Introduction to Translation Theory and Practice Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of question and answer flashcards covering translation theory, types, roles, and techniques based on the provided lecture transcript.

How did Roman Jakobson (1959) define intralingual translation?

An operation within the same language involving the rewording or paraphrasing of a lingual sign into another sign within that same language.

What is interlingual translation according to the lecture notes?

The translation from one language to another, defined as the replacement of elements of one language by equivalent elements of another language.

What is intersemiotic translation?

The translation of a verbal sign by a non-verbal sign, such as music, images, or road signs.

What characterizes 'consecutive interpretation' as mentioned in the text?

Chunks of speech are interpreted as a whole, which can last up to $15$ minutes and involves note-taking systems.

What are the four subtypes of simultaneous interpretation mentioned?

1. Booth interpretation, 2. Whispering, 3. A vista (from a written text), 4. Relais (relay interpretation).

What is the difference between MT and CAT?

Machine translation (MT) uses computers to perform the task of translation, while Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) provides tools to help a human translator in the process.

In the context of machine translation, what does the 'invisible idiot' anecdote illustrate?

The poor quality of back-translation, where 'out of sight - out of mind' was translated into Russian and back into English as 'invisible idiot'.

What are the four semiotic channels of audiovisual translation?

a) Verbal auditory channel, b) Non-verbal auditory channel, c) Verbal visual channel, and d) Non-verbal visual channel.

How is 'dubbing' defined in terms of semiotic composition?

It is the only audiovisual translation type where the four semiotic channels keep their original semantic load and the original speech is replaced by a voice track that attempts lip synchronization.

What are the technical constraints for subtitles mentioned in the notes?

They usually consist of 1 or 2 lines with a maximum length of $35$ characters.

According to the notes, what are the three criteria for an 'ideal translation'?

1. Accurate (reproducing meaning exactly), 2. Natural (using appropriate target language forms), 3. Communicative (understandable to the audience).

What are the five essential translator competences mentioned?

1. Linguistic (SL & TL), 2. Communicative (culture), 3. Methods and techniques, 4. Encyclopedic (subject-matter knowledge), 5. Psychological (ability to interpret and work under stress).

Which unit of translation is considered the most 'manageable unit of attentional focus'?

The clause.

What are the four levels of text analysis in the translation process?

1. Textual level, 2. Referential level, 3. Cohesive level, 4. Level of naturalness.

What does the 'Referential level' of a text involve?

Visualizing the objects and events (real or imaginary) to understand what the text is actually about beyond the words.

What is the difference between referential meaning and expressive meaning?

Referential meaning (denotation) relates to what a word refers to in the real world, while expressive meaning relates to the speaker's feelings or attitude.

What is pragmatic meaning in translation?

The relation between the linguistic sign and its user, which includes considerations of formality, situation, and interlocutor (register).

How is 'connotation' defined in these notes?

A type of association connected with a word for a specific community that does not belong to its basic referential meaning.

What are the four basic translation techniques listed?

1. Reduction, 2. Inversion, 3. Substitution, 4. Amplification.

What is the difference between a hyponym (konkretyzacja) and a hyperonym (generalizacja)?

A hyponym uses a referent with a narrower meaning (e.g., 'glass' to 'kieliszek'), while a hyperonym uses a referent with a broader meaning (e.g., 'Wróbel' to 'bird').

What characterizes a 'diachronic series' of translations?

A series formed over time that reacts to changes in language or corrections of past mistakes.

What is a 'synchronic series' in translation?

A series of translations formed at roughly the same time, offering a selection of different interpretative possibilities.

What are the specific requirements for a 'sworn translation'?

The translator must provide authentication, a stamp, a document number, use a register of translations, and describe graphical elements like stamps.