Prose translation

L1>L2
Traditional approach: grammar translation
• The use of translation for language learning.
• To focus students’ attention on different aspects of morphology and
syntax.
• To give students grammatical rules and some examples on a particular
grammatical topic.
Prose translation as a learning process
• To produce a meaningful text in the target language by:
• Using appropriate language (vocabulary and syntax).
• Using parallel texts.
• Focusing on meaning and the message you want to convey.
Using parallel texts
• A basic pedagogical principle – it shows students how to do
something before being asked to do them themselves.
• One of the best ways to do this is to use a parallel text which allows a
contrastive analysis of the two languages.
• Parallel texts show how translators can set about their task,
prompting questions such as:
• Why has this been done?
• Why would a literal translation not have worked?
• What is missing?
Using parallel texts
• Apart from lexical and grammatical points, students can look for
differences in tone, style and register.
• Importance of collaborative work and getting feedback, both from the
teacher and students’ peers.
• Emphasis on the fact that there is always more than one correct
version.
• What is of key importance: the message that translators should be
seeking to convey.
Advantages of group preparation
• Knowledge is pooled.
• Everyone has a chance to produce a decent piece of work, therefore
increasing motivation amongst even the weaker ones in the group.
• Students are faced with alternatives, and selecting the most
appropriate is an invaluable learning process.
• The weaker benefit from collaboration with their more able peers.
• Both teacher and students focus on specific areas of weakness.
How to carry out the translation task
• Read the original text carefully.
• Focus on particular difficulties in the target language: vocabulary,
expressions, grammatical structures, etc.
• Look for solutions in parallel texts.
• Negotiate solutions and meaning in your group.
• Produce a first draft, focussing more on meaning/message than
grammar.
• Proofread your first draft and improve it. Always prefer short
sentences (maximum 2-3 lines) than long and complex structures.