Past IJET - IJET-28 in Columbus
Sessions
Shades of Meaning: Subtle Distinctions in Japanese-into-English Translation
Japanese is a language that lends itself to shades of meaning and ambiguity. English is a language that demands clarity and precision. Consequently, Japanese-into-English translators often struggle with subtle distinctions between alternative meanings for words and phrases that appear in a Japanese text. Many of these problems can be resolved by paying close attention to context—both “short-range” and “long-range,” by making use of all available sources of information, and by ensuring that each sentence fits smoothly into the overall flow of information throughout the document. On the other hand, in some instances it is perfectly acceptable to reflect in the English translation the same level of ambiguity that appears in the original Japanese text. In this presentation the speaker will demonstrate, using real-world examples, options for capturing subtle distinctions and expressing shades of meaning in a translation.
