Introduction to Translation Theory

introduction to translation theory

1. PARVATHY’S ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE Purpose - Notes(Power point presentation ) Discipline - III B .A English literature Subject -Translation theory and practice UNIT-I Introduction to translation-kinds and usage Definition and process Why translation Need of translation Kinds of translation Characteristics of a good translation and translation Prepared by S.Rajeshwari Asst. professor English department

2. Translation-Definition and process Translation is primarily conceived as an intercultural communication as the process of conveying the meaning of an utterance form or Translation studies is an academic interdisciplinary dealing with the systematic study of the theory, description and application of translation, interpreting, and localization

3. W hy translation? Translation is Important Because Not Everyone Speaks English Translation is Important Because People Prefer Their Native Language Translation Connects the Global Economy Emerging Markets Mean Emerging Languages Translation Spreads Ideas and Information

4. Need of translation for language learning Translation is independent and radically different from the four skills which define language competence: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Translation takes up valuable time which could be used to teach these four skills. Translation is unnatural. Translation misleads and prevents students from thinking in the foreign language. Translation is a bad test of language skills. Translation produces interference. Translation is only appropriate for training translators.

5. K inds of translation Free translation Literal translation Communicative/dynamic/idiomatic translation

6. free /literal /communicative translation A  free translation  is a  translation  that reproduces the general meaning of the original text. It may or may not closely follow the form or organization of the original.  Literal translation  is the  translation  of text from one language to another "word-for-word", rather than giving the sense of the original. For this reason,  literal translations  usually mis - translate  idioms. Communicative translation  is a  translation  method that attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the source language so that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership.

7. C haracteristics of a good translation Accuracy is the most important feel of a fine translation. An accurate translation is one that conveys the same meaning as the indigenous, or at least it tries to get bond of as close as realizable to what has been identified as the main intended meaning. Clarity- An immense translation will make the meaning as certain as realizable that is, it will not be indefinite or ambiguous. People will not enter the translation and admiration what it means. An uncertain translation will cause people to misunderstand. Naturalness- A pleasant translation will be natural and will not hermetically seal later a translation at each and every share of one. Readers will think that it sounds considering it was originally written in the receptor language. 

8. Characteristic of a good translator Passion . A translator should be passionate about their translation job. They should use all their means and efforts to deliver every project in excellent shape, as if it was their baby. Translation Skills . A good translator must have a specific linguistic education. They should master not only the foreign language they work with, but also the skills of translation. Curiosity . A translator must be curious and motivated to keep on learning new words and expression. The learning process of a translator should be never-ending. Rich Vocabulary . A good translator must have a wide lexicon, not only in the foreign language but also in their mother tongue. This will make the translation process easier and the quality of the translation higher. It is also convenient for translators to acquire technical terms in specific fields, such as business, law, sciences, engineering, etc…

9. Cont … Clarity . A good translator’s goal is to express the idea of the source text as clearly as possible, without ambiguity. They should avoid difficult structures when they can use simple ones. Translation Quality . A good translator should be obsessed with quality. Resources.   In order to achieve the aforementioned quality, a good translator should use all available resources at their disposal. Accuracy . A good translator should provide an exact transfer of information. Despite it being tempting sometimes, the translator should not correct the source text, trying to maintain its “spirit” instead. Honesty . Translators are humans after all, therefore it is normal for them to not know some expressions or words. Nevertheless they shouldn’t just skip it, but they should conduct research and note it down for future reference. Humble Pride .  A good translator should always deliver a translation that they can be proud of, but at the same time be humble enough to accept possible corrections from the editor/proof reader.  The most important thing in the end is always the quality of the translation.

10. John Dryden’s three types of translation In the preface to  Ovid’s Epistles  John Dryden talks about 3 types of translation- Metaphrase , or turning an Author word by word, and Line by Line, from one Language into another. eg   Horace  his Art of Poetry translated by  Ben. Johnson. Paraphrase, or Translation with Latitude, where the Author is kept in view by the Translator,so as never to be lost, but his words are not so strictly follow’d as his sense, and that too is admitted to be amplyfied , but not alter’d . eg Mr.  Waller’s  Translation of  Virgils  Fourth  Aeneid . Imitation , where the Translator taking only some general hints from the Original, to run division on the ground-work, as he pleases.  eg Mr.  Cowley’s  practice in turning two Odes of  Pindar,  and one of  Horace  into  English.

11. Roman Jakobson three types of translation In his essay “On Linguistic Aspects of Translation” Roman Jakobson arrived at three forms of translation Intralingual translation : Translation within a language which would involve explaining it in words of the same language Interlingual translation : Translation from one language into another or reinterpretation of the message in another linguistic code  Intersemiotic translation : Translation from one linguistic system to another which means the transference of meaning from a verbal to a non-verbal system or from one medium to another