Translation Studies Notes

Notes on Translation Studies

                           Source Language (SL) →   Target Language (TL)     

Types of Translation

i)     Word translation

ii)    Paraphrasing or meaning oriented translation

iii)   Sense-for- sense translation  

iv)  Gloss translation – reproduce literally and meaningfully the form and content of the original.

v)  Hybrid translation - a mixing of languages, archaism, neologism, slang, colloquial expressions

vi)   Radical translation – into a language that is either classical or new.  

vii)  Human translation / machine translation – computer/ machine-aided translation.

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Problems in translation: 

i)      The problem of equivalence – irreducible linguistic and cultural differences – correspondence – lexical, grammatical, stylistic. Settle for dynamic or functional equivalence.

ii)     The problem of history or period

iii)    The problem of untranslatability – nonsense rhyme, poesie concrete glossolalia etc.  

 Basic requirements of translation 

ü  making sense  

ü  conveying the spirit and manner of the original - It must echo the original – the intended effect

ü  having a natural and easy form of expression  

ü  producing a similar response

Translation as adaptation – adapting to the local culture, stage, screen, radio etc.

Translation as recreation – poetry

Translation as interpretation – any translation is a kind of interpretation

Methodology

Literal Translation vs Liberal Translation   

Practical translation → ‘minimax’ strategy – minimum effort maximum effect.  

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