ABSTRACT
Creating an appropriate translation often means adapting the target text (TT) to the text-typological conventions of the target culture. Such knowledge can be gained by a comparative analysis of parallel texts, i.e. L2 and LI texts of equal informativity which have been produced in similar communicative situations. The author discusses some problems related to (cross-cultural) text-typological conventions and the role of parallel texts for describing translation strategies. Implications for teaching translation are also discussed. The discussion is supported with examples of parallel texts that are representative of various genres, such as instruction manuals, international treaties, and tourist brochures.
