How Can Semantics Work to Help Translation

This paper attempts to probe into some aspects of semantic studies which may be of help to the understanding, explaining, and solution of some of the problems in translation. In the first part ense and reference, he author states the relationship between sense and reference, and points out that failure to understand this and to make a distinction between them can lead to paradoxes and mistakes in translation.

In the second part “Hyponymy,” the author, through examples and diagrams, explains the implication of hyponymy, and proves that a better knowledge of hyponomy is not only important in language acquisition but also quite helpful to the translator. Examples are given to show how the knowledge of hyponymy can be applied to translation.

In the third part hanges of meaning, he author discusses how Bloomfield, and Baugh and Cable classified types of changes of meaning, and points out if insufficient attention is paid to the change of meaning, a translator can hardly avoid falling into error in translating.

In the fourth part ontext, he author discusses how different scholars treated context in different ways and makes it clear that context is very important in correctly understanding the original text. Without contextual knowledge and information, a translator is sure to make mistakes. Examples are given to show how anomalous or deviant sentences can be understood and translated with the help of context.

After discussion of the four aspects, the author comes to the conclusion that for a satisfying translation, it is particularly necessary and helpful for a translator to have some idea of the relationship between semantics and translation and to have some general knowledge of semantics.

Published online: 11 March 2002
https://doi.org/10.1075/babel.47.2.06wen