Mixed Deck — All Translation Topics Flashcards

What does 'domestication' mean in literary translation theory?

Answer: Adapting the text to feel natural and familiar to target-culture readers

Domestication makes the translated text read fluently and naturally for target-culture readers by adapting cultural elements.

What does a legal translator do when the source document contains a cross-reference to a specific law or statute?

Answer: Translate the reference accurately and note whether an equivalent law exists in the target jurisdiction if relevant

Cross-references to statutes should be translated accurately, and translators may add a note if a target-jurisdiction equivalent is relevant for clarity.

When the English idiom 'it's raining cats and dogs' is rendered with the target language's own heavy-rain idiom, the technique is:

Answer: Equivalence

Idioms are best handled with an equivalent expression natural to the target language.

What is 'in-context review' (ICR) in localization quality assurance?

Answer: Reviewing translations as they appear in the actual product UI or publication layout

In-context review allows reviewers to evaluate translations within the actual UI, document, or layout to catch context-dependent errors.

Which skill helps a translator handle texts in unfamiliar subject areas?

Answer: Strong research and terminology skills

Research skills let translators verify specialized terminology and context accurately.

What is the purpose of an alignment tool in translation?

Answer: To pair existing source and target documents to build a translation memory from past work

Alignment tools match source and translated segments in existing document pairs, enabling translators to populate a TM from previously completed work.

What is 'localization' compared to plain translation?

Answer: Adapting content to a specific locale's culture and conventions

Localization adapts content to a target locale's cultural and regional norms beyond literal translation.

What is a 'false friend' in translation?

Answer: A word that looks similar across languages but differs in meaning

False friends are words resembling each other across languages but having different meanings.

Which technique risks producing 'false friends' errors if applied carelessly?

Answer: Borrowing or literal translation of similar-looking words

Words that look alike across languages but differ in meaning (false friends) trap literal or borrowing approaches.

What is a 'parallel text' and how is it used in literary translation?

Answer: A side-by-side presentation of source and target text used for comparison and study

Parallel texts display source and translation side by side, helping translators study choices and readers compare versions.

What is 'adaptive machine translation'?

Answer: An MT system that learns from a translator's post-editing corrections in real time to improve subsequent suggestions

Adaptive MT updates its model in real time based on post-editor corrections, improving consistency and accuracy within the same session.

Which type of interpreting happens after the speaker pauses?

Answer: Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpreting occurs after the speaker finishes a segment.

What is a 'full match' (or '100% match') in a translation memory?

Answer: A segment identical to a previously stored source segment, allowing the stored translation to be reused directly

A 100% match means the current source segment is identical to one already in the TM, allowing the previously approved translation to be reused without re-translating.

What is a 'retranslation' in literary contexts?

Answer: A new translation of a text that already has one or more existing translations

Retranslation is the act of producing a new translation of a literary work that already exists in the target language.

Why is cultural knowledge important for a translator?

Answer: To convey meaning appropriately for the target audience

Cultural knowledge ensures the translation resonates correctly with the target audience.

Russian: Spasibo

Answer: Thank you

'Spasibo' (Спасибо) is the most common Russian word for 'thank you.' It is widely used in everyday conversation to express gratitude. The word's etymology is believed to come from the phrase 'spasi Bog,' meaning 'God save you,' reflecting a historical religious origin for the expression of thanks.

In medical translation, what does 'IFU' stand for and why is its translation critical?

Answer: Instructions for Use — critical because users rely on them for safe and effective use of medical devices

Instructions for Use (IFU) are documents accompanying medical devices and must be accurately translated so users can operate them safely.

Which regulatory body oversees the translation of medical device labeling in the United States?

Answer: FDA

The FDA regulates medical device labeling and requires accurate translations of labels and IFUs for devices distributed in the US market.

It creates the intended text content without the form or style.

Answer: Free translation

Free translation aims to convey the overall meaning and message of the source text without strictly adhering to its original form, style, or sentence structure. This method prioritizes naturalness and readability in the target language, allowing the translator significant liberty to rephrase and adapt the content. The focus is on achieving the intended communicative effect rather than a word-for-word rendition, making it suitable for texts where conveying the gist is more important than preserving the exact linguistic structure.

What is a 'style guide' in localization projects?

Answer: A document defining tone, terminology preferences, and linguistic conventions for a specific brand and locale

A style guide ensures consistency in tone, preferred terminology, and language conventions across all localized content for a brand.