THEORY OF TRANSLATION

Part 1:
1. What is SL? What is TL?
- SL is the language of the text that is to be translated
- TL is the language of the translated text
2. What is the difference between interpretation and translation?
Most people think that translation and interpretation are the same thing and
that the mere knowledge of a language implies the ability to go from one
language to another. Translation implies carefully analyzing the message
given within the context of a particular linguistic code and transferring this
message into another written linguistic code. Interpretation, on the other
hand, means doing the same but orally and simultaneously.
3. Talk about the relationship between language and culture in
translation. Give one example.
- No language can exist unless it is steeped in the context of culture;
and no culture can exist which does not have at its center, the structure of
natural language.
- Language, then, is the heart within the body of culture, and it is the
interaction between the two that results in the continuation of life-energy. In
the same way that the surgeon, operating on the heart. cannot neglect the
body that surrounds it, so the translator treats the text in isolation from the
culture at his peril
For example, the English we use today is very different from the English of
the past. Similarly, there are many variations between old and modern
western cultures.
4. What is word for word translation? Give one example
- Word-for-word translation is preserved word order, the word
translated singly, out of context.
Example: intelligent that child is (SL) -> đứa trẻ đó thông minh (TL)
5. What is free translation? Give one example
- Free translation is preserved the contend with out form, paraphase.
Example: It was the pleading cry of a strong man in distress (SL) -> Đó là
tiếng kêu vang của một người hùng lúc sa cơ (TL)
6. What is Equivalence in translation? Give one example
- Equivalence is defined as a relationship existing between two entities, and
the relationship is depicted as one of likeness/ sameness/ similarity/ equality
in terms of any of a number of potential qualities. (Halverson 1977:207-210)

Example: sushi, pizza, internet, nano, Bánh Chưng= Chung Cake/Banh

Chung.

7. What is Loss in translation? Give one example.

- The disappearance of certain features in the target language text which
are present in the source language text.
Example: Hands up, buddy! (SL) -> giơ tay lên (TL) (loss in words)
8. What is Gain in translation? Give one example.
- The enrichment or clarification of the source language text in the process
of translation.
Example: So! The famous reporter! -> Chào phóng viên nổi tiếng! (gain in
words)
9. What is untranslatability? Give one example.
- Untranslatability is a property of a text or of any utterance in SL for which
no equivalent text or utterance can be found in TL.
Example: Karaoke, facebook, kilt…
Trời tối rồi mình đi về heng?
Học xong tụi mình đi ăn chè nhá!

10. List some factors the translator should consider during translating
process.
(1) Reading the text
(2) The intention of the text
(3) The intention of the translator
(4) Text styles
(5) The readership
(6) Stylistic scales
(7) Attitude
(8) Setting
(9) The quality of the writing
(10) Connotations and denotations
(11) The last reading
11. List some principles for translation?
(1) Meaning: the translation should reflect accurately the meaning of the
original text.
(2) Form: The ordering of words and ideas in translation should match the
original as closely as possible.
(3) Register: Languages differ greatly in their levels of formality in a given
context. The translator must distinguish between formal or fixed
expressions and personal expressions.
(4) Source language influence: It should sound natural, natural patterns
should be suggested.
(5) Style and clarity: The translator sholud not change the style of the
original. But if the text is sloppily written, or full of tedious repetitions, the
translator may, correct the defects.
(6) Idiom: Idiomatic expressions should be adapted.
12. List some Codes of ethics in Language Services?
(1) Confidentiality: bảo mật
 Shall not disclosed confidential information without authorzation
(2) Impartiality: Công bằng
 Show no preference or bias to any party involved in the interpreted
encounter
(3) No conflict of interest: Không có xung đột lợi ích
 Perform their professional duties within their prescribed role and
refrain from personal involvement.
(4) Accuracy: Độ chính xác
 Render all messages in their entirely accurately, as faithful as possible
and to the best of their ability.
(5) Professionalism: Tính chuyên nghiệp
 Act in a professional and ethical manner at all times
(6) Continuing competence: Theo đuổi sự phát triển chuyên nghiệp
 Broaden understanding of topics and maintain the delivery of quality
interpertation
(7) Limitation of practice: Giới hạn của thực hành
 Speak up and/or recuse yourself if a matter is beyond your knowledge
or ability.
Part 2
1. Translation is the process of conveying messages across linguistic and
cultural barriers. (Ian Tudor)
2. Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (SL)
by equivalent textual material in another language (TL). (JC Catford)
3. Translation is rendering the meaning of a text into language in the way
that the author intended the text. (Peter Newmark)
4. Prepared translation involves the preparation if a trasnslation outside
of class and it is then constructively criticized by both students and
teacher.
5. Sight translation includes an immediate, oral rendition based on a
written text.
6. Consecutive interpretation is the process of listening to a speech or
lecture in one language and at a certain moment, transcribing and
summariing it orally, in another languagr. The time lapse between the
speech and your interpretation varies.
7. Simultaneous interpretation involves the immediate, simultaneous
interpretation of what is being said into another language.
8.
Formality Scales Examples
The consumption of any nutriments whatsoever is
Officialese
categorically prohibited in this establishment.
Official The consumption of nutriments is prohibited.
Formal You are requested not to consume food in this
establishment
Neutral Eating is not allowed here
Informal Please don't eat here
Colloquial You can't feed your face here.
Slang Lay off the nosh
Taboo Lay off the fucking nosh

Primary schools Trường tiểu học

Public schools Trường công
Public works Công trình công cộng
Public conveniences Nhà vệ sinh công cộng
Public facilities Phương tiện công cộng
Cat Association Hiệp hội mèo
Bottle shop Cửa hàng bán rượu
Travelator Vỉa hè di động
B-Y-O (Bring your own) Mang theo chai của riêng bạn
Lay-by Điểm dừng xe
World book day Ngày sách và bản quyền thế giới
Blue music
First footer Người xông đất
A parking-meter Đồng hồ tính tiền đậu xe