Corpus-based Translation Studies. Sara Laviosa. Amsterdam/New York, Rodopi, 2002. Vii-138pp. Amsterdam, The Netherlands—ISBN: 90-420-1487-3

The aim of this book is to investigate “the main ideas, methods of analysis, findings and pedagogical applications of Corpus-based Translation Studies.” (Laviosa 2002, p.1). This discipline is claimed to “have given rise to a coherent and distinct body of research in both branches of the discipline: pure and applied.” (ibid.)

The second chapter is concerned with a historical overview of this discipline. The author traces the development of Corpus-based  approach to translation by pointing out the impact of corpus linguistics and Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) on Corpus-based Translation Studies.

Chapter 3 is an attempt to answer three questions: about the theoretical status of Corpus-based Translation Studies:

(a)                Why we study translation through corpora.

(b)                What we study through corpora.

(c)                How we study translation through corpora.

Chapter 4 is the longest unit in this book. Having identified the types of corpora used in descriptive and applied research, the author examines the empirical findings that are brought about by Corpus-based Translation Studies in recent years.

Chapter 5 shows how translation corpora can be applied in foreign language teaching. The author assumes that corpora may be used for training purposes around the world. Unfortunately, researchers are often reluctant to write about such activities.

Chapter 6 refers to the ongoing  research that is being undertaken in Corpus-based studies, both descriptive and applied. The author concludes by showing the position of this new area of research in the paradigm of Translation Studies.

In a nutshell, this book is useful for researches who need more information on this challenging area of research.