academic status of translation studies based on this foundation. At the micro level, the discussion on the role of translators under the “bridge concept” will also highlight the status of translators in translation activities.

Key words: bridge concept, Andrew Chesterman, translation studies, social translation studies