Descriptive equivalence and elemental analysis

TRANSLATION PROCEDURES

BY NEWMARK

Descriptive equivalence

- Complete inequivalence- Cultural words; cultural aspects * We've seen it in the transference procedure - Elements, traditions, food, names, places - Absolute equivalence (X) - If the translator has difficulties while translating a text, especially when finding words or phrases that don't have a direct/equivalent translation, the translator must describe the word within the text (or footnotes, if applicable)

Descriptive equivalence

We've mentioned before that words that are difficult and/or untranslatable shouldn't be modified nor replaced.

Instead, when we face situations where we cannot make any modification, but we want to explain the context with a word that has no translation and/or equivalence, the translator must explain the words or phrases. This requires that the translator must comprehend the ideas and concepts. Otherwise, the translator won't be able to translate nor explain.

Descriptive equivalence

ESP - ENG Chanclas: 1. Flip-flop, sandals 2. Bread that contains beef, lettuce, onions, avocado, bathed in chilli sauce. Tacos de chicharrón Tortillas that contain chicharrón (pork belly), you can add Pico de Gallo (a mixture of red tomatoes, avocado, onion and Serrano pepper), or red or green sauce. Restaurants

Descriptive equivalence

Descrptive equivalence

Día de Muertos = Day of the Dead Día de Muertos = A tradition where people set "Ofrendas" for their beloved ones who passed away. We can give a full description, BUT... That's not possible within the text. We have to give short descriptions. OR...

Descriptive equivalence

We can use footnotes (sometimes named translator's notes). In this way, we can give a better and longer description, but this depends on the book/author/publisher. If we have restrictions/limitations or if it isn't allowed. 1 Día de Muertos is a tradition that is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, but depending on the region/towns, they also celebrate on October 28th and later in order to commemorate certain people (children/people who died on accidents/sudden death). ...

Descriptive equivalence

Sayings: Cyberpunk 2077 Jackie Wells (son of a Mexican woman) He speaks in English while mixing Spanish, in a very Spanglish way Example (not from the game): Mi mamacita santa usually tells this saying in Spanish: Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda, so you gotta rest now, tomorrow we'll take care of the mission. Andando.

Descriptive equivalence

In dialogues it's not quite possible to explain that, nor in voiceover nor in subtitles (unless you're watching fan translations) *This saying means that if you go to sleep early and wake up in the morning, you're day will be productive. This is easier in novels and other literary works.

Descriptive equivalence

This is fundamental, for example, in contracts and other legal documents. In the case of people who live in USA but don't speak/read English, this helps them to understand any requirement, right or obligation. *Read the small letters when signing a contract

Problems and advantages

Problems:- When translating and explaining, we have to be brief- We cannot extend too much within the text - It is possible to use footnotes - These footnotes can be helpful, but overuse is not well seen - There might be limitations, restrictions or they're not allowed - We don't have to break our heads looking for translations - We must have previous knowledge, othewise we cannot translate what we don't understand OR do your thorough research.

Analysis of elements

How can I translate? In what order? What should we do in order to translate efficiently? How can we analyze the elements? This is something we don't think about, but these are a few tips to help you in your translations.

Analysis of elements

- Background information 1) Previous knowledge 2) Research Elements of the text: if you recall since we started this course

Elements of the text

- Children's story- Author: ------- - Type of media: Book - Genre: Fantasy - Purpose: Entertaining - Type of text: Narrative, literary - Place: USA - Target audience: Children from 3 to 5 years old - Register: informal * Childish language

What's the best way to translate?

- Read the whole text (Reality: Translating on the go; Deadlines makes it quite a task) - Identify words that are unknown to you - Look for them in dictionaries/specialized dictionaries Chemistry: Assay Análisis (Procedimiento) / Valoración o Contenido [% de un principio activo] (En el contexto de un certificado de análisis)

Analysis of elements

- Understand the context and how the words are used within the context Take a shot: (Literal) Recibir un disparo (Drink) Beber un shot (Chance) Dar una oportunidad - Look out for the meaning of phrasal verbs and slang - Read carefully, twice or thrice if possible

Example

- What happened? Parents starved for family entertainment, that's what happened. There's also the fact that "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is way more fun even for non-gamers than skeptics predicted. Repeat business is off the charts. So get over your hesitation and jump aboard. Starved - Not literally hungry X - Anxious O Non-gamers - Gamer = someone who plays videogames (Opposite) = No jugadores (Literal) / Personas que no juegan videojuegos (Too long) Público en general (Can work) / Público (Most efficient, but still lacks something) Repeat business - Negocio repetido (Literal) X - Reciclaje / Remakes Off the charts - greatly exceeding the general level or average= Por las nubes / en exceso / exagerado Get over = Stop / Dejar de Jump aboard = Salta a bordo (Literal) X / Sube a bordo