The aim of the paper is to discussTheo Hermans’ approach to translation as a quotation, presented in his book The Conference of the Tongues (2007) in the context of Mikhail Bachtin’s polyphony theory.
Both concepts base on distinction between the voice of the reporter and the voice of the Other, and argue that the relationship between them is significant.

Hermans understands translation as a “picture” of the original work, which consists of framing and embedded utterance. Framing means all kinds of paratexts, all forms of translator’s or publishers’ comments attached to the particular translation and the embedded utterance is a translated text itself. This construction enables the author to draw a parallel between the translation and the reported speech. Hermans presents the model of eight types of reported speech, merging gradually from paraleptic omission into free direct discourse. He argues that the way the reporter presents words of the Other matters and shows his attitude towards reported ideas and values.

From this point of view translation is presented as an impure, polyphonic text, where translator’s voice is constantly confronting the values expressed in the original work and, therefore, forced to negotiate them. Theo Hermans’ concept reminds Bachtin’s idea of “dialogical word” where two voices meet and confront within one utterance. This proves that Bachtin’s polyphonic theory of a novel is functional in research in Translation Studies.

The aim of the paper is to discussTheo Hermans’ approach to translation as a quotation, presented in his book The Conference of the Tongues (2007) in the context of Mikhail Bachtin’s polyphony theory.
Both concepts base on distinction between the voice of the reporter and the voice of the Other, and argue that the relationship between them is significant.

Hermans understands translation as a “picture” of the original work, which consists of framing and embedded utterance. Framing means all kinds of paratexts, all forms of translator’s or publishers’ comments attached to the particular translation and the embedded utterance is a translated text itself. This construction enables the author to draw a parallel between the translation and the reported speech. Hermans presents the model of eight types of reported speech, merging gradually from paraleptic omission into free direct discourse. He argues that the way the reporter presents words of the Other matters and shows his attitude towards reported ideas and values.

From this point of view translation is presented as an impure, polyphonic text, where translator’s voice is constantly confronting the values expressed in the original work and, therefore, forced to negotiate them. Theo Hermans’ concept reminds Bachtin’s idea of “dialogical word” where two voices meet and confront within one utterance. This proves that Bachtin’s polyphonic theory of a novel is functional in research in Translation Studies.