PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

ILBORU SECONDARY SCHOOL

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

Copyright ©

2020

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 1 of 20

 TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

Translation is the process by which ideas are expressed into another language in a written form.
Alternatively it can be defined as the process where the meaning of expressions in one language
is turned into the meaning of another language.

In the translation process, a language from which the message is taken, is referred to as Source
Language and abbreviated as SL while a language into which meaning is turned to, is technically
identified as Target Language and abbreviated as TL.

If we have a text written in Latin and we want speakers of Zulu to understand it, then Latin is
the source language and Zulu is our target language.

METHODS OF TRANSLATION:

1. WORD – TO – WORD TRANSLATION:

This is the method whereby the text is translated from one language into another by maintaining
the word order of the source language. In this method of translation there is the same number of
words between the SL and the TL.

For example;

- Maua mazuri yalipandwa shambani

- Flower beautiful grown farm.

This the method in which words or morphemes are translated in isolation on the basis of their
basic meanings without considering the context used. During this kind of translation the source
language order is not changed. This kind of translation is mainly used by people (especially
Linguists) who want to know how the SL is morphologically structured.

2. LITERAL TRANSLATION:
Words are translated in isolation without considering the context of use but using the
structure of TL. The source language words are translated into their most common basic
meanings. Example: “Look down”is translated as “Tazama chini”.

Other similar examples: He was taken to the central police

-Alipelekwa kituo cha polisi cha kati.

- -Inabidi tuwe bega kwa bega katika mapambano dhidi ya Ukimwi.
-We should be shoulder to shoulder in fighting against AIDS.
- - Mnapaswa Kumwangalia sana.
-You are supposed to look at him very much.

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 2 of 20

3. SEMANTIC TRANSLATION:
Is a method in which a translator is said to be biased to the source language in that s/he
translates every word in SL but using syntactic and semantic features of TL. It capitalizes on
meaning of ST(source text) because of relying too much on the meaning of ST.
 This the type of translation which takes into account the aesthetic/cultural value of
the SL text
Examples are:
- Naomba mniazime masikio yenu tafadhali (From: Please lend me your ears).
- Wako mtiifu (from: Yours sincerely)
- Usiku mwema (from: Good night)
- Mabibi na mabwana (from: Ladies and gentlemen)
- Iliazimiwa kuwa (from: It was resolved that…)
- Naomba nichukue fursa hii (from: I would like to take this opportunity to…)
- Mwisho wa siku (From: at the end of the day)
- Kwa habari ya wafu (From: about the dead)

4. COMMUNICATIVE TRANSLATION:
Is a method of translation that pays a lot of attention to the contextual meaning of the original
text. In this method, the reader (translator) has to go through the text and transforms it in
pieces depending on how the text is supposed to be understood. The translators focus is on
the meaning of what is written in relation to the context.
 This type of translation gives the exact contextual meaning of the original text where
both contexts are exactly comprehensive to the readers.
Examples for communicative translation include: ladies and gentlemen = Ndugu zangu.
Do not let me down – usiniangushe
- Do not cry over split milk – Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki.
OTHER METHODS (TYPES) INCLUDE:
(a) Faithful translation:
It attempts to reproduce the precise contextual meaning of the source language and it
also attempts to be completely faithfully to the intention of text in relation to the
source language. Example: I love you – mimi penda wewe
Look for me – tazama kwa mimi

(b) Free translation:

This reproduces the message of the original text without considering the form, style
or context of the original. It reproduces the matter without distortion of either
meaning or the form of the original text. Basically, it is a paraphrase of the original
text into a targeted text ,for example:
Go out – tafadhali naomba utoke nje haraka
Help me – Nitashukuru kama utanisaidia

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 3 of 20

 Slowly – Naomba ufanye taratibu

(c) Adaptation:
Is a translation method of translation which is used mainly for plays and poems.
example{Mwalimu Nyerere translated “merchant of venice” written by
Shakespeare,into Kiswahili titled it as “Mabepari wa Venisi”}

(d) Idiomatic translation:

This method of translation translates the message of the original text but lends to
distort the meaning of the original text by preferring idioms, colloquialism and slang
which do not exist in the source language but are found in target language.
For instance:
Your mother is coming – Bi mkubwa wako anakuja.
Talk to your father – Ongea na mshua
He has married – Amepata jiko

PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION

1. Competence in both languages involved (concerned) i.e. both the source language and the
target one and the use of general and specialized dictionaries. Competence in just one
language cannot enable a person to become a good translator.
2. Understanding the topic or subject matter within a technical field (specialized dictionaries
use) for scientific text. Every field has its own register sets of terms which automatically
bear special meaning in those fields. For example a Kiswahili translator who is not
competent in Geography may translate into English the phrase ‘Kupatwa kwa jua kulitokea
jana’ as “The sun was obtained yesterday”. Geographically the translator is completely
wrong.
3. Avoiding personal opinions, prejudices and feelings; translating without showing any bias
and to reject the work as whole. Eg, if you are translating a text that is completely against
your religion, the translator has to be objective.
4. Understanding the equivalence challenges i.e. to translate meaning (message) instead of
words when words in the SL have no equivalence in the TL (eg. the word nice as …?)
Some words or concepts have no one – to – one correspondence; they are present in the SL
but are not found in the same way in the TL. Eg. “good morning” “za Asubuhi”. Therefore
in a case like this, it is important to translate the message of the text rather than the meaning
of its words. It is better therefore to translate “Good morning as “Habari za asubuhi”.

5. Considering the style:

Style used by author of the text in the source language (SL) need consideration either
modifying some parts where necessary eg. When translating Ngugi’s works into another

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 4 of 20

 literary work;a play titled “I will marry when I want”was originally written in Gikuyu
language with a title”Ngaahika Ndeenda” the style was observed.
NB. Infidelity =when the translator ignores the style in the ST, or if not being faithful.

5. Considering the audiences:

When translating a text,a translator should have in mind the audience s/he is translating
for. This will enable the translator to produce a translated text that is easily
understandable to the audience in question.
For example; if translating into Kiswahili a law that is written in English for an audience
that comprises mainly common people, then that audience will determine the level of
formality /complexity of the language to be used. In this case the language will be as
simple as possible to meet the legal needs of the audience.
6. Having and using Dictionaries. They must be related to the languages concerned and
dictionaries of technical fields have to be consulted too. Examples; If the SL and TL are
English and Kiswahili respectively, than it is important to have English – Swahili and
Swahili – English dictionaries. If the text is about Geography, then a Geography dictionary
will be needed too.
7. Considering the culture of ST and knowing it very well.
8. Education and experience is translation field (work)

TRANSLATING A TEXT

(PROCESS OF TRANSLATING)

When it comes to actual translation time, it is important to take note of the following
requirements.

1. Read the entire text to be translated if not very long, to get the general ideas of the
message, this will make you know the suitable tools that will be used.
Eg. If legal – legal dictionary should be in place.For style use i.e. formal, casual or
otherwise (If it is very long, you can read it in chapters or parts).

2. Look for Dictionaries both technical and general ones, bilingual and monolingual types
i.e. Biology or chemistry dictionaries).
3. Translate the text in the first draft – stage wise. This gives chance to make any necessary
corrections. However the deadline given may affect the speed at which you will need to
work. (No matter how short the time you are given you ought to make sure the quality of
translation is not compromised).
4. Revise the translation making improvement to the first draft. i.e. Go through the
translation to edit it and effect any corrections or improvements that may be needed. This
gives you the second draft.

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 5 of 20

 5. Write the final draft. Write the entire work so as to have a clean copy of the Final
translation, after you have made necessary corrections. Write the find draft ready for
submission to the client.

AGENTS OF TRANSLATION

1. HUMAN TRANSLATION:
A human can translate better when given complex documents with long sentences;
idioms, proverbs and sayings. Machine can mistranslate long or short stories, proverbs,
Idioms and sayings because they lack cultural consciousness of the source language.
If translate lists of separate parts of speech, for example, vocabulary, nouns and
anecdotes. A human translates slower than a machine. A machine translates quicker
because its systems are mostly dictionary based.

2. Machine translation:
Translating of document or as well being done by computer programs with special
translating software’s such as computers (systems) analyze a source next and produce a
target text. Much of machine translating needs human intervention in terms of the
influence of context when a word refers to two equivalent meanings. A situation where
human uses common sense and contextual awareness and make the correct translating
which machines fails.

However there are exceptions, machines are dictionary based in their design. They can
translate quicker technical terms, texts with minimum use of vocabulary and very short
sentences.
- Machines face a senior challenge in translating proverbs and idioms because they are
culturally biased and their meanings are not necessary in separate words.

Qn: Differentiate between Human translation and machine translation (five points)

Qn: With the aid of examples, explain the following concepts:

(a) Back translation

(b) Context
(c) Out of context
(d) Contextual meaning
(e) Forger readers
(f) Transliteration
(g) Overtranslation
(h) Undertranslation

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 6 of 20

 (a) Back translation:
Refer to the process of translating already translating text back into original or source
language. For instance if a text was translated from English – SL to Kiswahili – TL, the
same text is translated back into English.

(b) Context:
Refers to words or phrases that precede or come after a certain word and help to
determine the intended meaning of that particular word. For example contexts are
centered according to terms, Linguistics semantics and pragmatics. Other contexts which
are also important in terms of level of relevance include situational, social and cultural
context.

(c) Out of Context:

Means out of intended meaning. When translating the translation becomes out of context
if the translator translates literary or translating word for word.
For example:
 Deadline – mstari kifo.
 Look after – tazama baada
 Amepata jiko – He has got a kitchen
 A green snake in the grass – nyoka wa kijani kwenye nyasi
 Look down – Angalia chini
(d) Contextual meaning:
Is the meaning perceived according to the context in which words occur. It refers to the
intended meaning by the speaker or writer. In translation the translator uses free
translation as an ultimate to display contextual meaning. For example:
 Look after – huduma/lea chunguza
 Deadline – mwisho/muda muafaka
 A green snake in the grass – adui aliyejificha
 Amepata jiko – he has married
 Look down – kudharau

(e) Target readers:

Are the people (audiences) who are going to read a translated text into a target language
i.e. intended readers. For example if the original text is written in Kiswahili language and
is required to be translated in English Language. The English speakers will be the target
readers.

(f) Transliteration:
Refers to the processing under translation of transferring a text from one writing system
to another writing system. If can be a word or a letter (alphabet) For example making

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 7 of 20

 capitalization (A, B, D …) from small letters. Form of the original text. And or changing
numbers such as 1,2,3 etc into romans as i.ii.iii or transcription / 0 /

(g) Over translation:

Means to translate by adding too many words which are not necessary or do not exist in
the SL.Example…

(h) Under translation:

Refers to translating by having too many words to SL untranslated, the translator may
omit some words which suppose to be translated.Example…

CHALLENGES OF TRANSLATING:
During translation process, there are things that are not usually translated for various
reasons. There are challenging items in translating.The following are those things that
make translation difficult:

1. PROPER NOUNS:
Names of particular or specific things are said to be difficult to translate. In this
graph we include names of people, places, oceans, mountains and Rivers. Most of
the proper nouns especially names of places or people are not translated. They are
written as they are. However this is not always the case as in the following examples:
Yohana Mbatizaji from Bible and “They live in Europe.
- Translation of these names is done when the translator believes that it will be difficult
for the speakers of TL to pronounce the names if they remain as they are.
- Properties of TL are also taken into consideration especially morphological and
phonological properties of TL.

Example: “I’m going to Songea” from “Ninaenda Songea”, “Moshi ni mji mdogo”, -
Moshi is a small town. “Juma ni rafiki yangu” – “Juma is my friend”.

2. IDIOMS (IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION).

Refers to a phrase or sentence whose meaning is not clear from the meaning of its
individual words and which must be learnt as whole unit. Those are expressions
whose meaning depends on the culture of a particular society.
For example; idiomatic expression are like proverbs, idioms and phrasal verbs.
- Therefore it is difficult to understand the meaning of idiom unless you use some
sources like dictionary to know what it means.

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 8 of 20

 WAYS OF TRANSLATING IDIOMS

(i) Looking at the equivalent figurative expression which serves the same purpose (meaning)
in a similar or the some context in the view of the culture of TL however not easy.
(j) Using some other sources like dictionary or idiomatic expressions, using students,
companions and special books.
(k) To translate the figurative expressions basing on what they mean, the use of words with
meaning like that of figurative expressions.
(l) To know or find the paraphrases of these idiomatic expressions.
(m) Native speakers* experience and close cultural relationship can also be useful.
Examples: See the following English expressions and their Kiswahili equivalent levels.
 A stitch in time serves nine – usiposiba ufa utajenga ukuta
 It rained cats and dogs – it rained heavily (ilinyesha sana
 Amekula chumvi nyingi - He is very aged.
 Alinikata ulimi kabla sijamaliza - He cut me short when I was talking
 Amevaa miwani - he has got drunk
3. PROVERBS:
Refers to short well known sentence or a phrase that stakes a general truth about life
or gives advice proverbs also pose a challenge on translating them. What you do
when translating proverbs. find If there are proverbs with equivalent meanings in the
TL to match with there in the SL Example “ Don’t put all your eggs in one busket if
you translate a proverbs – usiweke mayai yako haya kwenye kikapu kimoja” the
meaning might be out of context, we may not have such a proverb in Kiswahili.
- It is therefore have to be translated as “Usimwage mchele kwenye kuku wengi” =
Don’t reveal your secret to many people:
@ other examples are:
 A stitch in time serves nine
 Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta”
 The early bird catches the warm.
 Chelewa chelewa utakuta mwana si wako
 Birds of same feathers flock together”
 Waarabu wa pemba hujuana kwa vilemba
 If you put all your axes together, they must know each other
 Not all that glitters one gold
 Don’t cry over a spit milk
 No gains without pains etc.

4. PHRASAL VERB:

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 9 of 20

 Refers to a simple verb combined with adverb or preposition or sometimes both to
make a new verb with meaning that is different from that of simple verb. Therefore
we can not translate phrase / verbs the way they are without distorting the meaning or
being out of context.
- For example: “look down” is a phrasal verb. If translated the way it is, it will be i.e.
“Tazama chini” it will be distorted its meaning (at of context). But if we firstly find
what it means in a dictionary we may find that “look down” means “Despise” which
is translated as “dharau” in Kiswahili.
5. ABBREVIATIONS (ACRONYMS).
These are wards formed by taking only initial letters of a phrase. As a rule
abbreviations are not translated. It is their long form (meaning) that are taken into
considerations.
- For example “UN” from United Nations, “CHADEMA” from Chama cha
Demokrasia na Maendeleo.
Some acronyms can be translated and others can not:

Examples are:
- EAC – as Jumuiya ya Africa Mashariki
- AU – Umoja wa Africa
- EU Umoja wa Ulaya
- ID – Kitambulisho
- UN – Umoja wa mataifa

6. TRADE AND COMPANY NAMES:

Translating company names become difficult one because they are under proper
nouns. Eg. “Nipo kivulini pub” This should be translated as “I am at kivulini Pub”
and not otherwise.
- Also the names of newspaper or magazines and TV stations can not be translated eg
“Mwananchi” “The Guardian”, “The citizen”, Rais, Daily News, Nipashe.
Examples of company names includes (Untranslatable).
Coca – cola kwanza limited company
- Normally company and trade names are not translated. However, there are cases
when you find on institution having two names (have been done translation already).
Note: There are other organizations which have both. Kiswahili and English
acronyms; such translation should be categorized in one of…. and …… levels of
expressions.

Equivalent:
For example:
 Prevention and combating of corruption Bureau (PCCB)
Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 10 of
20
  Taasisi ya Kupambana na Kuzuia Rushwa (TAKUKURU)
 Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)
 Taasisi ya elimu Tanzania (TET)
 National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA)
 Baraza la Mitihani la Taifa (Tanzania ) BMT

Nb: The only challenge we will face is to translate these names into different languages other
than Kiswahili or English Like French Language for example:

7. TECHNICAL TERMS:
These are words used by experts in their fields of specialization. Example: words
like photosynthesis nomenclature, hydrocarbons, oxygen etc, the terms like those are
not easy to translate.

What normally happens is that, the terms are adapted into the TL by modifying
spelling and pronunciation. However translators make some attempts to translate
technical terms. They will normally do that by coining new words that become
equivalents of technical terms.

Example are:
 Weight – uzito
 Diameter – kipenyo
 Noun – nomino
 Non-metal - si metali
 Mass – tungamo
 Radius - nusu kipenyo
 Uniform motion – mwendo sare
 Co2 - hewa kabodaioksaid/ukaa
8. INVENTIONS AND TECHNOLOGICAL TERMS (COINED WORDS)
New inventions and discoveries are made everyday. Inventors and discoverers give
names to whatever they discover and invent. These words pose a lot of challenges in
translation since they are record and new to the language.

In most cases the words are left untranslated, they are rather borrowed or modified for
use in TL.
Example are:
 Ipad  antivirus  clean master
 Bluetooth  browser  soft copy etc
 whatApp  software

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 11 of

20
 9. COMPOUND WORDS:
In compound words, especially opaque compounds are difficult to translate, this is
because it may have the meaning which is different from separate elements of words
it forms.
Eg: a compound, Gold digger gives a meaning which is different from the meaning
gold and digger. Other examples are deadline, first lady etc.

10. AMBIGUITY:
Refers to statements which have more than one meaning. Ambiquous statements
confuse translators because it is difficult to predict the intended meaning. For
example a sentence; “she is an English teacher” is ambiguous and can be translated
into Kiswahili as:
“Yeye ni mwalimu mwingereza” or “Yeye ni mwalimu wa Kiingereza”
QUALITIES OF GOOD TRANSLATION
A well done translation, is said to have the following qualities.
1. Capable of being translated back.
A translated text if will be back translated by another translator, yieliding the same
results, the translation of that kind will be of high quality.
There is no a hundred percent reliable because we cannot be sure about the
improvements that can be made by the second translator. The assumption have it. If
both translators are objectives. (unbiased or equally biased).

2. Performance testing:
This is done by asking the speakers of the source language to perform or carry out
activities based on translation. The same is done to the speaker of the Target
Language (TL). If the results are the same, then the translation will be considered to
have been done well.
Unfortunately this technique is very time consuming.

3. Knowledge testing:
This is done by asking questions (usually using questions) to speakers of the Source
Language (SL), the questions asked are about the content of the text, the same
questions are asked to speakers of the TL. If responses given are the same, the
translation is then considered to have been well done.

TRANSLATOR’S NECESSARY COMPETENCE:

A translator is expected to have the following competence
(i) In the source language and the target language.

(ii) Realizing the translated text into culture of the target language.

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 12 of

20
 (iii) Sufficient awareness in the field of translating (eg.) medical, Law, education etc) plus the
jargons.

(iv) Register (Frozen, Formal, informal and intimacy) into the target language.

- Receiving feedback from the client in reducing disagreement in unclear issues.

(v) Writing skills (translators should have an extensive writing experience and skills
sometimes as a neat of attending writing course.

INTERPRETATION:

Interpreting: Is an act of speaking (oral) or performing sign language from a source

Language (SL) for the purposes of communicating to an audience in a target language
(TL) either consecutively or simultaneously.

Although interpreting and translating are two related linguistic disciplines, they require
very different skills in performing them.

Interpretation is the process of transferring a spoken message from one language to an

equivalent message of another language.

It’s uses are:

- It is used in religious preaching

- When researchers (Foreigners) talk to indigenous people
- When tourists come to our country.
- In international conferences.

TYPES OF INTERPRETATION:

Interpreting is divided into various types:

1. Simultaneous interpreting (CONCURRENT)

Is an interpreting way by the interpreter transform the message while the speaker is
talking. In this type of translating there is no pace to allow interpreting.

Simultaneous interpreter usually seats in a sound booth and listen to the speaker through
headphones and speak into a microphone to reproduce the speech into the TL on the spot
as it is being delivered from the SL.

-This kind of interpreting is mostly used in large conferences, in the gossiped,in

preaching.
2. CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING:

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 13 of

20
 Involves the speaker delivering message in chunks and passing after each chunk of
message to give room for interpreter to say the same message in different language.

The speakers transfers the message after the speaker has finished. It is sometimes takes
up to five minutes to wait for a speaker to finish talking about one complete idea.
Eg: it is used in small graph of conference, court cases and business negotiations,
interview, matrons.

An example can be:

Speaker: My name is Mwaipopo, I come from Zambia Interpreter: Jina l;angu ni
Mwaipopo, natokea Zambia.

3. WHISPERING (CHUCHOTAGE) INTERPRETATION:

This takes place in the meeting, for example there is one or two people who do not
understand the language used by interpreter which is known by the majority. Interpreter
sits near those people and interprets to them, telling them the message received from the
speaker by using the language known by them through low voice, So as to avoid
disturbing the majority.

It is very demanding kind of interpretation because the interpreter has to struggle with
speed so that he/she is not left behind by the speaker.

4. Relay interpretation:
This takes place when an interpreter interprets to other interpreters using the language
known by all other interpreters, then the other interpreters interprets to their groups of
people.

For example , an interpreter may listen to an english speaker , then he/she uses Swahili to
interprets to other interpreters who can interpret to their groups using different languages
known by their groups of people such as , kichagga ,kipare, kingoni,kinyakyusa and so
on.

5. Laison interpretation:
Is the type of interpretation which is used to link two people or two small groups of
people whose language is different. An interpreter must know each language spoken by
each individual or each group, then she/he interprets person to person or group
interchangeably.

6. Escort Interpretation:
This takes place when an interpreter walks with a client (the tourists) in different areas
where different languages are spoken, than a language which a client does not speak is
Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 14 of
20
 spoken by an interpreter. An interpreter must know all the languages spoken in all these
areas.

PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
A successfully interpretation depends or adhere to the principles of interpretation. These
include the following:

1. Accuracy:
An interpreter needs to be accurate with the information she/he is interpreting. The
intended message must reach the intended audience in almost error free or fewer
errors. Repeat the original message accurately and completely in another language
without adding, subtracting or changing key information or intended meaning.

2. Confidentiality:
Some of the information that an interpreter is interpreting might be secret. It is only
shared with the client and service provider. It is the duty of interprets to retain that
confidentiality. It is also a principle that an interpreter will not enter into private
discussion with either client or the service provider.

3. Impartiality:
The interpreter should be neutral. He or she should be fair while interpreting. The
interpreter should never add his or her personal feelings while interpreting.

4. Professional and ethical manners in interpreting projects.

An interpreters will offer her professional assistance for the benefit of two sides and
fellow all professional code of conducts.

PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION:
 The interpreter has to know in advance what is going to be talked about and if there
are materials to be read, they have to be read earlier so that the interpreter knows
what is going to be talked about.
 Listen very carefully to what the speaker of the source language (SL) is saying.
 The interpreter ought to use the style that s/he thinks the audience will understand.
 When the speaker stresses a point, the interpreter is supposed to do the same in order
to have the same effect.
 Use gestures, as well as rising and falling of the voice (intonation) in the same way as
the speaker of the sources language is doing.
 The interpreter may intervene the speaker if he/she thinks the audience does not
understand.

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 15 of

20
 If you fail to get a particular word that has been said, it is better to ask the speaker to
repeat the part rather than pressing the word.
 To observe the audience’s level of understanding for more elaboration.
 It is not necessary to interpret the message word for word. sometimes you may
explain the message in your own word if you think that direct interpretation will not
be understood by the audience
This may happen especially when interpreting concepts that are present in one social
setting but not in the other.
CONCEPTS
OBJECTIVES OF TRANSLATION (why do we translate)
1. To produce various texts in other languages to make them available to a much wider
audience. The text can be
(a) Scientific : school books, websites
(b) Religious : religious books
(c) Political : speeches
(d) Literary: novels etc

(ii) Made possible to find bible in English and reach so many people in the world in Kiswahili,
German, however the original language of the bible was completely different language

(iii) Scientific knowledge found in one part of the world to reach the rest of the world

(iv) Be aware of what is taking place (news) in other parts of the world.

EQUIVALENT LEVELS IN TRANSLATING

Equivalent expressions between language pairs in bilingual is treated as full equivalent.

There are four (4) types of equivalence applicable for source language (SL) to target language
(TL) translating there are :

1. Conceptual equivalence (maintaining the same concept)

2. Preposition equivalence (maintaining thoughts pattern)
3. Thematic equivalence (maintaining subjects matter)
4. Contextual equivalence(maintaining context variables)

Other levels of equivalence in translating , which are applicable to source languages (SL) and to
(TL) translating are ;

1. Lexical translating ( this is the type of equivalence in translating which focuses on lexical
item by lexical item
2. Literal translating

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 16 of

20
This is the type of equivalence in translating is a rough translating of dramatic piece in synthetic
translating as understanding literature concepts

 There two levels of equivalence in translating are more based on source language. in
translating there can be no equivalence word , or there can be more than one
equivalent words. The translators must be careful to choose the context and meaning
which match correctly
 In grammatical points of views a translator may fail to get a translating equivalent
then a translator has to use a loan word (loan translating ) it is also called neologism
or semantic shift
 When there is a challenge of an exact equivalent translating , it is upon a translator to
chose the most suitable way of rendering the message in the target languages

Question: Discuss features of literary translation.

Literary means of literature, this translation based on translating literary texts such as poetry
plays and novels

Features of literary translation:

(i) It is imaginative

This means it is not based on facts it describes imaginary events.

(ii) It is expressive

A literary text is expressive and not informative because it is characterized by various

expressions such as figures of speech and sayings.

(iii) Language has more than one purpose.

 In translating literature , language has different roles from the main role of
communicating creations of beauty , sending message and creating mental
picture
(iv) It does not follow the rules of grammar writers may violate grammar rules for the aim
of conveying various intentions (message) eg poetic license
(v) It usually deal with people Not things as in scientific translation, literary works deals
with people and their real life and not objects
(vi) The beauty of source text is preserved
 The translator must maintain the aesthetic beauty such as figures of speech and other
expressions

Qn;(i). What is technical translations

(ii) Outline features of technical text;

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 17 of
20
 Answer

Technical translation refers to translations base on translating technical text such as computer,
references, engineering and other technical (scientific) text.

Features of scientific or technical translation

i. It is based on facts , everything describes is true because there is no imagination.

ii. Languages has only one single purpose;
The purpose of language in science or technical text is to inform only

(iii) it describes objects;

Its deals with scientific terms or objects, no use of personal pronouns.
(iv) follow grammar rules
It deals with scientific rules of grammar everything is straight forward
(v) it is informative
There are no expressions to make it expressive as in literary translation
(vii) The translator must have knowledge of technical field so as to make translation
accurately

Answer

Qn differentiate translation from interpretation

The two aspects differs as follows;

1. Skills

Translation requires reading and writing skills while interpretation requires listening and
speaking skills because an interpreter tends to listen to the speaker then speaking into
language known by his her audience.

2. Setting
A translation has no specific settings , he/she can work everywhere the materials are
available while an interpreter must have specific setting such as in court, conferences,
congress or any other special place where the interpretation process will be done where
audience are present.
3. Medium
Translation is based on written medium that is the translator converts written texts in other
language he/she can meet with his or her audience while interpretation involves spoken
words of mouth as its medium
4. Time

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 18 of

20
 Interpretation takes place at the same time ie on the spot, though in consecutive
interpretation the speaker and interpreter found to make a pause but where the speaker
finishes and an interpreter finishes interpreting. While translation does not take place in
real time, it involves various processing such as pre-translation process and many others.

5. Participant or context in communication:

A translator works alone but an interpreter works together with SL speaker together with
the larger people (audiences) whom an interpreter is interpreting to.

6. Target people:
The target people for translation are called target readers under translation, the targeted
ones should (they must) know how to read (reading skills). Target people for
interpretation are called audience; they should posses listening skills and physiological
listening ability. Also, speaking skills especially in the consecutive interpretation.

7. Tools Involved:
The translator uses tools during translation process such as writing materials, reading
materials, pens and papers and so on, while an interpreter does not need them. Maybe
only if not audible and the audience is large; audible or sound magnification devices like
mikes, speakers might be used.

8. Expressivity: (Costs):

9. Accuracy

Qn: “Sometimes communicative translation becomes free translation” Explain at least five (5)
situations that make the translator to translate freely to display contextual meaning.

Answer:

Communicative translation refers to the method of translation which gives the contextual
meaning.

It displays what is being communicated without considering the order of SL text. The following
are some situations that make a translation to translate freely to display contextual meaning.

(a) When the SL text consists of an idiom.

Idioms do not display contextual meaning unless free translation is used. For example “It
rained cats and dogs”. Is freely translated into Kiswahili as “Mvua ilinyesha sana”.
(b) If the SL consists of unimportant words.
For example “come here please” can be translated freely as “Njoo hapa” so as to save
time and space – simplicity. Therefore, the translator is free to omit some words.
Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 19 of
20
 (c) Cultural Differences:
This makes a translator to freely translate a text for example “Good Friday” is translated
as “Ijumaa kuu”. There is no connection between “Good” and “Kuu”. That is to translate
freely.
(d) Some expressions such as technological terms do not give contextual meaning without
free translation. For example “Breaking news” if freely translated as “Habari
zilizotufikia hivi punde”. These expressions are related to technology and Jargon (Field
of journalism) special and journalistic.
(e) If the SL is expressive or colloquial:
An expressive text may include figurative Kabgyage, exaggerations and colloquialism.
For example “Ladies and gents” must freely translated as “Ndugu Zangu”, “Jamaa”. So
as to make it formal or informative. It also helps to avoid biasness.

Qn: What is the relationship between translation and interpretation (similarities between the
two).

 Both require skills of Language. Such as speaking and listening skills for an interprets
and writing and reading skills for a translator.
 Both translates the meaning from Source Language (SL) into target language, they
must / are both aimed to be heard or read by target people.
 Both require the knowledge of two languages.
Therefore, the translator and an interpreter must be bilingual; they must understand
more than one language.
 Both depend on Language as the medium of communication.
Translators use language when translating that is usually written language, also
interpreter use spoken language, therefore language is the medium of communication
for both.
 Both must follow core principles such as ethics, the knowledge of cultural differences
and avoidance of bias for the translator and an interpreter, also competence in both
languages and the knowledge on the field in topic or subject matter.

NB: Despite these similarities, translation and interpretation differ in terms of tools, setting
medium, time consuming and context in communication.

Copyright © Ilboru Secondary School (2020) Page 20 of

20