ABSTRACT
Translation competence encompasses three elements: first, source language receptive competence, i.e., a translator's ability to understand the source text; second, an ability to transfer the message from the source language to the target language; and third, a mastery of target linguistic resources. Translation competence also includes knowledge and awareness of extra-linguistic phenomena which include knowledge of the world, knowledge of a special field, ability to search for information, ability to use different translation tools, socio-cultural knowledge, knowledge of cultural similarities and differences relevant to the translation situation on hand. In relation to the acquisition and evaluation of translation competence, the PACTE Group has for a number of years been conducting empirical-experimental research into translation competence and its acquisition as well as translation directionality. Translation competence can be conceptualized as a dynamic transfer and interlingual text production competence gained through experience in manifold translation situations and relying on a multifaceted, ever-growing knowledge base.
