What is Translation?

Translation could be defined via metaphors. The most known is "Translation is like a bridge". According to Google Dictionary, a bridge is:

"a. a structure carrying a road, path, railroad, or canal across a river, ravine, road, railroad, or other obstacle. 

b. something that is intended to reconcile or form a connection between two things."

Therefore, in this case, the two things that are connected are languages and cultures.

 

Research has revealed that translation could be defined as a process and as a product through 36 metaphors (Words without Borders, 2021). The aim of this blogpost is to discuss the worth of these metaphors and their success in describing the task. 

• What do you think of these metaphors? 
• What is the closest metaphor to the reality of the task? 
• What is the metaphor that takes into account all the aspects of translation?

History of Translation and Interpreting

     The History of Translation and Interpreting dates back to the first use of language. Every act of communication is an act of translation.

      Indeed, the history of translation can be approached from different perspectives. One way of looking at it is through considering its development as a human activity in each region of the world and comparing it to the other regions. Thus, each civilization will have its own history. This kind of research can be narrowed down by studying the history of translation in every country of the world to see its contribution in the development of the overall translation movement which is bridging the gap between the different cultures and peoples.

     Therefore, we may have to explore the history of translation by looking at its development in:

• The Western World
• The Eastern World
• The Arab World

    

What is Terminology Management?

Undoubtedly, terminology management is impotant for both LSPs and clients. It plays a key role in the translation process streamline. Glossary creation is considered to be the first step in the processes of translation in order to ensure the highest quality of products. Therefore, some clients provide their own glossaries along with projects' files. The same thing could be said about localization. Clearly, the use of glossaries is beneficial, because they increase consistency and make translators' life easier.

Therefore, translators, localizers and interpreters must be able to manage terminology online and offline to keep their workflow running smoothly. The current CAT Tools provide some features to manage terminology. For instance,  SDL Trados Studio allows the creation of termbases through its editor and the standalone SDL MultiTerm. However, these software might not be practical for interpreters who need quick consultation or search for specific terms. Indeed, many terminology-focused platforms have been developed to facilitate the interpreters' work, speed up the process of production according to the various interpreting settings, and increase performance quality.

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

Community Interpreting in the UK

Community Interpreting is also known as Public Service Interpreting. It is not supposed to be done by children, but they are playing a crucial role in helping their parents bridge language and cultural barriers in the UK. The following video highlights the problem.       

NADIR, A. (2017 September). Introduction to Communication Sciences. [S1 Syllabus for Master 1 Translation]. Algeria: Univesity of Blida 2.

Translation and Interpreting for Newbies

This post attempts, through the supportive videos, to answer the question many newbies ask regarding the difference between translation and interpreting. It also introduces them to many sub-fields which are acquiring interest and are being recognized as independant areas because of their distinct skills in terms of training. The mastery of these skills will enable the trainees to obtain the qualifications needed to practice at a professional level.

Basically, translation is written and interpreting is oral. However, this is not the only difference and these are not the only forms taught to satisfy the needs of the industry. The videos which I am curating in this playlist provide a general introduction to the fields of translation and interpreting.

You may want to take a look at another playlist where I curated promotional videos of universities worldwide providing different types of programmes and trainings.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. So, keep asking questions! Check this post later for more info or subscribe to get the newsletter of this blog in your inbox.

NADIR, A. (2017). [Translation Syllabus]. Course: Computing & Translation. Master in Translation. Algeria: Blida 2 University.

NADIR, A. (2017). Simultaneous Interpreting Quality Assessment at the HAIT. [Magister Dissertation]. Algiers: University of Algiers 2.

Research Areas & Supervision

NADIR. A. (2017). Consecutive Interpreting Syllabus (2016-17) for Master 1 Students. Algeria: Blida 2 University.

NADIR. A. (2015). [Translation Syllabus]. Course: Translation for Newbies. Level: L2/S3. Algeria/Blida: Blida 2 University.

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?