COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH −−−κ −−−CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION Danang 2002 INTRODUCTION This translation theory course is designed to meet the needs of students of English in their final years of study at the Department of Continuing Education, Đànẵng Teachers’ College.The purpose of this course is to help students have access to some methods of translating and ways of solving a number of issues in translation studies and practice. It is hoped that learners will find the course useful and practical. The material presented here borrows heavily from Peter Newmark's Approaches to Translation and A Textbook of Translation. DANANG 2002 Translation Section 2 TRANSLATION THEORY Contents PART I Issues of Translation Studies 1. What is Translation ? 2. Translation and Interpretation Problems of Equivalence 3. Loss and Gain 4. Untranslatability 5. Translation Methods 6. Semantic and Communicative Translation 7. The translation of Metaphors 8. The Translation of Proper names & Cultural Terms 9. The Analysis of a Text 10. Principles of translation 11. The ideal translation PART II Exercises in Translation Theory 3 4 . It is meaning which is being transferred and must remain unchanged. sentences. This is done by going from the form of the first language to the form of a second language by way of semantic structure. Moreover. to turn into one’s own or anther language ( The Merriam.Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language). ( JC Catford) . 1974). Some authors have given the following different definitions of translation : . which are spoken or written). In translation the form of the source language (the language of the text that is to be translated) is replaced by the form of the target language (the language of the translated text). Only the form changes. clauses. (Ian Tudor). but calls upon the ability to understand the culture of the communication..DICH LA THUAT RA CHO DAT Y ( Dao Duy Anh) As implied in the definitions above.WHAT IS TRANSLATION ? Translartion. translation is basically a change of form (which is usually referred to as the actual words.Translation is the process of conveying messages across linguistic and cultural barriers. (Peter Newmark) . translation not only involves understanding the general meaning of the communication. by dictionary definition consists of changing from one form to another. - Translation is rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that the author intended the text. phrases. The purpose of translation is to transfer the meaning of the source language (SL) into the target language (TL).Webster Dictionary . 5 . paragraphs etc. in order to make any sense out of a text or a speech.” For this reason. 2. If you are interpreting a lecture on genetics and you don’t know what a chromosome is. you should have clear knowledge of the culture which formulated those ideas. “Becoming an accomplished translator / interpreter means you will have to be constantly expanding your awareness of the world around you. we must understand the total meaning of the message within its own cultural context. We study the semantic and 6 . translation and interpretation involve an enormous amount of knowledge in a variety of areas. specific translative / interpretive skills. Besides.” Before we can translate or interpret a message. if you have to translate a paper on the effects of increased taxation on aggregate demand. “A good translator / interpreter has to be a veritable mine of information no matter what subject he is dealing with. the course of translation and interpretation will need to involve studies of subject areas such as international economics. general knowledge. All of these tasks are in addition to proficiency in the language to be used. political science and international studies which are frequently called upon for translation. cultural knowledge. you are in deep trouble! Or. you have to understand what the author is really saying. not words. A growing awareness of different life styles brings home the idea that rendering accurate translations is really not that simple. This step is usually the most exciting. 3. In the first instance. Translation and interpretation involve ideas. Not only must you lend a sympathetic ear to two separate cultures. vocabulary is not enough .TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION The field of translation and interpretation is especially demanding because of the variety of complex tasks that are involved in terms of: 1. “You must first understand the ideas behind the words and. you must also enjoy working with words. one of the main purposes of the institute’s course in Translation Theory is to make you aware of the possible meanings of a word in different contexts. which is clearly a prerequisite for study in translation and interpretation. And. going one step further. you are up the proverbial creek without a paddle if you have never had a course in economics. Translation implies carefully analyzing the message given within the context of a particular linguistic code and transferring this message into another written linguistic code.areas. translation and interpretation are specific and complex skills which require the development of particular psycholinguistic strategies. our version may result in a loss of the message. “developing country”. translator and interpreter will need to study how words communicate. different gestures. Messages to be interpreted are generally transmitted orally and the interpretations are rendered orally. Interpretation. we will need to understand the meaning conveyed through the style. 7 .morphological aspects of communication in an attempt to better understand language usage. thoughts and words) of a different language. on the other hand. the ability to switch cultural contexts and to solve problems of inter .e. different kinds of words. words that communicate positive meanings and negative meanings. such as “underdeveloped country” vs.” In general. means doing the same but orally and simultaneously.cultural communication. It will be important to distinguish between translation and interpretation. As well as understanding the meanings of the words. If we translate / interpret literally. While some of these strategies overlap. what “bias words” are. Cultural sensitivity and creativity will be called upon maintaining the style of the total communication. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION? “Most people think that translation and interpretation are the same thing and that the mere knowledge of a language implies the ability to go from one language to another. In addition to a wealth of general knowledge in relevant subject . The time factor in turn affects the different skills and strategies that will be called upon. different intonation and pitch. and to be able to identify the particular strategies involved.” For example. i. etc. Different language often communicate similar meanings via different number of words. others differ according to the type of translation or interpretation involved. Is it formal? informal? personal? impersonal? Is the author or speaker humorous? serious? sarcastic? emphatic? Is his expression subtle? overt? The hardest part is yet to come in bridging the conceptual gap between two cultures when we try to convey the total massage by way of the concepts and symbols (i. This difference in the vehicle of original message transmission implicates a difference in the time that will be available for comprehending the original message and the time available for rendering the message into another language. “backward country” vs.e. messages to be translated are written and translated version are also written. ( dich duoi/dich noi tiep—spoken .” Students are discouraged from translating too literally. “A good way to close this knowledge gap is to study the specific meaning of a word within a given context.) 4. word order.( Speeches. all other texts…written translated texts) 2. As well as conveying the meaning in the originating culture’s terms the translator / interpreter must also be aware of the culture of the audience. while conveying the meaning in the originating culture’s terms. rendered immediately after a speaker pauses—the interpreter summarizes what he/she has heard and delivers/ renders it into another language--the time for transferring must be shorter than that of the speaker’s. Simultaneous interpretation. idea order. As well as problems of word meaning.(Dich song song – the interpreter renders simultaneously what he/she has heard. sentences structure and style across cultures. TRANSLATION As discussed in the first section. novels. there is the problem of understanding the varied subject areas involved in the messages to be translated. The speaker does not need to pause during his/her speaking. 8 . The purpose of our classes in terminology is learning ways by which we can improve our supply of terms by establishing word systems according to alphabetical order.There are four basic types of translation and interpretation. and idiomatic usage. Sight translation. Consecutive interpretation.for word version of a text in another language.( stories. Prepared Translation Prepared translations are prepared outside of class and constructively criticized by both students and teachers. translation involves more than a word . A study of advertisements affords good practice in becoming aware of the cultural aspects. quotations.) 1. The present writer has ordered these as follows for the purpose of discussion: Prepared translation. the key is to translate approximately. Reading for comprehension…Spoken texts) 3. Sight Translation The major difference between sight translation and prepared translation is speed of response. first in one’s dominant language. in another language. Though you usually do not have time to read the complete text before you start. also very rewarding.“It might interest you to note that there is a no man’s land between translation and interpretation. simultaneous interpretation of what is being said. The training for developing this skill includes all of the aforementioned strategies. Consecutive Interpretation “(Consecutive interpretation) is the process of listening to a speech or lecture in one language and then at a certain moment. Simultaneous Interpretation “By now you must be wondering what simultaneous is.e. in no time at all. Learning a summarize.g. and specifically calls upon the ability to paraphrase. English. note . summarizing and paraphrasing. a voice comes through. The reason both translators and interpreters learn this is that translators have to do a lot of sight translation in their professional life.” Simultaneous interpretation involves the immediate. doesn’t it? As a matter of fact. these prerequisite skills are practiced and mastered within the dominant language. and. This we call sight translation. the process somehow becomes automatic. If a specific word is not known. practice in increasing retention of clusters of words and numbers. Memory training. Therefore. transcribing and summarizing it orally. It is important to underscore the point that a considerable amount of work is done to develop these underlying processes. Immediately you have to simultaneously render what is said into another language. and without prior notice.taking. 2. The time lapse between the speech and your interpretation varies. and interpreters not only use it. i. However. 4. Sounds impossible. Hence.” The training for developing the skills of consecutive interpretation includes: 1. special skills involve listening. For example. but the techniques learned also provide excellent preparation for what awaits them in simultaneous. you pick up momentum. and your interpretation takes on a smoother quality. and our failure to distinguish one from the other. the first time you try it. training includes: 9 . it is fascinating. the introductory courses on interpretation are in English. your natural impulse may be to tear off the headsets and walk out. another must instantly be supplied. The particular skills involved are distinct from and in addition to the skill of code switching required in the translation and interpretation of one language into another. 3. Learning to repeat what a speaker has said. you learn to read ahead while translating. Learning to take accurate notes. Believe it or not. memory.” INTERPRETATION Some basic strategies underlying development of interpretive skills may have eluded us amidst the haste to introduce courses in interpretation and translation. slowly but surely. Before students actually practice interpreting from one language to another. Picture yourself in a 2’x4’ booth. e. a pair of headphones on. it becomes increasingly clear that translation and interpretation are complex skills. 3. they also require highly specialized and disciplined training. OVERVIEW In summary. where there is homogeneity on the linguistic level of both SL and TL texts. indeed. A study of synonyms.1. particular to each. In addition to solving the problems of structural differences code switching becomes particularly complex in identifying the varied meanings of words in different contexts. While translation and interpretation share many underlying processes. 2. (2) Paradigmatic equivalence. where there is “functional equivalence of elements in both original and translation aiming at an expressive identity with an invariant of identical meaning. of Education. As well as specialized skills. understanding the variety of ways in which cultural meanings are conveyed. elements of grammar. 1977) PROBLEMS OF EQUIVALENCE Popovie distinguishes four types of equivalence: (1) Linguistic equivalence.e. proficiency is only a prerequisite for initial training. Exercises in paraphrasing. which Popovic sees as being a higher category than lexical equivalence. Complete solutions to problems of translation and interpretation are not available in books. It would be folly to assume that proficiency in the language to be used is a sufficient qualification. where there is equivalence of form and shape. Solutions require individual perseverance as divergent thinking as well as a joint effort among all concerned. Sydney. After Gail Robinson (Dept. i. i. mastery of the underlying processes in one own language is essential before translating or interpreting into a different language. where there is equivalence of “the elements of a paradigmatic expressive axis”.” (4) Textual (syntagmatic) equivalence. (3) Stylistic (translational) equivalence. both translation and interpretation upon vast areas of general knowledge and the ability to switch language codes. and speeds. Exercises which expose the student to different voices.e. and in bridging the gap between conceptual differences across cultures. Because of the specialized and comprehensive skills required in translation and interpretation. word for word translation. accents. 10 . grammar. meaning … UNTRANSLATABILITY When difficulties are encountered by the translator.Equivalence in translation. untranslatability occurs when there is no lexical or syntactical substitute in the TL for an SL item. Popovie’s four types offer a useful starting point . is due to differences in the SL and the TL. which is also proposed by Popovie. then. Linguistic untranslatability. whereas cultural untranslatability is due to the absence in the TL culture of a relevant situational feature for the SL text From Translation Studies by Susan Bassnett 11 . it becomes possible to approach the question of loss and gain in the translation process. should not be approached as a search for sameness. which he terms linguistic and cultural. the whole issue of the translatability of the text is raised. let alone between the SL and the TL version. but his second category is more problematic. he argues. in particular about the difficulties encountered by the translator when faced with terms or concepts in the SL that do not exist in the TL can be seen in vocabulary. LOSS AND GAIN Once the principle is accepted that sameness cannot exist between two languages. for the translator can at times enrich or clarify the SL text as a direct result of the translation process. what is often seen as “lost” from the SL context may be replaced in the TL context. The problems of loss and gain in translation. Catford’s category of linguistic untranslatability. is straightforward. It is again an indication of the low status of translation that so much time should have been spent on discussing what is lost in the transfer of a text from SL to TL whilst ignoring what can also be gained. Catford distinguishes two types of untranslatability. rhythm. since sameness cannot even exist between two TL versions of the same texts. Moreover. On the linguistic level. word-play or repetition jars in the finished version. admits the creative exception to 100% fidelity and allows for the translator’s intuitive empathy with the original. plots are usually preserved. the beautiful and natural sound) of the SL text. Faithful translation A faithful translation attempts to reproduce the precise contextual meaning of the original within the constraints of the TL grammatical structures. compromising on ‘meaning’ where appropriate so that no assonance. As a pre-translation process. Literal translation The SL grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest TL equivalents but the lexical words are again translated singly. It is used mainly for plays (comedies) and poetry: the themes. Idiomatic translation 12 . Further. a so-called ‘intralingual translation’. 6. the SL culture converted to the TL culture and the text rewritten by an established dramatist or poet. 3. 5. or the content without the form of the original. Word-for-word translation This is often demonstrated as interlinear translation. 4. with the TL immediately below the SL words. It ‘transfers’ cultural words and preserves the degree of grammatical and lexical ‘abnormality’ (deviation from SL norms) in the translation.TRANSLATION METHODS 1. characters. Adaptation This is the ‘freest’ form of translation. 7. 2. The SL word-order is preserved and the words translated singly by their most common out of context. out of context. The distinction between ‘faithful’ and ‘semantic’ translation is that the first is uncompromising and dogmatic. it may translate less important cultural words by culturally neutral third or functional terms but not by cultural equivalents. Free translation Free translation reproduces the matter without the manner. Semantic translation Semantic translation differs ‘faithful translation’ only in as far as it must take more account of the aesthetic value (that is. Usually it is a paraphrase much longer than the original. while the second is more flexible. this indicates the problems to be solved. Communicative translation Communicative translation attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a way that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership. 13 .Idiomatic translation reproduces the ‘message’ of the original but tends to distort nuances of meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms where these do not exist in the original 8. whether it is philosophical. non .literary writing. communicative even a particular section or sentence can be treated more communicatively or less semantically. propaganda. From Approaches to Translation by Peter Newmark 14 . textbooks. as closely as the semantic and syntactic structures of the second language allow. There is no one communicative not one semantic method of translating a text . Semantic translation attempts to render. g. scientific and technological writing. public notices. needs to be translated semantically. popular fiction which have to be translated today but were not translated and in most cases did not exist a hundred years ago comprise typical material suitable for communicative translation. philosophical. technical or literary. there are often sections in one text that must be translated communicatively and others semantically (e. or less. scientific. where the text conveys a general rather than a culturally (temporally and spatially) bound message and where the matter is as important as the manner notably then in the translation of the most important religions. religious political. Further. artistic and scientific texts.personal correspondence.in particular. standardized writing.COMMUNICATIVE AND SEMANTIC TRANSLATION SOURCE LANGUAGE BIAS TARGET LANGUAGE BIAS LITERAL FAITHFUL SEMANTIC / COMMUNICATIVE FREE IDIOMATIC Communicative translation attempts to produce on its readers an effect as close as possible to that obtained on the readers of the original. Since the overriding factor in deciding how to translate is the intrinsic importance of every semantic unit in the text. journalism. a quotation from speech). On the other hand. semantic . A translation can be more. the exact contextual meaning of the original.these are in fact widely overlapping bands of methods. or less. informative articles and books. reports.more. Communicative and semantic translation may well coincide . it follows that the vast majority of texts require communicative rather than semantic translation. Most non . original expression. assuming second readers as informed and interested as the first. where the specific language of the speaker or writer is as important as the content. but both metaphors still seem to do a good job. universal (or at least widely spread) and subjective aspects. in order of preference: 1. or on a universal experience. Depending on the type of text. 4. This is the obvious way of modifying the shock of a metaphor. writing and later media. it has the advantage of combining communicative and semantic translation in addressing itself both to the layman and the expert if there is a risk that the simple transfer of the metaphor will not be understood by most readers. “His life hangs on a thread”. I propose to list the seven main procedures for translating metaphor. proverbs. whilst in many cases (for “field”.g. “side”. but I am now assuming that the translator is attempting to render them as accurately as possible. the procedures for translating metaphor. Translation of metaphor by simile.word metaphors: “ray of hope”.. Obvious examples for one-word metaphors are: “table”. “She wears the trousers and he plays second fiddle” may be absurd. “pillar”. many stock metaphors are cliches.THE TRANSLATION OF METAPHORS AND SIMILES In discussing the translation of stock metaphors. Reproducing the same image in the TL provided the image has comparable frequency and currency in the appropriate register. but which. Further. Translation of metaphor (or simile) by simile plus sense (or occasionally a metaphor plus sense). particularly if the TL text is not emotive in character. While this is always a compromise procedure.word and complex metaphors. The translator may replace the image in the SL with a standard TL. like most stocks metaphors. e. primarily an expression of the writer’s personality? A decision of this nature can be made only after the translator has weighed up what he thinks more important and what less important in the text in relation to its intention. If the metaphor is redundant . etc.g. in each case I distinguish between one . together with its sense component provided the SL text is not authoritative on “expressive” (that is. Transfer of complex metaphors or idioms is much rarer. Paradoxically. there is a case for its deletion.. retaining the image. 6. 2. are presumably coined by one person and diffused through popular speech. and is to be preferred to any replacement of an SL by a TL image which is too wide of the sense . rayon d’espoir. only the informed reader has a chance of experiencing equivalent . Deletion. not to pare them down. Obviously. Conversion of metaphor to sense. This procedure is common for one .effect through a semantic translation. I think. This procedure can be used to modify any type of word. Such criteria can only be set up 15 . Stock metaphors may have cultural (cultural distance or cultural overlap). this procedure is common. “area”. The following are. e. Image which does not clash with the TL culture. as well as original complex metaphors. 5. 3. cast a shadow over.. “province”. and depends on cultural overlap. for instance) the metaphor is hardly perceptible. Occasionally. From Approaches to Translation by Peter Newmark 16 . 7. A deletion of metaphor can be justified empirically only on the ground that the metaphor’s function is being fulfilled elsewhere in the text.specifically for each translation and to determine a hierarchy of requirements. Same metaphor combined with sense. the translators who transfers an image may wish to ensure that it will be understood by adding a gloss . Other geographical names are likely to remain anglicized.. However. to the encyclopedia not the dictionary. “Christian” name. Leïonerd as well as Machiavel). The names of heroes of folk tales are not translated if they represent national qualities. the characters and milieu are neutralized. Surnames have usually been preserved. Lyon. geographical features usually have names.etc. first names and names of some Italian artists have been “naturalized” in some European languages (e. each phonologically or morphologically at home in its language. belong. In bilingual areas.) and spelling (Vienna). referring to Biblical figures (e. Le Tintonet.THE TRANSLATION OF PROPER NAMES AND INSTITUTIONAL AND CULTURAL TERMS The basic distinction between proper names and cultural terms is that while both refer to persons. names are normally translated only if. The only living person whose name is always translated is the Pope. etc. royal .) and respect is likely to be shown to any newly independent country by scrupulously observing the spelling of its names however difficult to pronounce. GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES share.g. or a new word created partly as an excuse for linguistic chauvinism (Rhodesia). Michelange. Warsaw. the rare characteristic that some of them (usually smaller and less important) denote only one object and have no connotations. Proper names in fairy stories. but I do not think they would be translated in a modern version. The established practices for translating the names of HISTORICAL FIGURES are as follows. are therefore. no meaning or connotations.letters. the former have singular references. all saints In Biblical times and later remain translated. Le Caravage. to facilitate pronunciation (Prague. Raphael.no longer British. their names.g. Names of classical writers the first names of some historical and literary figures (Jean Hus. in English. Further in the past. Lewis has reverted to Louis and Francis to Francois. together with titles were and are still usually mutually translated in the main European counties. as Mill stated. Where sovereigns had “translatable” Christian names and they were well known. italianized. while the later refer to classes of entities: in theory. have. translated name has no political significance. In belles . with the names of some people. 17 . Braunschweig . since this would suggest that they change their nationality. Marseille. on the ground that children and fairies are the same the world over. folk tales and children’s literature are often translated. Thus. the features have been renamed partly. There is now a slight tendency to restore original spelling (Romania. Henry Heine. as in some plays. Neubert (1972) has pointed out that in the best German translation of Tom Jones the characters’ surnames are translated since they “mean” as well as “name”. names of single persons or objects are “outside” languages. etc. both untranslatable and not to be translated. visited frequently or considered important. objects or processes peculiar to a single ethnic community. provided that they are fairly commonly used and that their additional. but the surnames. if at all. nations have tended to naturalize names of towns and province they have occupied. who died in Paris). Name of FIRMS.Names of streets and squares are not usually translated .with exception. stating the same facts and figures. But he may be translating an advertisement. you cannot isolate this from understanding it. Public buildings may be partially translated if the generic term is common and transparent. he requires the SL name in the address. rather than how to adapt them in order to persuade or instruct a new TL readership. the translator’s intention is identical with that of the author of the SL text. The names of NEWSPAPERS. impersonal verbs often used to disclaim responsibility) in each case may be evidence of different points of view. they go together and the title may be remote from the content as well as the intention. Two texts may describe a battle or a riot or a debate. with a translation in parenthesis. Titles of untranslated books must be transcribed. PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS. ironically. Titles of painting. UNIVERSITIES. a notice. Mutinational companies trade under various names which the translator may have to trace. if they have no established translation. SCHOOLS. etc. are in principle not translated since they are related to the SL culture. When a work is not already known. and if the TL reader wants to refer to them. of Red Square. THE INTENTION OF THE TRANSLATOR Usually. A translator makes his own translation of a title only when he is translating the whole work or when additional comment is made on the title by himself or in the original text. he may be translating a manual of instructions for a less educated readership. so that the explanation in his translation may be much larger than the “reproduction”. 18 . its title is transcribed. you search for the intention of the text. or a set of instructions to show his client how such matters are formulated and written in the source language. JOURNALS and PERIODICALS are always transcribed. should be transcribed as well as translated. particularly for non . The intention of the text represents the SL writer’s attitude to the subject matter. but the type of language used and even the grammatical structures (passive voice. After Peter Newmark THE ANALYSIS OF A TEXT THE INTENTION OF THE TEXT In reading. HOSPITALS. Famous WORKS OF ART are usually referred to by their established translated titles (including the authorized titles of literary words). the purpose of these names is to identify rather than describe the firm or institution. if they are well known here.literary books when the title describes the content.. so that the reader can look for further references if he wishes. And again. In general. quoted in Quirk. we distinguish four types of (literary or non . November 1955.” Colloquial “You can’t feed your face here. STYLISTIC SCALES The scale of formality has been variously expressed.” Neutral (using basic vocabulary only) “A graveyard of animal and plant remains lies buried in the earth’s crust. which is static.” Educated “The latest step on vertebrate evolution was the tool .” Similarly.” Formal “You are requested not to consume food in this establishment. “argue”.) 19 .” Technical “Critical path analysis is an operational research technique used in management. Dialogue.” Neutral “Eating is not allowed here. notably by Martin Joos and Strevens.” Popular “The floor of the oceans is covered with great mountain chains and deep trenches.” Opaquely technical (comprehensible only to an expert) “Neuraminic acid in the form of its alkali .” Informal “Please don’t eat here. following is the scale of generality or difficulty: Simple “The floor of the sea is covered with rows of big mountains and deep pits. 1984.stable methoxy derivative was first isolated by Klenk from gangliosides. adjectival nouns.” Official “The consumption of nutriments is prohibited. adjectives. 3.TEXT STYLES Following Nida.” Slang “Lay off the nosh. 4. logical argument and connectives. a treatment of ideas. Officialese “The consumption of any nutriments whatsoever is categorically prohibited in this establishment. with emphasis on colloquialism .making man. Discussion. verbs of thought. mental activity (“consider”. Description. with emphasis on abstract nouns (concepts).” Taboo “Lay off the fucking nosh.). with emphasis on linking verbs.literary) text: 1.”(Letter to Nature. etc. Narrative: a dynamic sequence of events 2. You have to make several assumptions about the SL readership. CONCLUSION In principle. they are likely to be qualities or actions . and there are normally limits to the meaning of any word. and “at home” in the variety of language used. you should assess whether the readership is likely to be motivated (keen to read the text). and the uniformed. perhaps with less knowledge of the topic or the culture. textbook. “murky”.headings.words relating to the mind. cultural words and institutional terms peculiar to the SL or third language. “snub”. that have no cognates in the TL.style. an appropriate training of translators. Untranslatable words are the ones that have no ready one-to-one equivalent in the TL. after determining the general properties . Thus you relate translation theory to its practice.g. the educated layman. proper names. newspaper. etc. The purpose of dictionaries is to indicate the semantic range of words as well as. THE LAST READING Finally. the main senses. a translational analysis of the SL text based on it comprehension is the first stage of translation and the basis of the useful discipline of translation criticism. You cannot normally decide to make any words mean what you want. through collocations. A professional translator would not usually make such an analysis explicitly. as well as text itself. or mental words . absence of sub titles and sub . In fact.descriptive verbs. “dizzy”. The three typical reader types are perhaps the expert. familiar with the topic and the culture. From the setting of the SL text. you should underline all metaphors. I think. you should note the culture aspect of the SL text. journal. “snug”. You underline words that you have consider out of as well as within context. shorter paragraphs and other features of the TL house . e.first of the text and the secondly of the translation (both these tasks would center in the respective intention of 20 . words like “fuzzy”. You then have to consider whether you are translating for the same or a different type of TL readership. however. A translation critic. since he would need to take only a sample in order to establish the properties of a text.? or Who is the client you are translating for and what are his requirements? You may have to take account of briefer titles. since by understanding the appropriate words they will show they are aware of difficulties they might otherwise have missed. in order to establish their semantic range. or a lower standard of linguistic education. technical terms and “untranslatable” words.SETTING You have to decide on the likely setting: Where would the text be published in the TL? What is the TL equivalent of the SL periodical. many such English words arise from Dutch or from dialect. such an analysis is. To resolve these differences. proverbs and sayings (as good as gold). from memory. This is because the translator’s thoughts and choice of words are too strongly molded by the original text.would use the underlined words as a basis for a detailed comparison of the two texts. Meaning. This will suggest natural patterns of thought in the first language (L1). f. the translator may. you have studied the text not for itself but as something that may have to be reconstituted for a different readership in a different culture. These include similes. that is.... The translation should reflect accurately the meaning of original text. are there any underlying implications? (“Correct me if I’m wrong. One of the most frequent criticisms of translation is that “it doesn’t sound natural”. and colloquialisms and phrasal verbs. where does the uncertainty lie? are any words “loaded”. which may not come to mind when the eye is fixed on the SL text. The ordering of words and ideas in the translation should match the originals closely as possible. Idiom. To summarize. Register. slang. the translator must distinguish between formal or fixed expressions and personal expression.. Idiomatic expressions are notoriously untranslatable. if translated literally? what is the intention of the speaker or writer? (to persuade/dissuade. From A Textbook of Translation by Peter Newmark PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION Below are some general principles which are relevant to all translation: a. in which the writer or speaker sets the tone.translator or critic) .” suggests “I know I’m right”) is the dictionary meaning of a particular word the most suitable one? does any thing in the translation sound unnatural or forced? b. metaphors. jargon. If the expressions cannot be directly translated. A good way of shaking off the source language (SL) influence is to set the text aside and translate a few sentences aloud. e. Form. cold/warm. The translator should not change the style of the original. for the reader’s sake. Ask yourself: is the meaning of original text clear? If not. or full of tedious repetitions. try any of the following: retain the original word. in inverted commas: “yumcha” 21 . Source language influence. apologize/criticize?) Does its come through in the translation? d. c. correct the defects. Style and clarity. personal/impersonal. Languages often differ greatly in their levels of formality in a given context (say. Consider also: would any expression in the original sound too formal/informal. Nothing should be arbitrarily added or removed. But if the text is sloppily written. the business letter). retain the original expression. do not force it into the translation. with a literal explanation in brackets: Indian summer (dry. The golden rule is: if the idiom does not work in the L1. • Expressing all aspects of the meaning in a way that is really understandable to the intended audience. • Using natural forms of the receptor language (TL) in a way that is appropriate to the kind of text being translated. 1990. • Reproducing as exactly as possible the meaning of the source text.idiomatic or plain prose translation: a bit over the top = un peu excessif. From Translation by Alan Duff. THE IDEAL TRANSLATION ACCURATE. BEAUTIFUL. hazy weather in late autumn) use a close equivalent use a non . 22 . COMMUNICATIVE. 23 . ..... …………………………………………………………………… into another language in the way that the author intended the text............................) (J....................... + Translation is the process of conveying messages across Linguistic and culture barriers......... +....TL........................ Source language (SL) and Target language (TL) Fill in the spaces with SL or TL.......... is the language of the translated text... Before we can translate a message.... C......................... target language......) by equivalent textual material in another language (.... we must understand the total meaning of the message within its own cultural context............... Give possible Vietnamese equivalents to the following......... source language.............. What is translation? Fill in the blanks in the following with appropriate phrases below: Rendering the meaning of a text.... Catford) +Translation is rendering the meaning of a text ………………………..... +....... (Peter Newmark) 2...... linguistic and cultural barriers..........target language............ but also calls upon the ability to switch into the culture of the communication...............SL…........... • • • • • • • • • • • • Primary schools Public schools Public works Public conveniences Public facilities Mixed business Cat Association Travelland Videoland Bottle shop Travelator B-Y-O (Bring Your Own) 24 . noting the cultural meaning in some of them.....................……………...... What is cultural context? Translation not only involves understanding the general subject matter of the communication... is the language of the text that is to be or has been translated.... 3....…… source language………………… ........ (Dr Ian Tudor) + Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (.....EXERCISES IN THEORY OF TRANSLATION 1............... that I had forgotten one of my suitcases at my hotel. Reading the text. 3. A B a. involves the preparation of a translation outside of class and it is then constructively criticized by both students and teacher. understanding the text requires both general and close reading. Prepared translation 2. b. It is my opinion that too many people are controlled by 1. Translation and Interpretation Fill in the spaces with Interpretation. We live in Birmingham now. to understand what it is about. to analyse it from a translator’s point of view. d. There are two purposes for reading: First. Simultaneously. Narrative television. The week was over and I was at the airport ready to leave when I discovered. …………… implies carefully analyzing the massage given within the context of a particular …………… and transferring this message into another …………… linguistic code ……………. Oh.by 4. oral rendition based on a written text. Match the four types in column A with the descriptions in column B. in another language. Linguistic code. on the other hand. means doing the same but …………… and …………… . to my dismay. Sight translation B a. Types of Translation and Interpretation.literary) Match the text styles in column A with appropriate fragments of text in column B. c.• Lay . 5. Consecutive interpretation 4. second. Orally. 25 . The Analysis of a Text a. Simultaneous interpretation 6. Translation. The reason for this is that they become addicted and only sit at home and watch it. b. 2. A few years ago I spent a week in the Dominican Republic. transcribing and summarizing it orally. we got married last year. includes an immediate. is the process of listening to a speech or lecture in one language and at a certain moment. You have to determine its intention and the way it is written for the purpose of selecting a suitable translation method and identifying particular and recurrent problems. Description b. involves the immediate. Text styles (literary or non . simultaneous interpretation of what is being said into another language. The time lapse between the speech and your interpretation varies. 3. Written. Discussion c... A 1. c..stable methoxy derivative was first isolated by Klenk from gangliosides. d. Officialese a.4.I can never repay you. Slang establishment..What a lovely surprise! . why don’t you come up and visit us sometime? Pat would love to see you again. Stylistic scales Match the scale of formality on the left with the appropriate sentences on the right. c. The consumption of any nutriments whatsoever is categorically prohibited in this establishment. h. The film is set in America.I think it would be unwise. They live in a large. f. . Taboo g. Informal e... I could never agree.. + Match the scale of difficulty in the column A with the sentences in the column B: A 1. .. isolated motel with his elderly mother.Thanks a lot. . Technical 6.Many thanks. Lay off the nosh. Official b. . 1. Opaquely technical B a... Educated 5. old house next to the motel. but.It was most kind of you to. 3. You can’t feed your face here. Popular 3. The consumption of nutriment is prohibited. . Neutral d. d. (Comprehensible only to an expert). Lay off the fucking nosh.This is simply not so.I’m extremely grateful.I’m most obliged. Please don’t eat here. 5. Simple 2. b. d. . Neutral 4.The argument is fallacious in several respects. .The mistaken assumption here is that. Critical path analysis is an operational research 26 .You may have a point. 6. The latest step in vertebrate evolution was the tool making man. e. in all conscience.. The floor of the sea is covered with rows of big mountains and deep pits. Neuraminic acid in the form of its alkali . The floor of the oceans is covered with great mountain chains and deep trenches. . Dialogue Look.And in conclusion.. and tells the story of a young man who runs a lonely. . Colloquial f. Eating is not allowed here. . You are requested not to consume food in this 7. + Which of the following expressions is mainly spoken or written. 4. . but although we often hear their conversations we never see the mother in person. 2. 8.Please convey our thanks to. Formal c. . (Using basic vocabulary only) A graveyard to animal and plant remains lies buried in the earth’s crust.. . .. a word of thanks to.To such a proposal. 8. and “to whom” of our communication. This envelope can only be used for correspondence and documents up to 500 grams with maximum thickness of 5 mm. −−κ −− d. What is context? Context is that which occurs before and/or after a word. the word “loud” in “loud music” is usually understood as meaning “noisy”. phrase. durable Smyth . and “to whom” it is addressed. a phrase or even a long utterance or text. The context often helps in understanding the particular meaning of the word.quality paper. “What” we are writing or speaking about (subject matter). “spinster” refers to an older unmarried woman but in legal context is refers to any unmarried woman. 7. Shepherd Street Car Park (entry from Shepherd St. −−κ −− c. easy .to .read type 27 . in ordinary usage. etc. The context may also be the broader social situation in which a linguistic item is used. “where”. non-flammable and poisonous). All three are relevant in translation. where as in “a tie with a loud pattern” it is understood as “unpleasantly colorful”. For example. −−κ −− b. * 2500 pages. “where” the language occurs (place or publication). Text types Find the text type for each of the following fragments. context is understood as the “what”. In translation. a.technique used in management. thumb . Chippendale) or other designated parking areas Parking Fee: $4:00 Buses run between designated parking areas and Main campus every 15 minutes. Articles such as the following shall not be carried in passenger’s baggage without prior of and arrangement with Carrier: Compressed gases (flammable. Postage on this envelope has been prepaid for one posting only to anywhere within Australia by air where necessary to meet delivery timetables. For example.sewn binding * Modern.indexed * 2500 spot maps and illustrations * Fine . cook until onion is transparent.hours security. I will have enough money to live a rich and fallentious life. chilli. good large bathroom. travel or legal settlements. he was never paid for his ………………. and he never managed to earn much money. because many people used to stop him in the street and ask his advice. Hear oil. −−κ −− f. add onion. How can the meaning of those words be implied? A country girl was walking along the snerd with a roggle of milk on her head. −−κ −− g. • Fill in the spaces with suitable words or expressions: A doctor who worked in a village was very ………………..−−κ −− e.. Stir in chopped celery and crushed garlic. Twice daily maid service. This is favorable week for study. tomato paste. Can’t last long at this price. 28 . Peel and finely chop onion. cook 30 seconds.. mix well. room service.. −−κ −− h. Home of the famous Maxim’s de Paris. the roggle fell to the ground and all the milk ran in a white stream along the snerd. stir is undrainned butter beans. Complimentary on . In this way. Contextual Meaning • Find the meaning of the underlined words. Neat I bedroom unit on top floor position. Bright aspect. barber/ beauty shop. Some will take risks or speculate in some way with money or securities. carspace.APRIL 20 Be alert when dealing with business partners or members of your family this week. TThe money of which I’ll sell this milk will make me enough money to increase my trunk of eggs to three hundred.” And as she ribbled her head. carrying her plan with it.premise parking. −−κ −− 9.like this. She began saying to herself. Pour mixture into the oven. All the young men will want to marry me. Before long. MARCH 21 . and I will be able to sell the chickens for large wunk of money. These eggs will produce the same number of chickens. Spacious lounge/dining. Attended Elevators and 24 . avoid impulsive decisions or losses may occur. But I will refuse them all with a ribble of a head . Studio and 1 -2 bedroom suites. as someone is trying to undermine you. sausages with Tomato and Onion. Remove from heat. doctor. b. comfort and domestic peace. his mind to put an end to this. replied Pamela. Suggest how the titles or slogans could be rendered into Vietnamese. They swing from one extreme to another. “Because”. of people laughing at him. (Feel free to use your imagination. When all is well we achieve a balance between these two. replied the author.gesture and movement) 3. We send out signals with our own actions. Mary reminded her..Refreshes the parts Other beers can not reach (Advertisement For Heineken beer) 4. but we’ve so short . half a loaf’s better than no bread. c. Note the one which you consider better suited to the context.” f. They will sacrifice health. but sometimes this equilibrium is upset. never much thrilled by success and never greatly put out by failure.looking and well dressed.” “All that glitters is not gold”.. One day. and we take in massage from the actions of others. Johnnie Walker . he was stopped by a young man who said to him “Oh. and advertising slogans. Still. and still going strong (Advertisement for Johnnie Walker whisky) 5.He ………………. “I applied for a fortnight’s holiday. Heineken . a. “he was so good . The Heart of The Dragon (Tittle of a TV documentary series on China) 6.Born 1820.... Others are stolid and indifferent. e. science fiction has become very popular and I’m making hay while the sun shines. up with almost unlimited amounts of public criticism and abuse.handed that they’d only give me a week.) 1. A Taste of India (Title of an illustrated book on Indian cooking) 2. your tongue out of your mouth.” Then he went away. and had such a nice voice. asked the friend of an author. leaving the man standing in the street with his tongue hanging out ………………. Social behaviour is a matter of output and input. I’m so glad to see you.” Below is a selection of titles of books. I’ve got a severe pain in my left side. to be interested and said. Some people are always up in the clouds or down in the depths. “instead of the historical novels you used to write?” “Because”. films.” The doctor ………………. Educating Rita 29 . Manwatching (Title of a book on human behavior . d. and a large ………………. and risk the humiliations and disappointment of defeat. • Suggest suitable Vietnamese translation for all the underlined words in the passages below. “Why are you writing science fiction”.TV programmes. “Why did you believe him when he said he wasn’t married?” asked Mary. “Shut your eyes and ………………. Men are prepared to go to extra ordinary lengths to get political power. The researchers examined 100 healthy. who got irritated rather quickly and were hard to console. with her reluctant tutor. Even those tested completely were relatively cantankerous. Take the Money and Run (Title of the film . The Ascent of Man (TV documentary series tracing the development of the human race since prehistoric times) 8. their responses to lights and rattles. measuring. researchers tried to measure this behavior. their reflexes and their overall activity levels. There was no difference between the groups in terms of alertness or muscle responses. The scientists had an easier time with bottle-fed babies.THE BIG COUNTRY FOR BIG VALUE HOLIDAYS (Tourism Division of the Canadian Commission) • Translate at sight the following text into Vietnamese . From the Magazine New Idea • Translate the following question into Vietnamese.. the researchers gave them a standard test of newborn behavior. While the infants slept. the researchers assessed their heart and breathing patterns.term infants who were. who showed greater self . At least.Note the translation of its title. Rita. Do you know the meaning of war? Find two situations in which the question above can be rendered into Vietnamese? • Give Vietnamese equivalents to the world “dress” in the following contexts: 30 .a farce. for example. with Woody Allen as an unsuccessful crook who repeatedly ended up in fail) 9. Sixty-one of the newborns were breastfeeding. on the average. Bottlefeeders had faster heart rates than breastfeeders. Differences did emerge regarding the babies’ heart rate. full . They say they were unable to complete the tests on many of the breast-fed infants. Frank) 7. CANADA .(Title of a film based on a stage comedy about a young hairdresser. 39 were being bottle-fed. who decides to”improve her mind”at a summer university course.control and less fussiness. After the infants awoke. + How can the text help you to choose a suitable Vietnamese equivalent for the title? BOTTLE OR BREAST The bottle or the breast? Parents have gone back and forth on this question most of this century. a day and a half old. how quickly and how often they cried. Special discounts available. I saw what he was talking about. The information you give in this form is needed by the Department of Immigration. Render them into Vietnamese. if to be served on the grantee. (From A “Health undertaking”) e. inwards out. (For 31 . I authorize the Regional Office to request and obtain from the institution at which I am undertaking a course of study or training such details of my academic progress and examination as may be required. health. (From “International Money Transfer Application”) d. 3. b. For prompt. please call John on 798 . John rose rapidly. In the event that the law imposes on the Bank a non-excludable liability which can lawfully be limited to the cost of the resupply of the service any such liability which the Bank may incur is hereby so limited. the Bank shall not be liable for any consequences arising from any circumstances beyond its control. these meanings show people’s emotions and attitudes towards what the word or phrase refers to.6426. d. efficient and friendly service. 10. I dressed a chicken wound. one adding enough context to signal one meaning and a second adding enough context to signal a second meaning. Connotative meanings refer to the additional meanings that a word or phrase has beyond its central meaning (= denotative meaning). I put medicine on and bandaged the 3. Local Government and Ethnic Affairs to carry out its functions and activities. I dressed timber. To the full extent permitted by law. 2. e. (Advertisement on lawn and Mower Services) c. c. 1. 1. Rewrite with two sentences. It is also the Department’s usual practice to pass on some or all of such information to agencies which deal with education. (From A Sponsored Training Program Award . the meaning is ambiguous because the word which is underlined has at least two senses. b. only add context. a. chest X-ray examination or investigation which the authority directs. Do not change the words given below. 5. I bought a book on Broadway. (From A “Health Undertaking”) f. Connotation and Denotation. I dressed the wound. The soldiers dressed rank. Jones yesterday. I ran into Mr.a. Lawnmowing. I undertake to present my copy of this document to that authority. I defeathered a chicken and took its • Note the meaning of the underlined words or phrases in the passages below. 4. Any notice required to be served shall. community service and social welfare. I dressed myself. be sufficiently served if addressed to the grantee and sent by prepaid post to or delivered at the property or the grantee’s last known place of business in Vietnam. I put my clothes on 4. 2. I made the logs smooth.Acceptance of Offer) • In each of the following. to place myself under the authority’s professional supervision and to undergo any course of treatment. The soldiers lined up in straight rows. overweight. rose. donkey. skinny. Connotation 32 . fat. thin. and “tropic” may suggest “heat”) Some connotations can be shared by a group of people of the same cultural or social background. laurel.example “run” may suggest “haste”. sex. slender. plump. • Describe the connotative and denotative differences between the words ”con räöng” and “dragon”. war. daddy. Denotation Dragon Con räöng • Suggest the connotative meaning of each of the following words: cat. gold. fox. “sofa” may suggest “comfort”. • How can be phrase “con räöng chaïu tiãn” be transferred into English? • Find two sets of words in Vietnamese in which the members have the same referential meaning but one has a good connotation and one has a neutral connotation. green. others may be restricted in one or several individuals and depend on their personal experience. Negro. father. • A translator must be aware of the positive and negative connotation of words in the source language so as to translate with an appropriate connotation in the target language. tribe. the old man. dove. or age.