외국문학 교육에 있어서 언어의 문제 -번역 텍스트의 이용 가능성에 대한 한 고찰-

Abstract

Translation has always been perceived merely as a secondary activity, as a mechanical process which is far inferior to creative" original writing. Accordingly, the translated text, traditionally considered as subsidiary and derivative, has never been granted the dignity of an original text. Despite its low status in the academic world, however, translated texts are often useful, if not fundamental, for students of foreign literature whose foreign language skills are not good enough to read freely in the target language. The present essay is an attempt to explore the possibility of using translated texts in teaching, at a time when students suffer from language barriers and when much time is needed for discussion and debate on the assigned texts. Since translation is a discipline in its own right which is fundamental for comparative studies, linguistics, stylistics and semiotics, educational systems have come to rely increasingly on the use of translated texts in class. Using translated texts in teaching, indeed, is exploring new ground, bridging as it does the chasm between the two languages and cultures involved, and saving a lot of time that students would otherwise spend decoding the foreign language. The present essay attempts to point out some decisive advantages of using translated texts in teaching foreign literature through a few practical in-class applications.