Translating: a key to international understanding?
Read Translating: a key to international understanding? and check the IELTS Reading answers. The term 'translation' is used for all cases where the meaning of expressions in one language (the 'source' language) is turned into the meaning in another (the target language), whether the medium is spoke…
Passage preview
The term 'translation' is used for all cases where the meaning of expressions in one language (the 'source' language) is turned into the meaning in another (the target language), whether the medium is spoken, written, or signed. In specific professional contexts, however, a distinction is drawn between work with the spoken or signed language (interpreting), and work with the written language (translating), although certain tasks blur this distinction.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- aesthetic adjective
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty; relating to the artistic qualities of a literary work
In aesthetic translations, the focus is on preserving the emotional and stylistic flavor of the original poem.
- archaisms noun
Things that are very old or old-fashioned; specifically, words or styles of language no longer in common use
Linguistic translations may preserve archaisms to convey the historical structural flavor of the original ancient text.
- connotations noun
Ideas or feelings that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary dictionary meaning
Translators must consider cultural connotations to ensure the target audience understands the intended emotional tone.
- ethnographic adjective
Relating to the scientific description of the customs of individual peoples and cultures through direct observation
Ethnographic translations pay close attention to the cultural backgrounds and social contexts of the source material.
- intellectual discipline noun
A branch of knowledge or a field of study that requires rigorous mental effort and specific academic expertise
Scholars argue that translation should be recognized as a major intellectual discipline rather than a basic skill.
- menial adjective
Work that is considered lowly and unpleasant, often requiring little skill and lacking social prestige or status
In some societies, translation is undervalued and viewed as a menial clerical task rather than an intellectual discipline.
- pragmatic adjective
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
A pragmatic translation focuses on technical accuracy, which is essential for instructional manuals and research reports.
- rocketing verb
Increasing or rising very rapidly and suddenly; reaching a high level in a short period of time
The demand for professional translators is rocketing within Europe due to the expansion of the European Union.
- scrupulous care noun
Great effort and extreme attention to detail to ensure that something is done correctly and thoroughly
Dubbing a film requires scrupulous care to synchronize the lip movements with the new spoken dialogue.
- semantic equivalence noun
The state of having the same meaning in different languages, regardless of the grammatical structures employed
Achieving semantic equivalence is the primary goal of translation, distinguishing it from merely summarizing a text.
Answers with explanations
- 14. E
Paragraph E discusses how different **needs of the people** (clients) determine the **purpose** and nature of a translation, whether it is a business letter or a film script.
- 15. H
Paragraph H clearly outlines the **contrasting attitudes** towards the profession, describing how some see it as a **menial task** while others view it as a **major intellectual discipline**.
- 16. semantic equivalence
The summary mentions an attempt to create a text that displays a specific quality with the source text. The passage identifies the **"aim of translation"** is to provide **semantic equivalence**.
- 17. purpose
The summary states translations are best judged according to something. The passage notes that the **"success of translation"** depends on its **purpose**, making it the correct word.
- 18. stylistic features
The summary references scientific texts not needing consideration of a certain aspect. The text says a scientific article requires **"little attention to stylistic features,"** matching the gap perfectly.
- 19. content
The summary mentions film dubbing giving low value to something. The passage explains that dubbed films focus on lip movements **"at the expense of content,"** meaning **content** receives lower priority.
- 20. E
The matching feature is a focus on **reproducing content accurately**. The passage explicitly links this to a **pragmatic translation**, which emphasizes **accuracy**.
- 21. B
The feature is looking at **cultural aspects**. The text states that **ethnographic** translations pay full attention to **cultural backgrounds**.
- 22. D
The feature is following **original grammatical structures** as required by the target language. The passage describes a **literal translation** as following the **linguistic structure** and normalizing it to target rules.
- 23. C
The feature is focusing on **meaning without necessarily using the original grammatical structures**. A **free translation** is defined as ignoring linguistic structure and focusing on the **meaning it conveys**.
- 24. words
Option B is correct because the writer mentions taking **cultural aspects** of the target language into account. Option D is correct as Paragraph E states **"there is no such thing as a best translation."** Option F is correct because Paragraph H explains a translation should read **"as if it were written originally in the target language."** Options A, C, and E are either not stated or contradict the text.
- 24-26: BDF
Option B is correct because the writer mentions taking **cultural aspects** of the target language into account. Option D is correct as Paragraph E states **"there is no such thing as a best translation."** Option F is correct because Paragraph H explains a translation should read **"as if it were written originally in the target language."** Options A, C, and E are either not stated or contradict the text.
- 25. brainwaves
- 26. signal