NOTES IN TRANSLATION TRANSLATION THEORY The study of the proper principle of translation is termed translation theory. This theory, based on a solid foundation in understanding how languages work, translation theory recognizes that different languages encode meaning in differing forms, yet guides translators to find appropriate ways of preserving meaning while using the most appropriate forms of each language. Translation theory includes principles for translating figurative language, dealing with lexical mismatches, rhetorical questions, the inclusion of cohesion markers, and many other topics crucial to good translation. Basically, there are two competing theories of translation. In one, the predominant purpose is to express as exactly as possible the full force and meaning of every word and turn of phrase in the original, and in the other the predominant purpose is to produce a result that does not read like a translation at all but rather moves in its new dress with the same ease as in its native rendering. In the hands of a good translator, neither of these two approaches can ever be entirely ignored. Conventionally, it is suggested that in order to perform their job successfully, translators should meet three important requirements; they should be familiar with: the source language the target language the subject matter Based on this premise, the translator discovers the meaning behind the forms in the source language and does his best to produce the same meaning in the target language - using the forms and structures of the target language. Consequently, what is supposed to change is the form and the code and what should remain unchanged is the meaning and the message. (Larson, 1984) One of the earliest attempts to establish a set of major rules or principles to be referred to in literary translation was made by French translator and humanist Étienne Dolet, who in 1540 formulated the following fundamental principles of translation ("La Manière de Bien Traduire d’une Langue en Aultre"), usually regarded as providing rules of thumb for the practicing translator: The translator should understand perfectly the content and intention of the author whom he is translating. The principal way to reach it is by reading all the sentences or the text completely so that you can give the idea that you want to say in the target language because the most important characteristic of this technique is translating the message as clearly and naturally as possible. If the translation is for different countries besides Mexico, the translator should use the cultural words of that country. For example, if he/she has to translate ”She is unloyal to her husband” in this country it can be translated as “Ella le pone los cuernos” but in Peru, it can be translated as NOTES IN TRANSLATION “Ella le pone los cachos”. In this case it is really important the cultural words because if the translator does not use them correctly the translation will be misunderstood. The translator should have a perfect knowledge of the language from which he is translating and an equally excellent knowledge of the language into which he is translating. At this point the translator must have a wide knowledge in both languages for getting the equivalence in the target language, because the deficiency of the knowledge of both languages will result in a translation without logic and sense. For example if you translate the following sentence “Are you interested in sports?” as “¿Estás interesado en deportes?” the translation is wrong since the idea of this question in English is “¿Practicas algún deporte?” The translator should avoid the tendency to translate word by word, because doing so is to destroy the meaning of the original and to ruin the beauty of the expression. This point is very important and one of which if it is translated literally it can transmit another meaning or understanding in the translation. For example in the sentence.- “In this war we have to do or die”, if we translate literally “En esta guerra tenemos que hacer o morir” the message is unclear. The idea is, (.) “En esta guerra tenemos que vencer o morir.” The translator should employ the forms of speech in common usage. The translator should bear in mind the people to whom the translation will be addressed and use words that can be easily understood. Example. “They use a sling to lift the pipes” if the translation is to be read by specialists we would translate it “Utilizan una eslinga para levantar la tubería”. If the text is to be read by people who are not specialists we would rather translate it “Utilizan una cadena de suspension para levantar los tubos”. 6 Contemporary Theories to Translation The six main translation theories are: sociological, communicational, hermeneutic, linguistic, literary, and semiotic. Let’s focus on theory! It makes sense for a translation agency‘s blog to venture into the drylands of translation theory. Right? There are six main approaches within contemporary translation theory: sociolinguistic; communicative; hermeneutic; linguistic; literary; and semiotic. Are you ready? 1. THE SOCIOLINGUIST APPROACH - According to the sociolinguistic approach to translation, the social context defines what is and what is not translatable and what is or what is not acceptable through selection, filtering and even censorship. According to this perspective, a translator is necessarily the product of NOTES IN TRANSLATION his or her society: our own sociocultural background is present in everything we translate. This approach was developed by the School of Tel Aviv and by linguists and professors such as Annie Brisset, Even Zohar, and Guideon Toury. 2. THE COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH - This theory is referred to as interpretive. Scholars Danica Seleskovitch and Marianne Lederer developed what they called the “theory of sense,” based chiefly on the experience of conference interpreting. According to this perspective, meaning must be translated, not language. Language is nothing more than a vehicle for the message and can even be an obstacle to understanding. This explains why it is always better to deverbalize (instead of transcoding) when we translate. 3. THE HERMENEUTIC APPROACH - The hermeneutic approach is mainly based on George Steiner’s research. Steiner believed of any human communication as a translation. His book After Babel shows that translation is not a science but rather an “exact art”: a true translator should be capable of becoming a writer in order to capture what the author of the original text “means to say.” 4. THE LINGUISTIC APPROACH - Linguists such as Vinay, Darbelnet, Austin, Vegliante, or Mounin, interested in language text, structuralism, and pragmatics, also examined the process of translating. From this perspective, any translation –whether it is a marketing translation, a medical translation, a legal translation or another type of text– should be considered from the point of view of its fundamental units, that is the word, the syntagm, and the sentence. 5. THE LITERARY APPROACH - The literary approach does not consider that a translation is a linguistic endeavor but instead a literary one. Language has an “energy” revealed through words that is the result of experiencing a culture. This charge is what gives it strength and ultimately, meaning: this is what the translation writer should translate. NOTES IN TRANSLATION 6. THE SEMIOTIC APPROACH - Semiotics is the study of signs and signification. A meaning is the result of a collaboration between a sign, an object, and an interpreter. Thus, from the perspective of semiotics, translation is thought of as a way of interpreting texts in which encyclopedic content varies and each sociocultural context is unique. REFLECTION 1. WHY DO WE NEED TRANSLATION? - Translation is important because it allows individuals who speak different languages to communicate and understand one another. It bridges linguistic boundaries by transforming text or speech from one language to another, allowing people to communicate information, ideas, and emotions across languages. Translation builds harmony, cooperation, and mutual comprehension in our various societies by promoting crosscultural exchange and boosting worldwide collaboration. 2. IN WHAT AREAS DO WE CONSIDER TRANSLATION AS ESSENTIAL? - The translation is essential in many aspects of life. It helps communication between persons who speak various languages. Translation, for example, enables businesses to interact with clients in other nations. Translation aids doctors and patients who do not speak the same language. Legal translation guarantees that the law is understood by everybody. Translation also helps individuals from various cultures communicate and exchange ideas through education, literature, and diplomacy. 3. ACCURACY IN TRANSLATION - The accuracy of translation is important. When we translate, we want to ensure that the original text's meaning is retained and correctly represented in the target language. This means paying close attention to the original material's details, nuances, and context. Translation errors can cause misunderstandings, confusion, and even misinterpretations. To achieve accuracy, translators must have an in-depth understanding of both the languages involved as well as the subject matter. Their objective is to produce an accurate representation of the original content while enabling the intended meaning to show through in the translated language. NOTES IN TRANSLATION Certainly! Let's delve further into each approach and their application in writing and translating, along with examples for better understanding. 1. Sociolinguist Approach: - Definition: The Sociolinguist Approach considers the social and cultural factors that influence language use. It focuses on the language as it is used in real-life contexts, such as informal vs. formal language, dialects, and regional variations. - Application: When using this approach, translators must be mindful of the target audience's sociocultural background to ensure that the translation resonates with them. - Example: English Sentence: "What's up, dude?" Filipino Translation (Sociolinguist Approach): "Kamusta, pare?" (The translator uses informal Filipino language suitable for a casual conversation between friends.) 2. Communicative Approach: - Definition: The Communicative Approach prioritizes effective communication of the main message without being restricted by the exact words of the source text. It aims to convey the intended meaning in a clear and easily understandable manner. - Application: This approach is commonly used in business and everyday communication where clarity and comprehension are essential. - Example: English Sentence: "Could you please pass me the salt?" Filipino Translation (Communicative Approach): "Pwede mo bang ipasa sa akin yung asin?" (The translation conveys the request in a straightforward manner.) 3. Hermeneutic Approach: - Definition: The Hermeneutic Approach focuses on interpreting the deeper meaning and cultural context of the source text to ensure an accurate representation in the target language. It considers the cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions. - Application: This approach is particularly useful for literary and culturally significant texts. - Example: English Sentence: "All that glitters is not gold." NOTES IN TRANSLATION Filipino Translation (Hermeneutic Approach): "Hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto." (The translation retains the metaphorical meaning, using a Filipino cultural reference to convey the message.) 4. Literary Approach: - Definition: The Literary Approach aims to preserve the literary devices, style, and artistic elements of the source text. It focuses on maintaining the original author's tone and creativity in the translation. - Application: This approach is vital when translating poetry, prose, and literary works to keep the essence and beauty of the original text intact. - Example: English Sentence: "She danced with the wind, her hair flowing like a river." Filipino Translation (Literary Approach): "Sumayaw siya kasama ang hangin, ang kanyang buhok ay agos na parang isang ilog." (The translation maintains the poetic imagery of the original sentence.) 5. Linguistic Approach: - Definition: The Linguistic Approach closely examines the grammatical and syntactical structures of both languages to ensure an accurate and precise translation. - Application: This approach is suitable for technical, legal, and scientific texts where accuracy is paramount. - Example: English Sentence: "The conference will commence at 9 AM sharp." Filipino Translation (Linguistic Approach): "Magsisimula ang kumperensya ng 9:00 ng umaga." (The translation retains the precise time mentioned in the original sentence.) 6. Semiotic Approach: - Definition: The Semiotic Approach involves understanding the signs and symbols used in the source text beyond their literal meanings to create an equivalent in the target language. - Application: This approach is often utilized when translating advertisements, logos, or visual materials. - Example: NOTES IN TRANSLATION English Sentence: "A red heart symbolizes love." Filipino Translation (Semiotic Approach): "Ang puso na kulay pula ay simbolo ng pagibig." (The translation considers the semiotic meaning of the red heart.) In summary, the choice of approach depends on the nature of the source text, the target audience, and the desired effect in the translation. A skillful translator may integrate multiple approaches to ensure a comprehensive and accurate rendition of the original text in the target language.
