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Some Grammatical Problems in Translation

By Obododimma Oha Grammar is not the use of big or difficult words in a language but the appropriate combination of structures to form sentences and texts. We have been taught that these combinations have to comply with rules  for language is generally rule-governed. Another thing is that although there are universal linguistic issues to be considered. One is that the grammars of the SL and of the TL may converge in some respects and diverge in some. In other words, some problems may be language-specific. In addition, the appropriateness of combination depends on competence. Thus translation inevitably has to deal with grammar in at least two languages and we have to find equivalents for structures. *** Equivalents for Structures : This is a big issue for translation. It is easier to find equivalents for words but not for larger structures. Moreover, structures of meaning have to be accounted for. What it means is that some syntactic structures may be skipped as problematic, espec
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Language and Translation of African Literature

By Obododimma Oha *** One big issue that arises here is literary translation and how to handle it. African Literature already has a controversy over language. Added to that controversy is the translation of what is called African literature. On this interesting topic, therefore, one has to discuss (1) Literariness of the translation (2) Language choice and use in the writing of African literature (3) The writing of African literature in colonial languages (4)The existence of some African literature in translations The Literariness of the Translation : It is not easy to translate literary texts, what more second-language literary texts. In such a translation, one is challenged not only to capture the context of the ST, but also the style of language used. So, it is not just a matter of looking for equivalents or replacements. The translator becomes a second author of the text or a clone, a proxy, to be less problematic! As a proxy author, the translator has to imagine what t
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Background Lectures

Introduction Translation is defined by Catford as a transfer of meaning from a source text (ST) to a target text (TT). This definition is problematic. The problems include the following : -- Transfer. Do we just carry out a transfer easily? -- Meaning. So, meaning is that available for the transfer? -- Circumstance. In what circumstances do we carry out a transfer of meaning? At this introductory, we also need to know about  -- the status of the ST -- the consumption or use of the TT.   This introduction tries to set clearly our goals and a direction. It also tries to redefine translation as an activity that is part of our lives. Transfer of Meaning : Actually, meaning that is crucial and central to translation. When we translate, we hope that we have been understood. But being understood is not that simple. The meaning includes how it is intended to be understood. There is something being done to someone through language. That is big problem. So, the translator has a hug
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Agency in Translation

By Obododimma Oha The idea of agency in translation simply tries to answer the question : "Who or what handles translation for us?" There are two agents known in translation and these following below are discussed in this lecture : (1) The human translator (2) The machine as a translator. *** The human translator: The human translator refers to the human person that is filled with human knowledge,  assumptions, and values handling the translation. Crucial in respect of human translation are : (1) Knowledge of the SL and of the TL (2) Training or experience in translation (3) Fidelity. Knowledge of the SL and of the TL The translator is expected to be a balanced bilingual, having a good command of the systems of the SL and of the TL. If the translator is deficient in any of both languages, a bad translation will result. So, a deep or good knowledge of both languages is necessary. Training: The translator also needs to have a good training or experience in transl
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Constraints in Translation

By Obododimma Oha Introduction By now, we must have understood that translation is not what is done not considering the nature of the situation. The constraints we are discussing here are things to be put into consideration as one delves into translation. They are not obstacles but factors that make it meaningful. Purpose of translation One of these constraints is the purpose of the translation itself. What is the translation supposed to help in doing? Is it being done just for the fun of it all? Or is to assist in advancing a cause, promoting a cause, helping to make a cause possible? This is what the idea of skopos is all about. We have to consider the purpose of the translation. That purpose is a major guiding factor and must not be undermined by choices made. The values of the translator: The value or ideology of the translator is also a major constraint. The translator wants to promote this governing value system. The translation is seen as one way of voicing the ideology so as to
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Translation and Religion

By Obododimma Oha *** Religion is one important force to consider in exploring translation. Why? Some reasons for considering religion in exploring translation: -- Religions have featured prominently in theorising and doing practical translation projects. -- Religions have participated in translation in order to promote their evangelical work. -- Religions give hope to local languages, creating an impression that they are helping to develop them through translation. In this lecture, we discuss how religions have actually treated translation and what translation has gained from religion. Translation or Transgression? Perhaps, one of the key issues to consider is the fact that many religions , especially Islam and Christianity, have not really liked translation but have had to stick to some languages as the languages used by the creator in making revelations or in communicating with humanity. To turn to another language is to go against the Maker and to transgress! Catholicism (Christian
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Outline

 1. Background lectures   2. J. C. Catford's linguistic model and other models   3. Translation and Religion (Translation as Transgression)   4. Constraints in Translation   5. Agency in Translation : Human, Machine, etc  6. Translation and Language of African Literature   7. Types of Translation  8. Context in Translation   9. Translation and Orality   10. Translation and Scientific Language   11. Seminars  12. Seminars  13. Revision and examination.
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