Navigating the Continuum: Exploring the Value of Pluralism in Translation Uncertainty Research

In recent years, uncertainty has become a central topic in translation studies, reflecting the increasing uncertainty in various fields such as politics, economics, and medicine. However, there is a problem with the application of theories of uncertainty in translation studies as often only a single theory is used to advance an argument, without considering how a plurality of theories could provide a more nuanced understanding. This paper argues for the value of synthesizing these seemingly disparate theories of uncertainty into a rich account that can be used as a model for scholarly analyses and research in translation methods and systems. Through an examination of continuum-based models, which are models that suggest that translation is not a strict binary process but rather a continuum of possibilities, it illustrates how this approach can offer insights that would not be accessible through a single theory. By providing specific examples mainly from the fields of literary and audiovisual translations, this paper demonstrates how a pluralistic approach to the uncertainty paradigm can further strengthen arguments against continuum-based models, and how it can lead to a better understanding of the translation process.