3.

5 Later Developments in Equivalence

A key issue in translation since 1970s. (1989) Chesterman: central concept (2002) Bassnett: central issues
Mona Baker, In Other Words
different kinds / levels word, phrase, grammar, etc But the notion is always relative. (cultural, linguistic)

(1998) Kenny, the circularity of its definition: equivalence is supposed to define translation, and translation, in turn, defines equivalence (2002) Bassnett: more than the change of words and grammar Once the translator moves away from close linguistic equivalence, one should determine the exact nature of the level of equivalence.

Tertium Comparationis

tertium (third) comparationis (comparison)

A = B, B= C A= C

an invariant by which two text can be measured Problem inevitable subjectivity of invariant

Case Study on CE/EC Equivalence

C&E: extremely different (culture & language) pay special attention to equivalent transfer of meaning, instead of form. Possible adjustments (1964, Nida) (1) : medical ethics (2) : the Spanish gourd (3) : a posthumous child (4) : tango
Translation Theory from/into Chinese () P1034 - 1041

Formal Equivalence in CE/EC Translation

Broader meaning of form: outward form () phonology & graphology semantics (O) Equivalence of form in CE/EC: basic meaning & syntactic order (a) : by the sixth sense (b) : by the sixth sense (c) : lack of historical sense (d) : contrary to all sense

Declension of Formal Equivalence ()

Formal equivalence in CE/EC translation is scaling down while the language level is scaling up. (use proof as example) (1) word level: proof () (2) phrase level: tangible proof () (3) sentence level: They sent a gift as a proof of regard. ()

Functional Analysis v.s. Grammatical Analysis

Form & function are two complementary factors of a language. Chinese: form (weak), function (more important) fuzziness in form & ambiguity in meaning Ex1: The multiplied is multiplied by the multiplier. Ex2:

Grammatical Structure v.s. Semantic Structure

In English, rigorous grammatical norms. (grammatically sound semantically complete) In Chinese simple & loose Ex1: Three children were born at one birth. () Ex2: The telegram has been sent out.

Logical Inference v.s. Linguistic Sense

Chinese : weakness in form little logical sense () This shortness is compensated by the language sense of speakers. = = The passive voice () in Chinese is determined by sense of language NOT grammatical norms & logical inference.

Language Situation v.s. Syntactic Structure

The position of the sentence components can flexibly be shifted without any necessary change in form.

(SOV) He knows everything about it. (OSV) He is really knowledge. (SVO) He know nothing about it. What the hell does he know about it?