Posts

Task of a Translator

Task of a Translator       Walter Benjamin truly illustrates an image in your mind regarding how harmonious translation can be. I am a huge fan of manifestation but have never heard it being referred to in translation. In the article Benjamin states "Languages are not strangers to one another..." At times I think we are all so different but realistically, languages have been around longer than we have all been alive. Languages are intertwined. I love the way he talks about the kinship of languages. "Even the greatest translation is destined to become part of the growth of its own language and eventually to be absorbed by its renewal." I'm not sure if it is the flowery language Benjamin uses but this has been my favorite article so far. His writing takes you to another dimension or as he calls it a "linguistic realm." It is intriguing the way he describes the dynamic between sentences, literature and language. It views the original language as a whole, ...

Intralingual Translation

  Intralingual Translation         Jakobon's three kinds of translation was  a completely new topic to me. First Intralingual Translation is something we have all done but I hadn't heard this term before. This is the process of rewording or reformulating phrases within the same language. Also known as paraphrasing. Next with Interlingual Translation, this process is the exchange between two languages. Jakobon goes into depth about how there is "ordinarily no full equivalency between code units, while messages may serve as adequate interpretations..."  Which is a similar significance to our last reading regarding "sense to sense." That you are still able to translate the meaning without the phrase losing its' context. Lastly, Intersemiotic Translation involves translating verbal signs to non-verbal signs such as artwork. Which involves a deeper understanding than just language. He states that there is a complexity in the semantic equivalence that at tim...

Mother Tongue

  Mother Tongue     With any language that we study, people will almost always prefer their native language. It is a given, they are just more comfortable, especially when it comes to money. Clients want to be secure in their purchases and customers' satisfaction throughout the transaction is very important. We hold a lot of power with our words; I have noticed first hand with a variety of communities giving each other recommendations based off of their experiences. Word of mouth is the best free marketing. It is completely understandable when it comes to large purchases, such as buying an airplane ticket. The customers want to be able to do so in their language.  United Airlines has really lived up to their name, proving how diverse and inclusive they are. This airline has translated their services  in eleven different languages,  optimizing their potential profits by expanding their target audience. Not only translating the phrases but also making sure th...

Interpreting Wars

  Interpreting Wars        You always hear that the Nuremberg trials was a massive turning point for interpreters. They were using new technology and were having to interpret simultaneously, which is an immense amount of pressure. Those interpreters were truly put to the test and were creating history. What stood out to me is that I never took a second to realize the trauma that those interpreters endured. Not only hearing the awful war crimes that were committed, but for Peter Less having to interpret for the same criminals that caused the death of his entire family is absolutely horrific. I understand wanting to get justice, but the emotional toll that comes with that is unimaginable. Peter mentioned having to become a machine to maintain his composure and leaving his feelings at home, which is still accurate for interpreters today in some cases. Personally I would never put my life on the line to interpret for war, not only would I be risking my life but also...

Journal Entry 1

Life After Death vs. Love it or Leave it?     What I find most ironic is the correlation between both articles. Imagine you open up your home, share your food and give a helping hand to teach a new group of people about the land. Then those same people turn against you, instead they take over your home, try to change your religion, and tell you that you are no longer allowed to speak your native language. That is exactly what happened to the Native Americans with the pilgrims. What saddens me the most is how they used the Wamponoag language to translate the bible to then force them into christianity. It happens time and time again in history but it is still very upsetting to understand the betrayal they endured. However, I do find it fascinating how ahead the Native Americans were with documenting all the legal documents for their tribe. That is what made it possible for Wamponoag to resurface after being dormant for 150 years. Jessie's dedication is truly astounding. My bigge...