Translation
Theories
Professors:
Marvin Hernández
Milenia Reyes
When direct translation isn’t enough:
Introduction to oblique translation
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION
There comes a time when direct translation techniques do not work
because:
1. They are structurally impossible
2. The target language does not have a corresponding expression
Consequently, the generated text would have:
1. a different meaning
2. no meaning
3. a foreign structure
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION
Compare:
I found a wallet → Yo encontré una billetera
I found a wallet containing $100 →
Yo encontré una cartera conteniendo $100 →
To convey this message all two languages use a subject, verb,
gerund, and an object, but…
The structure of the sentence is different in the two languages.
Direct translation is no longer possible.
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
Transposition is the first technique or step towards oblique
translation. Transposition is often used between English and
Spanish because of the preferred position of the verb in the
sentence.
• Operates at the grammatical level
• Consists of the replacement of a word class by another word
class without changing the meaning
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
Transposition within the same language:
Reconstruction of the city is very important.
Reconstructing the city is very important.
To reconstruct the city is very important.
From a stylistic view point the transposed expression does not
have the same value, but the meaning is the same.
Transposed expressions are generally more literary in character. It
is important to choose the form that best fits the context.
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
Transposition can be:
Free: When the transposition used depends mostly on context and
desired effect.
The course is of interest to all of us. → El curso nos interesa a
todos (nosotros).
[Back-translation: The course interests all of us.]
Compulsory: When only a transposition is acceptable.
Keep your voice up. → Hable en voz alta
[Back-translation: speak in a high
voice]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
Types of transposition
1. Adverb → verb
I only defended myself. → No hice sino defenderme.
[Back-translation: I did nothing but defend myself.]
2. Adverb → noun
I wrote to you early this year. → Le escribí a principios de
año.
[Back-translation: I wrote to you at the beginning of the
year.]
3. Adjective → noun
To achieve a stellar education system…. → Para alcanzar la
excelencia en el sistema educativo…
[Back-translation: To reach excellence in the education
system…]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
Types of transposition
4. Possessive adjective → definite article
Thoroughly enraged at this treatment, the creature [a
scorpion] sped towards Leslie, her sting quivering with
emotion.
→ Ciega de ira ante semejante trato, la criatura se lanzó
hacia Leslie, con el aguijón temblando de furia.
[Back-translation: Blinded by rage at such treatment,
the
creature, bolted towards Leslie, the sting shaking of
fury.]
5. Verb or past participle → noun
I intended to tell you the whole truth. → Mi intención fue
(era) decirle toda la verdad.
[Back-translation: My intention was to tell you the whole
truth.]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Transposition
Types of transposition
6. Adverb → noun
I wrote to you early this year. → Le escribí a principios de
año.
[Back-translation: I wrote to you at the beginning of the
year.]
7. General → Concrete
Teacher’s terms and conditions → Condiciones
contractuales de los profesores.
[Back-translation: Teachers contract conditions]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
What is modulation?
Modulation consists of using a phrase that is different in the source
and target languages to convey the same idea.
It changes the semantics and shifts the point of view of the source
language.
A variation of the form of the message obtained by a change in the
point of view.
Although the main characteristic of modulation is a change of point
of view, it may involve also a change of grammatical categories.
It is used when the other techniques would generate a text that is
grammatically correct, but unsuitable, not idiomatic, or awkward.
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
Modulation can be:
Free
It is not difficult to show → Es fácil demostrar
[Back-translation: it is easy to show]
Remember → Recuerda, or → No olvides (if it fits the context
better) [Back-translation: Remember; do not forget]
Compulsory (fixed by use, listed in dictionaries: lexicalized)
Dress rehearsal → Ensayo
general [Back-translation: General
rehearsal]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
Modulation is a technique that experienced translators use to
produce an accurate and idiomatic text. It requires an excellent
knowledge of both languages involved in the translation. This
includes knowing the mechanics of the language. For example:
1. The manner in which negative and positive formulations are
used in the two languages. Do not enter. → Se prohibe entrar.
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
2. The general register of the language. For example French and
Spanish tend to use more “intellectual” terms than English.
Eye doctor → oftamólogo; bird watching → ornitología;
dog
show → exposición canina
3. Use of the passive voice
4. The greater the structural difference between the two
languages, the greater the challenges for the translator
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
There are many types of modulation
1. Abstract → Concrete or vice-versa
I haven’t heard a word from him → No he tenido noticias suyas
[Back-translation: I have not had news from him.]
2. Means → Result or vice-versa
I’ll drive you home → Te llevo a casa en [mi] auto
[Back-translation: I’ll take you to your house in [my] car]
3. Substance → Object
brain drain → éxodo de especialistas (double modulation)
[Back-translation: the exodus of experts]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
4. Term reversal
This cage cannot hold an animal this size. → Un animal de ese
tamaño no cabrá en esta jaula.
[Back-translation: An animal this size will not fit in this cage.]
5. Negative contrast
Make sure you call us every week. → No olvides llamarnos todas
las semanas.
[Back-translation: Don’t forget to call us all of the weeks.]
6. Active voice → passive voice (and vice-versa)
The votes (in an election) were counted. → Se contaron los
votos. (impersonal form)
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
7. A part → the whole
The cathedral’s ceiling draws the eye as soon as one enters. → El
techo de la catedral atrae la vista al entrar.
[Back-translation: The cathedral’s ceiling draws the view.]
8. A part → another part
I know the city like the back of my hand. → Conozco la ciudad
como la palma de la mano.
[Back-translation: I know the city like the palm of my hand.]
Hand to hand combat→ Combate cuerpo a cuerpo
[Back-translation: body to body combat.]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
9. Space → Time
In grammar school I was very shy. → Cuando asistía a la
primaria era muy tímido.
[Back-translation: When I attended elementary school I
was
very shy.]
10. Intervals and boundaries (in time and space)
In time: See you in a week → Nos vemos de hoy en ocho.
[Back-translation: We’ll see each other in eight days from
today.]
11. Change of symbol
He earns an honest dollar. → Se gana la vida
honradamente.
[Back-translation: He earns an honest living.]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
12. Explanatory modulation
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Modulation
In short, modulation is the technique that leads to a solution
that makes the reader - or the translator – exclaim, “Yes,
that’s exactly what you would say.”
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Equivalence
Used to render expressions using different stylistic and
structural methods.
Most equivalences are fixed, and include idioms, clichés,
proverbs, nominal or adjectival phrases, onomatopoeia, etc.
Stop splitting hairs → Deja de buscarle cinco patas al
gato
[Back-translation: Stop looking for five legs in a cat]
Challenge: To recognize that the expression to be
translated is an idiom / proverb; to know the equivalent
expression in the T.L.
Equivalence also refers to fixed (lexicalized) terms, such as
terminology of a field of knowledge.
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Adaptation
Used when the limit to translation is been reached, i.e. when a
simple translation would not work or it would produce a result
that is shocking in the target language and culture.
Titles of books, movies, and characters often fit into this
category
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid → Dos hombres y un
destino. [Back-translation: Two men and a destiny]
The Sound of Music → Sonrisas y lágrimas
[Back-translation: Smiles and tears]
C3PO and R2D2 [androids in Star Wars] → C3PO y
Arturito (phonetic adaptation)
[Back-translation of Arturito = Little Arthur]
OBLIQUE TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES: Adaptation
