TRANSLATION METHODS, STRATEGIES, AND TOOLS

The need for dictionaries

B. The need for a close relationship between the theory and practice of translation

C. From SL into TLMessage: 1. decode2. encode understand translate interpret transfer from SL to TL internalize feel

Susan Bassnett (96):

Translation involves the transfer of meaning contained in one set of language signs into another set of lg. signs through competent use of dictionary and grammar.

By translation we generally understand the rendering of a SL text into TL, so as to ensure that:

the surface meaning of the 2 will be approximately similar

the structures of the SL will be preserved as closely as possible but not so closely that the TL structures will be seriously distorted.

However, it actually means a lot more:

The process of translating is a hard task that involves a lot of work, knowledge and availability of the translator.

Because: Edward Saphir: No 2 languages are ever sufficiently similar to be considered as representing the same social reality. The worlds in which different societies live are distinct worlds, not merely the same world with different labels attached.

Underestimation of translators job until recently

Recognition of the complexity of the work

Translation - one of the most widely spread human activities and concerns all over the world and of all ages.

Translating = reading into other peoples secrets, peculiarities not only from the contents, but from the language as well you can read into peoples mentalities. (e.g. Arabic synonyms)

The most common problem raised by authors of translation studies refers to the relationship original-translation and the possibility or impossibility of translating from both the linguistic and the aesthetic point of view.

The interference between the 2 aspects have led to the conclusion that translations are both a matter of science and of art

=>G. Steiner called it an exact art, because:science is exact and a translation decoding the message has to be accurate, it requires precision of the text to translateto certain extents (depending on the text) and even interpreting it

Stages of translatingdocumentationattentive readingmore attentive readinglooking out for words (the use of a dictionary is essential)internalizingrough translationfinal translation

Purpose: to make a good translation from the SL, as if it had been written in the TL; without noticing that it is a translation make it as good as the original or even better

GRAMMATICAL EQUIVALNCE IN TRANSLATION

THE ENGLISH TENSES - II

III. THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE no direct tense equivalence in Romanian

It is used to express actions taking place at an indefinite time in the past / close to the present, but finished at present:

He has taken my advice.

In translation: trecut (perfect compus)

It is used with the following adverbs:

a) today, this week / month / year / summer etc.

(although the action itself is finished, the period of time the speaker places it in is not over):

e.g.I have met him twice today. We work in the same building.

b) just, recently, lately (actions started in the past and finished close to the present moment):

e.g. She has just finished her homework.

c) for (shows how long the action lasted), since (shows the time when the action started):

e.g.: I have studied French for 8 years / since 2000 but from now on Im going to learn German.

d) already, yet (only in negative sentences):e.g.: - Theres no need for you to bring that book, Ive already read it.

- He hasnt arrived yet; he is late as usual.

e) often, never, ever (only in negative sentences):

e.g.:- Tom has often come to see us lately.

- I have never seen him before. = I havent ever seen him before.

IV. THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUSIt is used to express actions that started in the past, go on at present and are likely to continue in future as well. The Present Perfect Continuous takes the same adverbs as the Present Perfect Simple.

e.g.: I have been watching you ever since the game started and I wont leave till its over.

In translation: prezent

V. THE PAST TENSE SIMPLEIt expresses finished past actions. Thats why it often occurs in sentences together with the time adverbs: yesterday, last (week, month, time etc.), (a week etc.) ago.

e.g.: We last saw each other two weeks ago.

In translation: trecut (perfect compus)

NOTE: USED TO expresses a state or a repeated action only for the past it has no present form:

e.g.:When she was young she used to be a charming woman. Now she looks rather wrinkled.

WOULD can express (among others) a repeated action in the past only:

e.g.: When we were children, we would often listen to such music.

VI. THE PAST TENSE CONTINUOUS

Its use is to express actions in progress at a certain past moment or during another past action.

E.g.:Yesterday at 10 a.m. we were attending an English class.

He was having a shower when his sister called.

I was reading while he was listening to music.

In translation: imperfect

VII. THE PAST PERFECT SIMPLE TENSEIt is used to express a past action anterior to another past action that is often mentioned with the help of by or a subordinate clause.

E.g.: By 10 oclock yesterday we had already finished the housework.

In translation: mai mult ca perfectul

VIII. THE PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSEThis tense is used to express an action that started before another action or moment in the past and continues up to that certain action or moment. It is most often used with for and since.E.g.: They had been listening to music for half an hour when their parents arrived.

In translation: imperfect / mai mult ca perfectul

Most of the adverbs listed under The Present Perfect Tenses occur with the Past Perfect Tenses, too.