TRANSLATION METHODS,

STRATEGIES, AND TOOLS

A.

The need for dictionaries

B. The need for a close relationship

between
the theory and practice of
translation

C. From SL into TL
Message:
1. decode
2. encode
understand
translate
interpret
transfer from SL to TL
internalize
feel

Susan Bassnett (96):

Translation involves the transfer of
meaning contained in one set of
language signs into another set of
lg. signs through competent use of
dictionary and grammar.

By translation we generally understand

the rendering of a SL text into TL, so as
to ensure that:
the

surface meaning of the 2 will be

approximately similar

the

structures of the SL will be preserved as

closely as possible but not so closely that the
TL structures will be seriously distorted.

However, it actually means a lot

more:
The process of translating is a hard
task that involves a lot of work,
knowledge and availability of the
translator.

Because:
Edward

Saphir: No 2 languages are

ever sufficiently similar to be
considered as representing the same
social reality. The worlds in which
different societies live are distinct
worlds, not merely the same world with
different labels attached.

Underestimation of translators job

until recently

Recognition of the complexity of the

work

Translation - one of the most widely

spread human activities and concerns all
over the world and of all ages.

Translating = reading into other peoples

secrets, peculiarities not only from the
contents, but from the language as well
you can read into peoples mentalities.
(e.g. Arabic synonyms)

The most common problem raised

by authors of translation studies
refers to the relationship originaltranslation and the possibility or
impossibility of translating from
both the linguistic and the
aesthetic point of view.

The interference between the 2 aspects have

led to the conclusion that translations are both
a matter of science and of art
=>G. Steiner called it an exact art, because:
science is exact and a translation
decoding the message
has to be accurate, it requires precision
of the text to translate
to certain extents (depending on the text)
and even interpreting it

Stages of translating

documentation
attentive reading
more attentive reading
looking out for words (the use of a
dictionary is essential)
internalizing
rough translation
final translation

Purpose: to make a good

translation from the SL, as if it had
been written in the TL; without
noticing that it is a translation
make it as good as the original or
even better

GRAMMATICAL EQUIVALNCE IN
TRANSLATION

THE ENGLISH TENSES - II

III. THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

-

no direct tense equivalence in

Romanian

It is used to express actions taking place

at an indefinite time in the past / close to
the present, but finished at present:
He has taken my advice.

In translation: trecut (perfect compus)

It is used with the following adverbs:

a) today, this week / month / year /

summer etc.
(although the action itself is finished, the period of time
the speaker places it in is not over):

e.g. I have met him twice today. We work

in the same building.

b) just, recently, lately (actions

started in the past and finished
close to the present moment):

e.g. She has just finished her

homework.

c) for (shows how long the action

lasted), since (shows the time when
the action started):
e.g.: I have studied French for 8
years / since 2000 but from now on
Im going to learn German.

d) already, yet (only in negative

sentences):
e.g.:
- Theres no need for you to bring that
book, Ive already read it.
- He hasnt arrived yet; he is late as
usual.

e) often, never, ever (only in negative

sentences):
e.g.:
- Tom has often come to see us lately.
- I have never seen him before. = I
havent ever seen him before.

IV. THE PRESENT PERFECT

CONTINUOUS

It is used to express actions that started

in the past, go on at present and are
likely to continue in future as well. The
Present Perfect Continuous takes the
same adverbs as the Present Perfect
Simple.

e.g.: I have been watching you ever since

the game started and I wont leave till its
over.

In translation: prezent

V. THE PAST TENSE SIMPLE

It expresses finished past actions. Thats

why it often occurs in sentences together
with the time adverbs: yesterday, last
(week, month, time etc.), (a week etc.)
ago.

e.g.: We last saw each other two weeks

ago.
In translation: trecut (perfect compus)

NOTE: USED TO expresses a state or a

repeated action only for the past it has no
present form:

e.g.: When she was young she used to be a

charming woman. Now she looks rather
wrinkled.
WOULD can express (among others) a
repeated action in the past only:
e.g.: When we were children, we would often
listen to such music.

VI. THE PAST TENSE CONTINUOUS

Its use is to express actions in progress at a certain

past moment or during another past action.

E.g.:
Yesterday at 10 a.m. we were attending an English class.
He was having a shower when his sister called.
I was reading while he was listening to music.

In translation: imperfect

VII. THE PAST PERFECT SIMPLE

TENSE

It is used to express a past action anterior

to another past action that is often
mentioned with the help of by or a
subordinate clause.

E.g.: By 10 oclock yesterday we had

already finished the housework.

In translation: mai mult ca perfectul

VIII. THE PAST PERFECT

CONTINUOUS TENSE

This tense is used to express an action

that started before another action or
moment in the past and continues up to
that certain action or moment. It is most
often used with for and since.

E.g.: They had been listening to music for

half an hour when their parents arrived.

In translation: imperfect / mai mult ca

perfectul

Most of the adverbs listed under

The Present Perfect Tenses occur
with the Past Perfect Tenses, too.