ATA - American Translators Association Error Categories and Grading Questions and Answers

Question 1

In the ATA Framework for Standardized Error Marking, which category would apply to a translation that is awkward and unidiomatic because it follows the source text's structure too closely?

Accepted Answer

Literalness (L)

Answer

A Literalness (L) error occurs when a word-for-word translation results in an awkward, unidiomatic, or incorrect rendition in the target language. While it may be faithful in a narrow sense, it violates the natural conventions of the target language.

Question 2

During the grading of an ATA exam, a candidate provides two correct translation options for a single term, separated by a slash (e.g., 'attorney/lawyer'). How would this be marked?

Accepted Answer

As an Indecision (IND) error, because the candidate must make a final choice.

Answer

An Indecision (IND) error is marked when the candidate provides more than one option for a translation unit. Graders are not permitted to choose the correct option for the candidate. Even if both options are correct, it is still marked as an error because the translator must commit to a single, definitive choice.

Question 3

A translation passage contains several inconsistent translations of a key technical term that is repeated throughout the source text. This makes the target text difficult to follow. Which error category best describes this issue?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion (COH)

Answer

A Cohesion (COH) error occurs when a text is hard to follow due to inconsistent use of terminology, misuse of pronouns, or other structural errors that disrupt the logical flow. While individual instances might be Terminology (T) errors, the pattern of inconsistency affects the entire text's readability, making Cohesion the most appropriate category.

Question 4

According to the ATA's grading standards, which of the following is considered a 'Writing Quality' error rather than a 'Meaning Transfer' error?

Accepted Answer

Usage (U)

Answer

Usage (U) is an error category under Writing Quality. It occurs when conventions of wording, phrasing, or collocation in the target language are not followed, even if the meaning is not technically incorrect (e.g., 'commit a crime' vs. 'perform a crime'). Omission, Faux Ami, and Addition are all categorized under Meaning Transfer errors because they directly impact the transfer of meaning from the source text.

Question 5

A candidate is translating a passage for a specialized medical journal as specified in the Translation Instructions. The candidate uses overly simplistic, everyday language instead of the appropriate medical terminology. This would be marked primarily as what type of error?

Accepted Answer

Text Type (TT)

Answer

A Text Type (TT) error occurs when the translation fails to comply with specifications stated in the Translation Instructions (TIs) or is inappropriate for the implied target audience. Using informal language for a specialized academic audience directly violates the context provided by the TIs. While it involves terminology, the core issue is the failure to adapt to the specified text type.

ATA - American Translators Association Practice Test

ATA - American Translators Association Practice Test

ATA - American Translators Association Error Categories and Grading Questions and Answers