Sticking to a source text in translation
description
The second assignment is a position paper of approx. 2000 words on the subject of “sticking to the source text”. Fenhoulet & Martin (2015: 6) note the following in the introduction to their book Dutch translation in practice:
“The question that students most frequently asked is: How closely should I stick to the source text? The answer differs depending on whether it is a literary or a more functional text, and on the use to which the TT will be put, as well as on the target audience.”
Your paper should start by investigating what sticking to the source text means, for which you should make use of the theoretical literature on such notions as literal vs free translation, word-for- word vs sense-for- sense translation, and semantic vs communicative translation. A number of useful academic references are given below, but you are invited to also come up with your own. Then you should explore the different conditions which Fenhoulet & Martin mention as affecting the degree to which sticking to the text is a good idea. Use your own examples, for instance from the course, and round the paper off by stating your own position with respect to the issues at hand.
Make sure you only use academic references. Here are some core references:
Fenhoulet, J & A.E. Martin (2015). Dutch translation in practice. London & New York: Routledge.
Baker, M. (2011). In other words. 2 nd edition. London & New York: Routledge.
Catford, J. (1965). A linguistic theory of translation. London: OUP.
Newmark, P. (1982). Approaches to translation. Oxford: Pergamon.
Nord, C. (1997) Translation as a purposeful activity. Manchester: St Jerome.
The sources above are optional, but the Fenhoulet (2015) source is part of the introduction to the assignment, so it would be useful to use this source.
