Deck 2: Translation Theory Before the Twentieth Century

Question 1

In Western translation theory, what was the contribution of Cicero?

A) He consolidated the word-for-word translation method popular in Ancient Rome
B) He translated the speeches of Greek orators in a word-for-word fashion
C) He translated the speeches of Greek orators through creative imitation

Answer 1

C

Question 2

In Western translation theory, what translation method did St Jerome say he was using?

A) He preferred word-for-word over sense-for-sense translation
B) He preferred sense-for-sense over word-for-word translation
C) He preferred sense-for-sense over word-for-word translation except in the translation of the Bible

Answer 2

C

Question 3

In Dao'an's writing about the translation of the Buddhist sutras into Chinese, which of the following does he note as difficulties?

A) Directing the message to a new audience
B) Changing the purpose of the text
C) The special status of the source text

Answer 3

A,C

Question 4

What was a key difficulty for the Arab translators of Greek scientific texts in the Abbāsid period?

A) To ascertain the truth of the source texts
B) Whether to translate, borrow or explain technical terms
C) To ensure stylistic consistency across translations

Question 5

What was the importance of the translation method of Martin Luther?

A) He interspersed German with Latin and thereby raised the profile of German
B) He translated into everyday German and thereby helped to strengthen the German language.
C) He translated into a highly formal German and thereby helped to strengthen the German language

Question 6

Dryden proposed three methods of translation. Which corresponds to literal or word-for-word translation?

A) Metaphrase
B) Paraphrase
C) Imitation

Question 7

Which of the following is the most important of Tytler's 'laws' of translation?

A) Accuracy to the source text content
B) Preservation of the author's way of writing
C) Naturalness of target language expression

Question 8

Which of the three translation principles of Yan Fu refers to elegance/gracefulness?

A) dá
B) xìn
C) yă

Question 9

What is Schleiermacher's preferred translation strategy?

A) To move the reader towards the writer
B) To move the writer towards the reader
C) To find a balance between writer and reader