Semantic vs. Communicative Translation: A Comprehensive Guide
Semantic vs. Communicative Translation
In general, most experts agree that a translator must possess a strong command of both the source and target languages, as well as familiarity with the subject matter. By covering these aspects, a successful translation is practically guaranteed.
In other words, a translator must utilize the target language structures to accurately convey the meaning of the source text. Essentially, only the code and form change, while the meaning must remain intact. The original message has to be preserved.
This leads translators to choose between three essential styles: word-for-word translation, sentence-level translation, and conceptual interpretation.
Word-for-Word Translation
A simple phrase like “the girl sleeps” illustrates this approach, which translates directly to Spanish as “la niña duerme.”
Sentence-Level Translation
Grammar plays a key role at this level. For example, “The big dog barks” in English becomes “El perro grande ladra” in Spanish. Notice that the noun precedes the adjective in the target language, demonstrating a shift from a strict word-for-word approach.
Conceptual Interpretation
At this level, ideas take center stage. Consider the popular saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” A word-for-word or sentence-level translation wouldn’t make sense in Spanish. Instead, a translator would find an equivalent, such as “Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.”
Choosing the Right Approach
Ultimately, a translator must determine the most effective approach to achieve their goal. Should they opt for a semantic translation (word-for-word or sentence-level), which can even be achieved with free translation software? Or is a communicative translation, which prioritizes preserving the meaning even if it’s not as literal, more appropriate? That is the question.
Logic of Abduction
Grounded in the fixation of beliefs, abduction seeks to identify patterns in surprising phenomena and propose plausible hypotheses. Consider this example:
- Surprising Phenomenon: B is observed.
- Hypothesis: If A were true, B would be a matter of course.
- Conclusion: Therefore, there is reason to suspect that A might be true.
From a deductive logic standpoint, this reasoning is flawed because it contradicts the Modus Ponens rule. Deduction follows a different path:
- Premise: A is observed.
- Premise: If A, then B.
- Conclusion: Therefore, B is accepted.
Logic of Deduction
Deduction involves drawing logical consequences from premises. An inference is considered deductively valid when the truth of all premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion. For example:
- Premise 1: All beans from this bag are white (True).
- Premise 2: These beans are from this bag (True).
- Conclusion: Therefore, these beans are white (True).
Logic of Induction
Introduced by Francis Bacon, induction challenges deduction. Bacon argued that deductive reasoning relies too heavily on authority and the mind’s tendency to construct knowledge internally. He criticized deductive thinkers as”spider” who spin webs of knowledge from their own substance.
Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner proposed that intelligence is not a single, general ability but rather a collection of distinct cognitive abilities with weak correlations. For instance, a child who excels in math may not necessarily be more intelligent overall than a child who struggles with it. The latter might learn differently, excel in other areas, or possess a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
However, this theory has faced criticism for its lack of empirical support and reliance on subjective judgment. Mainstream psychology generally supports the concept of general intelligence based on high correlations found between different cognitive abilities.
Types of Translation
Machine Translation
Also known as automatic translation, this method relies solely on software, handheld translators, or online tools like Babelfish. The quality and usefulness of machine translation are limited.
Machine-Assisted Translation
This approach combines machine translation with human intervention. For example, the software might provide multiple options for a word, allowing the human translator to choose the most appropriate one based on context. This method is considered more effective than pure machine translation.
Key Terminology in Translation
- Source Text: The original text to be translated.
- Source Language: The language of the source text.
- Target Language: The language into which the source text is translated.
- Syntax: The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
- Semantics: The study of meaning in language.
- Transcription: The representation of speech in written form.
- Subtitles: Captions displayed on screen that translate or transcribe dialogue.
- Language Interpretation: Facilitating oral or sign-language communication between users of different languages.
- Transliteration: Converting text from one script to another.