Scientific and Technical Register in Translation
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the article regarding scientific and technical (ST) register?

  • Analysis of lexical features in scientific texts
  • The historical evolution of scientific terminology
  • Cross-cultural variance in author-reader relationships (correct)
  • Techniques for writing concise technical reports

How does the article characterize the arrangement of information within ST register?

  • It prioritizes technical terminology over narrative structure.
  • It contrasts 'given' information with 'new' information. (correct)
  • It follows a strict chronological order regardless of culture.
  • It focuses solely on sentence length and complexity.

What does the article identify as a potential translation problem in ST register?

  • Ambiguity in technical jargon used in different languages.
  • Inconsistencies in punctuation across cultures.
  • Cross-cultural differences in information sequencing. (correct)
  • Variability in font styles among scientific documents.

What kind of examples does the article primarily use to illustrate its points?

<p>English-German co-translation of Economics texts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the discussion regarding translations of Freud's works?

<p>The scientific understanding of the unconscious in translations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding the ST register as suggested by the article?

<p>It transforms technical and scientific registers into accessible translation problems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best characterizes the difference in readability between English and German scientific texts?

<p>English scientific texts are considered more accessible and less theoretical than German ones. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'register' entail according to the discussed literature?

<p>It denotes a variety of language correlated with social roles and contexts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied as a limitation of the translations of Freud's work into English?

<p>They overlook the necessary shift to a more reader-oriented register. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern regarding the use of scientific language and its accessibility in translations?

<p>The balance between technical terminology and reader-friendly language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Scientific and Technical (ST) Register

A specialized language used in scientific and technical fields, focusing on clarity and precision in conveying information.

Verbal Repertory

The specific language choices made by a speaker or writer to adapt to a particular communication situation. In ST register, this involves selecting terms and style appropriate for the scientific or technical field.

Lexical Features Analysis

Analysis of ST register often focuses on word frequency, distribution, and formation patterns, particularly in terms of specialized vocabulary.

Syntactic Features Analysis

Focusing on the grammatical structure of ST texts, including the use of function words, verb tenses, and sentence complexity. This analysis helps understand how language is organized in scientific and technical communication.

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Parole Phenomena Analysis

A study of the use of language in actual communication situations, including its structure, functions, and social contexts.

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Information Dynamics and Information Packaging

The study of how information is organized and presented in a text. This includes factors like emphasis, clarity, and the flow of information.

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Cross-Cultural Comparisons in ST Texts

Comparing ST texts across different languages to understand cultural variations in scientific communication and identify potential translation challenges.

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Translation of Scientific and Technical Texts

The process of translating ST texts from one language to another, taking into account the specific language features and communication conventions of each language.

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Information Packaging

The specific way that information is organized and presented in a text, which can vary across languages and influence how readers understand the information.

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Translation Problems arising from ST Register Differences

The potential for the language used in ST texts to create challenges in translation because of different conventions and author-reader relationships across languages.

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Study Notes

Scientific and Technical Register in Translation

  • Scientific and technical (ST) register has been extensively treated as a specific feature of Languages for Special Purposes (LSP).
  • Traditionally, ST register descriptions have focused on lexical-terminological and syntactic levels, usually not extending beyond the sentence level.
  • ST register is closely linked to the function of ST texts.
  • ST register reflects varying author-reader relationships and conventions.
  • Contrasting descriptions of ST register discourse phenomena are crucial for understanding and addressing translation problems.

Defining Scientific and Technical Register

  • There is confusion in defining register in general.
  • Ulijn's definition of register emphasizes its adaptability to ST texts.
  • ST register involves a verbal repertory chosen by the speaker or writer to suit the specific communication situation.
  • ST register aims to convey technical and scientific information with clarity and precision.

Describing Scientific and Technical Register

  • Most ST register research has focused on systems- or langue-oriented approaches, analyzing lexical features like term frequency, distribution, and formation patterns.
  • Syntactic analysis has identified the more frequent use of function words, participles, infinitives, and the present tense in ST texts.
  • ST texts typically have longer sentences, more frequent nominalizations, and a higher prevalence of the passive voice.
  • Systematic comparative studies on the discourse level are scarce due to a lack of linguistic criteria for description.
  • Comparative studies are essential for translation, as they reveal cross-cultural differences in ST texts.
  • ST register analysis should encompass parole phenomena, which are essential for translation.
  • Identifying and describing discourse phenomena in ST register, particularly Information Dynamics and Information Packaging, is crucial for understanding differing author-reader conventions.

English-German Comparisons in Scientific and Technical Register

  • English ST texts are often considered easier to read than their German counterparts, potentially due to their less theoretical and abstract nature.
  • The differences in author-reader relationships and conventions can pose challenges for translation.
  • Examples from Samuelson & Nordhaus, Economics, highlight potential translation problems arising from different information packaging approaches.
  • This study focuses on English ST register in economics and explores possible German equivalents.

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Description

Explore the complexities of the scientific and technical register in translation. This quiz examines the unique features of languages for special purposes, including lexical and syntactic considerations. Understand how ST register influences author-reader dynamics and translation challenges.

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