This essay is about the difficulties which a translator has to face when translating texts of different genres and the strategies he or she can use to overcome them. Depending on the audience, the medium it is published in and of course the genre of the text, there are different strategies needed to translate texts. The three texts which are to discuss here, a set of instructions, an advert and an encyclopedia entry, are from different genres and therefore need to be handled differently in a translation. The purpose and the readership of a target text strongly influence the way a source text has to be translated. Hervey, Higgins and Longridge (1996:155) claim that “target texts are purpose-made texts, their manner of formulation heavily influenced, both strategically and in detail, by who and what they are intended for.”
For all three of the discussed text genres, it is advisable for the translator to do some research on the specific topic and read a few parallel texts. Hervey, Higgins and Longridge (1996: 157) recommend translators to “do not produce target texts without having first built up a knowledge of the style of specimen target language texts in the appropriate language.”
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Essay 1: A comparative discussion
- Text 1: Instructions for using a finger bandage applicator
- Text 2: An advert for Sainsbury's supermarket
- Text 3: Encyclopedia entry on Hydrogen Fuel Cell
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the challenges translators face when working with texts from different genres and explores strategies for overcoming these difficulties. The author focuses on three specific examples: instructions, advertisements, and encyclopedia entries.- The importance of genre-specific translation strategies
- The impact of target audience and purpose on translation decisions
- The role of cultural context and background knowledge in translation
- The challenges of translating idioms, wordplay, and technical terminology
- The distinction between communicative and semantic translation approaches
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The essay begins by introducing the challenges of translating texts from different genres, emphasizing the need for tailored translation strategies depending on the target audience, publication medium, and genre. The author highlights the importance of understanding the purpose and intended readership of the target text.
- The first text discussed is a set of instructions for using a finger bandage applicator. The author explores the challenges of translating technical language, register, and cultural conventions. They discuss the importance of clarity, accuracy, and comprehensibility in this genre and the need to consider the target culture's expectations regarding explicitness.
- The second text analyzed is a Sainsbury's advertisement for cheese. The author focuses on the challenges of translating idioms, wordplay, and cultural references in advertising. They argue that a strictly literal translation is often inappropriate and suggest using a communicative approach to find equivalent effects in the target language. They also highlight the difficulties of translating culturally specific references.
- The third text is an encyclopedia entry on hydrogen fuel cells. The author discusses the challenges of translating technical terminology and the need to ensure that the target audience has the necessary background knowledge. They emphasize the importance of a semantic translation approach to accurately convey factual information and technical details. The author also discusses the potential need to add explanations for cultural or knowledge gaps between the source and target languages.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores key themes in translation theory, specifically focusing on the challenges and strategies associated with translating texts from different genres. The author emphasizes the significance of genre-specific translation approaches, cultural considerations, and the careful selection of translation strategies, including communicative and semantic translation. The essay also touches upon the importance of research, parallel text analysis, and the translator's awareness of target audience expectations and background knowledge.Frequently Asked Questions
How does text genre influence translation strategy?
Translators must adapt their approach based on the genre; for example, advertisements require a communicative approach, while technical instructions demand clarity and accuracy.
What is the difference between communicative and semantic translation?
Communicative translation focuses on creating an equivalent effect on the target audience (common in ads), while semantic translation stays closer to the source text's formal meaning (common in technical entries).
What are the challenges of translating advertisements?
Translating ads involves handling wordplay, idioms, and cultural references that often cannot be translated literally without losing their persuasive impact.
Why is research on parallel texts important for translators?
Reading similar texts in the target language helps the translator understand the appropriate style, register, and conventions expected by the target audience.
How should technical terminology be handled in translations?
In technical genres like encyclopedia entries, accuracy is paramount. Translators may need to add explanations if there is a knowledge gap between the source and target cultures.
- Quote paper
- Nike Hirschbiegel (Author), 2008, A comparative discussion on the translation of texts of different genres, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/130453
