Constraints of various types have been discussed within translation studies, but relatively rarely have they been introduced or defined as an individual and significant concept. They have been mentioned in a rather fragmentary fashion, receiving scant attention or discussed from a specific vantage point within a particular partial theory of translation, including the focus of AVT. Accordingly, the concept of a translation constraint has never been made into a coherent nexus of interrelationships that define the context of translation. Neither has there been a systemic typology of constraints proposed.

The translator’s behaviour is usually constrained by a number of factors that may be either global, including the ones which are typical of specific types of translation, e.g. music in the case of a song text or the profile of the intended audience in the case of translating children’s literature, or more specific connected with particular translation events, e.g. irony or metaphors used in a text to be translated. It follows, then, that every translation event is a matter of specific constraints. But how can we classify them? How should we define a translation constraint? What is their significance in the process of translation? How can they influence the shape of the target text?

The aim of the course devoted to translation constraints is to discuss the problem, address it from a number of perspectives and arrive at a valid typology. To this end students are presented with selected topics connected with the theory, pragmatics and semiotics of translation. They learn about both intra- and extratextual impediments. The theory is then exemplified by vocal translation (including, e.g. singable translation, surtitling and subtitling). They are given the opportunity to carry out comparative analyses of specific examples of vocal translation and translate song texts by means of applying theoretical models presented in class.

The course demonstrates the relationships between translation studies and semiotics, offering a global perspective on translation, which helps to redefine some of the key concepts, including the concept of a text or translation (usually limited to Jakobsonian translation proper).

Since the second half of the 20^th century translation has no longer been a process aimed at conveying the spirit of the original or creating the space of its afterlife, but has been made into an object of study of a new discipline developed under the name of translation studies. As such, the theory of translation has been advanced within a number of paradigms. Various aspects of translation have been discussed by scholars, formulating their own assumptions and introducing new terms to name the same concepts.

As a result, the discipline of translation studies can boast a number of partial theories that have been grouped into various turns. On the other hand, this great variety of approaches and points of view has led to a good deal of terminological chaos and questions pertaining to the ontology of the discipline. What is the discipline of translation studies in the light of the most recent developments? How should we understand some of the concepts that may be considered the key concepts of the discipline? Is there a general and universal theory of translation? And finally, what is translation?

The aim of the course is to present particular turns within translation studies and offer a critical overview. Students are familiarised with the key concepts of the discipline and various approaches to translation, including those founded on linguistics, philosophy, functionalist and descriptive perspectives or cultural studies. This helps to indicate the common threads observable across these theoretical approaches and to address the questions pertaining to the nature of translation and translation studies. Students carry out comparative analyses and prepare their own translations within theoretical frameworks discussed during classes, which helps to see whether and to what degree theory may be reflected in practice.