Learning Log out Class: 12th November, 2010

Written Translation Tips

Written translation is completely different from any other type of translation. As a rule, there is no need to react instantly - you can take your time, think, choose a better variant, use a dictionary, consult a specialist, etc. Like any other translation it should convey the meaning and the music of the source language. Also, you need to be very accurate with the language and give proper weight to stylistic features.

The most important translation tips are as follows:
1. Translate meaning not words!
2. Rely on your wits and savvy - it can prove to be helpful when translating a difficult text
3. Ask a specialist or a native speaker to proofread your translation so that it sounds natural
4. Never accept a project which you know is not within your abilities
5. Skills and translation expertise come with time - remember it!
6. Language nuances do matter when making a professional translation
7. A good translation is worth taking time for!
8. The way documents are organized in one country may not be understood in another
9. Emulate the original style of the author, be it humorous, wordy, with colloquial or scientific language, etc.

From: http://www.all-translations.com/translation-tips.html

Learning Log in Class: 12th November, 2010

Today is the first day that I learn Translation II. Translation II is a subject which we have to study about how to translate from Thai to English. I think that it is more difficult than last course. My teacher begins his teaching by describing about the precious things in our lives such as Critical Mind, Creative Mind, Production Mind and Responsible Mind. Then he tells us about how to submit our homework. I have to submit my homework by using blog. It’s very interested me. I can share my work and general knowledge for everyone. Furthermore, I learn to translate many sentences. For example:
1. ฝากดูแลบ้านให้ฉันด้วยนะ
Please, look after the house for me.

2. ฉันกินแซนวิชกับแอปเปิลเป็นอาหารกลางวัน แซนวิชไม่ค่อยอร่อยเท่าไหร่ แต่แอปเปิลอร่อยดี
I have a sandwich and an apple for lunch. The sandwich is not delicious, but the apple is nice.

3. นิตจะไปยืมหนังสือห้องสมุด
Nid will borrow the book from the library.

HOMEWORK
1. เธอจะไปเชียงใหม่ทางรถยนต์หรือรถไฟก็ได้
You can go to Chiangmai by car or train.

2. รถยนต์ที่แม่ซื้อให้ฉันเป็นรถญี่ปุ่นคันเล็กๆ
The car that my mother bought for me is a mini Japanese car.

3. เขากะว่าจะพาฉันไปร้านอาหารดีๆ เพื่อฉลองวันเกิดฉัน แต่แล้วเราก็ลงเอยที่ร้านอาหารใกล้ๆ ที่ทำงานเค้านั่นแหละ
He thought that he would bring me to a good restaurant to celebrate my birthday, but we ended up at the restaurant near his office.

4. A: ฉันใช้เงินไปหมดเลย เพราะฉันพักโรงแรมที่แพงที่สุดในเมือง
B: ทำไมเธอจึงไม่อยู่โรงแรมที่ถูกกว่านั้นล่ะ
A: I exhausted my money because I stay in the most expensive hotel in the city.
B: Why don’t you stay in a hotel where is less expensive than there?

5. ใครๆ ก็รู้ว่าเงินเป็นสิ่งจำเป็นในชีวิต
Everyone knows about money is a necessary thing in life.

What do you think about my homework? You can share your opinions.