Course: Translation Studies

Submitted By : Muneeb Ahmad

Submitted to : M.Hussain Damsaz
Student’s ID : 12924
Semester : 5th , BS English
Section: A
Topics:

Part A : How transposition is different than Modulation?

Part B : Write a detailed note on compensation, explain each type of
compensation with examples?
Part C : How equivalence is different than adaptation?
Part D : Translate the following, and explain with technique is used in which
line and why?
Part A
How transposition is different than Modulation?

Transposition:
Transposition is a translation technique that involves changing the grammatical category or
structure of words, phrases, or sentences while preserving their overall meaning. It often entails
altering parts of speech, word order, or syntactic structures. Here are some key points about
transposition:
Change in Structure: Transposition focuses on structural changes within the text. This can
include converting nouns to verbs, rearranging sentence components, or altering syntactic
patterns.
Preserving Meaning: The primary goal of transposition is to ensure that the meaning of the
source text remains unchanged. While the form may differ, the content and intent should remain
consistent.
Versatility: Transposition allows translators to adapt the source text to the target language’s
grammatical norms and linguistic structures. It can be especially useful when direct word-for-
word translation would sound awkward or unnatural.

Modulation:
Modulation is a translation technique that involves a change in the perspective, tone, or emphasis
of the source text while retaining its core meaning. It’s a method used by translators to convey
the message from a different angle or with a different nuance. Here are some key points about
modulation:
Change in Perspective: Modulation often involves shifting the point of view or emphasis to
adapt the source text to the target audience or cultural context. It may alter how the information
is presented while maintaining the original intent.
Maintaining Meaning: Despite the shift in perspective or tone, modulation ensures that the
central meaning of the source text remains intact. The translator aims to convey the same
message but with a different emphasis or style.
Purpose: Translators use modulation to make the translation more relatable, culturally
appropriate, or emotionally resonant for the target audience. It can help bridge cultural and
linguistic gaps between the source and target language.
Transposition:
Original Urdu: “‫( ”وہ ایک خوبصورت تصویر بنا رہا ہے۔‬He is creating a beautiful picture.)
Transposed Translation: “He is making a beautiful painting.”
Explanation: In this instance, “‫( ”تصویر‬picture) in Urdu is transposed to “painting” in English,
changing the word category while maintaining the meaning.
Modulation:
Original English: “She showed remarkable courage.”
Modulated Translation: “‫( ”اس نے بے توقع بہادری دکھائی۔‬She displayed unexpected bravery.)
Explanation: In this example, the English sentence emphasizes “remarkable courage,” while the
modulated Urdu translation shifts the focus to “unexpected bravery,” altering the perspective but
conveying the same meaning.

Conclusion:
In summary, modulation involves changing the perspective, tone, or emphasis while maintaining
the core meaning of the source text, often to make it more culturally or linguistically suitable for
the target audience. Transposition, on the other hand, focuses on structural changes to adapt the
text to the grammatical norms of the target language while preserving the original meaning. Both
techniques are valuable tools in a translator’s toolkit, used to ensure effective communication
between languages and cultures.
Part B
Write a detailed note on compensation, explain each type of
compensation with examples?

"Compensation" in translation studies refers to the strategy employed by translators to address

challenges or limitations posed by the source text (ST) to ensure that the target text (TT)
accurately conveys the intended meaning. This compensatory approach allows translators to
maintain the overall message and effect of the ST while adapting it to the linguistic, cultural, or
structural differences of the target language (TL). There are several types of compensation, each
serving a specific purpose:
1.Amplification:
Definition: Amplification involves adding extra information, words, or details in the TT to make
up for something that is implicit or understated in the ST. It enhances the expression of a concept
or idea.
Example: In translating the concise ST sentence "He nodded," the translator might use
amplification to convey more context and emotion, resulting in the TT sentence "He nodded in
agreement with a smile."
2. Annotation:
Definition: Annotation involves providing explanatory notes or comments alongside the TT to
clarify cultural references, idiomatic expressions, or other elements that may be unfamiliar to the
TL readers.
Example: In a TT of a novel that includes a reference to a historical event unknown to the TL
audience, the translator may include an annotation explaining the context and significance of that
event.
3. Paraphrase:
Definition: Paraphrase entails rephrasing or restating a sentence or phrase from the ST in a way
that conveys the same meaning but uses different words or sentence structure. It is often used
when a direct translation would sound awkward or unnatural in the TL.
Example: Translating the ST phrase "‫ "کتاب پڑھنا مفید ہے‬into English, a paraphrase might be
"Reading books is beneficial," as it maintains the meaning while using a more natural English
structure.
4. Substitution:
Definition: Substitution involves replacing a word, phrase, or cultural reference from the ST
with a TL equivalent that conveys the same meaning but is more appropriate or relevant in the
TL context.
Example: Translating the ST expression "‫ "آپ کس طرح ہیں؟‬into English, the translator may
substitute "How are you?" for "How do you do?" to make it more culturally appropriate.

Conclusion:
Compensation is a crucial skill for translators because it allows them to navigate the linguistic,
cultural, and structural differences between languages while preserving the core meaning and
impact of the original text. Translators carefully consider which type of compensation is most
suitable for a particular translation challenge, aiming to create a coherent and meaningful TT that
resonates with the target audience.
Part C
How equivalence is different than adaptation?
Equivalence in Translation:
Definition: Equivalence is a foundational concept in translation studies. It aims to ensure that the
target text (TT) accurately and faithfully represents the source text (ST). In other words, the goal
is to maintain a close correspondence between the ST and TT in terms of meaning, style, and
structure.
Approach: Translators who prioritize equivalence strive to find the most accurate and precise
TL equivalents for words, phrases, and sentence structures in the ST. They aim to convey the
original message, nuances, and tone as closely as possible, without significant alteration.
Example: Consider the ST sentence “The sun rose in the east.” In a translation that prioritizes
equivalence, the goal is to find equivalent words and structures that convey the same meaning.
Therefore, a faithful translation might be “‫ ”شمس مشرق سے طلوع ہوا۔‬in Urdu. Here, the TT closely
mirrors the ST in both meaning and structure.

Adaptation in Translation:
Definition: Adaptation acknowledges that strict equivalence may not always be achievable or
effective in translation. It involves making deliberate changes to the ST to accommodate
linguistic, cultural, or contextual differences in the target language (TL).
Approach: Translators employing adaptation recognize that linguistic and cultural variations
between the ST and TL can pose challenges. They are willing to modify the ST to make the TT
more relatable, comprehensible, and appropriate for the target audience, even if it means
deviating from a word-for-word or structure-for-structure equivalence.
Example: Suppose a novel includes a reference to a specific cultural event in the ST that has no
direct equivalent in the TL culture. In such cases, adaptation might involve replacing the specific
cultural reference with a similar event or reference familiar to TL readers. This ensures that the
TT remains engaging and meaningful to the TL audience. As when Shrek was translated to
Chinese Language “Mr Muffin” was replaced with “Master Q” because he is famous in their
society or culture.
Conclusion:
In essence, equivalence prioritizes maintaining the closest possible correspondence between the
ST and TT, whereas adaptation allows for deliberate adjustments in the TT to account for
differences in language, culture, and context. Translators often need to carefully balance these
approaches based on the specific challenges posed by the ST and the desired impact on the TL
audience, aiming to create translations that are both accurate and culturally resonant.

Part D
Translate the following, and explain with technique is used in which line and
why?
Paragraph No # 1:
Original Text (English):
“The sun was setting over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. A flock
of birds flew across the sky, heading towards their nests. The air was cool and fresh, and the
sound of waves crashing on the shore was soothing. I sat on the sand, feeling the warmth of the
day fading away. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, enjoying the moment.”
Translation:
Urdu Translation:
"‫سورج غروب ہورہا تھا آسمان کو نارنجی اور بنفشی رنگوں میں رنگنے واال۔ ایک پرندوں کا جھنڈ آسمان میں اڑ رہا‬
‫ اور ساحل پر لگنے والی لہروں کی آواز سکون‬،‫جو اپنے آشیانوں کی طرف رواں دواں تھا۔ ہوا سرد اور تازہ تھی‬،‫تھا‬
‫ دن کی گرمی کو کم ہوتا ہوا محسوس کیے جارہا تھا۔ میں نے اپنی آنکھیں‬، ‫دے رہی تھی۔ میں سمندر کےکنارے بیٹھا‬
‫بند کیں اور گہری سانس لی‬
‫لمحے کا لطف اٹھاتے ہوئے۔‬
Explanation of Techniques Used:
1. Line 1 ("‫سورج غروب ہورہا تھا‬..."):
In this line, the technique used is Equivalence. The goal is to closely convey the meaning and
imagery of the original text in Urdu. "‫ "غروب ہورہا تھا‬maintains the equivalence of "was setting,"
and "‫ "آسمان کو نارنجی اور بنفشی رنگوں میں رنگنے واال‬accurately captures "painting the sky in shades
of orange and purple."
2. Line 2 ("‫ ایک پرندوں کا جھنڈ‬..."): In this line, the technique used is Adaptation. While preserving
the meaning of birds flying across the sky, " ‫( "پرندوں کا جھنڈ‬a flock of birds) is an adaptation to
convey the same idea without directly using "flock" in Urdu, which might sound less natural.
3. Line 3 ("‫ہوا سرد اور تازہ تھی‬..."):This line employs Equivalence. The translator maintains
equivalence by accurately translating "cool and fresh" as " ‫سرد اور تازہ‬."
4. Line 4 (‫) میں سمندر کنارے بیٹھا‬: Here, the technique used is Equivalence again. The translator
maintains equivalence by translating "sat on the sand" as " ‫ سمندر کنارے بیٹھا‬," closely representing
the original meaning.
5. Line 5 ("‫میں نے اپنی آنکھیں بند کیں‬..."): In this line, Paraphrase is used. While "breathed deeply"
could be translated more directly, the choice of "‫( "گہری سانس لی‬took deep breaths) paraphrases
the action, capturing the same essence with a more idiomatic Urdu expression. This adaptation
maintains the original intent while sounding natural in Urdu.

Paragraph No # 2
Original Text (Urdu):
‫ایک آدمی ڈاکٹر کے پاس گیا اور کہا میرا ایک مسئلہ ہے۔ ڈاکٹر نے پوچھا کیا مسئلہ ہے؟ اس نے کہا میں سب کچھ بہت‬
‫ کونسا مسئلہ؟‬،‫ تو آدمی نے کہا‬،‫”جلد بھول جاتا ہوں۔ ڈاکٹر نے پوچھا یہ مسئلہ کب سے ہے‬
English Translation:
“A man went to the doctor and said, ‘I have a problem.’ The doctor asked, ‘What is the
problem?’ He replied, ‘I forget everything very quickly.’ The doctor asked, ‘Since when have
you had this problem?’ So the man said, ‘Which problem?’”
Explanation of Techniques Used:
1. Line 1 (“A man went to the doctor…”): In this line, the technique used is Equivalence.
The translation maintains equivalence by directly representing the actions and dialogue
from the original text, ensuring a close correspondence in meaning and structure.
2. Line 2 (“The doctor asked, ‘What is the problem?’”): Here, the technique is also
Equivalence. The translator maintains equivalence by directly translating the doctor’s
question and the dialogue within quotation marks, preserving the original intent and
structure.
3. Line 3 (“He replied, ‘I forget everything very quickly.’”): Again, the technique used is
Equivalence. The translation maintains equivalence by directly representing the reply and
dialogue, ensuring a faithful representation of the source text’s meaning and structure.
4. Line 4 (“The doctor asked, ‘Since when have you had this problem?’”): In this line,
Equivalence is the technique employed. The translation maintains equivalence by directly
translating the doctor’s question and the dialogue within quotation marks, ensuring a
close correspondence to the original text.
5. Line 5 (“So the man said, ‘Which problem?’”):Here, the technique used is Equivalenc
The translator maintains equivalence by directly translating the man’s response and the
dialogue within quotation marks, preserving the original intent and structure.
Conclusion
In this translation, the primary technique employed is equivalence throughout. The goal is to
faithfully represent the original dialogue and maintain a close correspondence in meaning and
structure between the source text (Urdu) and the target text (English). This approach ensures that
the translated text accurately conveys the dialogues and actions from the original text without
significant modification.