Translation Techniques 5

Question 1

A 'semantic' translation approach (Newmark) prioritizes:

Accepted Answer

Staying close to the source author's meaning and style

Answer

Semantic translation favors fidelity to the source text's nuance and the author's intent.

Question 2

A 'communicative' translation approach (Newmark) prioritizes:

Accepted Answer

Producing an effect on the target reader similar to the source reader's

Answer

Communicative translation focuses on readability and the reader's response in the target culture.

Question 3

Dynamic equivalence (Nida) is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Aiming for the same response in target readers as the original had

Answer

Dynamic equivalence seeks equivalent effect rather than matching form word for word.

Question 4

Formal equivalence (Nida) emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Matching the form and content of the source as closely as possible

Answer

Formal equivalence stays faithful to source structure and wording, even at some cost to naturalness.

Question 5

Which technique is most useful when subtitling, where space and time are limited?

Accepted Answer

Reduction / condensation

Answer

Subtitling often requires condensing dialogue to fit reading-speed and character limits.

Translation Practice Test