The purpose of this chapter is to elucidate the hermeneutical potential latent in specialized language, and the specialized language of medicine will be used as an example. The phrase “hermeneutical potential”—as it is invoked in what follows —refers to the spectrum of possible interpretations that specialized language allows for in different contexts and which, in turn, influence the particular message imparted. In a first step, this chapter addresses the factors which determine the hermeneutic potential of specialized language, focusing on the one hand on the linguistic resources available (also employed in pseudo‑specialized language, moreover), and on the other hand on three different levels of interpretation: 1) denotation, 2) connotation and association, and 3) metaphor. On the basis of these factors, a rubric is proposed which facilitates analysis of the potential contexts in which this specialized language is used: in the specialized field itself, in advertising, and in literature. The results of this analysis are then discussed with reference to the translation of Romance languages into German and vice versa.

The field of performative translation focuses on forms of translation as they result from the influence of the human body in its psycho‑physical form. The human body, which is involved in productions such as a dance performances or in church processions, functions as a media relay for the translation to be performed: through it and on it, transformation processes are connected. This transformation performs two translation services: on the one hand, it extends from the sensual impression of a template to the (individual) ideas related to it and, on the other hand, from the (individual) ideas to a body movement related to it. In terms of the latter translatory step, however, regulatory measures are often implemented, and these are intended to dictate performativity vis‑à‑vis the individual. They can accordingly be described retrospectively as disciplining measures in regards to the individual and his or her capacity for imagination insofar as the individual imagination is determined as something that endangers the social (e.g. the procession of the faithful, the choreography of the dance ensemble), because it is hypertrophic and must therefore be subdued if it proves necessary. The term performative translation can thus be used to address not only aesthetic but also discursive issues.