Experiences in translation : [based on lectures presented Oct. 7, 9 & 13, 1998 at the Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto

Trans. Alastair McEwen In this book Umberto Eco argues that translation is not about comparing two languages, but about the interpretation of a text in two different languages, thus involving a shift between cultures. An author whose works have appeared in many languages, Eco is also the translator of Gérard de Nerval's Sylvie and Raymond Queneau's Exercices de style from French into Italian. In Experiences in Translation he draws on his substantial practical experience to identify and discuss some central problems of translation. As he convincingly demonstrates, a translation can express an evident deep sense of a text even when violating both lexical and referential faithfulness. Depicting translation as a semiotic task, he uses a wide range of source materials as illustration: the translations of his own and other novels, translations of the dialogue of American films into Italian, and various versions of the Bible. In the second part of his study he deals with translation theories proposed by Jakobson, Steiner, Peirce, and others. Overall, Eco identifies the different types of interpretive acts that count as translation. An enticing new typology emerges, based on his insistence on a common-sense approach and the necessity of taking a critical stance. Translation Is Not About Comparing Two Languages, Umberto Eco Argues, But About The Interpretation Of A Text In Two Different Languages. In This Book He Draws On His Substantial Practical Experience To Identify And Discuss Some Central Problems Of Translation. As He Demonstrates, A Translation Can Express An Evident Deep Sense Of A Text Even When Violating Both Lexical And Referential Faithfulness. Depicting Translation As A Semiotic Task, He Uses A Wide Range Of Source Materials As Illustration: The Translations Of His Own And Other Novels, Translations Of The Dialogue Of American Films Into Italian, And Various Versions Of The Bible. In The Second Part Of His Study He Deals With Translation Theories Proposed By Jakobson, Steiner, Peirce, And Others. Overall, Eco Identifies The Different Types Of Interpretive Acts That Count As Translation. A New Typology Emerges, Based On His Insistence On A Common-sense Approach And The Necessity Of Taking A Critical Stance.--jacket. Partial Content Appears In Author's Later Work Entitled: Dire Quasi La Stessa Cosa: Esperienze Di Traduzione. Umberto Eco ; Translated By Alastair Mcewen. Based On Goggio Public Lectures Presented Oct. 7, 9, 13, 1998, At The Faculty Of Information Studies, Univ. Of Toronto. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [133]-135).

In this book Umberto Eco argues that translation is not about comparing two languages, but about the interpretation of a text in two different languages, thus involving a shift between cultures. An author whose works have appeared in many languages, Eco is also the translator of Gérard de Nerval's Sylvie and Raymond Queneau's Exercices de style from French into Italian. In Experiences in Translation he draws on his substantial practical experience to identify and discuss some central problems of translation. As he convincingly demonstrates, a translation can express an evident deep sense of a text even when violating both lexical and referential faithfulness. Depicting translation as a semiotic task, he uses a wide range of source materials as illustration: the translations of his own and other novels, translations of the dialogue of American films into Italian, and various versions of the Bible. In the second part of his study he deals with translation theories proposed by Jakobson, Steiner, Peirce, and others.

Overall, Eco identifies the different types of interpretive acts that count as translation. An enticing new typology emerges, based on his insistence on a common-sense approach and the necessity of taking a critical stance.

"Translation is not about comparing two languages, Umberto Eco argues, but about the interpretation of a text in two different languages.". "In this book he draws on his substantial practical experience to identify and discuss some central problems of translation. As he demonstrates, a translation can express an evident deep sense of a text even when violating both lexical and referential faithfulness. Depicting translation as a semiotic task, he uses a wide range of source materials as illustration: the translations of his own and other novels, translations of the dialogue of American films into Italian, and various versions of the Bible. In the second part of his study he deals with translation theories proposed by Jakobson, Steiner, Peirce, and others." "Overall, Eco identifies the different types of interpretive acts that count as translation. A new typology emerges, based on his insistence on a common-sense approach and the necessity of taking a critical stance."--BOOK JACKET. Cover 1 Contents 6 Preface 8 Introduction 10 TRANSLATING AND BEING TRANSLATED 14 Equivalence in Meaning 20 Incommensurability versus Comparability 23 Sameness in Reference 25 Translating from Culture to Culture 28 Source versus Target 31 Foreignizing and Domesticating 33 Archaic versus Modern 36 Can a Translator Change the Story? 41 Translating Rhythm 51 How Not to Get More and How to Accept Less 56 Compensating for Losses 59 When the Text Has Us See Things 61 Compensation through Rewriting 68 TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION 76 Translatio 85 Rewording as Interpretation 86 Definition versus Translation 88 Buongiorno 91 The Substance of the Expression 93 Stylistic Values and Expressive Substance 99 Expressive Substance and Aesthetic Effect 103 Change of Continuum 105 Interpretation, Translation, and Transmutation 110 Borderline Cases 140 Bibliography 144