A long time ago, during my first days spent in Arab countries, I noticed—as did everyone from the Arabic translators’ tribe—the great importance of knowing the colloquial language of the region (al-’arabiyya al-’aammiyya, or al-lugha ad-daarija).
The author set himself two major targets in writing this volume. First, to present the role of translation in the dissemination, throughout history, of scientific knowledge; and second, to underpin this claim for a vital role for translation by means of case studies which illustrate its contribution to the development of Western science. The reader thus expects from the outset a major work involving breadth and depth of reading across not just centuries, but millennia, with examples from all eras. The author does not disappoint the reader, demanding though these expectations may be. There is clear evidence of a sense of mission, of personal commitment, of a long-term wide-ranging devotion to the project, which guarantees the meeting of expectations and the fulfillment of these promises. It is not possible, within the constraints of this review, to do more than hint at the wealth and complexity of the discussions offered for the enlightenment of the reader.
Here are a few thoughts about the process and product of translation of poetry, based on a Spanish original (Mi Amiga La Foca) and English translation (Eating Disorder). A literal translation is included for those who don’t read Spanish.
Reprinted by permission from Globalization Insider, Volume XI, Issue 1.5.Copyright the Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA: www.lisa.org) and S.M.P. Marketing Sarl (SMP) 200x. March 22, 2002
Do translators need to be educated in the art and science of translation? Is it possible to train a translator in an academic setting? Is doing so worthwhile, from the translator’s perspective or from that of a potential employer? The current state of affairs in the translation industry in the United States would suggest that academic training is valued but hardly considered essential. On the other hand, a translator with academic training often does find entering the market easier and can command higher salaries or rates, as well as possibly advance in a corporate setting more rapidly. Weighed against the time and money involved in getting academic training, however, the untrained translator may actually do better. So let’s take a close look at the nature of training translators, consider what might make for a quality academic training environment, and assess the value of such training.
Hemen ayrılmayın. Bir de sizler için faydalı olabilecek bu sitelere bir göz atın.
