Form Five English:Translation and Interpretation (Topic)

Topic: Translation and Interpretation

Translation

Definition: Translation is the process of converting ideas written in one language into words of a different language. It involves transforming the meaning of expressions from a source language (SL) to a target language (TL).

Example:

• SL: I wish you all the best (English)
• TL: Nakutakia kila la heri (Swahili)

Principles of Translation:

1. Competence in Both Languages: The translator must have a good command of both the source language and the target language, supplemented by dictionaries.
2. Field Knowledge: The translator must understand the field covered by the source text (e.g., science, religion).
3. Preserving Style: The translator should consider the style of the source text and balance it with the target readers’ expectations.
4. Content Correspondence: Translation requires careful handling due to differences in word-to-word correspondence between languages.
5. Objectivity: Translators should avoid bias and maintain objectivity to ensure the translated text reflects the source accurately.
6. Reader Expectations: The translator should use a style that makes the translated text understandable for the target audience, even if it differs from the source.

Methods of Translation:

1. Word-to-Word Translation: Each word in the target language corresponds directly to a word in the source language without changing the word order.
   • Example: M-Toto m-zuri a-Li-kula nyama yote. (The child good ate the meat all.)
2. Semantic Translation: Focuses on the meaning of the source text while using the grammatical features of the target language.
   • Example: He went up to his home. (Alikwenda mpaka nyumbani kwake.)
3. Communicative Translation: Emphasizes the contextual meaning of the original text, often used for translating idioms, sayings, and proverbs.
   • Example: Do not cry over spilled milk.

Challenges in Translation:

1. Proper Nouns: Names referring to specific persons or places can be challenging to translate.
2. Idioms: Expressions with meanings different from the individual words constituting them.

The Actual Translation Process:

1. Read the Text: Understand the general idea and determine the necessary tools.
2. Gather Dictionaries: Use both technical and general-purpose dictionaries.
3. First Draft: Translate in stages to allow for necessary corrections.
4. Revise Translation: Improve the first draft to produce the second draft.
5. Final Draft: After all revisions, submit the final translation.

Qualities of Good Translation:

1. Reversible Translation: The translated work should be capable of being translated back to the source language without losing meaning.
2. Performance Testing: Ensure the translated text results in the same actions or responses as the original text.
3. Knowledge Testing: Ask questions about the content of the text to speakers of both languages to verify the accuracy of the translation.

4. Interpretation

   Definition: Interpretation is the oral transfer of messages from one language to another. It involves one person speaking in one language and another person conveying the same message in a different language.