What is Literary Translation?

 What is Literary Translation?

Literary Translation is a type of translation (Specialization field at University) and a type of translating (Process) of a specific type of texts which are called literary texts. They are described as literary, because they are characterized by specific features that make them different from other types of texts which are called general or technical texts. These features reflect aesthetic, artistic and cultural nuances. The list of literary texts includes prose and poetry texts such as novels, novellas, short stories, plays, poems, etc. Most of them are based on fiction, even when they are inspired by the real world. The process of translating could start with 'a wish' to share 'something' with the readers; therefore, the selection of literary works that are worth translating depends on the value assigned to it in a given context.

People enjoy literary texts in their written and audio formats. The choice depends on the purpose of the readers and listeners who may have different profiles and different aims.

Literary works, in their original formats and in their adaptations, could be enjoyed for entertainment goals, but they could also be exploited for academic and professional purposes.

What is Documentary Research?

This post highlights one of the main skills required in the industry of translation and interpreting. Indeed, Documentary Research is now a crucial component of any educational or training curriculum in translation and interpreting.

Both professional and would-be translators and interpeters need to attain high-level Documentary Research skills in order to ascertain their final products are accurate, efficient and consistent. They will have to dig out all the available databases and resources by using advanced techniques of research.

Here is a list of videos which deals with the topic of Documentary Research, its benefits and its techniques. This list will of course be updated, you could save it by adding it to your favourite links in order to access it later easily: Documentary Research

Research Areas & Supervision

NADIR, A. (2012). Commented Translation of Chapters 7-9, Maja J. Mataric (2007), The Robotics Primer. [Magister Dissertation]. Algiers: The Higher Arab Institute of Translation, League of Arab States]

Translation Theory for Newbies

   

This post deals with the question of Translation Theory's relevance to the professional practice of translation. Most of the practicing translators would think that it is not very important, especially the ad hoc translators and interpreters. Yet, I disagree with them on this point. It is true that practice makes perfect, however I believe that the new translators won't have time to make all the errors of their predecessors and colleagues or just of the fellow translators and interpreters in order to learn. Knowledge of translation theories is a must, it saves time and helps in achieving high-quality translations which fit for the purpose of the projects. 

        Here is a thread which might be enlightening to newbies. Professor As-Safi from Petra University surveyed most of the theories and provided an interesting account which might guide your search in this area. He pointed out that they were developed in four periods. The main theories are as follows:

- Philological Theories

- Philosophical Theories

- Linguistic Theories

- Functional Theories

- Text-type Theory

- Translational Action Theory

- Skopos Theory

- Socio-linguistic Theories

- Interpretative Theory

- Systems Theories

- Polysystem Theory

- Manipulation Theory

- Aesthetic Communication Theory

- Relevance Theory

              He also calls for a Comprehensive, Applicable Theory.
              What do you think?