GENERAL RULES for the translation of literary works have to be so general that their usefulness becomes questionable. The literary genre, the time of writing, the relationship of the languages involved, and other factors provide too many variables. It is possible, however, to set standards for groups of works which are sufficiently homogeneous in kind or purpose to permit reasonably specific definitions. The contemporary drama of Western culture constitutes such a group. The importance of its transfer from one language to another needs no discussion. But apart from its importance it also presents interesting and complex problems, for in the drama, more so than in any other literary form, prominent consideration has to be given to matters not connected with the verbal transfer of the work from one language to another. The reason for the presence of these extralinguistic components is that the drama is a communal experience which transcends the realm of written material.