Jeremy Munday, 'An Introduction to Translation Studies'

Summary

Jeremy Munday, with 20 years in translation, discusses the evolution of translation from a simple language transfer to a complex intercultural exchange. He highlights the importance of understanding both the source and target languages and cultures, as well as the need for subject-specific knowledge. Munday emphasizes the translator's role as an active participant, not just a conduit, in the communication process. He also touches on the impact of new technologies like machine translation and the expanding field of translation studies, which now includes areas like interpreting, audio-visual translation, and corpus-based research.

Takeaways

• 📚 Translation is fundamentally the written transfer of a text from one language to another, encompassing both linguistic and cultural elements.
• 🌐 The concept of translation has evolved to include various types of adaptation and intercultural transfer.
• 🎓 Translation studies is a discipline that investigates translation practices and translator training.
• 👤 To be an effective translator, one needs a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as their respective cultures.
• 🔍 A translator must possess subject-specific knowledge and be adept at researching unfamiliar terms and concepts.
• ✏️ Attention to detail is crucial for precision in writing and for proofreading to correct minor errors.
• 🤔 Translation involves considering the audience, purpose, and genre of the text, which influences the translator's approach and decisions.
• 📈 Translation studies has expanded to include sub-disciplines such as interpreting studies, audio-visual translation, and corpus-based translation studies.
• 🌟 The field of translation is influenced by questions of power, identity, and migration, with the translator acting as an intervener rather than a neutral conduit.
• 💻 New technologies have reshaped translation, introducing multi-modality, computer-assisted translation tools, and machine translation.
• 🔍 Ongoing research in translation studies seeks to understand how translation operates across different cultures and historical contexts.

Q & A

What does Jeremy Munday define as the most basic form of translation?

The most basic form of translation is the written transfer of a text from one language to another.

What is the additional aspect of translation that Jeremy Munday emphasizes?

Jeremy Munday emphasizes that translation is also about intercultural transfer and contact.

How has the concept of translation evolved according to Jeremy Munday?

In recent years, the concept of translation has broadened to consider all different types of adaptation and version.

What is translation studies and what does it investigate?

Translation studies is a discipline that investigates translation as a phenomenon, including translator training.

What are the essential qualities required to be a translator according to the transcript?

A translator needs to know the source language and its culture, have subject-specific knowledge, be detail-oriented, and possess a good understanding of the target language.

Why is subject-specific knowledge important for a translator?

Subject-specific knowledge is important because it allows the translator to understand and use the correct terminology in the target language, especially when translating specialized texts like those on solar panels.

What role does attention to detail play in translation?

Attention to detail is crucial for precision in writing and for proofreading and correcting minor mistakes in the translated text.

Why is translation theory knowledge important for a translator?

Knowledge of translation theory is important for a translator to understand why they make certain choices and to be aware of the underlying concepts in translation studies.

How does the audience and the purpose of the text influence the translation process?

The audience's knowledge and needs, as well as the text's genre and purpose, play a significant role in deciding the kind of translation produced.

How has the field of translation studies expanded over the years?

The field of translation studies has expanded to incorporate sub-disciplines such as interpreting studies, audio-visual translation studies, corpus-based translation studies, and has moved from linguistics to literary, cultural, and historical studies.

What are some of the new technologies that have changed the field of translation?

New technologies such as multi-modality, computer-assisted translation tools, machine translation, and the use of graphic novels and social media have changed the field of translation.

What are some of the ongoing research questions in translation studies?

Ongoing research questions in translation studies include understanding what translation is, how it can be analyzed, how cultures interact, how translators operate, and how translation operates in different historical circumstances.