CAE 438 : Comparative Linguistics and the Theory of Translation

Description

This course examines the theory and techniques of translation based on linguistic and comparative principles. It examines problems in translation which arise on the lexical, syntactic and discourse levels when two very different languages from two very different cultures constitute the source and target languages. Critical analysis of chosen translations will also be included.

Objectives

On completion of this course, students should

• be sensitive to linguistic differences between Chinese and English
• understand the lexical and structural features of the two languages which may make it difficult to express some concepts in one of the languages
• be aware of cultural factors which affect translation
• have experience translating texts from Chinese into English

Topics

1. Lexical Issues
2. Syntax
3. Textual Organisation
4. Cohesion
5. Pragmatics
6. Cross-cultural Differences

Reading

Baker, M. In Other Words: A Coursebook On Translation. London: Routledge. 1992.

Teaching Format

1 general lecture, 1 language-specific lecture, & 1 tutorial per week  (total: 3 hours)

Assessment

• Assignment (30%): Students translate a short text and discuss issues that arise as they do the translation,particularly focusing on decisions that were made and aspects of the meaning that have been lost or changed.
• Presentation (10%): Students discuss with their classmates issues that arise in the translation of a short text. The same text as in the assignment may be used.
• Exam: (60%): Students will answer three questions:
  a) discuss the translation of a text into English (the translation will be provided) (70%);
  b) discuss the translation of one poem by Tu Fu into English (the translation is by David Hawkes) (10%);
  c) answer a theoretical question about translation, based on the lectures (20%). Students are allowed to bring one monolingual or bilingual dictionary into the exam, but no notes may be written inside the dictionary. The examiner will check all dictionaries during the exam.

Coordinator/Lecturer

David Deterding, Room 3-03-164, tel. 790-3432, e-mail: david.deterding@nie.edu.sg  (for Chinese materials)

Please note: only Chinese-English translation is currently offered.