The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
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SECTION REVIEWS HEADER Crossword puzzle no.6 1 2 3 6 assessment procedures will probably become more widespread as demand for translation increases and text is continuously created and amended, without a single source language. Chapter 6 summarises lessons learned, challenges facing the profession and areas for research. This book is highly recommended for its overview of quality in the translation industry today and future prospects. Jonathan Marks MCIL Scientific and Technical Translation Explained Jody Byrne St Jerome Publishing, 2012, 230 pp; ISBN 978-190576336-8, Paperback, £20 Drawing on Byrne's experiences as a technical translator, technical writer, trainer and researcher, this book is intended as a guide for translation students (and their tutors), in addition to self-learners, who wish to enter the complex realms of scientific and technical translation. It has acted as a particularly pertinent 'refresher' course for me, as I look to establish myself part-time as a freelance technical translator, having gained an MSc in these fields a few years ago. Byrne chooses carefully the historical context, theories and definitions of scientific and technical translation with which he introduces the book in Chapters 1 and 2, and does not dwell on them (but does provide a further reading list). This allows for the reader, who is assumed to have an understanding of these translation fundamentals, to arrive more quickly at the 'hands-on' material. The most significant point for me was the importance of being Vol/52 No/4 2013 aware of a text's intended audience and function, as well as ensuring one has sound subject knowledge. Chapters 3 and 4 incorporate descriptions and case studies on the various kinds of text types that scientific and technical translators work with, such as scientific journals, data sheets, instructions, reports and so on. These demonstrate to the reader the importance of knowing the text type throughout the translation process, but also offer practical ways to identify them and avoid difficulties particular to those text types. What is more, some case studies are left blank for the reader to complete, allowing for a greater degree of engagement. The 'tools' with which to translate technical and scientific texts are provided in Chapter 5. A run-through of the basic techniques and strategies for effective translation are explained concisely, and would likely be useful to translators in other fields as well. A section on 'When not to translate', suggesting official translations, proper names, laws and EU Directives, is valuable. The final chapter continues by dispensing more immediately practicable advice. It identifies 20 or so features specific to technical communications and how to deal with them in translation. These include abbreviations and acronyms, number-based language (formulae, equations, units of measure, currency), computer-based issues (code, graphics, screenshots) and the great importance of translating warnings and advice carefully; much more than can be listed here. Extra resources in the form of bibliographies and online activities, not to mention practical activities prescribed through each chapter, do much to further assist the self-learner. Relevant 'real-world' anecdotes from Byrne also serve to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this resource to any translation student wishing to enter scientific and technical fields, whether through formal tuition or self-study; it acts as a handy 'go-to' guide. The book is a welcome addition to St Jerome Publishing's 'Translation Practices Explained' series. Jack Sellen 5 7 9 8 10 11 15 4 12 16 17 19 24 27 25 21 22 26 28 Across 6 It means 'surrender' in any language. (5-2) 7 Verdant spot in the desert, taken from Greek via Latin. (5) 9 From Hawaiian for 'quick', a website which develops collaboratively. (4) 10 Given official approval after meeting standards. (10) 11 Popular surrealist Japanese writer. (8) 13 Its 160 ethnic groups speak 100 languages, according to 2002 census. (6) 15 Commonly used to refer to someone from 4 down. (4) 17 Language from West Chadic family which features implosives. (5) 18 Here in Berlin, but yesterday in Paris. (4) 19 It's a GPS to a French driver, but Navi to a German. (6) 20 This could describe the Mare Tranquilitatis. (8) 23 Relating to two groups, especially political parties. (10) 26 Phonetically it could be glottal. (4) 27 Just a little bit of German bacon? (5) 28 Mimi ninakupenda wewe says 'I love you' in this language. (7) AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 14 18 20 23 13 Down 1 Originally from Latin meaning 'be pleasant towards', it gets you into a party. (10) 2 International telephone code 0034 in its own language. (6) 3 A lengthy narrative poem, such as the Iliad or Mahabharata. (4) 4 Accepted now as Maori for New Zealand. (8) 5 It is spumante from Italy. (4) 6 Traditionally it has 17 syllables. (5) 8 International telephone code 0046 in its own language. (7) 12 One of two branches of the Eskimo language. (5) 14 Adjective to describe the origins of the Taliban. (10) 16 Slanting style of lettering often used for emphasis. (7) 17 Native word for Croatia, from which was derived 'cravat'. (8) 21 Describes articulation of 'd' and 't' in French. (6) 22 How a Finn refers to his homeland. (5) 24 'So be it' in Hebrew. (4) 25 Comme ci, comme ça. (2-2) Answers on page 30. The Linguist 29