Literal meaning in performative translatology

Abstract This is a new study within the Performative Translatology Perspective as described in Uwajeh (1994a and 1994d). Our primary objective here is to specify the place of literal meaning in our performative model of translation, in order to make for a better understanding of the relation between literal meaning and translation which the perspective offers. In the present article, we shall first show the status of meaning in translation, thereby demonstrating that meaning is not the goal of all translation, as traditional wisdom would have us believe. Second, we shall outline the performative theory of meaning in general as the essential basis for understanding what literal meaning is in our trans‐translatological framework. Third, we examine different meanings generally designated by the expression ‘literal meaning’. Fourth, we suggest a well defined usage of the term ‘literal meaning’ which should be adopted in translation studies and practice. In the concluding remarks, we shall underscore one chara...