Sumários
Introduction to Chesterman’s Translation Strategies
24 Novembro 2025, 15:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
In this class, we explored Andrew Chesterman’s translation strategies, focusing on local and production strategies, which include syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic approaches. We defined each strategy in terms of how it manipulates form, meaning, or message. As we discussed each strategy, we reviewed several examples of English-to-Portuguese translations to illustrate their practical application.
To
reinforce these concepts, I presented a painting accompanied by a descriptive
text. Students worked in pairs to translate the description into Portuguese,
applying at least five of Chesterman’s strategies in their translations. This
exercise helped students practice identifying and consciously employing
specific translation techniques.
Introduction to Chesterman’s Translation Strategies
24 Novembro 2025, 14:00 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
In this class, we explored Andrew Chesterman’s translation strategies, focusing on local and production strategies, which include syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic approaches. We defined each strategy in terms of how it manipulates form, meaning, or message. As we discussed each strategy, we reviewed several examples of English-to-Portuguese translations to illustrate their practical application.
To
reinforce these concepts, I presented a painting accompanied by a descriptive
text. Students worked in pairs to translate the description into Portuguese,
applying at least five of Chesterman’s strategies in their translations. This
exercise helped students practice identifying and consciously employing
specific translation techniques.
Practical 9: HERE-, THERE-, and WHERE- Words in Legal Translation
19 Novembro 2025, 15:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
This session focused on translating archaic legal terms commonly found in normative texts such as contracts, laws, constitutions, and wills. Words like herein, therein, hereof, whereby, and whereas are frequently used to define rights, duties, and consequences in legal documents. However, as legal expert A. Bryan Garner notes, these terms are often ambiguous and confusing—for example, herein could mean "in this subsection," "in this section," "in this document," or "in this transaction," making interpretation unclear.
Students
practiced translating sentences containing these archaic terms into Portuguese,
with an emphasis on clarity and precision over literal translation. The goal
was to replace vague English legal expressions with clear, modern Portuguese
equivalents suitable for contemporary legal documents. Where archaic terms
created ambiguity or could be omitted without losing meaning, students were
encouraged to do so, prioritizing readability and legal precision in the target
language.
Practical 9: HERE-, THERE-, and WHERE- Words in Legal Translation
19 Novembro 2025, 14:00 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
This session focused on translating archaic legal terms commonly found in normative texts such as contracts, laws, constitutions, and wills. Words like herein, therein, hereof, whereby, and whereas are frequently used to define rights, duties, and consequences in legal documents. However, as legal expert A. Bryan Garner notes, these terms are often ambiguous and confusing—for example, herein could mean "in this subsection," "in this section," "in this document," or "in this transaction," making interpretation unclear.
Students
practiced translating sentences containing these archaic terms into Portuguese,
with an emphasis on clarity and precision over literal translation. The goal
was to replace vague English legal expressions with clear, modern Portuguese
equivalents suitable for contemporary legal documents. Where archaic terms
created ambiguity or could be omitted without losing meaning, students were
encouraged to do so, prioritizing readability and legal precision in the target
language.
Reviewed Practical 8
17 Novembro 2025, 15:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo
During this session, we reviewed students’ translations of the tenancy at will, focusing on the main difficulties encountered and their specific application of Vinay and Darbelnet’s translation procedures. We examined how students addressed key linguistic challenges, including legal terminology, complex syntax, and register maintenance. Discussion centered on the translation procedures employed—such as transposition, modulation, equivalence, and adaptation—and their effectiveness in achieving legal precision. Terminology management decisions were evaluated for consistency, appropriateness, and the balance between technical accuracy and accessibility for both legal professionals and lay readers. The session reinforced the importance of systematic methodology, critical reflection on procedural choices, and the production of legally reliable, culturally appropriate translations.