Week 1 Flashcards
What is intralingual translation?
An interpretation of verbal signs by means of other signs of the same language
This concept refers to ‘rewording’ within the same language.
Define interlingual translation.
An interpretation of verbal signs by means of some other language
This is referred to as ‘translation proper’.
What does intersemiotic translation entail?
An interpretation of verbal signs by means of signs of non-verbal sign systems
This concept is also known as ‘transmutation’.
What are the three types of translation according to Roman Jacobson?
- Intralingual translation
- Interlingual translation
- Intersemiotic translation
These classifications help in understanding different translation processes.
What does the Holmes/Toury map describe?
An overall framework of translation studies covering various aspects of translation
This framework outlines different types of descriptive and function-oriented translation studies.
What is the difference between strategy and procedure in translation?
- Strategy: overall orientation of a translated text
- Procedure: specific technique used at a given point in a text
Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective translation.
Why is translation possible?
- Humans share basic mental processes
- Linguistic communities can maintain relationships despite cultural differences
- Acceptable translations to the target culture are achievable
Exact translation is considered a utopia.
What is the concept of equivalence in translation?
It can only be achieved to a specific degree, striving for the closest approximation possible to the original text
It includes adequacy and acceptability.
List the three text types according to Reiss.
- Informative: Plain communication of facts
- Expressive: Creative composition
- Operative: Inducing behavioral responses
Each type serves a different function in communication.
What is Skopos Theory?
The core idea is that every translation has a specific purpose, which may differ from the original
Developed by Hans J. Vermeer and Reiss.
What does formal equivalence focus on?
Attention on the message itself, in both form and content
It is often used in academic or legal contexts.
Define dynamic equivalence.
A functional equivalence based on the principle of equivalent effect, tailored to the receptor’s linguistic needs
This approach aims for naturalness of expression.
What are the four basic requirements of a translation according to Nida?
- Making sense
- Conveying the spirit and manner of the original
- Having a natural and easy form of expression
- Producing a similar response
These criteria help assess the success of a translation.
What is the difference between semantic and communicative translation?
- Semantic translation: focuses on meaning, respecting context
- Communicative translation: resembles dynamic equivalence in effect
Newmark distinguishes these approaches based on their focus.
What are the common problems of non-equivalence in translation?
- Culture-specific concepts
- Source-language concepts not lexicalized in target language
- Semantically complex source-language words
- Different distinctions in meaning
- Lack of superordinate or hyponym in target language
These issues complicate the translation process.
What are the two general translation strategies proposed by Vinay and Darbelnet?
- Direct translation
- Oblique translation
These strategies help categorize different translation techniques.
What is the significance of lexical patterning in translation?
It deals with collocation and idioms/fixed expressions
Understanding lexical patterning aids in achieving accuracy and naturalness.
What defines idioms in translation?
Frozen patterns of language with little to no variation in form
Their meaning often cannot be deduced from individual components.
What is a marked collocation?
An unusual combination of words that challenges expectations
Commonly found in poetry and creative writing.
What is the role of evoked meaning in translation?
It arises from dialect and register variation affecting language choice
This aspect is crucial for contextually appropriate translations.
What are selectional restrictions?
They are a function of the propositional meaning of a word
These restrictions guide the expected co-occurrence of words.
What is the impact of cultural substitution in translation?
It involves changing cultural references when a situation in the source culture does not exist in the target culture
This strategy helps in making the translation relatable to the target audience.
