THE EVOLUTION OF THE TERM «POLYPHONIE» UNDER THE IMPACT OF TRANSLATION

Larisa CEBUC Universitaté d’Etat de Moldova

Abstract

The aim of this study is to observe the evolution of the term polyphony under the impact of translation. We begin by making a lexicographical analysis of the term. Then we provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of the term after it acquired a new metaphorical meaning attributed by M. Bahtin. Given the fact that during the 60th and the 70th favorable conditions were created for the introduction and enhancement of Bahtin’s new creation, there appeared an imminent necessity for rendering it into different languages. This aspect has also assured its openness towards other sciences that continue to define and use the concept of polyphony. At the same time we mention the many debates due to the limited access to the source texts, as well as the questionable alterations and reformulations that occurred in the process of translation. Thus, our objective is to review some of the difficulties in rendering the concept of polyphony into French and Romanian. The article finishes with an overview of the concept and practice of Bahtin’s polyphony in the Romanian and Bassarabian space. Keywords: polyphony, dialogism, intertextuality, dialogue, discourse, plurilingualism.