Draft:Language Transfer in Translation

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Language transfer in translation is influence that a translator's native language (L1) exerts on their use of a second language (L2) during the translation process. This phenomenon is prevalent in both language learning and professional translation. When the structures of L1 and L2 are similar, it can lead to positive transfer, facilitating smoother and more accurate translations. For instance, English and German often share syntactic similarities that aid translators in constructing correct sentences with less difficulty. However, negative transfer—also known as interference—occurs when elements of L1 are incorrectly applied to L2, resulting in grammatical errors or unnatural expressions. Word-for-word translations often exemplify this issue, especially when the two languages differ significantly in word order, idioms, or cultural context.

Gass, S. M., & Selinker, L. (2001). Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course. Routledge.

Positive transfer

Positive transfer occurs when similarities between the native language and the target language facilitate the learning or translation process. For example, both English and German follow a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentence structure, which can make it easier for German speakers to learn English sentence construction. Additionally, cognates—words that have similar forms and meanings in both languages—can aid vocabulary acquisition. Such positive transfer can accelerate the translation process and improve accuracy, as translators can rely on familiar structures and vocabulary. However, it's essential to remain cautious, as not all apparent similarities are reliable, and false cognates can lead to misunderstandings.

Odlin, T. (1989). Language Transfer: Cross-linguistic Influence in Language Learning. Cambridge University Press.

Negative transfer

Negative transfer, or interference, happens when differences between the native language and the target language lead to errors in translation. For instance, a Persian speaker translating into English might incorrectly apply Persian sentence structures, resulting in awkward or incorrect English sentences. An example is the Persian expression "من دیروز پیتزا خوردم" being translated word-for-word as "I yesterday pizza ate," which is grammatically incorrect in English. Such errors often stem from differences in syntax, idiomatic expressions, or cultural references. Recognizing and understanding these differences is crucial for accurate translation.

Gass, S. M., & Selinker, L. (2001). Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course. Routledge.

Reasons

Negative transfer occurs due to structural, lexical, and cultural differences between the source and target languages. When translators are unaware of these differences, they may unconsciously apply rules from their native language to the target language, leading to errors. For example, cultural concepts that exist in one language may not have direct equivalents in another, making literal translations problematic. Robert Lado emphasized the importance of contrastive analysis in identifying potential areas of difficulty in language learning and translation. By systematically comparing languages, translators can anticipate and mitigate issues arising from negative transfer.

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Lado, R. (1957). Linguistics Across Cultures: Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers. University of Michigan Press.

Avoiding language transfer errors

To minimize errors resulting from language transfer, translators should: Enhance Language Awareness: Develop a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, including their grammatical structures, idioms, and cultural nuances. Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with linguistic research and translation theories to refine translation strategies. Utilize Reliable Resources: Consult dictionaries, style guides, and translation databases to ensure accuracy. Practice Contrastive Analysis: Regularly compare the source and target languages to identify potential pitfalls. Seek Feedback: Collaborate with peers or mentors to review translations and gain constructive feedback. Peter Newmark highlighted the significance of understanding cultural contexts and the purpose of the translation to produce accurate and meaningful translations.

Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall.