The principles of translation

1. The translation must give the words/ideas of the original

That’s understandable and commonly applied taking into account the linguistic and cultural differences and communicational stereotypes. By giving preference to ideas rather than words we practice denotative rather than transformational approach. Denotative approach depends very much on one’s personal understanding of the text and is often quite subjective.

e.g. this is saying “no” without saying “no”. My teaching philosophy is that we’re here to have good time. Я вважаю, що процес навчання повинен давати нам…

It’s very common to change the wording.

e.g. How does the enemy? – what time is it now?

By reading the idea that lies behind these words we lose something important, namely the clear humorous effect and the hint that time is our enemy which especially true in some particular situations.

Words are often very important in the professional discourse: in the juridical texts the difference between the notions “liberty” and “freedom” свобода і вольність.

The importance of formal correspondence stands out where the beauty of expression counts no less than its meaning in aphorisms and saying for instance:

e.g. The reward of a saying “well-done” is to have done it – найкраща нагорода – від добре зробленої справи.

To see the importance of being faithful not only to the ideas but also to words:

e.g. the law should be color blind.

Rendering words rather than ideas is important in euphemisms, the polite way of saying something which is not socially accepted if being expressed promptly: ladies room.

2. To read like a translation means to show no means of awkwardness of belonging to the other culture and to possess all the ease of the composition. The more traces of the original we preserve the further is the target language text from the norms of the target language.

3. Translation should read like translation or original

To read like a translation means to show no trace of awkwardness of language or its foreignisms. In many cases this principal is closely connected with number 1 and 2.

e.g. his phone is not answering. Ніхто не бере трубку, його телефон не відповідає.

4. Translation should possess or reflect the style of the translation/original

Style is the essential characteristic of every piece of writing, the outcome of the person’s emotions. Style reflects the specific cast of the author’s minds. Individual style is important not only in poetry, dramatic or emotive prose, it’s the components of all kinds of writing and everyday talk. The author’s style determines his choice of words, the translator is often compelled to make a choice between alternatives. The choice he makes can’t but be influenced by his personality can’t but reflect his own style. It’s a linguistic fingerprint by which an author can be identified even if there is no inclusion of his name. It’s not only individuals that have their personal style. One may say that languages also possess the style of their own.

4. A translation should read as a contemporary of the original/ the author.

Style is influenced not only by the personality of the writer but also by the period of history in which he lives.

5. A translation may never add to or omit from the original

The reason for addition may be both linguistic and extra linguistic. All sorts of encyclopidie data must be added, some names may be explained, especially if they contain some components whose literal meaning is misleading.

6. A translation of verse should be in prose/verse

Translation of the same segment of the text may have multiple results, each of them possessing its own degree of equivalence. Translation is a decision making process depending on the performer’s choice. Thus choice is determined by the consideration often guiding the translator in the opposite direction. The difficulty is in the necessity of sometimes sacrificing one rule to another. And the sacrifice has to be conscious and well-calculated.