This workbook combines methodology and practice for use in a course for beginning translators with a proficiency in French ranging from intermediate to advanced level. It takes a linguistic approach to the problems of translation in addressing common and major pitfalls: delineation of "translation units" or what constitutes a concept beyond mere words, word polysemy, false cognates, structural and cultural obstacles to literal translation. It offers chapter by chapter explanations of the various strategies used by professional translators to counter these problems: the translation devices known as transposition, modulation, equivalence, and adaptation. Each chapter concludes with a variety of practice exercises focusing on one specific problem. The second part of the book is a global application of all the principles taught in the first part and guides the student step by step through the actual translation of a choice of literary (prose, poetry, and plays) and non-literary excerpts.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
A useful book:
This book may be useful for those who intend to be translators, I can't speak to that. For me, it has been useful by offering short passages out of several centuries of French literature (and some contemporary non-literary passages) with proposed translations, the text having explained some of the thoughts behind the translations suggested. Thus it has helped me to understand when reading various styles, with their idioms and wordings.
As another reviewer pointed out, it does not seem that this book... more info
A Workbook With No Answer Key ?:
I purchased this book in order to do a self-study of french to english translation. Though the book seems to have many good exercises, there is no answer key to the exercises in the book. I don't know how one is supposed to utilize the exercises if no answers are given. I emailed the publisher (The University Press in Lanham, MD) several times before they responded that they do not have an answer key on file. Thus I feel like the book was a real waste of money. Also, I read in another review that this book... more info
Great for any language:
This book is helpful for anyone interested in language translation. It is specifically for French<>English, but the concepts presented are valid for any language pair. I found it interesting to read and comprehensive.
Comprehensive guide to translating French to English:
This is the only book of which I am aware that provides comprehensive and specific advice concerning the difficult assignment of translating French to English. It not only offers principles and precepts but it also offers outstanding examples of possible translations. The focus is not on literal translation but rather focues on the process of making the translation into English that mirrors the author's original design. The recently issued softcover edition makes this a must buy for any advanced student of... more info
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