Translation tenses, translators' times. A cognitive approach to metalanguage in translation studies

Since Holmes’ appeal to develop theoretical paradigms linked to translators’ actual practice, the disciplinary field of Translation Studies has been often framed within a bi-polar and product-oriented opposition, whose main goal is the comparison between sources and targets. Over the last two decades, Translation Studies have greatly benefited from cognitive approaches, which allow scholars and practitioners to integrate their perspectives into a holistic and process-based framework. The cognitive focus on translators’ decision-making and problem–solving processes, thanks to the notions of ‘conceived time’ and conceiving time’, may help bridge the gap between scholars’ theories and professional practice.