Peculiarities of translation of standard documents

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The Report

Peculiarities of translation of standard documents

Content

Introduction

1. Translation theory

1.1 Translation of official documents

1.2 Types of standard documents

2. Peculiarities of translation of standard documents

Conclusions

Bibliography

Appendix

Introduction

The translation of official documents is a subfield of specialized legal translation. It requires absolute precision and the exclusive use of professional terms approved by the relevant official bodies.

A document (noun from latin documentum [second declension, gen documentо]: lesson, instruction, warning), is a bounded physical or digital representation of a body of information designed with the capacity (and usually intent) to communicate. A document may manifest symbolic, diagrammatic or sensory-representational information.

Peculiar features of the style of official documents (it is also applicable to technical interpretation) are its substantiveness, logicality (strict consistency, clear connection between main idea and details), accuracy and objectivity and subsequent lucidity and clarity. All texts of this type tend to use the language means that contribute to satisfaction of needs of this communication sphere.

Methodology of the research. The aim achievement of the research and implementation of the set up tasks outlines the need in a number of theoretical and empirical methods of research (theoretical research, concretization, modeling, studying of specific literature, manuals, dictionaries).

Theoretical value of the research results. The investigation, detalization of the issues studied, theoretical value of the received results leads to the conclusion that this research finds out the necessity to emphasize translation of standard documents as an important branch of technical one.

The results of the research are submitted in the conclusion of the work.

1. Translation theory

Translation is a means of interlingual communication. The translator makes possible an exchange of information between the users of different languages by producing in the target language (TL or the translating language) a text which has an identical communicative value with the source (or original) text (ST). This target text (TT that is the translation) is not fully identical with ST as to its form or content due to the limitations imposed by the formal and semantic differences between the source language (SL) and TL. Nevertheless the users of TT identify it, to all intents and purposes, with ST - functionally, structurally and semantically.

Translation is the interpretation of the meaning of a text in one language and the production, in another language, of an equivalent text that communicates the same message. Translation must take into account a number of constraints, including context, the rules of grammar of the two languages, their writing conventions, their idioms and the like.

Though the basic characteristics of translation can be observed in all translation events, different types of translation can be singled out depending on the predominant communicative function of the source text or the form of speech involved in the translation process. Thus we can distinguish between literary and informative translation, on the one hand, and between written and oral translation (or interpretation), on the other hand.

Literary translation deals with literary texts, i. e. works of fiction or poetry whose main function is to make an emotional or aesthetic impression upon the reader. Their communicative value depends, first and foremost, on their artistic quality and the translator's primary task is to reproduce this quality in translation.

Translation of scientific and technical materials has a most important role to play in our age of the revolutionary technical progress. There is hardly a translator or an interpreter today who has not to deal with technical matters. Even the "purely" literary translator often comes across highly technical stuff in works of fiction or even in poetry. An in-depth theoretical study of the specific features of technical translation is an urgent task of translation linguistics while training of technical translators is a major practical problem.

In technical translation the main goal is to identify the situation described in the original. The predominance of the referential function is a great challenge to the translator who must have a good command of the technical terms and a sufficient understanding of the subject matter to be able to give an adequate description of the situation even if this is not fully achieved in the original. The technical translator is also expected to observe the stylistic requirements of scientific and technical materials to make text acceptable to the specialist.

Informative translation is rendering into the target language non-literary texts, the main purpose of which is to convey a certain amount of ideas, to inform the reader. However, if the source text is of some length, its translation can be listed as literary or informative only as an approximation. A literary text may, in fact, include some parts of purely informative character. Contrariwise, informative translation may comprise some elements aimed at achieving an aesthetic effect. Within each group further gradations can be made to bring out more specific problems in literary or informative translation.

A number of subdivisions can be also suggested for informative translations, though the principles of classification here are somewhat different. Here we may single out translations of scientific and technical texts, of newspaper materials, of official papers and some other types of texts such as public speeches, political and propaganda materials, advertisements, etc., which are, so to speak, intermediate, in that there is a certain balance between the expressive and referential functions, between reasoning and emotional appeal.

1.1 Translation of official documents

The translation of official documents is a subfield of specialized legal translation. It requires absolute precision and the exclusive use of professional terms approved by the relevant official bodies.

Defining the specificity of technical translation, special translation theory (if we talk about translation of official documents) studies three types of factors which must be taken into account while describing translations of certain type. First of all, the particular functional style of a source document itself can influence the type of translation process and require from technical translator use of special methods and ways. Secondly, such source orientation can predetermine stylistic characteristics of the translation text and, thus, necessity for choice of such means of language that characterize the same functional style in the target language during technical translation. And, finally, interaction of these two factors can result in appearance of translation peculiarities themselves which are connected both with common features and differences between linguistic signs of the same functional styles of source and target languages and with special conditions and tasks of technical translation from different languages.

Within each functional style we can distinguish some linguistic features which influence on the process and the result of translation is rather significant. For instance, in scientific-technical style, during technical translation these features are lexico-grammatical peculiarities of scientific-technical materials and, first of all, it is the leading role of terminology and special vocabulary.

Translation of technical texts, including official documents, is one of the most demanded services in the translation sphere. It's connected with modern technical development and necessity of constant ensuring such development.

Peculiar features of the style of official documents (it is also applicable to technical interpretation) are its substantiveness, logicality (strict consistency, clear connection between main idea and details), accuracy and objectivity and subsequent lucidity and clarity. All texts of this type tend to use the language means that contribute to satisfaction of needs of this communication sphere.

On the vocabulary level translation of official documents, first of all, implies use of special terminology. Terms must provide clear and accurate definition of real objects and phenomena; establish unambiguous comprehension of transmitted information by specialists. Uppermost, in translation the term must be precise, i.e. it must have strictly determined meaning which can be developed by means of logical definition that removes the place of defined concept in the paradigm of this certain field. For the same reason the term must be monosemantic and, in this regard, context-independent. In other words, it must have its own precise meaning which is determined by its definition in all its occurrences in any text, thus, person who uses the term doesn't have to clarify its meaning in different contexts.

Term precision is directly connected with the demand that every notion should have only one corresponding term, i.e. not to have synonymic terms with corresponding meanings. A term should be the part of strict logical system. Terms meanings and their definitions should conform to the rules of logical classification which clearly distinguishes between objects and notions and doesn't allow ambiguity or contradictoriness. Besides, any term must have strictly objective definition with no secondary meaning which detracts specialist's attention adding the element of subjectivity. Official documents are written in a formal, “cold” or matter-of-fact style of speech. The style of official documents or `officialese' as it is sometimes called, is not homogeneous.

1.2 Types of standard documents

A document (noun from latin documentum [second declension, gen documentо]: lesson, instruction, warning), is a bounded physical or digital representation of a body of information designed with the capacity (and usually intent) to communicate. A document may manifest symbolic, diagrammatic or sensory-representational information. To document (verb) is to produce a document artifact by collecting and representing information. In prototypical usage, a document is understood as a paper artifact, containing information in the form of ink marks. Increasingly documents are also understood as digital artifacts. Document is the practical construct for describing matter in different forms which retain information for a reasonable period of time wherein it can be perceived by a sentient observing entity. The variety usage reveals that the notion of document has rich social and cultural aspects besides the physical, functional and operational aspects.

Standard documents include:

Documents issued by registry office:

birth certificate is a vital record that documents the birth of a child.

marriage certificate is the official record that two people have undertaken a marriage ceremony.

divorce certificate is a one page legal document that states that two people whom were previously husband and wife are now legally divorced.

death certificate is a document issued by a government official such as a registrar of vital statistics that declares the date, location and cause of a person's death.

Documents of identity:

passport is a document, issued by a national government, which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder.

driving license is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus, on a public roadway as long as they are not under the influence of alcohol or in some countries, using a mobile phone.

student card is a photo identification card that identifies the holder as a full-time student.

other documents of identity

Documents about education

diploma (without supplement) is a certificate or deed issued by an educational institution, such as a university, that testifies that the recipient has successfully completed a particular course of study, or confers an academic degree.

school leaving certificate is the final examination in the secondary school system.

Certificates:

certificate of employment

certificate of studies

bank certificates

certificate of salary

certificate of residence

marriage certificate

other certificates with the volume of no more than 1000 symbols

Other documents:

licenses;

registration certificates;

certificates with the volume of no more than 1000 symbols;

certificates of property rights

medical certificates without diagnosis indication

Non-standard documents are:

student's record book;

work record card;

power of attorney;

statement;

statement (certificate) about marital status

medical certificates with diagnosis indication

extracts from medical reports etc.

supplements to diplomas

2. Peculiarities of translation of standard documents

The lexicon of the standard documents consists of common words and great many of the special terms, which cannot be found out in the ordinary dictionary. One part of common words is known for the pupil from school or other original course of the English language.

There are some peculiarities of translation of some standard documents. Notwithstanding the seeming simplicity the translation of birth certificate or marriage certificate is no such a simple task. Too many special terms (names of institutions, positions), which cannot be found out in the ordinary dictionary, are used in these documents. That's why only the translator with wide experience of translation of such documents can translate them. The big problem is that some standard documents must be apostilied or have notary certification what can be done only if the translation is done by the professional translator. For example, the peculiarity of notary certification of passport translation consists in the fact that the notary doesn't certify a copy of passport and only confirms the translation authenticity.

Other part of common words is unknown by the pupil and represents that basic lexical reserve, which they should acquire in learning process. This part of common words can conditionally be subdivided on some groups:

Words, which on the first stage of tutoring usually are not studied. E. g. to regard - рассматривать, считать.

Words used in meanings, distinct from what pupils have acquired in original course.

Here it is necessary to refer a great many of auxiliary words, not studied before, "on account of" - из-за, “due to “ - благодаря.

Words and word-combinations providing logical connections between separate parts of the text and providing the logic of an account.

E. g. to begin with - прежде всего

Furthermore - кроме того

Summing up - говоря вкратце

Differences in British English and American English

company - corporation

programme - program

Conclusion

translation document term

A document (noun from latin documentum [second declension, gen documentо]: lesson, instruction, warning), is a bounded physical or digital representation of a body of information designed with the capacity (and usually intent) to communicate.

Official documents are written in a formal, “cold” or matter-of-fact style of speech. The style of official documents or `officialese' as it is sometimes called, is not homogeneous.

The lexicon of the standard documents consists of common words and great many of the special terms, which cannot be found out in the ordinary dictionary.

The greatest difficulty for understanding and translation is represented by the terms consisting not of one word, but from group of words. Disclosure of their meanings requires (demands) particular sequence of operations and knowledge of a method of translation of separate components. It is possible to recommend to start translation from the last word. Then under the order on the right to the left to translate words, facing to it, taking into account the semantic relations between the components.

The translation of standard documents shall give an exact meaning of the source text. Some deviations can be made due to the peculiarities of target language or stylistic issue. It is very important to prevent the loss of meaningful information contained in the source text.

Bibliography

1. Карабан В.І. Переклад англійської наукової і технічної літератури. Вид-во «Нова книга», Вінниця. 2001. - 721 с.

2. Appolova M.A. Grammatical difficulties of translation. - М: 1977.

3. Kazakova Т.А. Practical translation. - Spb: Soyuz, 2001.

4. Komissarov V.N. Linguistics of translation. - М.: 1980.

5. Linguistic encyclopedia. - М: 1990.

6. Schweytser A.D. Theory of translation: status, issues, aspects. - М.: Nauka, 1988.

7. Superanskaya A. ., Podolskaya N.V., Vasilieva N.V. General terminology. Theory issues. - М., 2003.

8. Vereshagin Ye.M., Kostomarov V.G. Linguistic theory of the word. - М.: Russkiy yazyk, 1980.

9. Vinogradov V.S. Introduction into translation. - М, 2001.

Appendix 1

SURNAME, FIRST NAME, PATRONYMIC CHANGE CERTIFICATE

Citizen Ivanov Ivan Ivanovich

surname, first name, patronymic

borne on the 1st of January 1960

Place of birth Moscow

has changed his (her) surname, first name, patronymic to

Petrov Petr Petrovich

surname, first name, patronymic

in witness whereof an entry under number 11111 was made

in the Surname, First Name, Patronymic Change Register on the

1st (day) of December (month) 1992

Place of registration: Branch of Civil Status Registration Office

name and location

of the Yuzhny District of the city of Moscow

of Civil Status Registration Office Branch

Date of issue: the 20th of January, 1992 

Seal here Head of the branch of the Civil Status

Registration Office (signature)

Certificate number I-AA № 444333

Appendix 2

СВИДЕТЕЛЬСТВО О ПЕРЕМЕНЕ
ФАМИЛИИ, ИМЕНИ, ОТЧЕСТВА

Гражданин (ка) Иванов Иван Иванович

Ф.И.О.

родившийся (аяся) « 1 » января 19 60 г.

место рождения Москва

переменил фамилию, имя, отчество на

Петров Петр Петрович

Ф.И.О.

о чем в книге регистрации актов о перемене фамилии, имени,

отчества 199 2 г. декабря месяца 1 числа

произведена запись за № 11111

Место регистрации: отдел ЗАГС

наименование

Южного округа г. Москвы

и местонахождение органа ЗАГСа

Дата выдачи: « 20 » января 19 92 года

М.П. Заведующий отделом (бюро) записи

актов гражданского состояния (подпись)

I-AA № 444333

Appendix 3

Свідоцтво про зміну прізвища, імені та по батькові Громадянин (ка) Іванов Іван Іванович

П.І.П

що народився (лася) « 1 » січня 19 60 р.

місце народження Москва

змінив прізвище, ім'я, по батькові на

Петров Петро Петрович

П.І.П

про що в книзі реєстрації актів про зміну прізвищ, імен, по батькові

199 2 р. грудня місяця 1 числа

зроблено запис за № 11111

Місце реєстрації: відділ РАГС

назва

Південного округу м. Москви

і розташування органу РАГСа

Дата видачі: « 20 » січня 19 92 року

М.П. Завідуючий відділом (бюро) реєстрації

актів громадянського стану (підпис)

I-AA № 444333

Appendix 4

Grammatical and Lexical Transformations in Translation

1. Translation of special terms:

names and surnames with help of transliteration e.g. Ivanov -Іванов

titles of the cities, regions e.g. Moscow - Москва, the Yuzhny District - Південний округ

names of organizations e.g. Civil Status Registration Office - РАГС(відділ реєстрації актів громадянського стану)

titles of main positions e.g. Head of the branch of the Civil Status Registration Office - Завідуючий відділом (бюро) реєстрації актів громадянського стану

2. Grammatical and lexical transformations:

e.g. in witness of - про що зроблено запис

Too many special terms (names of institutions, positions), which cannot be found out in the ordinary dictionary, are used in these documents. That's why only the translator with wide experience of translation of such documents can translate them.

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