Session 1

What is translation? According to Roberts, translation can be used in different senses, indicating different concepts.
First, it stands for the act or operation of transferring a message. Second, it refers to the product of the act of translating. Third, it designates the profession practiced by those performing the act or operation just mentioned. Finally, it has also been used for the academic discipline that studies or examines the operation or products of translation. In this course, by translation, we mean the first meaning defined by Roberts, i.e. the act of transferring a message. How many types of transferring a message are there? According to Jakobson there are three different kinds of transferring a message: 1. Intralingual translation: it is simply paraphrasing or rewording, to communicate the same meaning in one language with different wording and sentences. 2. Interlingual translation: it is transferring a message from one language to another and often referred to as translation proper. 3. Intersemiotic translation: it is a kind of transmutation which transfers a message from one level to another. In this course, by transferring a message, we mean the second kind defined by Jakobson, i.e. interlingual translation or translation proper. What are the forms of interlingual translation and who performs these forms? Interlingual translation can be in the form of written or oral. When it is written, it is done by a translator. Therefore, a translator is someone who performs written interlingual translation. By contrast, when a translation is oral, it is done by an interpreter. As a result, oral interlingual translation is referred to as interpretation. There are two different kinds of interpretation. One that is simultaneous, i.e. the interpreter interprets as the speaker talks. The second type is called consecutive in which the speaker talks for some minutes, then stops for the interpreter to interpret what has been just said. What factors are involved in a translation process? There are several factors at work when it comes to translation and translation process, which are explained by Newmark under the title of the dynamics of translation. They are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Source language (SL) writer SL norms SL culture SL structure, setting and tradition Target language (TL) readership TL norms TL cultures TL structure, setting and tradition The truth, i.e. the message The translator
In addition to what Newmark states, the influence of the client, the person or organization who commissions the act of translator, can be considered as the eleventh factor. What does a translator need to know? According to the dynamics of translation, a translator is required to fully aware of the source language, culture and norms as well as those of the target. A translator should know who he is translating, be aware of the readers taste, and work in line with the target language publishing atmosphere and ideology. What is the first step in the act of translation? The very first step in translation is to read the source text (ST) completely and do a complete analysis of the text. The Analysis of a Text: 1. Reading the text: the text must be read completely prior to the act of translation and is completely understood in terms of the meanings of the words, expressions and jargons. 2. The intention of the text must be understood. To do so, a background check on the writer would help. Also, previous works by the writer can be useful in this regard. 3. The intention of the translator must be defined. It can be similar to that of the text or may differ according to the desire of the translator or the client. Here, ideology, TL norms, culture, publishing atmosphere or the readers can be very influential. 4. Text styles According to Nida, they can be of four types: a. Narrative: sequence of events, where the emphasis is on the verbs. b. Description: the emphasis is on linking verbs, adjectives and adjectival nouns. c. Discussion: the emphasis is on abstract nouns, verbs of thought, mental activity, logical argument and connectives. d. Dialogue: with emphasis on colloquialisms and expressions . 5. The readership: who are the readers of the translated text? 6. Stylistic Scales It is the scale of formality of the text: a. Official b. Formal c. Neutral d. Informal e. Colloquial f. Slang g. Taboo 7. Considering connotations and denotations of the text. 8. Noting the cultural aspect of the SL text. You should underline all metaphors, cultural words and institutional terms particular to the SL, proper names, technical terms and untranslatable words.

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What is translation? According to Roberts, translation can be used in different senses, indicating different concepts.

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