Translation Theory

General Theory

Objectives:

• Know the role as interpreters and translators
• Increase self-awareness and confidence in translation and interpretation
• Use I/ T techniques and skills
• Understand the ethics of the professional interpreter/ translator
• Solve problems in I/ T

Reference

1. Ford foundation. Best practices in translation. Hanoi: NGO steering Committee, 1996

2. Jones, Roderick. Conference Interpreting Explained. Manchester, UK: St Jerome Publishing, 2002

3. Newmark, Peter. A textbook of Translation. Herford shire: Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd, 1986

4. Newmark, Peter. Approaches to Translation. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1982

5. Translation and Interpretation Section. Interpretation and translation Coursbook. Hanoi: English Department, Hanoi University of Studies, 1997

 

A. Theory of Translation

I. Introduction to Translation

What is translation?

Translation is rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that the author intended the text

Why translation needed?

We can never know how many languages man uses today in the world. Since communication within only one speech community is not enough, certainly there has a great number of times arisen a situation in which some individuals are unable to understand the words of expressions of some others.

Translation is considered the most universally accepted solution for surmounting the obstacle.

Pre-translation Considerations

· Reading the text

· The intention of the text

· The intention of the translator

· Text styles

· The readership

· The quality of the writing

II. Process and Procedures

1. Translation Process: Source language > Memory > Analysis > Semantics representation > Synthesis > Target language

In other words, the translation process should be the combination of four levels:

• Textual level
• Referential level
• Cohesive level
• Level of Naturalness

2. Translation Procedures: 08 Steps

• Preparation
• Analysis
• Transfer
• Initial Draft
• Reworking the initial draft
• Testing the translation:

• • • Comparison with the Source Language
    • Back-translation
    • Comprehension test
    • Naturalness test
    • Readability test
    • How the result is used

• Polishing the translation
• Preparing the manuscript for the customer or publisher

 

 

III. Methods of Translation

The form of a flattened diagram

SL emphasis TL emphasis

Word-for-word translation Adaptation

Literal translation Free translation

Faithful translation Idiomatic translation

Semantic translation Communicative translation

Among the translation methods, Semantic & Communicative translation are considered the main methods

IV. Strategies of Translation

1. Strategies for dealing with non-equivalence at word level

Translation by a more general word

Translation by a more specific word

Translation by cultural substitution

Translation by using loan word plus explanation

Translation by paraphrase

Translation by omission

1. Strategies for dealing with idioms and fixed expressions

Using an idiom or fixed expression of similar meaning or form

Using an idiom or fixed expression of similar meaning but dissimilar form

Translation by paraphrase

Translation by omission

1. Translation for dealing with differences in grammatical structures

Passive voice à Active voice

Active voice à Passive voice

Number

Person