Baker’s Narrative Theory and its Research Potentials in Translation Studies

This paper first describes Baker’s narrative theory so as to introduce a new research area in Translation Studies. In so doing, it defines the concept of narrative in social sciences, which is the basis of Baker’s work, and explains Baker’s proposed model for the analysis of translation in terms of this type of narratology. It then presents the research potentials of the theory by sketching some research conducted within the framework of the narrative theory. It is intended as providing a map for other Translation Studies scholars.  Having analyzed the studies in this field, the present paper suggests the following potentials: investigation of the existing metaphors and concepts on translation and translators; analysis of the role of translators in narrative-making,  analysis of narratives made through translation, examination of narratives made by organizations and institutions, studying different strategies of framing in the works of translators, news agencies, publishers, websites and organizations and analysis of narrative-making through such frames; and finally assessing the coherence of the narratives made by activist translation groups and similar organizations on the basis of narrative paradigm.