Lecture 12. Translation varieties

1. What varieties are distinguished in translation?

Translation is divided into written translation (or simply translation) and oral (or interpretation). Interpretation, in its turn, is divided into consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation. Written translation is also divided into several sub-categories depending on the genre of the text being translated, such as literary translation, translation of official document.

2. Are translation approaches and devices similar in different translation varieties?

All translation varieties have similar approaches, similar translation means and devices. Both in written translation and during the interpretation the translator (interpreter) may use either transformational or denotative approach. (according to transformational approach translation (interpretation) is performed by relatively small and regular syntactico-semantic fragments of the source sentences whereas the denotative approach is based on larger text fragments with occasional equivalents)

3. What are the principle differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation?

In consecutive interpretation the interpretation follows the source utterance, whereas simultaneous interpretation is performed simultaneously with the original speech. Time lag of the interpreter relative to the speaker is the main distinction of consecutive interpretation, which determines the peculiarities of the approach and translation devices used by interpreter. In a similar way almost zero time lag of the interpreter during simultaneous interpretation is critical for the choice of translation devices and approaches.

4. What are chuchotage and at-sight interpretation?

Chuchotage and at-sight interpretation are 2 specific alternatives of consecutive interpretation. During chuchotage interpreter speaks in low voice, almost whispers so that only interpretation user can hear. This interpretation alternative is rather hard for the interpreter who has to control the pitch of his or her voice. (As concerns the approach it is similar to that used in standard consecutive interpretation)

At-sight interpretation is another variety of consecutive interpretation. The difference is that the interpreter reads in written text in a source language rather than listening to the speaker as in ordinary consecutive interpretation.

5. Describe differences in working environments of a translator and interpreter.

The difference is substantial. A translator has at hand dictionaries and reference materials and, as a rule, observes no specific time limits for the work; translation may be self-edited and redone if so required.

An interpreter is entirely self-dependent and cannot rely on any outside help: mistakes, slip of tongue are immediately noticeable. In any words, the interpretation and translation tasks are equally hard, but different as different are the required skills and training methods.

Date: 2014-12-29; view: 1832