Sumários
From the Tower of Babel to Shakespeare: Exploring Newmark’s Translation Methods
22 Setembro 2025, 15:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
We
reviewed students’ previous assignment on the intralingual translation of the Tower
of Babel passage (Genesis 11:1–9, King James Version, 1611). The focus was
on how different translations use different strategies (gist, faithful,
exegetic) depending on the target audience. After this, we explored Newmark’s
translation methods by going through definitions, key features, and cases where
each might be applied, supported with examples from English into Portuguese. To
finish, we looked at lines from three Shakespearean plays. Students were asked
to translate each line using both the semantic and communicative translation
methods. As we ran out of time to review these together, the task was assigned
for homework.
From the Tower of Babel to Shakespeare: Exploring Newmark’s Translation Methods
22 Setembro 2025, 14:00 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
We
reviewed students’ previous assignment on the intralingual translation of the Tower
of Babel passage (Genesis 11:1–9, King James Version, 1611). The focus was
on how different translations use different strategies (gist, faithful,
exegetic) depending on the target audience. After this, we explored Newmark’s
translation methods by going through definitions, key features, and cases where
each might be applied, supported with examples from English into Portuguese. To
finish, we looked at lines from three Shakespearean plays. Students were asked
to translate each line using both the semantic and communicative translation
methods. As we ran out of time to review these together, the task was assigned
for homework.
Practical 1: Intralingual Translation of the Tower of Babel
17 Setembro 2025, 15:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
In Practical 1, students translated the Tower of Babel passage (Genesis 11:1–9, King James Version, 1611) into contemporary English. The task required: (1) analyzing translation challenges such as archaic vocabulary, obsolete verb forms, biblical register, cultural references, and syntax; (2) selecting a strategy—gist, faithful, or exegetic translation—while adapting the passage for a specific target audience (e.g., children, modern readers, secular audiences, social media users, or religious congregations); and (3) justifying all adaptation decisions with reference to source text features, modernization choices, alignment with strategy, and consideration of alternatives. This exercise encouraged sensitivity to historical language variation, strategic decision-making, and awareness of how purpose and audience shape translation. Submissions are due Friday via Moodle.
Practical 1: Intralingual Translation of the Tower of Babel
17 Setembro 2025, 14:00 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
In
Practical 1, students translated the Tower of Babel passage (Genesis
11:1–9, King James Version, 1611) into contemporary English. The task required:
(1) analyzing translation challenges such as archaic vocabulary, obsolete verb
forms, biblical register, cultural references, and syntax; (2) selecting a strategy—gist,
faithful, or exegetic translation—while adapting the passage for a specific
target audience (e.g., children, modern readers, secular audiences, social
media users, or religious congregations); and (3) justifying all adaptation
decisions with reference to source text features, modernization choices,
alignment with strategy, and consideration of alternatives. This exercise
encouraged sensitivity to historical language variation, strategic decision-making,
and awareness of how purpose and audience shape translation. Submissions are
due Friday via Moodle.
Introduction to Course and Foundations of Translation
15 Setembro 2025, 15:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
We reviewed the course syllabus, focusing on requirements, assessments, and key test dates. Students were asked to enroll in the Moodle page to access readings and assignments for the semester. The first lecture introduced the foundations of translation practice. We discussed personal experiences with translation and the role of the translator, emphasizing two types of decisions: strategic (analyzing the source text, audience, genre, and purpose) and detailed (grammar, word choice, and cultural context). Translation was presented as an iterative process between source text (ST) and target text (TT). Key terminology—SL/TL (languages) and ST/TT (texts)—was introduced, along with Roman Jakobson’s three types of translation: interlingual, intralingual, and intersemiotic. Special focus was given to intralingual translation and its three forms: gist, exegetic, and faithful reproduction.