Translation studiesLesson 1 of 1 in the course Translation theory

Translation: Equivalence, Professional Practice, Tools, and Applications

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Translation makes communication possible across languages by carrying the meaning of a source text into a target language. This lesson introduces the basic terms, origins, and long-standing distinction between literal and freer approaches.

Translation communicates the meaning of a text written in a source language by producing an equivalent text in a target language. Equivalence does not necessarily mean that every word has a one-to-one match. Languages differ in vocabulary, grammar, word order, and cultural associations, so a translator must make choices to preserve meaning in a form that works for the target audience.

All flashcards

What is translation?
Communicating the meaning of a source-language text through an equivalent text in a target language.
What are source and target languages?
The source language is translated from; the target language is translated into.
What is metaphrase?
A close, often word-for-word approach to rendering a text.
What is paraphrase?
A freer restatement that conveys meaning with different wording.
What is a calque?
An expression formed by translating the parts of a source expression into the target language.

Quiz questions

  1. What does dynamic equivalence prioritize in translation?Answer: The source's essential meaning and effect for target readers.
  2. Why might a literary translator preserve ambiguity in a passage?Answer: The ambiguity may be intentional and contribute to the work's effect.
  3. Which statement distinguishes computer-assisted translation from machine translation?Answer: Computer-assisted translation supports a human translator; machine translation generates target text automatically.
  4. What is a defining feature of sworn translation?Answer: It is regulated document translation intended to establish legal equivalence.
  5. What can support accuracy in technical translation?Answer: Consistent terminology and consultation with subject specialists.

Based on the Wikipedia article Translation, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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