TRANSLATION STUDIES
Year:2003 | Volume:1 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

The present paper deals with some intralingual criteria which may serve as a means of systematic criticism of translation. It introduces the criteria, describes interlingual versus extralingual criteria, and explains how the two can be used for systematic criticism of translation. Examples of interlingual criteria are given in the final section of the paper.

The translation of the Holy Qur'an into English is of special importance, for many nations throughout the world obtain their knowledge of the Qur'an through its English translation. I have undertaken the task of surveying the existing English translations of the Qur'an and drawing up an annotated bibliography for the scholars interested in this field. The present bibliography includes only complete translations of the Holy Qur'an in English. With respect to those translators whose English translations have been published several times, I have chosen the most recent edition. However, if a new print is accompanied by revisions or if it is published under a new tide, then it is mentioned under a new entry as an independent edition.Attempt has been made to provide full and precise bibliographical specifications unless such information either does not exist in the book or could not be retrieved. The bibliographical information is alphabetically arranged in terms of the translators name. Under each entry, annotations have been provided.

This paper first deals with our lingual understanding of the word and its different procedures. Secondly, codification of reality in the form of linguistic signs and the nature of these signs in, lingual and literary works is discussed. Then the emergence of different functions of language induding communicative or instrumental function that produces lingual works, as well as non-instrumental or aesthetic function that generates literary works is discussed. The latter function is expounded in relation, with the phenomenon of foregrounding, markedness of signs and literaliness of texts. Thus, function-based translation with a view to the discussed criteria is introduced as an approach towards the translation of lingual works and particularly literary texts. Finally, translation is represented as a dialogue between two words: the SL and the TL.

What is known at present as translation criticism is in fact translation assessment. It basically makes use of contrastive analyses to compare target text segments with their corresponding source text segments, and to look for right and wrong and matches and mismatches, both of which are inspired by the equivalence fallacy. This reductionist approach, although efficient as a technique in teaching translation, seems inadequate for translation criticism, which like literary criticism, needs a theoretical framework, for which contrastive analysis can no more account. The present article argues that Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) provides a proper theoretical framework which can accommodate in itself cultural and political perspectives for translation criticism. So, instead of looking for the right or wrong, translation criticism needs to look for what a translator's choices (lexical, grammatical, etc.) imply, and what ideologies they represent. Within the framework of CDA,translation criticism can look into translations through the different ideological lenses of colonialism, post-colonialism, feminism, power relations, and the like. As such, translation criticism extends beyond linguistic analysis to analysis of ideologies, and requires a new language of its own, which is yet to develop.

Equivalence is a controversial concept discussed so widely in translation studies. Some theorists take it to be fundamental in translation theory and define translationin terms of equivalence, while others consider it a chimericalidea impossible to be realized, especially in translating literary and religious texts. The first group of theorists make a distinction between identity and equivalence and maintain that it is the equivalence, and not identity, that should be sought in translating, whereas for the second group looking for equivalence is in fact indulging in an unrealistic fancy that cannot be realized.The present article is an attempt to discuss various types of equivalence to see whether they can convey the total meaning of the Word of Allah or not. The result of this study shows that it is impossible to reproduce the complete equivalence of the Word of Allah in any translation, no matter how precise it may be.

The question of juxtaposing two languages has been a long-term controversy since the early stages of the scientific study of language.However, rendering from a language into another maintaining the original message, which is in fact, referred to as "translation" can be looked upon from at least two points of view: namely, a theoretical framework and a practical basis. In the translator-training courses at Iranian universities, the former is dealt with in the form of some theoretical modules taught in class, and the latter is implemented in a translation workshop. Yet the actual representation of the theoretical framework needs a special environment as well as the necessary facilities. The present article aims at dealing with this environment and any probable deficiencies. Also, a possible relationship between theory and practice in such cases is discussed. An attempt is also made to avoid a highly technical and specialized discussion, sticking merely to highly relevant points.

Through an analysis and comparison of the mental processes involved in writing a piece of literary text, and then translating it into another language, it was found that a translator is involved in many more such subtle mental behaviours: a) comprehending the original text; b) finding the linguistic equivalents in the target language to convey the similar message and beauty in the mind of the reader of the translated text. It is concluded that the translator has supremacy over the writer with respect to mentality as well as social prestige, though both enjoy a high rank in civilized communities.

This paper explores the phenomenon of bilinguality and discusses its various modes and dimensions in relation to communication and to the practice of interpreting. Dimensions proposed by different researchers in the field as well as the three types of bilingualism as discussed by Weinreich (1953) are thoroughly reviewed. The paper concludes making five recommendations in connection with training interpreters and the degree of bilinguality of would-be interpreter trainees.

The following list of links introduces three types of useful sites: (1) centres and departments that offer translation courses for those students who are willing to continue their studies,(2) resources and tools for professional translators, and (3) sites and webpages for translation studies scholars who are interested in translation research theoretical discussions or who would like to take part in conferences and seminars on translation issues.A complete list of translation links and resources makes a directory or a complete book. It indeed requires a full-time scholar to collect and update them. I believe it is an area of expertise. Therefore, this list cannot be exhaustive, for instance, it lacks links to dictionaries and glossaries.An attempt was made to exclude dead links at the time of writing this paper.