Submitted by : Shabana Badar

Roll No: 05
Department: Bs English 8th ( B)
Subject:
Introduction to translation studies
Submitted To: Miss Fatima

Minhaj University
Hamdard chowk, Township
Lahore
Assignment # 1

Q1. How technology has changed the perspective of translations? Is it worth considering?
Machine translations are better than translations done in person. Agree or disagree?

Answer: Technology has certainly revolutionized the field of translation, providing new tools
and capabilities to both professional translators and the general public. Some ways in which
technology has changed the perspective of translations include:

Increased efficiency: With the help of translation software and tools, translators can now
complete projects faster and more accurately.

Greater accessibility: Online translation tools have made it possible for people to access
translations in real-time from anywhere in the world, which is particularly useful in situations
such as international business communication.

Improved accuracy: While machine translations are not always perfect, they have improved
significantly over the years, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence and machine
learning algorithms.

However, it is important to note that machine translations still have their limitations, especially
when it comes to translating complex or creative content such as literature, poetry, or
marketing material. Here are some reasons why:

Contextual understanding: Machine translations are still not able to fully understand the
nuances and subtleties of language, particularly in situations where context plays a crucial role.
Cultural sensitivity: Translating content requires an understanding of cultural context, which
machines may not always be able to provide. This is particularly important in cases where
cultural references or idioms are used.

Creative content: Machine translations may not always capture the creativity and style of the
original text, which is especially important in the case of literature or marketing material.

Therefore, while technology has certainly made translations more efficient and accessible, it is
important to consider the specific requirements of the project at hand. In some cases, human
translation may be necessary to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity, while in others,
machine translation may be suitable.

Machine translations have improved significantly in recent years, thanks to advances in artificial
intelligence and machine learning algorithms. They can process vast amounts of data and
provide translations quickly and accurately. Additionally, machine translations are often more
consistent than human translations, as they do not suffer from the variability that comes with
human interpretation.

However, machine translations are not perfect and can produce errors or awkward phrasing,
especially with complex or idiomatic sentences. Machine translations can also struggle with
context-dependent language and cultural nuances that require human expertise and
experience to understand and translate correctly.

On the other hand, human translations are more likely to capture the nuances and cultural
references of a text. Humans can understand and interpret language in a way that machines are
not yet capable of, especially in cases where there is ambiguity or multiple meanings. Human
translators can also convey the tone and intent of a text, which is critical for certain types of
translations, such as literary or marketing texts.

In conclusion, whether machine translations are better than translations done in person
depends on the context and the purpose of the translation. For simple and straightforward
texts, machine translations can be a reliable and efficient solution. However, for complex,
nuanced, or culturally-sensitive texts, human translations are likely to be more accurate and
appropriate.

Q2. Discuss cultural and ethical issues in translation theory with reference to the role of the
translator of cultural literary texts full of idioms, metaphor and proverbs, etc.

Answer: Translation of cultural literary texts that are full of idioms, metaphors, and proverbs
poses several cultural and ethical issues that translators must consider. The role of the
translator in this context is not merely to translate words from one language to another but
also to ensure that the cultural context and meaning are preserved.

One of the primary cultural issues in the translation of literary texts is the potential loss of
cultural meaning. Literature often reflects the beliefs, values, and traditions of a particular
culture, and it is crucial for the translator to understand these cultural aspects. Therefore, a
translator needs to have a deep understanding of both the source and target cultures to be
able to convey the cultural meaning accurately.

Another cultural issue is the potential for misinterpretation due to cultural differences. Certain
idioms, proverbs, or metaphors may not have an equivalent in the target language or culture,
which can lead to misinterpretation or loss of meaning. Therefore, translators need to use
cultural equivalents or footnotes to provide a better understanding of the original text's cultural
context.

The ethical issues in translation of cultural literary texts include the translator's responsibility to
represent the author's voice and intent accurately. The translator should avoid imposing their
own cultural beliefs or values while translating the text. At the same time, the translator should
avoid making any changes that could distort the original text's meaning. The translator should
strive to maintain the author's voice and tone in the translation.

Another ethical issue is the potential for censorship or distortion of the original text's message.
Translators should be careful not to censor or alter the text to appease cultural sensitivities or
political correctness. This can lead to the loss of the author's intent and message.

In conclusion, translation of cultural literary texts is a challenging task that requires the
translator to have a deep understanding of both the source and target cultures. The translator
must ensure that cultural meanings and nuances are preserved while maintaining the author's
voice and intent. Ethical considerations are also important to ensure that the translation
accurately represents the original text's message without censorship or distortion.