Principles of Translation - Etienne Dolet

There are __________ principles when translation according to Étienne Dolet.

A good translation focuses on translating words exactly as they appear in the ST.

• True

• False

False friends are words that look similar in two languages but have different meanings.

• True

• False

Why is it important for a translation to sound natural and fluent?

Which is the best translation for “Más vale tarde que nunca”?

​ ​ (a)  

• Better late than never.
• It is worth more to be late than never.
• Late is sometimes better than early.
• It’s better to wait forever.

Which translation avoids a false friend?

​ (a)  

• I am embarrassed. → Estoy avergonzado.
• I am embarrassed. → Estoy embarazada.
• I am embarrased. → Eso es embarazoso. 

What mistakes can be found in this translation?

TO: Voy a ver a mi hermano en Nueva York.
TM: I am going to see to my brother in NYC.

• "To" after "see" should not be used.

• "See" is correct, but "visit" might be better.

• "Brother" should be "my sibling."

• "NYC" must be "New York City,"

Match the Spanish sentences with their correct English translations.

• "Leave me alone."

• "Me suena su cara."

• "His face looks familiar."

• "Déjame en paz."

• "I can’t believe it."

• "No me lo puedo creer."

• "It doesn’t make sense."

• "No tiene sentido."

Choose the most natural translation for the following sentence:

"El muchacho se marchó raudo de la taberna."

​ ​ ​ (a)  

• The boy left the tavern quickly.
• The lad departed hastily from the alehouse.
• The youth absconded with speed from the tavern.
• The young man vacated the drinking establishment.

Match each translation principle with its correct definition.

• Keep the language modern and clear.

• Avoid outdated or overly complex words.

• Use natural sentence structures.

• Achieve a natural flow in the speech.

• Focus on the main idea, not just words.

• Avoid word-for-word translation.

• Make the translation sound smooth.

• Master both source and target languages.

• Avoid grammar mistakes and false friends

• Understanding the message and theme.