Extra Material - The Translation Specturm

The Translation Spectrum

The spectrum from source language bias to target language bias is a tool for us to analyze how the structure of either the SL or TL is reflected in the translation. A translation with strong SL bias mimics the form of the source text and uses words or grammar that are not natural in the TL. This is the most common problem for beginning translators, as it is typical to have a tendency to copy the form of the ST too closely. A translation ought to have more TL bias, as our goal is express the message of the ST in the TL in a way that sounds natural.
     It is not possible to translate without any SL or TL bias, all translations will reflect the form of one language, the other, or some mixture of both. Therefore, even though bias sounds like a bad word, our goal is to translate with TL bias, and to avoid translating with SL bias. The point on the spectrum that we're aiming for is idiomatic translation. However, it is possible to go too far in trying to achieve TL bias, in which case a translation becomes so concerned with natural expression in the TL that some part of the message of the ST is distorted, this extreme of TL bias is what we call a free translation.

Here is an example of a ST and a possible translation at each of the five points we've highlighted along the translation spectrum.

Source text (ST):
A Lucía le encanta despertarse temprano, bajar a la ribera y echarse a correr por el río.

Literal translation:
To Lucía it is enchanting to wake herself up early, go down to the bank and start herself to run by the river.
This translation follows Spanish form and grammar so closely that it is grammatically incorrect in English and sounds very unnatural.

Faithful translation:
To Lucía it is enchanting to get up early, go down to the bank and start running by the river.
This translation is more correct, but translating “le encanta” to “it is enchanting” is still too literal and the form is still too close to the Spanish ST.

Balanced translation:
Lucía loves to get up early, walk down to the riverbank, and begin to run by the river.
This translation is grammatically correct in English, but lacks some of the feeling of the ST.

Idiomatic translation:
Lucía loves to get up early, head towards the riverbank, and take off running along the river.
This translation best reflects the message of the ST while forming it to fit the necessities of the TL. This is the type of translation we're aiming to create.

Free translation:
Lucía's favorite thing to do is wake up first thing in the morning, head towards the river, and take off running.
This translation sounds good in English, but varies a little bit too much from the ST.

Please see the related post about the question which addresses the translation question on the quiz for tips on how to approach that question.