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Translation in Conflict Contexts

The document summarizes key concepts from two books by Mona Baker on translation: 1) "Translation and Conflict" explores how translation can both reflect and influence political, cultural, and social conflicts. It examines how translation choices can exacerbate or help resolve conflicts. 2) "In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation" introduces fundamental translation concepts like equivalence, shifts, textual cohesion, and cultural considerations. It also provides methods for analyzing translations and navigating translation challenges.

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Jerome Mulalinda
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
140 views5 pages

Translation in Conflict Contexts

The document summarizes key concepts from two books by Mona Baker on translation: 1) "Translation and Conflict" explores how translation can both reflect and influence political, cultural, and social conflicts. It examines how translation choices can exacerbate or help resolve conflicts. 2) "In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation" introduces fundamental translation concepts like equivalence, shifts, textual cohesion, and cultural considerations. It also provides methods for analyzing translations and navigating translation challenges.

Uploaded by

Jerome Mulalinda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name : Meivi Theresya Rawung

Nim : 20403033

1. Translation & Conflict – Mona Baker


 Concept
"Translation and Conflict" by Mona Baker is a book that explores the
relationship between translation and various forms of conflict, including
political, cultural, and social conflicts. One of the key concepts from the book
is the idea that translation is not a neutral, objective process but is deeply
influenced by power dynamics, ideology, and the social context in which it
occurs. Baker argues that translation can be a site of conflict in itself, as
translators often make choices that reflect their own perspectives and can
contribute to or exacerbate existing conflicts. Additionally, translation can also
be a tool for resolving conflicts by facilitating communication and
understanding between different linguistic and cultural groups.
Overall, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of
translation in conflict situations and highlights how translation can both reflect
and shape the dynamics of conflict and resolution.
 Methods
Mona Baker's book "Translation and Conflict" explores various methods and
approaches related to translation in the context of conflict. Some of the key
methods and concepts discussed in the book include:

1. *Linguistic Landscape Analysis*: Baker discusses the analysis of


linguistic landscapes, which involves examining the presence and visibility of
different languages and translations in public spaces to understand power
dynamics and linguistic conflicts.

2. *Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)*: Baker employs CDA as a method


to analyze the language and discourse used in translations within conflict
situations. This approach helps uncover the ideological and political aspects of
translation.

3. *Ethnographic Research*: In some sections of the book, Baker employs


ethnographic research methods to study the role of translators and interpreters
in conflict zones. This involves immersive fieldwork and participant
observation.

4. *Case Studies*: The book often uses case studies to illustrate the impact of
translation on conflicts. These case studies offer specific examples and
insights into how translation functions in real-world situations of conflict.

5. *Norms and Ethics of Translation*: Baker explores the ethical


dimensions of translation in conflict
 Techniques
"Translation and Conflict" by Mona Baker explores various techniques and
concepts related to translation in the context of conflict. Some of the
techniques and ideas discussed in the book include:

1. Linguistic Strategies: Baker discusses how translators often employ


linguistic strategies to navigate sensitive or contentious content in conflict-
related texts. This can include choosing words and phrases that are less
inflammatory or more neutral.
2. Censorship and Self-Censorship: The book addresses the issue of
censorship and self-censorship in translation, particularly in situations
where translating certain content could lead to political, social, or cultural
repercussions.
3. Contextualization: Baker emphasizes the importance of understanding
the cultural and political context of the source text in conflict translation.
Translators need to be aware of the nuances and implications of the
content they are translating.
4. Manipulation of Language: The book explores how language can be
manipulated in translation to serve the interests of one side in a conflict.
This may involve changing the tone, emphasis, or framing of the source
text.
5. Ethical Considerations: Baker delves into the ethical dilemmas that
translators may face when working on texts related to conflict. This
includes questions about neutrality, bias, and the impact of translation on
the conflict itself.
6. Role of the Translator: The book discusses the role of the translator as a
mediator and how they can influence the perception of a conflict through
their choices in translation.
7. Narrative and Discourse Analysis: Baker introduces concepts from
narrative and discourse analysis to help understand how translation can
shape the narrative of a conflict and influence public opinion.
8. Interpreting and Reinterpreting: In situations involving conflict,
translators often have to interpret and reinterpret not just words but also
the underlying messages, intentions, and ideologies in the source text.
9. Audience and Reception: The book considers how the target audience of
a translation can affect the translation choices. Translators may adapt their
strategies based on the expectations and biases of the intended readers.
10. Case Studies: Throughout the book, Baker provides case studies and real-
world examples to illustrate these techniques and concepts in practice.
These are some of the key techniques and ideas discussed in "Translation and
Conflict" by Mona Baker, highlighting the complex role of translation in
situations of conflict and the ethical and practical challenges faced by
translators in such contexts.

2. In Other Words – Mona Baker

 Concept
"In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation" by Mona Baker is a widely
used textbook in the field of translation studies. The book introduces and
explores various key concepts and theories related to translation. Some of the
main concepts covered in the book include:

1. Equivalence: Baker discusses the notion of equivalence in translation,


which involves finding the closest possible match in meaning between the
source text and the target text.
2. Shifts: The book explores different types of shifts that can occur during
translation, such as structural, grammatical, and lexical shifts, and how
these impacts the translation process.
3. Textual Cohesion: Baker delves into the importance of maintaining
cohesion and coherence in translated texts to ensure that the target text
reads naturally and fluently.
4. Norms and Strategies: The book explores various translation strategies
and norms that translators employ to make decisions during the translation
process.
5. Cultural Considerations: Baker emphasizes the role of culture in
translation and how cultural differences can affect translation choices.
6. Ethics in Translation: The book touches upon ethical considerations in
translation, including issues related to censorship, bias, and the
responsibility of translators.

These concepts are fundamental for students and professionals in the field
of translation, as they provide a foundation for understanding the
complexities and challenges of translating from one language to another
effectively and accurately.

 Methods
"In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation" by Mona Baker is a
widely used textbook for translation studies. It provides various methods
and approaches to translation. Here are some of the key methods and
concepts discussed in the book:

1. Equivalence: Baker discusses the concept of equivalence, both at the


linguistic and cultural levels. She explores how translators strive to
find equivalence between the source and target texts in terms of
meaning, style, and cultural context.
2. Literal vs. Free Translation: The book explores the spectrum
between literal and free translation. It discusses how some translations
aim to stay very close to the source text (literal translation), while
others prioritize conveying the meaning in a more culturally
appropriate way (free translation).
3. Shifts: Baker introduces the concept of "shifts" in translation. Shifts
refer to changes in the form, structure, or meaning between the source
and target texts. Understanding and analyzing these shifts is crucial in
translation analysis.
4. Cultural Considerations: The book emphasizes the importance of
considering cultural factors in translation. Translators must be aware of
cultural nuances, references, and taboos in both the source and target
cultures.
5. Pragmatics and Context: Baker delves into how pragmatics and
context influence translation choices. Translators must take into
account the communicative context and the intended audience when
making translation decisions.
6. Functionalist Approaches: Baker discusses functionalist approaches
to translation, which prioritize the function or purpose of the target
text. This approach focuses on producing translations that serve the
same communicative function as the source text.
7. Translation Strategies: The book explores various translation
strategies, including direct translation, cultural substitution,
paraphrasing, and adaptation. These strategies help translators navigate
challenges in conveying meaning accurately.
8. Translation Ethics: Ethical considerations in translation, such as the
responsibility to accurately represent the source text and respect the
rights of the author, are also discussed.
9. Translation Tools: Baker touches on the use of translation tools and
technology, such as CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools and
machine translation, and their impact on the translation process.
10. Translation Criticism: The book introduces the concept of translation
criticism, where translations are analyzed and evaluated based on
various criteria, including fidelity to the source text, readability, and
cultural appropriateness.
 Techniques
"In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation" by Mona Baker is a widely
used textbook in the field of translation studies. It covers a range of techniques
and concepts related to translation. Some of the techniques and topics covered
in the book include:

1. Equivalence: Baker discusses the concept of equivalence in translation,


which involves finding the closest possible match between the source text
and the target text.
2. Types of Translation: The book explores various types of translation,
such as literary translation, technical translation, and audiovisual
translation, providing insights into the specific challenges each type
presents.
3. Translation Strategies: Baker introduces different translation strategies,
including literal translation, paraphrasing, and cultural adaptation, and
discusses when to apply them.
4. Text Analysis: The book emphasizes the importance of analyzing the
source text thoroughly before translating, including considerations of text
structure, genre, and register.
5. Translation Problems: Baker addresses common translation problems,
such as dealing with idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and
untranslatable words.
6. Ethical Issues: The book delves into ethical considerations in translation,
such as maintaining confidentiality and ensuring accuracy and cultural
sensitivity.
7. Translation Exercises: Throughout the book, there are practical
translation exercises that allow students to apply the concepts and
techniques discussed.
8. Case Studies: Baker includes case studies that illustrate real-world
translation challenges and solutions.

Overall, "In Other Words" provides a comprehensive introduction to the


theory and practice of translation, making it a valuable resource for
students and professionals in the field.

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