Knowledge is intrinsically present in translation practice, but has long been absent in translation studies. The new concept of Translation Studies of Knowledge fills a research gap in this field in which translation knowledge is established as an independent object of investigation. Meta-reflection concerning the new field of study is made on its position in the translation system, theoretical basis, research methods, and its disciplinary nature. All endeavors are intended to justify its legitimacy for the emerging field and secure a reliable foundation for its further development. Knowledge is a core element in a network of relations which lies at the pivotal position in the translation system. Translation Studies of Knowledge explores the relation between knowledge and translation, taking translator knowledge, theoretical knowledge, knowledge-based translation process, knowledge assessment in translation criticism, the history of translation knowledge, and so on, as its objects of study. It is built on Theory of Knowledge of Philosophy, Sociology of Knowledge, Cognitive Science, and Knowledge Studies, meanwhile keeps its autonomy potentially as an independent discipline. It classifies knowledge of all kinds into scientific knowledge, social knowledge and human knowledge, which correspond with three text types respectively, influencing or determining respective research methods and nature of translation theory. The discipline as such is characterized by a combined nature of natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. The emerging discipline can effectively connect so-called sub-branches of various kinds with each other, and hence can be called General Translation Studies, parallel to Speical Translation Studies and Theoretical Translation Studies.
