Čukovskij and the beginnings of scientific translation studies in the USSR

Abstract

This article analyses the beginnings and consolidation of scientific translation studies in the USSR. To this end, we take a critical look at the theory and practice of translation since the October Revolution (1917) and the publication of the first version of Principles of Artistic Translation (1919) by K. I. Čukovskij and N. S. Gumilëv, published in the context of the activity of the publishing house Vsemirnaâ Literatura, until the publication of the first edition of Introduction to the Theory of Translation by A. V. Fëdorov (1953, the year that coincides with Stalin's death).

For K. I. Čukovskij, the constant in translation is the harmonization of two factors into a communicative consensus: the internal dialogue between languages ​​and between the cultures that underlie them. In his translation theory, it is essential that the translator establish theoretical principles for his art.

Subsequently, in the 1940s and 1950s, authors focused on the study of the translation process, the analysis of possible correlations between the original text and the translation, and the development of a classification of translations.

Theoretical debates in translation studies diversified and intensified in the USSR from the 1950s onward, especially following the publication of A. V. Fedorov’s work. A. V. Fedorov’s work is extremely important because it pioneered Soviet translation theory in many respects and because of the large number of theoretical approaches and concepts he introduced or developed.