Good Translation: Art, Craft, or Science? by Mahmoud Ordudari
Good Translation: Art, Craft, or Science? by Mahmoud Ordudari
University of Esfahan, Iran
Abstract
Throughout history, translation has made inter-linguistic communication between peoples possible. Theoretically, one can consider translation a science; practically, it seems rational to consider it an art. However, regardless of whether one considers translation as a science, art, or craft, one should bear in mind that a good translation should fulfill the same function in the TL as the original did in the SL.
Key words: Culture, SL, TL, Translation.
1. Introduction uman beings, throughout history, have made an effort to take advantage of various methods of communication with the intention of utilizing the knowledge of other nations and endeavoring to preserve this knowledge for the coming generations. As the most effective methods of communication, language has been employed to satisfy the very need of communication. The predicament that may emerge as an obstacle in the way of communication seems to be the fact of dissimilarity of languages throughout the world. In today's world, communication between different nations with different languages is feasible through translation.
2. What is translation?
What is translation? Webster's New World dictionary defines "to translate" as follows: 1. to move from one place or condition to another; transfer; specif., a) Theol. to convey directly to heaven without death, b) Eccles. to transfer (a bishop) from one see to another; also, to move (a saint's body or remains) from one place of interment to another; 2. to put into the words of a different language; 3. to change into another medium or form to translate ideas into action; 4. to put into different words; rephrase or paraphrase in explanation; 5. to transmit (a telegraphic message) again by means of an automatic relay (as is cited by Yazdunpanuh, 2000:1) Whether translation is regarded as a science, art, or craft, a good translation should play the same
University of Esfahan, Iran
Abstract
Throughout history, translation has made inter-linguistic communication between peoples possible. Theoretically, one can consider translation a science; practically, it seems rational to consider it an art. However, regardless of whether one considers translation as a science, art, or craft, one should bear in mind that a good translation should fulfill the same function in the TL as the original did in the SL.
Key words: Culture, SL, TL, Translation.
1. Introduction uman beings, throughout history, have made an effort to take advantage of various methods of communication with the intention of utilizing the knowledge of other nations and endeavoring to preserve this knowledge for the coming generations. As the most effective methods of communication, language has been employed to satisfy the very need of communication. The predicament that may emerge as an obstacle in the way of communication seems to be the fact of dissimilarity of languages throughout the world. In today's world, communication between different nations with different languages is feasible through translation.
2. What is translation?
What is translation? Webster's New World dictionary defines "to translate" as follows: 1. to move from one place or condition to another; transfer; specif., a) Theol. to convey directly to heaven without death, b) Eccles. to transfer (a bishop) from one see to another; also, to move (a saint's body or remains) from one place of interment to another; 2. to put into the words of a different language; 3. to change into another medium or form to translate ideas into action; 4. to put into different words; rephrase or paraphrase in explanation; 5. to transmit (a telegraphic message) again by means of an automatic relay (as is cited by Yazdunpanuh, 2000:1) Whether translation is regarded as a science, art, or craft, a good translation should play the same