This paper aims to investigate the relationship between linguistic theory and translation practice, particularly with regard to the Korean multiple case marking, an intriguing yet puzzling linguistic phenomenon characterized by the atypical morpho-syntactic structuring (e.g. NP-NOM NP-NOM; NP-ACC NP-ACC). Considering various factors involved in the Korean-particular phenomenon and studying both the theories and the diverse practical data (e.g. translation), the study places the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration at the heart of the linguistic investigation. And, in order to implement an experimental yet empirical research concerning this seemingly atypical linguistic phenomenon―usually called Double Subject Construction (Ryu 1909; Kim, M. 1971/1974), Multiple Nominative Construction (Lee, S. 1969, etc.), or Non-Nominative Subject Construction (Yoon 2004), this paper tests the practical applicability of the related theories into practice. As the initial examination does not provide sufficient information for a consented understanding of the phenomenon, another expanded account gets devised by revising or modifying previous theories in an interdisciplinary way, particularly, with translation to be considered to be a driving force in language activities. The research, then, goes on to implement the description and the analysis of a set of translation data (e.g. contemporary professional translators' publication rendering into Korean Metaphors We Live By by Lakoff and Johnson (1980/2003)) in order to search for further applicability. For an interdisciplinary specification and integration of the relevant accounts, certain theoretical frameworks and notions to help gain perspective are selected: cognitive mechanism of language processing, (three-dimensional models of) argument structure, and language typology.
This study eventually proposes that translation-centered perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration can help not only Translation Studies but also general linguistics. In addition, the relationship between linguistic theory and translation practice can be said to be mutually interactive and reciprocal when with broadened viewpoints and disciplinary flexibility and collaboration.