An original perspective on Czech translation studies: a comparison between the theory of Otokar Fischer and that of Jiří Levý

This paper compares the translation theories of Otokar Fischer (1883–1938) and Jiří Levý (1926–1967) and highlights the differences and similarities between them. It will be shown that the two scholars focused on similar issues and developed them in different ways, but with various points of contact. The first question to which both Fischer and Levý devote specific attention concerns the centrality of communicative functions, ideological and aesthetic values in the translation process and, therefore, the need to preserve them. Then, it will be shown how they both focus on the need to understand, interpret and translate what is not explicitly expressed, i.e. the subtext, the need to bring the words of the original text back to a prenatal stage, in which they existed only in the form of thought. It will further be highlighted that both Fischer and Levý place emphasis on the importance of translation as a work of art and means of cultural transmission and on the importance of the cultural education, taste and creativity of the translator. Finally, the issue of the dual norm of translation will be addressed: Fischer and Levý focus on what they believe to be the two fundamental requirements of a translation, i.e. fidelity and beauty, reaching different conclusions.