Literary and Technical Translation PDF

In this session, we explored the differences between literary and technical translation. Here's a summary of the main points covered: 1. Literary Translation involves translating works like novels, poetry, and nonfiction. Translators need to adapt the text while preserving the original mea...

In this session, we explored the differences between literary and technical translation. Here's a summary of the main points covered: 1. Literary Translation involves translating works like novels, poetry, and nonfiction. Translators need to adapt the text while preserving the original meaning, cultural context, and the author's style. This requires a deep understanding of the source text, as well as the ability to creatively reinterpret it for a new language and audience. 2. Translation Process: A professional literary translator must first understand the meaning and ideas behind the text, then adapt it to the target language while preserving the author’s intent, emotions, and style. Translating literary texts is often seen as an art form because it requires attention to detail, including the preservation of authorial style and cultural references. 3. Context of Situation & Intercultural Mediation: Literary translators must consider not only the words but also the broader context in which the text was written. They also engage in intercultural mediation to make sure that cultural references are understood in the target culture. This process might involve transcreation, where the translator adapts the text to avoid misunderstandings or offense in the new cultural context. 4. Challenges of Literary Translation: Translating literary features like metaphors and cultural allusions can be especially difficult. Translators need to strike a balance between being faithful to the source and adapting the style and meaning appropriately. This can sometimes lead to transformative translations, where the text is modified to fit the target culture, though this can be controversial. 5. Types of Literary Texts: The three main types of literary texts translated are: o Prose: Relatively straightforward but still requires careful attention to style and meaning. o Dramatic Texts (Plays): More challenging due to the need to preserve the dialogue and the context of the performance. o Poetry: The most time-intensive and complex due to its form, rhyme, and abstract nature. Translating poetry often involves tough decisions about how to balance fidelity to the original and the form of the poem in the target language. 6. Technical vs. Literary Translation: While technical translation (e.g., scientific or legal documents) may be more predictable and straightforward, literary translation presents more challenges due to the creative and cultural nuances involved. Some translators prefer technical texts because they are more structured, while others enjoy the artistic nature of literary translation, even though it is more difficult. Finally, the session concluded by introducing the question of which type of translation is easier, with a suggestion that some translators may prefer technical translation due to its clarity, especially when dealing with difficult figures of speech or abstract concepts in literary works. The session closed with a video on why translating literature is sometimes impossible, highlighting the intricacies and challenges of literary translation. In this part of the session, we focused on technical translation, which differs significantly from literary translation. Technical translation typically involves translating reports, instructions, manuals, and other materials aimed at a specific audience, often in specialized fields like engineering, medicine, or technology. Key points discussed: 1. Specialization and Research: Unlike literary translation, technical translation demands a deep understanding of the specific terminology used in a particular field. The translator must conduct thorough research to ensure accurate use of technical vocabulary and concepts. 2. Training and Expertise: Professional technical translators usually undergo specialized education in both the target language and the subject matter. After completing their training, translators often choose a specific type of text to specialize in, such as technical, legal, medical, or literary translation. Specialization leads to better translation outcomes and more precise translations. 3. Less Emphasis on Style: In contrast to literary translation, the style of the text is not as crucial in technical translation. The focus is primarily on clarity, accuracy, and precision to ensure the intended message is communicated effectively to the target audience. Overall, technical translation requires specialized knowledge in both language and field, while literary translation emphasizes preserving the author's style and emotional tone.