The basic assumption of laymen concerning translation is that every word or meaning can universally be translated from one language to another. Their idea of translation is that of a straightforward mechanical process which simply replaces source language (SL) items with target language (TL) items. Some conceptions in translation studies seem to encourage this view, and debates suggest that it is only a matter of the right scope, focus or technique to create perfect translations.
The paper at hand will refute this notion. It will prove and exemplify the facts that not everything is translatable, and that a transfer of meaning necessarily involves changes entailing loss or gain of linguistic, cultural and stylistic features (cf. Harvey 2001, 38; Pym & Turk 2001, 274). Translation cannot create an identical TL copy of the SL text, but only permits a relative equivalence to it. A maximal approximation, however, can never be achieved, due to the complexity of language, its dependence on constantly changing cultural norms, and because the human factor. Especially the aspect acceptance by the audience will show that perfection is just an abstract evaluative term, which largely depends on individual taste.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- No Translation is Perfect. Gain and Loss of Linguistic and Cultural Features are Inevitable
- The Impossibility of Perfect Translations
- Linguistic Obstacles
- Grammatical Structures
- Cultural and Stylistic Obstacles
- Diachronic Shifts and the Human Factor
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to refute the notion that perfect translations are achievable, proving that a transfer of meaning inevitably involves changes entailing loss or gain of linguistic, cultural and stylistic features. It will analyze the complexities of language, its dependence on cultural norms, and the human factor in translation, demonstrating that a maximal approximation to the original text can never be achieved.
- The impossibility of perfect translations
- Linguistic obstacles to translation
- Cultural and stylistic differences in translation
- The influence of the human factor on translation
- The role of equivalence in translation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The Impossibility of Perfect Translations: This section introduces the concept of perfect translation and refutes the notion that it is attainable. It argues that due to the complexity of language and cultural differences, a translation can only achieve relative equivalence to the original text, never an exact replica.
- Linguistic Obstacles: This chapter focuses on the difficulties arising from structural differences between source and target languages. It explores the issues of lexical items, grammatical structures, dialects, and accents, highlighting how these elements can pose significant challenges for achieving translation equivalence.
- Grammatical Structures: This section examines the specific challenges related to translating grammatical structures. It addresses the lack of one-to-one correspondence between grammatical structures in different languages and the need for adaptation and transposition techniques to maintain meaning while acknowledging the loss of original grammatical features.
- Cultural and Stylistic Obstacles: This chapter delves into the impact of cultural differences on translation. It discusses the role of cultural norms, literary conventions, and imagery in shaping the meaning and style of texts. It emphasizes how cultural disparities often necessitate shifts in translation, leading to both gains and losses.
- Diachronic Shifts and the Human Factor: This section explores the influence of language evolution and the human factor on translation. It highlights the challenges posed by diachronic semantic and grammatical shifts, as well as the subjective choices translators make in adapting texts for different audiences, inevitably leading to changes in meaning and style.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the concepts of translation equivalence, linguistic and cultural features, translatability, cultural norms, human factor, diachronic shifts, and the limitations of perfect translations. It analyzes these concepts within the context of language, culture, and the dynamic nature of translation processes.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dipl.Jurist Marco Sievers (Autor:in), 2006, No translation is perfect, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/77472
