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This paper discusses how culture impinges on the reading and the understanding of texts. It investigates the idea that culture is a manifestation of difference, and proposes 4 approaches for the translator, expanding on Schleiermacher’s classic idea of translation as leaving the writer in peace by moving the reader to the writer or vice versa. The characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each approach are illustrated. The first suggestion is “translating from cultures”. This is an anthropological approach overtly framing the text within its context through thick translation. The second main approach “translating for cultures”, closely follows Schleiermacher. The approach is divided into 2 parts, depending on whether the translator wishes to highlight or reduce the difference. Highlighting difference is favoured by cultural studies scholars to protect vulnerable groups and difference itself; while reducing difference, favoured by linguists aims to reduce barriers to the text. The final approach, “translating between cultures” is an intercultural approach, which accepts that the reader’s “cultural filter”, will always distort and otherwise affect reading of the translation. In all cases, it is necessary to construct the model or ideal reader, as it is through imagining the reader that the most appropriate approach can be ascertained.

This article aims to give an overview of how translation strategy is affected by orientation to cultural difference. Given the numerous definitions of both “culture” and “translation, there are clearly numerous cultural approaches to translation. Here we will reduce the number to a manageable three, with the key to all three being the response to ‘difference’. Both culture and translation revolve around difference. We notice culture as difference, and we require translation when difference significantly affects communication. In the first case, “translating from cultures,” differences are explained. In the second, “translating for cultures,” differences are either be reduced (domestication) or highlighted (foreignization). The final approach, “translating between cultures,” gauges the likely tolerance for difference and attempts to mediate or reconcile differences, creating an interspace. In all cases, it is understood that texts are seen to relate to larger contexts, or frames of interpretation, and response to 'difference'. There is always a series of choices to be made regarding what exactly , and how exactly, language is to be translated. So here, it is argued, translation involves a form of intervention which will be in terms of decisions based on reaction to 'difference'.