Equivalence at word level- the meaning of single words and expressions; Equivalence at word level

The generally accepted translation of the Romanian word horă is in fact an explanation of the word. Unfortunately, in translating it through its explanation, the solar and the sacred implications of this Romanian popular dance are lost, as well as the connections with ancient Greek customs established by means of its etymology (horos).

Strategies used by professional translators

• Strategies used by professional translators

• (d) Translation by paraphrase using a related word

• This strategy is used when the concept expressed by the source item is lexicalized in the target language but in a different form, and when the frequency with which a certain form is used in the source text is significantly higher than would be natural in the target language.

• EXAMPLE:

• The rich and creamy KOLESTRAL-SUPER is easy to apply and has a pleasant fragrance. (English ST)

• Kolestral-super is rich and concentrated in its make-up which gives a product that resembles cream... (back-translation from Arabic)

• EXAMPLE:

• Adjustments in the Member States GNI-based own resources payments ensure that budgeted revenue matches exactly budgeted expenditure. (English ST- from Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the Court of Auditors. Annual accounts of the European Union. Financial year 2009, at http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

• Ajustările plăților statelor membre privind resursele proprii bazate pe VNB garantează corespondența între veniturile și cheltuielile înscrise în buget. (Romanian TT- from Comunicarea Comisiei către Parlamentul European, Consiliu și Curtea de Conturi. Conturi anuale ale Uniunii Europene. Exercițiul financiar 2009, at http://eur-lex.europa.eu)

Strategies used by professional translators

• Strategies used by professional translators

• (e) Translation by paraphrase using unrelated words

• If the concept expressed by the source item is not lexicalized at all in the target language, the paraphrase strategy can still be used in some contexts.

• EXAMPLE:

• In the words of a Lonrho affidavit dated 2 November 1988, the allegations...(English ST- “A secret best seller”, The Independent, November 1988)

• According to the text of a written communication supported by an oath presented by the Lonrho organization and dated 2 November 1988, the allegations... (back-translated from Arabic)

• Romanian: declaraţie prestată sub jurământ

• Advantage: it reaches a high level of precision in specifying the propositional meaning.

• Disadvantage:

• - paraphrase does not have the status of a lexical item and therefore cannot convey expressive, evoked or any other associated meanings

• - awkward to use because it involves filling one-item slot with an explanation consisting of several items.

Strategies used by professional translators

• Strategies used by professional translators

• (f) Translation by omission

• If the meaning conveyed by a particular item or expression is not vital enough to the development of the text to justify distracting the reader with lengthy explanations, translators can and often do simply omit translating the word or expression in question.

• EXAMPLE:

• The panda’s mountain home is rich in plant life and gave us many of the trees, shrubs and herbs most prized in European gardens. (English ST- China’s Panda Reserves)

• The mountain settlements of the panda have rich varieties of plants. There are many kinds of trees, shrubs and herbal plants that are preciously regarded by European gardens. (back-translated from Chinese)

• EXAMPLE:

• Of all the mediums that influence language, I think film is the one that has the most effect. (English ST- from Keep your English up to date- Make my day! by Prof. David Crystal)

• Dintre toate artele care influenţează limbajul, filmul are probabil cel mai mare impact. (Romanian ST- from Cele mai noi expresii din viaţa de zi cu zi at the following address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/romanian/specials/1259_uptodaterom1/page2.shtml)

Strategies used by professional translators

• Strategies used by professional translators

• (g) Translation by illustration

• This is a useful option if the word which lacks an equivalent in the target language refers to a physical entity which can be illustrated, particularly if there are restrictions on space and if the text has to remain short, concise and to the point.

• eg. a figure that appeared on a Lipton Yellow Label tea packet prepared for the Arab market. There is no easy way of translated tagged, as in tagged teabags, into Arabic without going into lengthy explanations which would clutter the text. An illustration of a tagged teabag is therefore used instead of a paraphrase.

What happens when words start combining with other words to form stretches of language

• What happens when words start combining with other words to form stretches of language

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