Sumários

Direct vs. Oblique Translation: Vinay and Darbelnet’s Framework

20 Março 2026, 14:00 Rui Vitorino Azevedo

We examined Vinay and Darbelnet’s approach to translation, exploring the distinction between direct and oblique translation methods along with their associated procedures. After reviewing key concepts and analyzing examples of their application in Portuguese, students began a practical where they were asked to apply these procedures strategically while preparing a short commentary addressing translation difficulties. 


Translation Practice and Application of Newmark’s Procedures

17 Março 2026, 15:30 Rui Vitorino Azevedo

This class concentrated on the practical translation of the legal excerpt into Portuguese. Emphasis was placed on maintaining legal accuracy, terminological consistency, formal register, and argumentative structure, all of which are essential characteristics of judicial opinions.

We reviewed Newmark’s translation procedures, including transference, functional equivalent, descriptive equivalent, modulation, transposition, recognized translation, paraphrase, and couplets. Students were required to apply at least five different procedures and record where they were used in the translation.

The class concluded with guidance for the commentary section, where students must reflect on their chosen translation method, provide examples of the procedures applied, justify their choices, and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing legal and cultural translation challenges.


Translation Practice and Application of Newmark’s Procedures

17 Março 2026, 14:00 Rui Vitorino Azevedo

This class concentrated on the practical translation of the legal excerpt into Portuguese. Emphasis was placed on maintaining legal accuracy, terminological consistency, formal register, and argumentative structure, all of which are essential characteristics of judicial opinions.

We reviewed Newmark’s translation procedures, including transference, functional equivalent, descriptive equivalent, modulation, transposition, recognized translation, paraphrase, and couplets. Students were required to apply at least five different procedures and record where they were used in the translation.

The class concluded with guidance for the commentary section, where students must reflect on their chosen translation method, provide examples of the procedures applied, justify their choices, and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing legal and cultural translation challenges.


Introduction to Legal Translation and Pre-Translation Analysis

13 Março 2026, 15:30 Rui Vitorino Azevedo

In this class, we were introduced to Practical 4: The Language of Law, which focuses on translating an excerpt from Brinsdon v. McAllen Independent School District (U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 2017). The task requires translating a legal text from English into Portuguese while applying Newmark’s translation methods and procedures.

We discussed the importance of identifying the target audience of legal texts, including judges, lawyers, legal scholars, and the general public. We also examined how the purpose of a court opinion influences translation choices. Students were asked to select an appropriate translation method (such as semantic or communicative translation) and justify their decision based on the text’s legal function and genre.

The class also focused on potential legal and cultural translation barriers, including U.S. legal concepts that may not have direct equivalents in Portuguese legal systems, such as qualified immunity, summary judgment, and constitutional references like the First Amendment and the Pledge of Allegiance.


Introduction to Legal Translation and Pre-Translation Analysis

13 Março 2026, 14:00 Rui Vitorino Azevedo

In this class, we were introduced to Practical 4: The Language of Law, which focuses on translating an excerpt from Brinsdon v. McAllen Independent School District (U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 2017). The task requires translating a legal text from English into Portuguese while applying Newmark’s translation methods and procedures.

We discussed the importance of identifying the target audience of legal texts, including judges, lawyers, legal scholars, and the general public. We also examined how the purpose of a court opinion influences translation choices. Students were asked to select an appropriate translation method (such as semantic or communicative translation) and justify their decision based on the text’s legal function and genre.

The class also focused on potential legal and cultural translation barriers, including U.S. legal concepts that may not have direct equivalents in Portuguese legal systems, such as qualified immunity, summary judgment, and constitutional references like the First Amendment and the Pledge of Allegiance.