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    A Definition of Translation Techniques

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    This document defines and distinguishes between translation methods, strategies, and techniques. It argues that translation methods refer to the overall approach taken to translate a whole text, strategies are used to solve problems in the translation process, and techniques affect how individual text units are translated. The document then provides examples and definitions of various translation techniques, including adaptation, amplification, borrowing, calque, compensation, description, discursive creation, established equivalent, generalization, and linguistic amplification/compression. Techniques are presented as functional and dependent on context rather than inherently good or bad.

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    A Definition of Translation Techniques

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    This document defines and distinguishes between translation methods, strategies, and techniques. It argues that translation methods refer to the overall approach taken to translate a whole text, strategies are used to solve problems in the translation process, and techniques affect how individual text units are translated. The document then provides examples and definitions of various translation techniques, including adaptation, amplification, borrowing, calque, compensation, description, discursive creation, established equivalent, generalization, and linguistic amplification/compression. Techniques are presented as functional and dependent on context rather than inherently good or bad.

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    This document defines and distinguishes between translation methods, strategies, and techniques. It argues that translation methods refer to the overall approach taken to translate a whole text, strategies are used to solve problems in the translation process, and techniques affect how individual text units are translated. The document then provides examples and definitions of various translation techniques, including adaptation, amplification, borrowing, calque, compensation, description, discursive creation, established equivalent, generalization, and linguistic amplification/compression. Techniques are presented as functional and dependent on context rather than inherently good or bad.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    2K views7 pages

    A Definition of Translation Techniques

    Uploaded by

    MarkusMakuAldo
    This document defines and distinguishes between translation methods, strategies, and techniques. It argues that translation methods refer to the overall approach taken to translate a whole text, strategies are used to solve problems in the translation process, and techniques affect how individual text units are translated. The document then provides examples and definitions of various translation techniques, including adaptation, amplification, borrowing, calque, compensation, description, discursive creation, established equivalent, generalization, and linguistic amplification/compression. Techniques are presented as functional and dependent on context rather than inherently good or bad.

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    The key takeaways are that translation method, strategy and technique refer to different aspects of the translation process and should be distinguished. Various translation techniques are discussed such as literal translation, modulation, reduction etc.

    Translation method refers to the overall approach and affects the whole text, strategy is used to solve problems in the translation process, and technique affects individual text units.

    Examples of translation techniques mentioned include literal translation, modulation, particularization, reduction, substitution, transposition and variation.

    .

    A DEFINITION OF TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES


    Our proposal is based on two premises: 1) the need to distinguish between
    method, strategy and technique; 2) the need for an dynamic and functional
    concept of trans-lation techniques.
    4.1. The need to distinguish between method, strategy and technique
    We think that translation method, strategies and techniques are essentially
    different categories. (Hurtado 1996).
    4.1.1. Translation method and translation techniques
    Translation method refers to the way a particular translation process is carried out in
    terms of the translators objective, i.e., a global option that affects the whole text. There
    are several translation methods that may be chosen, depending on the aim of the

    translation: interpretative-communicative (translation of the sense), literal (linguistic transcodification), free (modification of semiotic and communicative categories) and philological (academic or critical translation) (see Hurtado Albir 1999: 32).

    Each solution the translator chooses when translating a text responds to


    the glo-bal option that affects the whole text (the translation method) and
    depends on the aim of the translation. The translation method affects the way
    micro-units of the text are translated: the translation techniques. Thus, we
    should distinguish between the method chosen by the translator, e.g., literal or
    adaptation, that affects the whole text, and the translation techniques, e.g.,
    literal translation or adaptation, that affect micro-units of the text.
    Logically, method and functions should function harmoniously in the text.
    For example, if the aim of a translation method is to produce a foreignising
    version, then borrowing will be one of the most frequently used translation
    techniques. (Cf. This has been shown in Molina (1998), where she analyses
    the three translations into Arabic of Garca Marquezs A Hundred Years of
    Solitude. Each translation had adopted a different translation method, and the
    techniques were studied in relation to the method chosen).

    4.1.2. Translation strategy and translation techniques


    Whatever method is chosen, the translator may encounter problems in the transla-tion
    process, either because of a particularly difficult unit, or because there may be a gap in
    the translators knowledge or skills. This is when translation strategies are activated.
    Strategies are the procedures (conscious or unconscious, verbal or non-verbal) used
    by the translator to solve problems that emerge when carrying out the translation
    process with a particular objective in mind (Hurtado Albir 1996, 1999). Translators use
    strategies for comprehension (e.g., distinguish main and secondary ideas, establish
    conceptual relationships, search for information) and for reformula-tion (e.g.,
    paraphrase, retranslate, say out loud, avoid words that are close to the original).
    Because strategies play an essential role in problem solving, they are a cen-tral part of
    the subcompetencies that make up translation competence.
    Strategies open the way to finding a suitable solution for a translation unit. The
    solution will be materialized by using a particular technique. Therefore, strategies and
    techniques occupy different places in problem solving: strategies are part of the
    process, techniques affect the result. However, some mechanisms may function both
    as strategies and as techniques. For example, paraphrasing can be used to solve problems in the process (this can be a reformulation strategy) and it can be an amplification technique used in a translated text (a cultural item paraphrased to make it
    intelligible to TT readers). This does not mean that paraphrasing as a strategy will
    necessarily lead to using an amplification technique. The result may be a discursive
    creation, an equivalent established expression, an adaptation, etc.

    4.2. A dynamic and functional approach to translation techniques


    In our opinion, most studies of translation techniques do not seem to fit in with the
    dynamic nature of translation equivalence. If we are to preserve the dynamic dimension of translation, a clear distinction should be made between the definition of a

    translation techniques revisited 509

    technique and its evaluation in context. A technique is the result of a choice


    made by a translator, its validity will depend on various questions related to the
    context, the purpose of the translation, audience expectations, etc.
    If a technique is evaluated out of context as justified, unjustified or erroneous,
    this denies the functional and dynamic nature of translation. A technique can only
    be judged meaningfully when it is evaluated within a particular context. Therefore,
    we do not consider it makes sense to evaluate a technique by using different
    termi-nology, two opposing pairs (one correct and the other incorrect), e.g.,
    Delisles explicitation/implicitation and addition/omission.

    Translation techniques are not good or bad in themselves, they are


    used func-tionally and dynamically in terms of:
    1)
    2)
    3)

    The genre of the text (letter of complaint, contract, tourist brochure, etc.)
    The type of translation (technical, literary, etc.)
    The mode of translation (written translation, sight translation, consecutive
    interpret-ing, etc.)

    4)

    The purpose of the translation and the characteristics of the translation audience

    5)

    The method chosen (interpretative-communicative, etc.)

    4.3. Definition of translation techniques


    In the light of the above, we define translation techniques as procedures to analyse and
    classify how translation equivalence works. They have five basic characteristics:

    1)
    2)
    3)
    4)
    5)

    They affect the result of the translation


    They are classified by comparison with the original
    They affect micro-units of text
    They are by nature discursive and contextual
    They are functional

    Obviously, translation techniques are not the only categories available


    to analyse a translated text. Coherence, cohesion, thematic progression
    and contextual dimen-sions also intervene in the analysis.
    5. A PROPOSAL TO CLASSIFY TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES
    Our classification of translation techniques is based on the following criteria:
    1)
    2)

    To isolate the concept of technique from other related notions (translation


    strategy, method and error).
    To include only procedures that are characteristic of the translation of texts
    and not those related to the comparison of languages.

    3)

    To maintain the notion that translation techniques are functional. Our definitions do not
    evaluate whether a technique is appropriate or correct, as this always depends on its
    situation in text and context and the translation method that has been chosen.

    4)

    In relation to the terminology, to maintain the most commonly used terms.

    5)

    To formulate new techniques to explain mechanisms that have not yet been described.

    The following techniques are included in this proposal2:

    Adaptation. To replace a ST cultural element with one from the target culture,
    e.g., to change baseball, for ftbol in a translation into Spanish. This
    corresponds to SCFAs adaptation and Margots cultural equivalent.

    01.Meta 47/4.Partie 1

    509

    11/21/02, 2:16 PM

    510 Meta, XLVII, 4, 2002

    Amplification. To introduce details that are not formulated in the ST: information,
    explicative paraphrasing, e.g., when translating from Arabic (to Spanish ) to add
    the Muslim month of fasting to the noun Ramadan. This includes SCFAs explicitation,
    Delisles addition, Margots legitimate and illigitimate paraphrase, Newmarks
    explica-tive paraphrase and Delisles periphrasis and paraphrase. Footnotes are a
    type of ampli-fication. Amplification is in opposition to reduction.

    Borrowing. To take a word or expression straight from another language. It can


    be pure (without any change), e.g., to use the English word lobby in a Spanish
    text, or it can be naturalized (to fit the spelling rules in the TL), e.g., gol, ftbol,
    lder, mitin. Pure borrowing corresponds to SCFAs borrowing. Naturalized
    borrowing corresponds to Newmarks naturalization technique.
    Calque. Literal translation of a foreign word or phrase; it can be lexical or
    structural, e.g., the English translation Normal School for the French cole
    normale. This corre-sponds to SCFAs acceptation.
    Compensation. To introduce a ST element of information or stylistic effect in
    another place in the TT because it cannot be reflected in the same place as in
    the ST. This corresponds to SCFAs conception.
    Description. To replace a term or expression with a description of its form
    or/and func-tion, e.g., to translate the Italian panettone as traditional Italian cake
    eaten on New Years Eve.
    Discursive creation. To establish a temporary equivalence that is totally
    unpredictable out of context, e.g., the Spanish translation of the film Rumble
    fish as La ley de la calle. This coincides with Delisles proposal.

    Established equivalent. To use a term or expression recognized (by dictionaries or


    lan-guage in use) as an equivalent in the TL, e.g., to translate the English
    expression They are as like as two peas as Se parecen como dos gotas de agua in
    Spanish. This corresponds to SCFAs equivalence and literal translation.

    Generalization. To use a more general or neutral term, e.g., to translate the


    French guichet, fentre or devanture, as window in English. This coincides with
    SCFAs accepta-tion. It is in opposition to particularization.

    Linguistic amplification. To add linguistic elements. This is often used in


    consecutive interpreting and dubbing, e.g., to translate the English expression No
    way into Spanish as De ninguna de las maneras instead of using an expression with
    the same number of words, En absoluto. It is in opposition to linguistic compression.
    Linguistic compression. To synthesize linguistic elements in the TT. This is often
    used in simultaneous interpreting and in sub-titling, e.g., to translate the English
    question Yes, so what? With Y?, in Spanish, instead of using a phrase with the
    same number of words, S, y qu?. It is in opposition to linguistic amplification.
    Literal translation. To translate a word or an expression word for word, e.g., They
    are as like as two peas as Se parecen como dos guisante, or, She is reading as Ella est
    leyendo. In contrast to the SCFA definition, it does not mean translating one word
    for another. The translation of the English word ink as encre in French is not a literal
    translation but an established equivalent. Our literal translation corresponds to
    Nidas formal equivalent; when form coincides with function and meaning, as in the
    second example. It is the same as SCFAs literal translation.

    Modulation. To change the point of view, focus or cognitive category in relation to the
    ST; it can be lexical or structural, e.g., to translate
    as you are going to have a
    child, instead of, you are going to be a father. This coincides with SCFAs acceptation.

    Particularization. To use a more precise or concrete term, e.g., to translate


    window in English as guichet in French. This coincides with SCFAs
    acceptation. It is in opposition to generalization.

    Reduction. To suppress a ST information item in the TT, e.g., the month of fasting in
    opposition to Ramadan when translating into Arabic. This includes SCFAs and

    01.Meta 47/4.Partie 1

    510

    11/21/02, 2:16 PM

    translation techniques revisited 511

    Delisles implicitation Delisles concision, and Vzquez Ayoras omission. It is in oppo-sition to amplification.

    Substitution (linguistic, paralinguistic). To change linguistic elements for paralinguistic elements (intonation, gestures) or
    vice versa, e.g., to translate the Arab gesture of put-ting your hand on your heart as Thank you. It is used above all in
    interpreting.

    Transposition. To change a grammatical category, e.g., He will soon be back translated into Spanish as No
    tardar en venir, changing the adverb soon for the verb tardar, instead of keeping the adverb and writing:
    Estar de vuelta pronto.

    Variation. To change linguistic or paralinguistic elements (intonation, gestures) that affect aspects of linguistic variation:
    changes of textual tone, style, social dialect, geo-graphical dialect, etc., e.g., to introduce or change dialectal indicators
    for characters when translating for the theater, changes in tone when adapting novels for children, etc.

    Table 6
    Classification of translation techniques
    Adaptation
    Amplification

    Baseball (E) Ftbol (Sp)


    (A) Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting (E)

    Borrowing

    Pure: Lobby (E) Lobby (Sp)


    Naturalized: Meeting (E) Mitin (Sp)

    Calque

    cole normale (F) Normal School (E)

    Compensation

    I was seeking thee, Flathead (E) En vrit, cest bien toi


    que je cherche, O Tte-Plate (F)

    Description

    Panettone (I) The traditional Italian cake eaten on


    New Years Eve (E)

    Discursive creation

    Rumble fish (E) La ley de la calle (Sp)

    Established equivalent

    They are as like as two peas (E) Se parecen como dos gotas
    de agua (Sp)

    Generalization

    Guichet, fentre, devanture (F) fi Window (E)

    Linguistic amplification

    No way (E) De ninguna de las maneras (Sp)

    Linguistic compression

    Yes, so what? (E) Y? (Sp)

    Literal translation

    She is reading (E) Ella est leyendo (Sp)

    Modulation

    (A) You are going to have a child (Sp)

    Particularization

    Window (E) Guichet, fentre, devanture (F)

    Reduction

    Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting (Sp)


    (A)

    Substitution
    (linguistic, paralinguistic)

    Put your hand on your heart (A) Thank you (E)

    Transposition

    He will soon be back (E) No tardar en venir (Sp)

    Variation

    Introduction or change of dialectal indicators, changes of


    tone, etc.

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