The purposes of
this paper are firstly, to point out the importance of professional knowledge
in translation; and secondly, to stimulus scholars for further research. The
Professional theory of Translation is the current tendency for translators. The
translators had better have professional knowledge and ability for the
translation fields, such as Modern China, Laws and Politics, Finance and
Economy, Mass Media, Science and Technology, Environment, and even Ballroom
Dancing in each respect so as to be competent in translation. Professional
translation is here meant by: translation as an academic discipline;
translation as interdisciplinary; and translation as a profession. The
development of Translation theories can be divided into four periods: 1) The
Period of Literature theory of Translation, 2) The Period of Linguistics Theory
of Translation, 3) The Period of Culture Theory of Translation, and 4) The
Period of Professional Theory of Translation. During the Period of Literature
theory of Translation, Translators paid special attention to the art and aesthetics
of translation. During the Period of Linguistics theory of Translation,
translators paid attention to the transfer of grammar, then to the language meaning,
and finally to pragmatic linguistics. During the Period of Culture theory of
Translation, translators paid special emphasis on the transfer of cultural
messages with debates on authors-centered Domestication Translation strategy
and readers-centered Foreignization Translation strategy with balance between
them. And during the Period of Professional theory of Translation, translators
paid special attention to the acquirement and application of professional
knowledge and ability.