Concept of translation in the philosophical hermeneutic of G.-G. Gadamer

This article is an attempt to construct a hermeneutic concept of translation, based on the philosophicalsystem of G.-G. Gadamer. In his works we cannot find the stated notion, although he repeatedly turns to the problems of translation.G.-G. Gadamer thematizes translation through the language issues. Language is considered to be a part of ontological interpretation.The main provisions of the language ontological interpretation based on the analysis of Heidegger, V. Bibihina and G.-G. Gadamers conceptscan be formulated as follows: language is active in relation to its speakers, language is a worldview, language is not the subject ofknowing, language is the universal medium, in which understanding is accomplished. Within the framework of this approach to languagetranslation seems to be quite pessimistic. It is something artificial in comparison with the original work. Meanwhile Gadamer does not thematizeand problematize the situation of multilingualism itself; he speaks about the tragedy of translation to represent a mere collection ofletters, from which the spirit was withdrawn. Language as an active basis determines understanding. Coming in contact with another languagetranslation intensifies interpretative processes. This means that it is a hermeneutical situation within the framework of interpretation.Gadamer presents interpretation as the creative treatment of the text aiming at understanding. The following components of hermeneuticinterpretation can be identified: pre-understanding, hermeneutic circle, elimination of the authors intention, dialogism, fundamental incompleteness,the orientation to achieve the truth. In terms interpretation model, translation is a personal understanding of original work. Thetranslator becomes the co-author, re-creates the meaning, which is correlative to the world-view of the new language. The translator shouldbe aware of his preconception which is pre-understanding (set of prejudices) in the hermeneutic sense. It does not impede the adequatetranslation, but allows it to enter a foreign culture, a new mentality and a different language. The hermeneutic strategy of translation isaimed at constructing the meaning of the text, which can only be revealed by applying the model of the hermeneutic circle and the principleof dialogism. The translator takes part in a dialogue with texts and traditions of the language. Moreover, this dialogue is circular by nature;the last word will never be said. The circle of understanding can only extend, but it will never be broken. Translation cannot be completed,in the sense that it will never be equal to the original text. This does not deny its claim to verity. On the contrary, the truth is revealed in thetranslation-interpretation through the applique. Constructing the concept of translation, from the author's view, allows reconsidering thecreative potential established by Gadamers philosophical hermeneutics.

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