4.4 Conclusion

In this lesson we’ve focused on the translation of the present tenses in Spanish and English to explore the possibility of needing to use different verb tenses in a target text than those used in the source text. It is of utmost importance that verb tenses be translated according to the form and grammar rules of the target language. As we discussed in Lesson One, the message of the source text has priority over form. Part of the form of the source text is the verb tense employed. Therefore, in order to translate well, we must be willing to change the verb tense, as well as the word order, to match those used in the target language. Here we’ve analyzed how the present simple form in Spanish has many more usages than the present simple form in English, how the present continuous form in English has more usages than the present continuous form in Spanish, and how Spanish can form time expressions with the present simple tense that require the present perfect in English. You should be able to apply this knowledge in all of your translating activities to ensure that your target text sounds natural in the target language and communicates the exact message of the source text.