Translation problem
As translation problems when being translating or interpreting sources of the difference between source text and target text referred to, which are objectively determined by the linguistic, cultural and situational differences. Translation problems generally arise from differences between languages, cultures and situations that require a more precise formulation during interpreting or translation, an adaptation of the content or form of the target text that deviates from the source text or an explanation. Translation problems are not to be confused with translation difficulties (sources of error caused by gaps in knowledge when translating or interpreting).
One reason can be different precision requirements in different languages: For example, Castle can be used to designate both a castle and a castle, and in the ABBA song One of us is only used in the second verse (“One of us is only lying in her room ") Clearly that already the first verse with" one "(and not" one ") has to be translated" by us ".
Not all translation problems subjectively lead to translation difficulties, as sometimes a repeatable solution has already been found or a certain procedure is specified. So could z. For example, when translating a German menu for British tourists, a restaurateur decides that the German names of the dishes should be included in the English menu and explained. In this case there is the problem that the term Grööner Hein ( pears, beans and bacon ) is largely unknown in Great Britain , but a systematic solution has been established.
Cultural (conventional) translation problems
Translation problems due to cultural differences include the translation of so-called real names, names of country or region -specific terms , such as food or clothing, but also holidays, offices or political parties. Different units of measurement that have to be converted, as well as proper names that may have to be transcribed or transliterated or can trigger culture-specific associations, require attention to cultural peculiarities.
Language pair specific translation problems
Another particularly well-known group of translation problems arises, primarily due to differences between the language systems: the transfer of puns , metaphors or other rhetorical figures and creative linguistic means of expression. Individual solutions are required here, depending on the degree of novelty and creativity of the means of expression and its significance for the source and target text.
Situational (pragmatic) translation problems
After all, when translating (usually not when interpreting), the situations in which the source and target text are read or heard are different. Location and time references (“the day before yesterday”, “here”) must be adjusted and / or explained.
literature
- Mary Snell-Hornby et al .: Handbuch Translation . Stauffenburg, Tübingen 1999, ISBN 3-86057-992-4 .