Structure and agency in news translation: An application of Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss the structuration theory of Anthony Giddens with regard to its applicability to translation studies. Key concepts of Giddens’ sociological theory as agent, agency, structure, system and structuration will be explored in terms of their applicability to translation. In this article, structuration theory will be examined on the basis of the author’s observation of news production at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. It is argued that Giddens’ structuration theory helps us see the complexity of the interaction between translation structure and translators as agents. It also helps us problematise the vision of translation and brings it back to its real-life practice when, in the newsroom, it functions not as a hermetically insulated activity, but in cooperation with editing, among other things. The role of translation in the developing context of South Africa is shown in terms of Giddens’ notions of ‘time’ and ‘space’ with the emphasis on how translation, from the viewpoint of these notions, contributes to the process of globalisation and South Africa finding its place in the world-wide space and time.

Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 2013, 31(4): 495–506