Introduction to Translation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of translation according to Newmark's definition?

Rendering the meaning of a text into another language (correct)

Adapting the language to fit the target audience

Conveying the cultural context of the original text

Preserving the original tone of the author's voice

What aspect of the text does Newmark's definition suggest is crucial to consider during translation?

The historical period of the original text

The author's intended meaning (correct)

The author's writing style

The cultural context of the target audience

What is implied by Newmark's definition of translation as 'rendering the meaning of a text into another language'?

The translation should be a literal word-for-word translation

The translation should be done solely by machine translation tools

The translation should prioritize the original text's wording over meaning

The translation should focus on conveying the original meaning (correct)

According to Newmark's definition, what is the purpose of translation?

To convey the original meaning of the text in another language Signup and view all the answers

What does Newmark's definition of translation imply about the role of the translator?

The translator should faithfully convey the author's intended meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of translation according to Hatim and Munday?

The process of transferring a written text from source language to target language Signup and view all the answers

What is the target language (TL) in the translation process?

The language into which the text is being translated Signup and view all the answers

According to Catford, what is involved in the translation process?

The replacement of textual material in one language by equivalent textual material in another language Signup and view all the answers

What is the source language (SL) in the translation process?

The language of the original text Signup and view all the answers

Who defined translation as the replacement of textual material in one language by equivalent textual material in another language?

Catford Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the translation process?

Communication between cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying assumption of translation?

Languages are carriers of their respective cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the translation process?

Communication between cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of translation that goes beyond language transfer?

Cultural nuance and connotation Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between language and culture in translation?

Language is a carrier of culture Signup and view all the answers

Before the introduction of the printing press, what was the dominant language used in written texts?

Latin Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated literacy rate before the introduction of the printing press?

Few people could read Signup and view all the answers

What innovation had an impact on the spread of written texts?

The development of the printing press Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of using Latin in written texts?

To facilitate communication across languages Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the rarity of written texts before the printing press?

They were rare Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in the approach to translation in the nineteenth century?

A more scientific approach was brought to bear on translation Signup and view all the answers

What type of texts were considered to require accurate translation?

Certain types of texts Signup and view all the answers

What was the attitude towards translating certain texts in the nineteenth century?

They should not be translated at all Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the approach to translation in the nineteenth century?

A focus on scientific methodology Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the new approach to translation in the nineteenth century?

A clearer understanding of translation requirements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions of Translation

Newmark defines translation as rendering a text's meaning into another language while retaining the author's intentions.
Hatim and Munday describe translation as the process of transferring a written text from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL).
Catford argues that translation is about replacing textual material in one language (SL) with equivalent material in another language (TL).
Translation is not merely about language transfer; it also involves cultural communication between different languages.

Impact of Printing on Translation and Language

Before the invention of the printing press, literacy rates were low, and most texts were in Latin.
The printing press democratized access to written materials, facilitating wider communication and the need for translations.

Brief History of Translation Discipline

In the 19th century, translation scholarship adopted a more scientific perspective, emphasizing accuracy in translating certain text types.
A distinction emerged suggesting that some texts should be translated accurately, while others may not be suitable for translation at all.

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Description

Test your understanding of the basics of translation, including definitions, mediums, and history. Learn about Newmark's definition of translation and more.