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Article published In:
Target
Vol. 10:2 (1998) ► pp.267–290

Compensation and the Brief in a Non-Literary Translation

Theoretical Implications and Pedagogical Applications

| School of Modern Languages and European Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich

Compensation as a device for dealing with loss in translation is often discussed with regard to literary translation where stylistic effects are assumed to be of greater importance than in non-literary modes. This paper builds on previous work firstly by exploring in detail the problem of author intention that appears to underlie the notion of effect. The discussion then extends into non-literary modes of translation where the translation specifications known as the Brief determine to a large extent the decisions taken by the translator. The author argues that the Brief introduces a crucial aspect into the decision-making process that not only allows for the possibility of compensation in non-literary texts but also influences the scope and type of compensation that would be deemed appropriate. Detailed examples are provided by a French source text featuring the frequent use of metaphor. Alternative translations are suggested in relation to two possible Briefs, which are presented as pedagogical devices in a translation 'role play'.

Article outline
  • 1.Introduction and Aims
  • 2.Compensation and Interpretation
  • 3.The Text
    • 3.1.The Title and a Dilemma
    • 3.2.Translating the Metaphors
  • 4.Stylistic Effects and the Brief
  • 5.Metaphor, Compensation and the Brief
  • 6.Ethical Concerns
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 1 January 1998
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.10.2.04har
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Nacey, Susan & Siri Fürst Skogmo
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Scarpa, Federica
2020. Translating Specialised Texts. In Research and Professional Practice in Specialised Translation, ► pp. 187 ff. DOI logo
함수진
2014. Effectiveness Of Translator's Note In Top-Down Translation Teaching Approach — Qualitative Analysis Focused On In-Depth Interviews With Learners —. The Journal of Translation Studies 15:2 ► pp. 259 ff. DOI logo
김진숙
2012. Translation Classroom Communication: An action-research based study on the relations between the translation briefs and translations of postgraduate students. The Journal of Translation Studies 13:2 ► pp. 41 ff. DOI logo

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