Blurb:

Halliday raises a fundamental question, i.e. what is a theory of good translation. He first contrasts the linguist’s translation theory with that of the translator’s, classifying them into theories studying “how things are” and and theories studying “how things ought to be”. Relating translation theories to linguistics, he then categorizes translation theories into two kinds: the linguist’s indicative theory and the translator’s imperative theory. He also provides thought-provoking comments on system, equivalence and translation practice.