The Beginning Translator's Workbook: or the ABCs of French to English Translation

by Michele H. Jones

Overview

This workbook combines methodology and practice for beginning translators with a solid proficiency in French. It assumes a linguistic approach to the problems of translation and addresses common pitfalls, including the delineation of “translation units”, word polysemy, false cognates, and structural and cultural obstacles to literal translation. The first part of the book focuses on specific strategies used by professionals to counter these problems, including transposition, modulation, equivalence, and adaptation. The second part of the book provides a global application of the techniques taught in the opening sections, guiding the student through step-by-step translations of literary and non-literary excerpts.

The revised edition clarifies some of the finer points of the translation techniques introduced in the first edition, provides extra practice exercises, and offers information on a website that can be used in class.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761863168
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	03/18/2014
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	314
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Michele H. Jones is a professor of French and the current director of the Global Language and Culture Center at St. John’s University in New York City.

Table of Contents

Preface

The Beginning Translator’s Basic Terminology

Preliminary Remarks

Chapter 1 Translation Units

Chapter 2 Words in Context

Chapter 3 Deceptive Cognates

Chapter 4 Translation Techniques

Chapter 5 Borrowings

Chapter 6 Calques

Chapter 7 Literal Translation and Structural Obstacles to Literal translation

Chapter 8 Transposition

Chapter 9 Modulation

Chapter 10 Equivalence

Chapter 11 Adaptation

Chapter 12 Applying Translators’ Techniques to Literary Texts

Chapter 13 Translating Titles

Chapter 14 Guidelines for the Translation of Literary Prose

Chapter 15 Guidelines for the Translation of Dialogues and Plays

Chapter 16 Guidelines for the Translation of Poetry

Chapter 17 Guidelines for the Translation of Non-Literary Texts

Chapter 18 Guidelines for the Translation of Ads

Appendix The Translator’s Tools

Index

Editorial Reviews

The Beginning Translator's Workbook or the ABCs of French to English Translation is an invaluable resource for teaching the theory and practice of translation in the college or university setting. It not only provides an overview of the seven translation procedures with practical illustrative exercises, but delves into the more advanced area of literary translation.

Domenic A. Beneventi

Michele Jones' Beginning Translator's Workbook is an ideal core text for college courses. It introduces students to all the key issues in French-to-English translation and offers step-by-step help in tackling them. The many examples and exercises provide well-structured opportunities for practice and discussion. I have used the first edition of this book in my own teaching with excellent results, and this revised and updated edition is sure to enjoy even greater success.

Patrick Coleman

As a translator myself, I have been impressed by the techniques demonstrated in The Beginning Translator's Workbook or the ABCs of French to English Translation. I consider this work an essential tool for teaching or learning the art and skills of translation. I highlyrecommend it.

Marie-Lise Gazarian

Already a treasure trove of methods and tools for the novice or burgeoning translator to develop their skills, the 2nd edition of The Beginning Translator’s Workbook, or The ABCs of French to English Translation offers a wealth of updated resources and exercises with clear examples of how to transform skills into art. University students and professors alike will benefit immensely from this updated textbook as they learn to craft fine translations in an array of genres, from journalistic and technical writing to literary prose and poetry.

Sara Hanaburgh

Already a treasure trove of methods and tools for the novice or burgeoning translator to develop their skills, the 2^nd edition of The Beginning Translator's Workbook, or The ABCs of French to English Translation offers a wealth of updated resources and exercises with clear examples of how to transform skills into art. University students and professors alike will benefit immensely from this updated textbook as they learn to craft fine translations in an array of genres, from journalistic and technical writing to literary prose and poetry.

Dr. Michele Jones' book on translation is, no doubt, one of the best I have read. I have used the previous edition in all of my courses on translation and have deeply relied on her explanations. It will be of great assistance to both Undergraduate and Graduate students as well as to professors, no matter the language they are working with. A book most highly recommended to all.

From the Publisher

Already a treasure trove of methods and tools for the novice or burgeoning translator to develop their skills, the 2nd edition of The Beginning Translator’s Workbook, or The ABCs of French to English Translation offers a wealth of updated resources and exercises with clear examples of how to transform skills into art. University students and professors alike will benefit immensely from this updated textbook as they learn to craft fine translations in an array of genres, from journalistic and technical writing to literary prose and poetry.

Sara Hanaburgh Ph.D