Skopos theory: An ethnographic enquiry

Abstract In this article, the 'relevant factors' of Skopos Theory are discussed and contrasted with the findings of an ethnographic study of literary translators in the Netherlands and Belgium. The findings are based on a qualitative data analysis of in‐depth interviews with twelve translators of Irish poetry. Hans Vermeer's Skopos theory (2000) treats translation as a form of (social) action (see also Justa Holz‐Manttari 1984) in which a number of 'relevant factors' such as skopos, commission, translatum, and brief, all play vital roles. Vermeer defines skopos as "a technical word for the aim or purpose of a translation" that is part of a translational action. Skopos theory provides translation scholars with a framework for exploring significant aspects of translation without losing sight of their inter‐relatedness. Vermeer posits a plausible hierarchy of relations between these aspects, but offers no tangible evidence that they exist. The aim of the current study is to subject these factors to ethnographic research and thus provide Skopos theory with empirical data. In the long perspective, this involves a shift of focus regarding the 'relevant factors' in the theory.