填空题 What Does Translation Theory Do?Theory first, is to identify and define a translation problem(no problem—no translation theory!): second, to indicate all the factors that have to be taken into account in solving the problem: third, to list all the possible translation procedures: finally, to recommend the most suitable translation procedure, plus the appropriate translation.Translation is pointless and sterile if it does not arise from the problems of translation practice, from the need to stand back and reflect, to consider all the factors, within the text and outside it, before coming to a decision.I close this chapter by enumerating the new elements in translation now, as opposed to, say, at the beginning of the century:(1)The emphasis on the readership and the setting, and therefore on naturalness, ease of understanding and an appropriate register, when these factors are appropriate.(2)Expansion of topics beyond the religious, the literary and the scientific to technology, trade, current events, publicity, propaganda, in fact to virtually every topic of writing.(3)Increase in variety of text formats, from books(including plays and poems)to articles, papers, contracts, treaties, laws, notices, instructions, advertisements, publicity, recipes, letters, reports, business forums, documents, etc.