CHAPTER 9: PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION
INTRODUCTION
Translation is the process of transferring written information from one language (source language) into another language (target language) while preserving the original meaning, style, and purpose.
A translator does not only replace words from one language with words from another.
A good translator must understand:
- The meaning of the text
- The culture behind the message
- The purpose of the communication
- The audience who will read the translation
Example:
Source text (English):
“The meeting will take place next Monday at 10:00 a.m.” Translation (Swahili):
“Mkutano utafanyika Jumatatu ijayo saa 10:00 asubuhi.” The translator transfers the meaning accurately.
Analysing Theories and Principles of Translation
Translation theories explain different approaches that translators use when transferring messages between languages.
1. Word-for-Word Translation Theory
This approach focuses on translating each word directly from the source language into the target language.
Example:
English:
“I am hungry.”
Word-for-word translation:
“Mimi ni njaa.”
This is incorrect in Swahili because it does not communicate the natural meaning.
A better translation is:
“Nina njaa.”
Advantages:
- Useful for learning languages
- Helps understand sentence structures
Disadvantages:
- May produce unnatural translations
- May ignore cultural meaning
2. Literal Translation
Literal translation keeps the structure of the original text as much as possible while making small grammatical adjustments.
Example:
English:
“She opened the door.” Swahili:
“Alifungua mlango.”
The sentence structure and meaning remain close to the original.
3. Free Translation
Free translation focuses on the meaning rather than the exact words.
Example:
English expression:
“Don’t cry over spilled milk.”
A literal translation may confuse readers.
Meaning-based translation:
“Usijutie jambo ambalo tayari limetokea.”
The translator communicates the message rather than the words.
4. Semantic Translation
Semantic translation attempts to preserve the exact meaning, style, and emotions of the original text.
Example:
A poem describing sadness should maintain the emotional feeling, not just the dictionary meanings of words.
5. Communicative Translation
This approach focuses on producing a translation that is easily understood by the target audience.
Example:
Original:
“The software is user-friendly.” Communicative translation:
“The software is easy to use.”
The message becomes clearer for ordinary readers.
Main Principles of Translation
1. Accuracy
The translation must communicate the same meaning as the original text.
Example:
Original:
“The patient requires urgent medical attention.” Incorrect translation:
“The patient needs normal medical help.” Correct translation:
The patient needs immediate medical care.
2. Clarity
The translated text should be easy to understand.
Example:
Complex:
“The commencement of the educational programme will occur shortly.” Clear:
“The education programme will start soon.”
3. Consistency
Important terms should be translated the same way throughout a document.
Example:
If “contract” is translated as “mkataba” in one section, it should not become another word later.
4. Cultural Awareness
A translator must understand cultural differences.
Example:
English:
“Thanksgiving Day”
A translator must explain or adapt it because some cultures may not have the same celebration.
5. Preservation of Style
The translator should maintain the writer’s tone.
Example:
A legal document should remain formal, while an advertisement should remain attractive and persuasive.
Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)
Translating a Variety of General Texts Using Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools What are CAT Tools?
Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools are computer programs that help translators work faster and more accurately.
They do not replace translators. They assist humans in producing better translations.
Examples of CAT tools include:
- Translation memory systems
- Terminology databases
- Quality checking tools
- Alignment tools
Features of CAT Tools
1. Translation Memory (TM)
Translation memory stores previously translated sentences so they can be reused.
Example:
A translator previously translated:
English:
“Terms and conditions apply.” Stored translation:
“Masharti na vigezo vinatumika.”
When the same sentence appears again, the CAT tool suggests the translation.
2. Terminology Management
CAT tools store specialized terms.
Example:
In medical translation:
- “Blood pressure” → “Shinikizo la damu”
- “Heart disease” → “Ugonjwa wa moyo” This helps maintain consistency.
3. Quality Assurance Checks
CAT tools can identify:
- Missing translations
- Spelling mistakes
- Inconsistent terminology Example:
A CAT tool may warn:
“The term ‘patient’ was translated differently in different sections.”
Example of Translation Using a CAT Tool
Source text:
“The company will provide training to employees.” CAT tool assistance:
Possible stored translation:
“Kampuni itatoa mafunzo kwa wafanyakazi.”
The translator reviews and confirms whether it is suitable.
Types of Texts Translated Using CAT Tools
1. General Texts
Examples:
- Letters
- Reports
- Emails
- Articles Example:
English:
“Welcome to our organization.” Swahili:
“Karibu katika shirika letu.”
2. Technical Texts
Examples:
- Manuals
- Engineering documents
- Computer guides
3. Business Texts
Examples:
- Contracts
- Marketing materials
- Financial reports
4. Educational Texts
Examples:
- Textbooks
- Research papers
- Learning materials
Advantages of CAT Tools
1. Saves time
Previously translated material can be reused.
2. Improves consistency
The same terms are translated the same way.
3. Increases productivity
A translator can handle larger projects.
4. Improves quality
Errors can be detected more easily.
Limitations of CAT Tools
1. They cannot fully understand culture.
Example:
A machine may translate an idiom incorrectly.
2. They depend on human review.
A translator must check suggestions.
3. They may not handle creative texts well.
Poetry and literature require human creativity.
Discussing the Ethics of Translation as a Career
Translation is a professional career that requires responsibility and ethical behaviour.
1. Accuracy and Faithfulness
A translator must represent the original message correctly.
Example:
A translator working on a legal document must not change the meaning of clauses.
2. Confidentiality
Translators often work with private information.
Example:
A translator handling medical records must not share patient information.
3. Professional Competence
A translator should only accept work they are qualified to perform.
Example:
A translator without legal knowledge should avoid translating complex court documents without proper skills.
4. Respect for the Author
A translator should maintain the writer’s ideas, style, and intention.
Example:
A translator of a novel should preserve the author’s message and creativity.
5. Avoiding Bias
A translator should not change a text because of personal opinions.
Example:
A political article should be translated fairly, even if the translator disagrees with its views.
6. Continuous Learning
Languages change over time, so translators must continue improving their skills.
Example:
A technology translator must learn new computer-related terms.
7. Professional Honesty
A translator should be honest about their abilities and deadlines.
Example:
If a translator cannot complete a specialized medical translation, they should inform the client instead of producing poor work.
TRANSLATION AS A CAREER
Professional translators can work in:
1. Publishing
- Books
- Magazines
- Newspapers
2. Government
- Official documents
- International communication
3. Business
- Contracts
- Reports
- Advertisements
4. Media
- Film subtitles
- News translation
5. International Organizations
- Conferences
- Research documents
Summary of Chapter Nine |
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Concept |
Meaning |
Example |
| Translation | Transfer of written meaning between languages | English → Swahili text |
| Word-for-word translation | Direct replacement of words | May sound unnatural |
| Free translation | Focuses on meaning | Translating idioms correctly |
| Semantic translation | Preserves meaning and style | Literary translation |
| Communicative translation | Makes message clear to readers | Simplifying expressions |
| CAT tools | Computer programs assisting translators | Translation memory |
| Accuracy | Correct meaning transfer | No distortion of information |
| Ethics | Professional rules | Confidentiality and honesty |
In conclusion, translation is both a linguistic skill and a professional activity.
Successful translators combine language knowledge, cultural understanding, technology skills, and ethical responsibility to produce accurate and meaningful texts.
