Questions and Answers
Who is the author of the publication on the history of translation?
Dr. Datta G. Sawant
What is considered the most ancient work of translation?
Which Roman translator translated Homer's Odyssey into Latin?
Livius Andronicus's translation of Homer was the first literary translation in history.
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Which period does Steiner associate with the history of translation that covers translations from Valery to the 1960s?
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How many versions of the Bible have been created over time?
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The history of translation is divided into four periods according to _____.
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Study Notes
History of Translation
- Translation history is significant across various languages and cultures, proceeding from ancient times to the present.
- George Steiner divided the history of translation into four key periods:
- First period: Roman translators like Cicero and Horace.
- Second period: Extending up to the work of Valery.
- Third period: Spanning from Valery to the 1960s.
- Fourth period: 1960s to present.
- The origins of translation date back to 3000 B.C. with the Rosetta Stone, an ancient translation artifact from the second century B.C.
- Livius Andronicus translated "Homer’s Odyssey" into Latin (240 B.C.), marking a pivotal moment in literary translation; only fragments of this work survive.
- Livius approached translation as an artistic process, seeking to preserve the original's artistic quality while adapting it for a new audience.
- Roman literary culture advanced due to translations, with Livius introducing innovations in Latin poetry, such as archaizing forms for a more solemn tone.
- Key challenges faced by Livius included the need to reinterpret phrases unsuitable for Roman culture, maintaining fidelity to Homer’s intent while altering untranslatable concepts.
- Prominent figures in later Roman translation theory included Quintilian, Cicero, Horace, Catullus, and Younger Pliny, who emphasized distinctions between 'word for word' and 'sense for sense' translation.
- The translation of the Bible catalyzed significant advancements in translation practices, with efforts spanning over two millennia into more than 2,000 languages.
- Early translations of parts of the Bible into English can be traced back to the seventh century, predating John Wycliffe's significant work in the 14th century.
- The Bible holds the record as the most translated book globally, with over 450 complete versions developed over time.
- As of 2005, at least one book of the Bible was translated into 2,400 of the 6,900 languages identified by the SIL.
- Geographical distribution of Bible translations includes:
- 680 languages in Africa
- 590 in Asia
- 420 in Oceania
- 420 in Latin America and the Caribbean
- 210 in Europe
- 75 in North America
- The United Bible Societies are actively involved in over 600 Bible translation projects today, ensuring broad accessibility across languages.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts discussed in the article 'History of Translation' by Dr. Datta G. Sawant. This quiz covers various aspects of translation throughout history, including significant figures and methodologies. Perfect for students of translation studies and linguistics.
