techniques of TS
what is Translation Studies
the prosess of transferring meaning from one language to another
what is the full name of our proffessor of subject theorotical aspects in TS
Шуварова Баян Абдиевна
What does it mean that translation is a creative process?
Translation involves creativity, not just word-for-word transfer.
What are the main stages of the translation process?
Understanding → analyzing → transferring → restructuring → editing.
What are borrowings? Give example.
Words taken from another language.
Example: pizza, kimono, internet.
what is Literal translation
word-for-word translation
What are lexical transformations? Explain with one example.
Lexical transformations are changes of words/meanings when vocabulary does not match.
Example: “I’m broke” → «У меня нет денег».
Name one way a translator shows creativity in translating a text.
Answer: By adapting idioms, metaphors, or cultural references to make the text natural in TL.
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What is a calque? Provide example
Answer: A literal translation of a phrase.
Example: “Skyscraper” → «небоскрёб».
the purpose of adaption in translation is-
to change cultural references so the text is sounds natural
What is modulation? Provide one SL → TL example.
Modulation changes the point of view.
Example: “It’s not impossible” → «Это возможно».
How does a heuristic approach help a translator?.
Answer: It helps to find solutions for unclear or complex expressions using analysis, intuition, and problem-solving.
What is equivalence (idiomatic translation)?
Answer: It recreates meaning + emotional effect.
Example: “Break the ice” → «Растопить лёд в разговоре».
How are idioms and proverbs translated?
Answer: By meaning, not words.
Example: “Let the cat out of the bag” → «Выдать секрет».
difference between transposition and modulation
Transposition changes the grammatical form; modulation changes the point of view or meaning.
What is transposition? Provide analysis.
Transposition changes the grammatical category.
Example: SL: “after his arrival” → «после того как он приехал» (noun → clause).
Give an example of translating a text where creativity (heuristic methods) was needed, and explain which techniques were used.
Example: SL pun “Time flies” → TL «Время летит» — creativity used: adaptation for natural TL expression, modulation for meaning, and lexical choice to preserve tone.
What is adequate vs. equivalent translation?
Adequate = accurate + natural.
Equivalent = closest idiomatic match.
Examples:
* “He is a doctor” → «Он врач».
* “Once in a blue moon” → «Раз в сто лет».
How are proper names translated? Explain techniques + examples.
Techniques:
• Transliteration: Elizabeth → Елизавета
• Transcription: Shakespeare → Шекспир
• Calque: Greenland → Зелёная Земля
• Adaptation: John → Джон
What technique is used when the translator replaces a metaphor with a non-figurative expression for clarity?
Descriptive or explicative translation.
Describe lexical and grammatical transformations in a complex text.
1. Modulation — “He passed away” → «Он ушёл из жизни»
2. Transposition — “a must-read” → «эту книгу нужно прочитать»
3. Substitution — replacing vocabulary with culturally suitable equivalents.
Explain how a translator uses creativity to solve problems when there is no direct equivalent in the target language (e.g., slang, idioms, cultural concepts). Give examples of techniques used.
Answer:
• Adaptation: replace SL cultural concept with TL equivalent (SL “Thanksgiving” → TL «Наурыз»).
• Modulation: change viewpoint for natural TL (SL “It’s not impossible” → «Это возможно»).
A translator encounters a text full of idioms, cultural references, and wordplay. Explain which translation techniques you would use to preserve meaning, tone, and style, and justify your choices with examples from SL → TL.
Answer:
How do figures of speech affect translation?
They change rhythm, style, imagery.
* Alliteration → recreate sound pattern
* Metaphor → keep or adapt
* Hyperbole → keep intensity
* Simile → ensure natural comparison.