INTRODUCTION TO TRANSLATION

GALO BARAHONA

Read the case study. Investigate more on the translation assessment criteria used by the two
institutions mentioned. Comment on possible discrepancies regarding "literal translation".

Upload a three-hundred word personal criteria on the issue covered.

The assessment criteria offered by The Chartered Institute of Linguists’ (CIoL) mention
accuracy as a main point for assessing translations. It is important to point out that
accuracy does not mean translate word for word, but communicating the meaning of
the content as much as possible; consisting of correct transfer of information and
complete comprehension. Accuracy is also stated in the last point considering
punctuation to keep the flow of the writing process and to follow the patterns of
speech.

The translator has to have a great deal of knowledge in vocabulary as follows idioms,
phrasal verbs, slang and a wide understanding and use of terminology in different
fields. in order to choose the correct words.

Although there are straight policies to translate a document, translated documents

contain errors; unnatural ones. This might be due to the interest of translators use a
literal way of translating a document. It can be seen when they alter sentence
structures and enliven the English language.

UNESCO assessment criteria state how important is to keep old metaphors of

translation to keep the content richness no matter the modern content being
translated. The translator can apply his own comprehension of the content and put
aside special words in the translated language. Whereas in the third point the
translator is free to use different approaches and apply their own knowledge in
translating documents. The text should be readable to such an extent that avoids
misinterpretation.

Although both institutions ask for accuracy, translated documents go towards literary
translation so as to move the reader towards the author.