ABSTRACT
This chapter describes research models which have addressed the theme genre in translation versus genre of translation from the perspective of both applied linguistics and cultural studies. It focuses on research into the issue of translation norms which has underpinned approaches to translation as a genre in its own right. Focusing on non-literary issues and the translation of so-called pragmatic texts, James looks at the translation of genre in relation to reading and writing as skills that are central in working with nonproficient translators, particularly in the early stages of training. Dealing with the linguistic sense of the term, James subscribes to a notion of genre which covers a spectrum of textual-linguistic manifestations such as the conventional formats of writing and the texture involved. The linguistic approach to issues of genre in translation has had echoes further a field in disciplines such as linguistic stylistics and cultural studies. Chesterman concludes that translation studies should be normative, norm-describing and indeed norm-refining.
