Abstract:  Translation studies continuously draws on contemporary sociology and makes much progress. However, as a important branch of translation studies, sociological approach to translation studies has much work to undertake. Based on the reflection upon the brief history of sociological approach to translation studies, this paper analyzes its nature and name, exploring its demarcation and approaches in light of structuralfunctionalism of sociology. The author argues that translation studies should take sociological theories as critical referential and outline its own research frame.

Key words:  translation studies, sociological approach, structuralfunctionalism approach