Drama Translation Principles and Strategies
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Questions and Answers

What is the main objective of translating a play for the stage?

  • To focus solely on linguistic accuracy.
  • To create an entirely new storyline.
  • To recreate meaning for both text and performance. (correct)
  • To change the words without altering the meaning.
  • Who plays a significant role alongside the translator during the theatrical translation process?

  • The playwright only.
  • The audience's interpreters.
  • Other translators from different languages.
  • Actors and the director. (correct)
  • What must a translator provide to aid the transition from paper to performance?

  • A list of characters only.
  • A word-for-word translation.
  • Explanatory notes as extratextual clues. (correct)
  • A summary of the play's plot.
  • In what context is candomblé mentioned in the content?

    <p>As an example of a cultural element to explain in translations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of dramas are often adapted instead of translated?

    <p>Farces and light comedies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be the translator's focus when adapting humor or satire in a play?

    <p>To retain the humorous or satirical effect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are retranslations of classics commissioned for new productions?

    <p>To better suit contemporary audiences and their interpretations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied as a challenge for the translator in the process described?

    <p>Successfully conveying cultural references and subtleties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of theatrical translation from the perspective of the spectator?

    <p>Speakability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of rendering allows for significant liberties, such as cuts and style changes, while being based on the original text?

    <p>Adaptation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Victor Dixon, which type of rendering can honestly be called a translation?

    <p>Correct and cogent rendering (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the fifth type of rendering, termed 'variation', from other types of translations?

    <p>It is presented as a new creation inspired by the original. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must sometimes yield to the reality of actors delivering lines in a convincing manner?

    <p>Theatrical style (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Eric Bentley suggest about a play in 'The Life of the Drama'?

    <p>It exists in both written text and performed script forms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of rendering is characterized by its meanly literal translation style, often referred to as Pidgin English?

    <p>Literal rendering (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the translator's primary duty when translating a theatrical play?

    <p>To produce a version that honors both the written text and the performed script. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Speakability in Drama Translation

    Translating for the stage requires unique considerations compared to other genres, with 'speakability' being paramount, meaning actors have to be able to deliver lines convincingly, naturally, and efficiently.

    Fidelity vs. Speakability

    The fidelity of a translation is less important than how easily actors can deliver the lines on stage.

    Pidgin English Translation

    A type of drama translation that focuses on strict literalism, resulting in awkward and unnatural language.

    Concise and Cogent Translation

    A type of drama translation that prioritizes clear and understandable English while remaining faithful to the original script.

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    Dramatic Adaptation

    A type of drama translation that takes liberties with the original script, making cuts, adding scenes, and altering style and tone.

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    Variation in Drama Translation

    A type of drama translation where the original work is used as inspiration, resulting in a significantly different play, almost a creation of its own.

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    Genuine Drama Translations

    While adaptations and variations can be performed, only translations that faithfully represent the source material without significant alterations can be truly considered translations.

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    Dual Nature of a Play

    A play exists as both a written text and a performed script, emphasizing the importance of translating considering both aspects.

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    Translation for the Stage

    In play translation, the goal is not just to change words but to recreate meaning that works both as written text and live performance, considering both text and performance aspects.

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    Translator's Invisible Collaborators

    The translator collaborates with actors and directors to make implicit elements in the original text explicit for the audience.

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    Extratextual Clues

    The translator provides notes to explain cultural references and paraverbal elements in the original text, making the text accessible to the target audience.

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    Culture's Role in Translation

    The translator needs to carefully consider the cultural context of the original play and provide appropriate information for the target audience.

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    Translator as Dramaturge

    The translator's role extends beyond the text to include active participation in rehearsals, ensuring the play is accurately and effectively staged.

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    Adaptation vs. Translation

    Light dramas, like farces, are often adapted rather than literally translated, focusing on preserving the humor and overall effect of the play.

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    Retranslations of Classics

    Classic plays are often retranslated for new productions, ensuring the text is accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

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    Textual Modifications in Translation

    Textual modifications are often necessary to ensure that the translated play retains its intended effect, even if it means altering the original text.

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    Study Notes

    Drama Translation: Principles and Strategies

    • Drama translation differs significantly from other genres, prioritizing speakability from the audience's perspective.
    • Meaning, fidelity, and precision are secondary to the play's ability to be delivered convincingly and naturally by actors.
    • Style in drama translation may need to adjust to the actors' needs.
    • Eric Bentley identified four types of "translations":
      • Literal rendering: Using Pidgin English—extremely literal, often sacrificing vocabulary and style for an exact word-for-word rendering..
      • Correct/convincing English: Preserves accuracy and fluency in the target language, staying close to the original. Adaptability is prioritized here.
      • Adaptations: Can involve significant changes in style, tone, or omission of material to improve the target language version's impact.
      • Variations: May be seen as more creative writing than translation, heavily altering the original play to make it feel unique or different. The focus is on fresh expression or adaptation.
    • Victor Dixon noted that all but the first type of translation potentially can be performed. However, the second translation is the only translation method that honors fidelity to the original work while staying true to its source material.
    • Plays exist as both a written text and a performance. The translator's job is to make the translated version feel as impactful as a performed work.
    • A translator needs to consider the culture-specific elements and paraverbal elements of the original, which then needs to be reconstituted or recreated in the new language.
    • Light dramas like comedies (farces) are often adapted rather than translated. The focus in these types of translations is retaining the play's core humor or other effects.
    • Retranslations are often commissioned for new productions of existing classics.
    • Students intending to translate drama should study successful translated plays within the target language and existing translated works from successful play translators.
    • Exercises to better understand drama translation include reading a Turkish translation of a play in English, and deciding if the Turkish translator was accurate to the original work, and also translating an English play into Turkish, applying the tips for translating drama. Conversely, translating a Turkish play into English can be used as another tool for practicing the principles of drama translation.

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    Description

    Explore the essential principles and strategies of drama translation in this quiz. Understand the significance of speakability and the various types of translations identified by Eric Bentley, including literal rendering, convincing English, adaptations, and variations. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of how to effectively translate drama for performance.

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