Text and Context in Text and Context in Translation Translation

Juliane HouseJuliane House

University of HamburgUniversity of Hamburg

1. Text and Context1. Text and Context

2. Context from Different Perspectives2. Context from Different Perspectives2.1. Philosophical and 2.1. Philosophical and

Psychological Psychological 2.2. Anthropological, 2.2. Anthropological,

Sociolinguistic, Discourse, Sociolinguistic, Discourse, Conversation AnalyticalConversation Analytical

2.3. Linguistic 2.3. Linguistic

3. Context - Text -Translation3. Context - Text -Translation

4. Translation as an Act of 4. Translation as an Act of Re-contextualisationRe-contextualisation

4.1. A Theory of Translation as 4.1. A Theory of Translation as Re-ContextualisationRe-Contextualisation

4.2. Two Types of Translation: 4.2. Two Types of Translation: Overt and Covert Translation Overt and Covert Translation

4.3. The ‘Cultural Filter’ in 4.3. The ‘Cultural Filter’ in Covert TranslationCovert Translation

5.5. Global English and Cultural Global English and Cultural FilteringFiltering

‘‘Text’Text’: (A unit of) connected discourse. : (A unit of) connected discourse. Its function is communicative, and it is an Its function is communicative, and it is an object of analysis and description object of analysis and description

‘‘Context’Context’: A general type of connection : A general type of connection or relationship; circumstances relevant to or relationship; circumstances relevant to something under consideration’; the something under consideration’; the environment surrounding a phenomenon environment surrounding a phenomenon (such as e.g. a text!) that determines its (such as e.g. a text!) that determines its meaning, similar to setting, background, meaning, similar to setting, background, frame, (figure and) ground.frame, (figure and) ground.

1.The Notions ‘Text’ and 1.The Notions ‘Text’ and ‘Context’‘Context’

‘‘Text’ and ‘context’ are closely Text’ and ‘context’ are closely related concepts.related concepts.

‘‘Context’ is the more complex Context’ is the more complex

notion and thus in need of further notion and thus in need of further exploration. exploration.

2.1. Philosophical and Psychological 2.1. Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives of ContextPerspectives of Context

Contextualism versus UniversalismContextualism versus Universalism

- Linguistic actions are embedded in the Linguistic actions are embedded in the environment in which they occur and fulfil certain environment in which they occur and fulfil certain functions functions versusversus

- Sentences obey formal rules, principles and Sentences obey formal rules, principles and parameters, parameters,

- The local, the particular, the social, the situated, The local, the particular, the social, the situated, the individual, the unique, the relative the individual, the unique, the relative versusversus

- the generally valid, the typical, the supra-the generally valid, the typical, the supra-individual, the absoluteindividual, the absolute

Wittgenstein’s idea that language is a form Wittgenstein’s idea that language is a form of action, and that the meanings of of action, and that the meanings of linguistic forms are their use in specific linguistic forms are their use in specific ‘forms of life’‘forms of life’

Austin’s emphasis on how the contexts of Austin’s emphasis on how the contexts of speech acts influence the conventions of speech acts influence the conventions of language use, and how speech act language use, and how speech act performance depends on the enveloping performance depends on the enveloping context and language user’s intentions.context and language user’s intentions.

Gadamer’s and Steiner’s hermeneutic Gadamer’s and Steiner’s hermeneutic interpretive study of texts with its ‘fusion interpretive study of texts with its ‘fusion of horizons’ uniting writer and reader in of horizons’ uniting writer and reader in their context-dependence. their context-dependence.

Grice’s conception of context as part of Grice’s conception of context as part of a theory of language use - including a theory of language use - including conversational maxims which guide the conversational maxims which guide the conduct of talk and express an conduct of talk and express an underlying co-operative principle. underlying co-operative principle.

Sperber and Wilson’s notion of Sperber and Wilson’s notion of relevance as a set of internalized relevance as a set of internalized contextual factors for interpreting contextual factors for interpreting utterancesutterances

Forgas’ view that utterance meaning Forgas’ view that utterance meaning and speakers’ shared views of context and speakers’ shared views of context result from collective cognitive result from collective cognitive activities. activities.

Clark’s idea of language use as a form Clark’s idea of language use as a form of collaborative action bound up with of collaborative action bound up with contexts as ‘common ground’, i.e., contexts as ‘common ground’, i.e., knowledge, beliefs, assumptions which knowledge, beliefs, assumptions which language users bring to joint activitieslanguage users bring to joint activities

2.2. Context in Anthropology, 2.2. Context in Anthropology, Sociolinguistics, Discourse and Conversation Sociolinguistics, Discourse and Conversation

Analysis Analysis ‘‘Context’ as ‘culture’ is central in anthropology. It Context’ as ‘culture’ is central in anthropology. It

comprises conventionalized expectations made to comprises conventionalized expectations made to fit a specific, local situationfit a specific, local situation

For sociolinguists, language reflects context and For sociolinguists, language reflects context and language also determines the context in which it language also determines the context in which it is used. Contexts are evolving systems is used. Contexts are evolving systems undergoing constant change and mutual undergoing constant change and mutual influence with languageinfluence with language

Context is also at the core of discourse analysis, Context is also at the core of discourse analysis, since all interaction involves context. In order to since all interaction involves context. In order to understand, speakers must rely on context, and understand, speakers must rely on context, and their linguistic choices are motivated by their linguistic choices are motivated by contextual factors (topic, participants, place, contextual factors (topic, participants, place, time, etc.) time, etc.)

Conversation analysts focus on Conversation analysts focus on utterances-in-sequence which both create utterances-in-sequence which both create context and are conditioned by it. context and are conditioned by it. Utterances are organized linearly in time, Utterances are organized linearly in time, such that what is said now relies on what such that what is said now relies on what was said before. Context and talk are in a was said before. Context and talk are in a “reflexive relationship”: talk and its “reflexive relationship”: talk and its interpretation shapes context as much as interpretation shapes context as much as context shapes talk. context shapes talk.

2.3.Context from Linguistic 2.3.Context from Linguistic PerspectivesPerspectives

Hymes’ “Ethnography of Speaking” as ‘contextual linguistics’ Hymes’ “Ethnography of Speaking” as ‘contextual linguistics’ explicitly designed as an ‘anti-Chomsky model’: explicitly designed as an ‘anti-Chomsky model’:

stark contrast between ‘functional, contextual linguistics’ stark contrast between ‘functional, contextual linguistics’ andand

‘ ‘formal, competence linguistics’. The latter has an formal, competence linguistics’. The latter has an idealized view of language divorced from the contextidealized view of language divorced from the context in which it is actually used by human beings.in which it is actually used by human beings.

Context in functional linguistics includes setting, Context in functional linguistics includes setting, behavior, language itself, knowledge, and is subjectbehavior, language itself, knowledge, and is subject to multiple interpretations of immediate environments and to multiple interpretations of immediate environments and

wider socio-cultural frameworks wider socio-cultural frameworks

A prime example of functional linguistics is A prime example of functional linguistics is pragmatics. Here context plays such an pragmatics. Here context plays such an important role that its very definition is bound important role that its very definition is bound up with contextup with context

- Pragmatics is the study of linguistic - Pragmatics is the study of linguistic actsacts

and the contexts in which they occur and the contexts in which they occur

- Pragmatics is a theory of language - Pragmatics is a theory of language

understanding that takes context into understanding that takes context into account account

Gumperz’ notion of “contextualization cues” Gumperz’ notion of “contextualization cues” is based on assumptions about context and is based on assumptions about context and connects linguistic forms with cognitive and connects linguistic forms with cognitive and social phenomenasocial phenomena

Halliday’s systemic-functional Halliday’s systemic-functional theory explicitly links text and theory explicitly links text and context and combines broad context and combines broad functional explanations of social functional explanations of social phenomena with detailed phenomena with detailed description of linguistic formsdescription of linguistic forms

3. Context, Text and Translation3. Context, Text and Translation In most disciplines, Context is thought to refer to In most disciplines, Context is thought to refer to

both external (situational,cultural) and internal both external (situational,cultural) and internal (cognitive, psychological) factors which influence (cognitive, psychological) factors which influence each other in acts of speaking and listening each other in acts of speaking and listening

Context is often regarded as dynamic rather than Context is often regarded as dynamic rather than static, as more than a set of pre-fixed variables static, as more than a set of pre-fixed variables that impact on language. that impact on language.

Context and language are viewed as mutually Context and language are viewed as mutually dependent, such that language shapes context as dependent, such that language shapes context as much as context shapes language.much as context shapes language.

For translation, such a view of context is For translation, such a view of context is NOT useful! NOT useful!

In translation, a ’finished’, and in this sense ‘static’ In translation, a ’finished’, and in this sense ‘static’

stretch of written language as text is available to stretch of written language as text is available to the translator in its entirety from the start. Full the translator in its entirety from the start. Full availability of a written text - as opposed to the bit-availability of a written text - as opposed to the bit-by-bit unfolding of discourse - is thus constitutive of by-bit unfolding of discourse - is thus constitutive of translation.translation.

Translating involves RE-CONTEXTUALISING and as Translating involves RE-CONTEXTUALISING and as such the creation of such the creation of a discourse out of a written a discourse out of a written text, i.e., the creation of a ‘living’, but text, i.e., the creation of a ‘living’, but essentially NOT dynamic, cognitive-social essentially NOT dynamic, cognitive-social entity replete with contextual connections.entity replete with contextual connections.

In translation, Context is NOT ‘negotiated’ or In translation, Context is NOT ‘negotiated’ or ‘emergent’, but rather static. This ‘emergent’, but rather static. This ‘staticness’ arises in the space opened up by ‘staticness’ arises in the space opened up by the separation in time and space of writer the separation in time and space of writer and reader, and through the translator’s and reader, and through the translator’s limited power to define what the context is. limited power to define what the context is.

The realisation of a discourse out of a text The realisation of a discourse out of a text can only involve imaginary, hidden, mental can only involve imaginary, hidden, mental interaction between writer and reader in the interaction between writer and reader in the translator’s mind. The natural unity of translator’s mind. The natural unity of speaker and listener in oral interaction is speaker and listener in oral interaction is replaced by the real-world separateness in replaced by the real-world separateness in space and time of writer and reader. But the space and time of writer and reader. But the translator can overcome this separateness: translator can overcome this separateness: S/he creates a new unity that transcends the S/he creates a new unity that transcends the text’s givenness (with its immutable text’s givenness (with its immutable arrangement of linguistic elements) by arrangement of linguistic elements) by activatingthe text’s context in its old and new activatingthe text’s context in its old and new variant - imagined and miraculously united in variant - imagined and miraculously united in his mind. his mind.

4. Translation as an Act of Re- 4. Translation as an Act of Re- Contextualisation Contextualisation

For translation as an act of re-contextualisation, a For translation as an act of re-contextualisation, a TEXT is a stretch of a contextually embedded TEXT is a stretch of a contextually embedded ensemble of linguistic forms. And CONTEXT is the ensemble of linguistic forms. And CONTEXT is the means of converting ‘inert (static) text’ into means of converting ‘inert (static) text’ into discourse in an discourse in an ex- post facto, cex- post facto, cognitive ‘meaning ognitive ‘meaning making’ making’

The translator’s re-creative act is thus critically The translator’s re-creative act is thus critically different from the type of observable on-line different from the type of observable on-line transformative power a speaker in talk-in-transformative power a speaker in talk-in-interaction has over the path of the developing interaction has over the path of the developing discourse.discourse.

4.1. A Functional Theory of 4.1. A Functional Theory of Translation as Re-contextualization Translation as Re-contextualization

House’s Theory of Translation as House’s Theory of Translation as

Re-contextualisation:Re-contextualisation:

Translation texts are doubly contextually-Translation texts are doubly contextually-bound: to their source text and to the new bound: to their source text and to the new recipient’s contextual conditions. This recipient’s contextual conditions. This double-linkage is the basis of the double-linkage is the basis of the equivalence relationequivalence relation – the conceptual – the conceptual heart of translation. heart of translation.

EquivalencEquivalence is determined by e is determined by contextcontext, and , and comprises at least the following:comprises at least the following:

Source and target linguistic features and the Source and target linguistic features and the rules of the two language systemsrules of the two language systemsThe extra-linguistic world and how it is perceived The extra-linguistic world and how it is perceived by members of L1 and L2 communities by members of L1 and L2 communities

L1 and L2 conventions and genres guiding the L1 and L2 conventions and genres guiding the translatortranslatorStructural, connotative, and aesthetic features of Structural, connotative, and aesthetic features of the original the original The translator’s interpretation of the original and The translator’s interpretation of the original and his or her ‘creativity’ his or her ‘creativity’ The translator’s theory of translation The translator’s theory of translation

Translation traditions holding in the target culture Translation traditions holding in the target culture

Since appropriate use of language Since appropriate use of language in communicative performance is in communicative performance is what matters most in translation, what matters most in translation, it is it is functional pragmatic functional pragmatic equivalence which is crucial. equivalence which is crucial. This type of equivalence This type of equivalence underpins House’s functional underpins House’s functional translation model.translation model.

A Scheme for Producing, Analysing and Comparing Original and Translation Texts

This model explicates the way semantic, This model explicates the way semantic, pragmatic and textual meaning are re-pragmatic and textual meaning are re-constituted across different contexts. constituted across different contexts.

Translation is conceived as the Translation is conceived as the replacement of an L1 text by a replacement of an L1 text by a semantically and pragmatically equivalent semantically and pragmatically equivalent L2 text. An adequate translation is then a L2 text. An adequate translation is then a pragmatically and semantically equivalent pragmatically and semantically equivalent one. one.

A first requirement for this equivalence is A first requirement for this equivalence is that that a translation text have a functiona translation text have a function equivalent to that of its originalequivalent to that of its original. .

If we use a concept such as If we use a concept such as ‘function’‘function’ of a text, of a text, we must be sure that there are elements in a text we must be sure that there are elements in a text which can reveal a text’s function. which can reveal a text’s function.

Function here is Function here is NOTNOT identical with identical with ‘functions of ‘functions of language’ language’ as suggested by philosophers and as suggested by philosophers and linguists such as Bühler, Jakobson,Popper and linguists such as Bühler, Jakobson,Popper and many others. many others.

Different language functions always co-exist in a Different language functions always co-exist in a text, there is no simple equation of language text, there is no simple equation of language function and textual type.function and textual type.

The The function of a textfunction of a text is simply is simply the the application of a text in a particular context, application of a text in a particular context, and there is aand there is a systematic relationship between systematic relationship between context and the functional organization of context and the functional organization of language-in-text, which can be revealed by language-in-text, which can be revealed by breaking down context into a manageable set of breaking down context into a manageable set of ‘contextual parameters’: FIELD –TENOR- MODE ‘contextual parameters’: FIELD –TENOR- MODE

The pre-translation analysis results then in a The pre-translation analysis results then in a text-context profile that reflects the text’s text-context profile that reflects the text’s function. Whether and how this function can be function. Whether and how this function can be maintained, critically depends, however, on the maintained, critically depends, however, on the type of translation sought. type of translation sought.

4.2.Two Types of Translation: 4.2.Two Types of Translation: Overt and Covert TranslationOvert and Covert Translation

OvertOvert andand covert translationcovert translation areare outcomes of outcomes of different types of re-contextualisationdifferent types of re-contextualisation

They resemble Schleiermacher’s famous They resemble Schleiermacher’s famous distinction between “distinction between “verfremdende und verfremdende und einbürgernde Übersetzungeneinbürgernde Übersetzungen” (‘alienating’ and ” (‘alienating’ and ‘integrating’ translations) which has had many ‘integrating’ translations) which has had many imitators using different, but essentially similar imitators using different, but essentially similar terms.terms.

What sets the overt-covert distinction apart is What sets the overt-covert distinction apart is the fact that it is integrated into a coherent the fact that it is integrated into a coherent theory of translation, within which these terms theory of translation, within which these terms are explicated.are explicated.

In In overt translationovert translation, recipients are quite ‘overtly’ NOT , recipients are quite ‘overtly’ NOT directly addressed, because an overt translation is quite directly addressed, because an overt translation is quite overtly a translation, not a ‘second original’. And it shows: overtly a translation, not a ‘second original’. And it shows: while an overt translation must needs be embedded in a new while an overt translation must needs be embedded in a new context, it also, at the same time, schizophrenically, signals context, it also, at the same time, schizophrenically, signals its origin. The translator’s work is important and visible: it is its origin. The translator’s work is important and visible: it is to enable L2 members to observe and judge the original’s to enable L2 members to observe and judge the original’s impact “from outside”impact “from outside”

Although an overt translation and its original are equivalent Although an overt translation and its original are equivalent at the levels of at the levels of Language/Text, Register, Genre, only Language/Text, Register, Genre, only second-levelsecond-level functional equivalence is possible: giving functional equivalence is possible: giving access to the original’s function. Since this access is to be in access to the original’s function. Since this access is to be in the L2, a contextual switch is necessary. But because there the L2, a contextual switch is necessary. But because there is this three-tier equivalence, the original’s context is co-is this three-tier equivalence, the original’s context is co-activated in the minds of the translator and L2 addressees so activated in the minds of the translator and L2 addressees so as to enable them to “eavesdrop” and appreciate the as to enable them to “eavesdrop” and appreciate the original’s function in its new guise. original’s function in its new guise.

A A covert translationcovert translation is a translation which is a translation which enjoys the status of an original text in a new enjoys the status of an original text in a new context. The translation is covert because it is context. The translation is covert because it is not marked as a translation, but may, not marked as a translation, but may, conceivably, have been created in its own right. conceivably, have been created in its own right. An original and its covert translation are An original and its covert translation are pragmatically of equal concern for L1 and L2 pragmatically of equal concern for L1 and L2 addressees in their different contexts addressees in their different contexts

The translator re-creates an equivalent speech The translator re-creates an equivalent speech event and reproduces the original’s function event and reproduces the original’s function with the result that a covert translation with the result that a covert translation operates solely in the new L2 context, with no operates solely in the new L2 context, with no attempt made to co-activate the context in attempt made to co-activate the context in which the original had unfolded. which the original had unfolded.

The translator’s express task is to ‘betray’ the The translator’s express task is to ‘betray’ the original, to hide behind its transformation.The original, to hide behind its transformation.The translator acts in a self-effacing manner. translator acts in a self-effacing manner.

Since true functional equivalence is the goal, Since true functional equivalence is the goal, the original may be legitimately manipulated the original may be legitimately manipulated at the levels of at the levels of Language/Text Language/Text and and RegisterRegister. . The translator takes exclusive account of the The translator takes exclusive account of the new context into which the translation is new context into which the translation is inserted. To facilitate this insertion inserted. To facilitate this insertion seamlesssly as it were, the translator applies seamlesssly as it were, the translator applies a CULTURAL FILTER.a CULTURAL FILTER.

4.3. The ‘Cultural Filter’ 4.3. The ‘Cultural Filter’

A ‘cultural filterA ‘cultural filter’ is a means of capturing ’ is a means of capturing contextual differences in expectation contextual differences in expectation norms between recipients in L1 and L2 norms between recipients in L1 and L2 contexts.The application of a cultural filter contexts.The application of a cultural filter should however ideally not be left to should however ideally not be left to accidental individual intuition, but be in accidental individual intuition, but be in line with relevant cross-cultural research. line with relevant cross-cultural research.

What do we mean by “culture”?? What do we mean by “culture”??

‚‚Culture‘Culture‘

Whatever it is one has to know or believe in Whatever it is one has to know or believe in order to operate in a manner acceptable to order to operate in a manner acceptable to a society’s members, and do so in any role a society’s members, and do so in any role that they accept for any one of that they accept for any one of themselves .... Culture is not a material themselves .... Culture is not a material phenomenon; it does not consist of things, phenomenon; it does not consist of things, people, behavior, or emotions. It is rather people, behavior, or emotions. It is rather an organization of these things. It is the an organization of these things. It is the forms of things that people have in mind, forms of things that people have in mind, their model of perceiving, relating, and their model of perceiving, relating, and otherwise interpreting them. otherwise interpreting them. (Goodenough, 1964: 36)(Goodenough, 1964: 36)

As in the case of context, a “dynamic”, As in the case of context, a “dynamic”, negotiable view of culture is NOT useful negotiable view of culture is NOT useful for translation, because in translating a for translation, because in translating a text, one must refer to a concrete point in text, one must refer to a concrete point in time and space and adopt a static, time and space and adopt a static, necessarily “essentialist” idea of culture. necessarily “essentialist” idea of culture. This should not be disqualified as naively This should not be disqualified as naively ignoring the complexity of culture, as in ignoring the complexity of culture, as in translation we also take account of translation we also take account of empirical research into cultures as empirical research into cultures as interpretive devices for understanding interpretive devices for understanding communicative behavior. communicative behavior.

Empirical research into communicative Empirical research into communicative norms in L1 and L2 cultures can give norms in L1 and L2 cultures can give substance to the cultural filter and thus substance to the cultural filter and thus complement tacit native-speaker knowledge. complement tacit native-speaker knowledge.

For example, in the case of the German and For example, in the case of the German and Anglophone linguistic-cultural communities, Anglophone linguistic-cultural communities, the cultural filter has been substantiated the cultural filter has been substantiated through extensive empirical contrastive-through extensive empirical contrastive-pragmatic research. Its results show pragmatic research. Its results show differences in behavioral norms that can differences in behavioral norms that can explain acts of re-contextualization in covert explain acts of re-contextualization in covert translation.translation.

For example: Germans often express For example: Germans often express themselves in more direct, explicit and themselves in more direct, explicit and content-oriented ways than Anglophone content-oriented ways than Anglophone speakers speakers

Such cross-cultural differences can be Such cross-cultural differences can be displayed along dimensions such as displayed along dimensions such as

directness vs. indirectnessdirectness vs. indirectness explicitness vs. implicitnessexplicitness vs. implicitness focus on vs. focus onfocus on vs. focus on

content persons content persons

The Cultural Filter: ExamplesThe Cultural Filter: Examples

Sign at Frankfurt Airport at a building site:Sign at Frankfurt Airport at a building site:

Damit die Zukunft schneller kommt!Damit die Zukunft schneller kommt![Such that the future comes more quickly!][Such that the future comes more quickly!]

vs. English translation:vs. English translation:

We apologize for any inconvenience work on our We apologize for any inconvenience work on our building site is causing you!building site is causing you!

Software manual (original English, Back Software manual (original English, Back Translation from German)Translation from German)WordPerfect is backed by a customer support WordPerfect is backed by a customer support system designed to offer you fast, courteous system designed to offer you fast, courteous service. If you’ve exhausted all other Help service. If you’ve exhausted all other Help Avenues and need a Friendly Voice to help you Avenues and need a Friendly Voice to help you with your problem, just follow these steps...with your problem, just follow these steps...

vs.vs.

WordPerfect has established a Support Centre, WordPerfect has established a Support Centre, whose employees offer you competent support whose employees offer you competent support with problems. If, despite the support available with problems. If, despite the support available to you in WordPerfect, you were not able to to you in WordPerfect, you were not able to solve a problem, turn to our support centre.solve a problem, turn to our support centre.

Preface, Preface, Perl CookbookPerl Cookbook (Original (Original English, backtranslated from German)English, backtranslated from German)

That's what That's what Learning PerlLearning Perl, a , a kinder and gentler kinder and gentler introduction to introduction to Perl, is designed Perl, is designed for.for.

It is for this that It is for this that books like books like Introduction to PerlIntroduction to Perl are meant.are meant.

Instruction leaflet, oven ware (original German Instruction leaflet, oven ware (original German backtranslated into English)backtranslated into English)

Kerafour has been tested for being ovenproof in Kerafour has been tested for being ovenproof in independent testing institutes. So that you can enjoy it for a independent testing institutes. So that you can enjoy it for a long time, we give you some instructions for use: 1. Never long time, we give you some instructions for use: 1. Never put an empty cold vessel into the heated oven - “empty” put an empty cold vessel into the heated oven - “empty” also refers to a vessel which is only rubbed with fat!also refers to a vessel which is only rubbed with fat!

vs. vs.

Kerafour oven-to-table pieces have been tested by Kerafour oven-to-table pieces have been tested by independent research institutes and are considered independent research institutes and are considered ovenproof and micro-wave resistant. Here are a few simple ovenproof and micro-wave resistant. Here are a few simple rules for using Kerafour:rules for using Kerafour:Never put a cold and empty piece into the heated oven.Never put a cold and empty piece into the heated oven.

ADVERTISEMENT AIR FRANCE (Translations from French ADVERTISEMENT AIR FRANCE (Translations from French into English and German, backtranslated)into English and German, backtranslated)

We know how hard it is for business travellers to have to We know how hard it is for business travellers to have to concentrate on their work while waging the eternal battle concentrate on their work while waging the eternal battle of the armrest, so we have re-arranged the space between of the armrest, so we have re-arranged the space between our L’Espace Europe seats. Where there used to be rows of our L’Espace Europe seats. Where there used to be rows of three seats, there are now two seats separated by a table. three seats, there are now two seats separated by a table. Your seat is now much wider, more comfortable and the Your seat is now much wider, more comfortable and the total space more conducive to a little privacy.total space more conducive to a little privacy.

Business travellers want to study their files, read Business travellers want to study their files, read newspapers or prepare themselves quietly for a meeting. newspapers or prepare themselves quietly for a meeting. Preferably without getting too close to the man sitting next Preferably without getting too close to the man sitting next to them. Or the woman. This is why we have completely re-to them. Or the woman. This is why we have completely re-arranged our L’Espace Europe. Bigger, more beautiful and arranged our L’Espace Europe. Bigger, more beautiful and comfortable and above all with very welcome space for comfortable and above all with very welcome space for putting things on between the seats. For much elbow room putting things on between the seats. For much elbow room for reading, eating and relaxing in exactly the right for reading, eating and relaxing in exactly the right distance. And also for stimulating conversations.distance. And also for stimulating conversations.

FILM TITLES (Original ENGLISH-Backtranslation from FILM TITLES (Original ENGLISH-Backtranslation from GERMAN)GERMAN)

Where are the children?----Limitless Suffering of a Where are the children?----Limitless Suffering of a MotherMother

Jack the Bear----My Dad-a totally incredible fatherJack the Bear----My Dad-a totally incredible father The Surrogate ----Murder after BirthThe Surrogate ----Murder after Birth Whatever happened to Aunt Alice----A widow kills softlyWhatever happened to Aunt Alice----A widow kills softly Silent victim ….Accusation: AbortionSilent victim ….Accusation: Abortion Backlash…..The secret of the five gravesBacklash…..The secret of the five graves Shadow of the Past----The corpse in the bootShadow of the Past----The corpse in the boot etc.etc.

Michel Bond’s classic book “Michel Bond’s classic book “A Bear called Paddington” in translationA Bear called Paddington” in translation

An example of massive cultural filtering in children’s literature.An example of massive cultural filtering in children’s literature.

Examples here backtranslated from the German :“Paddington unser kleiner Bär”Examples here backtranslated from the German :“Paddington unser kleiner Bär”

(Mr Brown offers Paddington some cakes)(Mr Brown offers Paddington some cakes)I’m sorry they haven’t any marmalade ones, but these I’m sorry they haven’t any marmalade ones, but these were the best I could getwere the best I could getThere is nothing with marmaladeThere is nothing with marmalade

(Paddington in a shop)(Paddington in a shop)Mr Gruber took Paddington into his shop and after Mr Gruber took Paddington into his shop and after offering him a seat. ….offering him a seat. ….Then he pulled the little bear into the shop: „Sit Then he pulled the little bear into the shop: „Sit down!” down!”

(Small Talk)(Small Talk)““Hallo Mrs Bird” said Judy “It’s nice to see you again. Hallo Mrs Bird” said Judy “It’s nice to see you again. How’s the rheumatism?” “Worse than it’s ever been” How’s the rheumatism?” “Worse than it’s ever been” began Mrs Bird…. began Mrs Bird….

(Zero-Realization in the German Translation…)(Zero-Realization in the German Translation…)

The Body Shop: Corporate Statement The Body Shop: Corporate Statement (Original English, Back Translation from (Original English, Back Translation from

German)German)

We consider We consider testing products or testing products or ingredients on ingredients on animals morally animals morally and scientifically and scientifically indefensible indefensible 

We are of the We are of the

opinion that opinion that experiments with experiments with animals in the animals in the cosmetics industry cosmetics industry are neither are neither necessary nor necessary nor morally defensiblemorally defensible

We know that We know that you're you're unique, and unique, and we'll always treat we'll always treat you like an you like an individual. individual.

We are of the We are of the opinion that opinion that every every man or womanman or woman is is beautiful, everyone beautiful, everyone in his or her own in his or her own wayway

P&G CEO Speech to students at small US P&G CEO Speech to students at small US College (Original English, Back Translation College (Original English, Back Translation

from German)from German)

Simulation of oral impromptu talk:Simulation of oral impromptu talk:

I thought I’d use I thought I’d use my time here my time here toto talk to youtalk to you about…about…

I’ll give I’ll give youyou one one more example…more example…

I will use the time I will use the time allotted to me to allotted to me to report on... report on...

I will reportI will report on on another case... another case...

CongruentCongruent Presentation of states Presentation of states of affairs and eventsof affairs and events

When I was first When I was first started to put togetherstarted to put together my remarks for today, I my remarks for today, I asked for some input from asked for some input from Dr. Amos Bradford, who Dr. Amos Bradford, who provided a broad list of provided a broad list of subjects he thought you’d subjects he thought you’d be interested in hearing be interested in hearing about:about:

For the preparation of For the preparation of my presentation today my presentation today I asked Dr. Amos I asked Dr. Amos Bradford for a few Bradford for a few suggestions..suggestions... .

After I’ve finished,After I’ve finished, I’ll be happy to I’ll be happy to answer any questions answer any questions you have and, you have and, hopefully, to engage hopefully, to engage in a bit of in a bit of conversation about conversation about the issues we’ll raise the issues we’ll raise here this afternoon.here this afternoon.

After my After my presentation I will presentation I will gladly answer all gladly answer all your questions your questions and talk about this and talk about this afternoon‘s topics.afternoon‘s topics.

Second Person PronounsSecond Person Pronouns

……he provided a he provided a broad list of broad list of subjects he subjects he thought thought youyou’d be ’d be interested in interested in hearing about:hearing about:

YouYou’re tempted to ’re tempted to put off a put off a discussion…discussion…

..he provided me ..he provided me with a long list of with a long list of topics, topics, which he which he considered considered interesting…interesting…

One One is tempted to is tempted to delay a delay a conversation... conversation...

EvaluationsEvaluations

And it’s important And it’s important to noteto note that it is not that it is not just a piece of paper…just a piece of paper…

And more positivelyAnd more positively, , governments and governments and other companies really other companies really do want to deal with do want to deal with companies they feel...companies they feel...

It is not simply a It is not simply a piece of paper… piece of paper…

Governments and Governments and other firms prefer to other firms prefer to cooperate with cooperate with companies which companies which act… act…

Multisyn Vision 2000 (Original Multisyn Vision 2000 (Original English, Back Translation from English, Back Translation from

German)German)

......obsessively obsessively search forsearch for new new ideasideas, by , by observing, listening observing, listening and learning from and learning from everyoneeveryone

......look forlook for intensive new intensive new ideasideas through through observing, listening observing, listening and learning from and learning from everyone.everyone.

I want to be part of a I want to be part of a company where company where I am I am challengedchallenged to.. to..

have have unrelentingly unrelentingly high expectationshigh expectations of of myself and othersmyself and others

I want to be part of I want to be part of a company which a company which challenges mechallenges me to…to…

put put high high expectationsexpectations on on me and othersme and others

Goldsmith Corporate Statement Goldsmith Corporate Statement (Original English, Backtranslation (Original English, Backtranslation

from German)from German) Our long term success Our long term success

requires a requires a total total commitmentcommitment to to exceptional standards exceptional standards of performance and of performance and productivity, to productivity, to working together working together effectively effectively

Our long-term success Our long-term success is only possible, ifis only possible, if we we set ourselves set ourselves exceptional standards exceptional standards of performance and of performance and productivity, and if we productivity, and if we cooperate efficiently cooperate efficiently and with all and with all preparedness.preparedness.

Milton Meissner Letter to Sharesholders 27.12.1971 Milton Meissner Letter to Sharesholders 27.12.1971 (Original English, backtranslated from German)(Original English, backtranslated from German)

As you will note, As you will note, we have asked that we have asked that youyou designate a bank (or broker) to designate a bank (or broker) to which your dividend certificates will be which your dividend certificates will be sent. Your bank (or broker) should sent. Your bank (or broker) should indicate its confirmation of your indicate its confirmation of your signature…signature…

As you will note, As you will note, we have asked youwe have asked you to to name a bank (or a broker) to which the name a bank (or a broker) to which the dividend certificates shall be sent. dividend certificates shall be sent. You You have tohave to ask the bank (or the broker) to ask the bank (or the broker) to confirm your signature…confirm your signature…

CULTURAL FILTERING IN SCIENCE TEXTSCULTURAL FILTERING IN SCIENCE TEXTS„HIV Vaccines: Prospects and Challenges“ „HIV Vaccines: Prospects and Challenges“ Scientific AmericanScientific American, July 1998/ Backtranslated , July 1998/ Backtranslated

from German from German Spektrum der WissenschaftSpektrum der Wissenschaft, , October 1998October 1998

Most vaccines Most vaccines activate what is activate what is called the humoral called the humoral arm of the immune arm of the immune system.system.

Most vaccines Most vaccines activate the so-called activate the so-called humoral arm of the humoral arm of the immune systemimmune system

(after Latin humor, (after Latin humor,

liquid.liquid.

Buchbinder, S. „Avoiding Infection after HIV Buchbinder, S. „Avoiding Infection after HIV Exposure“ Scientific American July 1998; Exposure“ Scientific American July 1998;

Backtranslation from German Spektrum der Backtranslation from German Spektrum der Wissenschaft October 1998 „Prevention after HIV Wissenschaft October 1998 „Prevention after HIV

Contact“Contact“ Treatment may reduce Treatment may reduce

the chance of the chance of contracting HIV contracting HIV infection after a risky infection after a risky encounter. encounter.

An immediate An immediate treatment after contact treatment after contact reduces under certain reduces under certain circumstances the circumstances the danger that the human danger that the human immuno-deficiency-immuno-deficiency-virus establishes itself virus establishes itself in the body.There is no in the body.There is no guarantee for this, guarantee for this, moreover new risks moreover new risks arise.arise.

Suppose you are a doctor Suppose you are a doctor in an emergency room in an emergency room and a patient tells you and a patient tells you she was raped two hours she was raped two hours earlier. She is afraid she earlier. She is afraid she may have been exposed may have been exposed to HIV, the virus that to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS but has causes AIDS but has heard that there is a heard that there is a "morning-after pill" to "morning-after pill" to prevent HIV infection.prevent HIV infection.Can you in fact do Can you in fact do anything to block the anything to block the virus from replicating and virus from replicating and establishing infection?establishing infection?

In the emergency room In the emergency room of a hospital a patient of a hospital a patient reports that she had reports that she had been raped two hours been raped two hours ago and was now ago and was now worrying that she had worrying that she had been exposed to the been exposed to the AIDS-Virus. She said she AIDS-Virus. She said she had heard that there was had heard that there was an "After-Pill", which an "After-Pill", which might prevent an HIV-might prevent an HIV-infection. Can the doctor infection. Can the doctor in fact do anything which in fact do anything which might prevent potentially might prevent potentially existing viruses from existing viruses from replicating and replicating and establishing themselves establishing themselves permanently in the body?permanently in the body?

M.F. Perutz, Hemoglobin structure and respiratory transport, M.F. Perutz, Hemoglobin structure and respiratory transport, Scientific American, Scientific American, December 1978, Backtranslated from German, December 1978, Backtranslated from German,

February 1979 Spektrum der WissenschaftenFebruary 1979 Spektrum der Wissenschaften

Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and helps Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and helps to transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs. It fulfils this dual role to transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs. It fulfils this dual role by clicking back and forth between two alternative structures.by clicking back and forth between two alternative structures.

Hemoglobin, the substance responsible for the blood’s red color, Hemoglobin, the substance responsible for the blood’s red color, carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and facilitates the carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and facilitates the backtransport of carbon dioxide to the lungs. The molecule fulfils backtransport of carbon dioxide to the lungs. The molecule fulfils this double function because it changes between two structures. this double function because it changes between two structures. “Why the grass is green and our blood red, are secrets which “Why the grass is green and our blood red, are secrets which nobody will ever know. In this dim state, poor soul, what will you nobody will ever know. In this dim state, poor soul, what will you do?” (John Donne “On the soul’s progress”) do?” (John Donne “On the soul’s progress”)

David Hounshell, “Two Paths to the Telephone, David Hounshell, “Two Paths to the Telephone, Scientific American”, June 1981Scientific American”, June 1981

As Alexander Graham Bell was developing the As Alexander Graham Bell was developing the telephone, Elisha Gray was doing the same. Bell got telephone, Elisha Gray was doing the same. Bell got the patent, but the episode is nonetheless an the patent, but the episode is nonetheless an instructive example of simultaneous invention.instructive example of simultaneous invention.

Back Translation from German „The Race for the Back Translation from German „The Race for the Telephone Patent“, Spektrum der Wissenschaft, Telephone Patent“, Spektrum der Wissenschaft, August 1981.August 1981.

Independent of each other Alexander Graham Bell Independent of each other Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray handed in nearly identical and Elisha Gray handed in nearly identical construction plans for a telephone in 1976 – but only construction plans for a telephone in 1976 – but only Bell received the patent and became rich and Bell received the patent and became rich and famous. famous. Gray on the other hand had misjudged the Gray on the other hand had misjudged the importance of his invention and had moreover been importance of his invention and had moreover been badly advised.badly advised.

INTERVIEW with German translator of Popular INTERVIEW with German translator of Popular Science Texts (Scientific American/Spektrum der Science Texts (Scientific American/Spektrum der

Wissenschaft)Wissenschaft)

““A bit more rational strength, a bit more: A bit more rational strength, a bit more: what can we really do and what do we really what can we really do and what do we really know? What can we really build on? Many know? What can we really build on? Many popular science texts written in English, when popular science texts written in English, when you translate them, you notice that they are you translate them, you notice that they are written totally imprecise. You consume them written totally imprecise. You consume them in a way for your entertainment, and if you in a way for your entertainment, and if you realize that then you don’t find it so bad. But realize that then you don’t find it so bad. But try to get this into German! The English try to get this into German! The English language actually permits you to express language actually permits you to express yourself much more imprecisely, then yourself much more imprecisely, then everything is like chewing gum with a taste everything is like chewing gum with a taste of science…”of science…”

5. Global English and Cultural 5. Global English and Cultural Filtering Filtering

Globalisation has created a demand for texts Globalisation has created a demand for texts simultaneously meant for recipients in many simultaneously meant for recipients in many different contexts. They are either translated different contexts. They are either translated covertly or produced simultaneously as covertly or produced simultaneously as ‘comparable texts’. In the past, translators ‘comparable texts’. In the past, translators routinely applied a cultural filter. Due to the routinely applied a cultural filter. Due to the global dominance of English, there is now a global dominance of English, there is now a tendency towards cultural “neutralism” - tendency towards cultural “neutralism” - which which is in reality a drift towards (universal) Anglo-is in reality a drift towards (universal) Anglo-American norms. American norms.

While Anglophone influence is amply documented While Anglophone influence is amply documented in the area of words and phrases, we know very in the area of words and phrases, we know very little about what happens at the levels of text and little about what happens at the levels of text and context. However, investigating textual shifts from context. However, investigating textual shifts from local contexts towards pseudo-neutral Anglo-local contexts towards pseudo-neutral Anglo-contexts is an important research task.contexts is an important research task.

A first step in this direction is the project “Covert A first step in this direction is the project “Covert Translation” at Hamburg’s Research Center on Translation” at Hamburg’s Research Center on Multilingualism. Here we investigate Anglophone Multilingualism. Here we investigate Anglophone influence on translations and comparable texts in influence on translations and comparable texts in other languages, using quantitative and qualitative other languages, using quantitative and qualitative diachronic analyses on the basis of multilingual diachronic analyses on the basis of multilingual corpora, interviews, and ethnographic background corpora, interviews, and ethnographic background material.material.

Covert Translation Covert Translation Corpus Corpus

I: Primary Translation Corpus: Translations of English Texts into I: Primary Translation Corpus: Translations of English Texts into German, German,

French, Spanish (later Chinese, Persian, Arabic)French, Spanish (later Chinese, Persian, Arabic)

Two Genres:Two Genres: Popular Science Texts Popular Science Texts Economic Texts Economic Texts

-Business-/Product Information-Business-/Product Information-Letters to Shareholders-Letters to Shareholders-Visions and Missions-Visions and Missions

II: Comparable Corpus: English, German, French, Spanish (later Chinese, II: Comparable Corpus: English, German, French, Spanish (later Chinese, Persian, Arabic)Persian, Arabic)

Authentic original texts in the same genresAuthentic original texts in the same genres

III: Validation CorpusIII: Validation Corpus

1.1. Translations into English using the same genres Translations into English using the same genres 2.2. Interviews with Translators,Translation Commissioners, Editors Interviews with Translators,Translation Commissioners, Editors 3.3. Background Documents, e.g. Business PR MaterialsBackground Documents, e.g. Business PR Materials4.4. Press Corpus (Translation Corpus + Comparable Corpus)Press Corpus (Translation Corpus + Comparable Corpus)

International Dailies International Dailies International Herald Tribune, Financial International Herald Tribune, Financial Times, GlobTimes, Globalized Magazines: alized Magazines: National GeographicNational Geographic

The analyses show that German communicative The analyses show that German communicative preferences –unlike French and Spanish ones! – have preferences –unlike French and Spanish ones! – have indeed changed over the past 25 years indeed changed over the past 25 years (Two time frames: 1978-1982 and 1999-2002; 550 (Two time frames: 1978-1982 and 1999-2002; 550 texts, 800 000 words) texts, 800 000 words)

Particularly vulnerable are the functional categories Particularly vulnerable are the functional categories pronouns, conjunctions, pronominal adverbials, mental pronouns, conjunctions, pronominal adverbials, mental verbs and modal particles. They trigger changes in verbs and modal particles. They trigger changes in text norms text norms

There is a general tendency towards colloquialisation There is a general tendency towards colloquialisation in German texts - where formerly a more ‘scientific’, in German texts - where formerly a more ‘scientific’, ‘serious’ norm was the rule in popular science and ‘serious’ norm was the rule in popular science and economic texts, and a cultural filter enabled German economic texts, and a cultural filter enabled German readers to be informed in a more detached manner readers to be informed in a more detached manner rather than the entertaining person-oriented Anglo-rather than the entertaining person-oriented Anglo-manner.. All this, it seems, is now changing.manner.. All this, it seems, is now changing.

Non-Filter ExamplesNon-Filter Examples Michael Rose: “Can Human Ageing be Postponed?” Michael Rose: “Can Human Ageing be Postponed?”

Scientific AmericanScientific American, December 1999, Backtranslated , December 1999, Backtranslated from German March 2000 “Can Human Ageing be Held from German March 2000 “Can Human Ageing be Held up?” Spektrum der Wissenschaft up?” Spektrum der Wissenschaft

Anti-ageing therapiesAnti-ageing therapies of the future will undoubtedly of the future will undoubtedly have to counter many destructive biochemical have to counter many destructive biochemical processes at once.processes at once.

EEffective therapiesffective therapies must however take up the fight must however take up the fight against many destructive biochemical processes against many destructive biochemical processes simultaneously.simultaneously.

Ian Tattersall: “Once we were not alone”, Ian Tattersall: “Once we were not alone”, Scientific AmericanScientific American, January 2000, , January 2000, Backtranslated from German, Spektrum der Backtranslated from German, Spektrum der Wissenschaft, March 2000Wissenschaft, March 2000

As far as can be told, these two hominids As far as can be told, these two hominids

behaved in similar ways despite anatomical behaved in similar ways despite anatomical differences. differences. AndAnd as long as they did so, they as long as they did so, they somehow contrived to share the Levantine somehow contrived to share the Levantine environment.environment.

As far as As far as wewe can judge this, both hominids can judge this, both hominids behaved in a similar way despite all their behaved in a similar way despite all their anatomicalanatomical differences. differences. AndAnd as long as both as long as both stayed that way, they also succeeded in stayed that way, they also succeeded in sharing the environment in the Near East.sharing the environment in the Near East.

Hans Moravecs, “Rise of the Robots”, Scientific Hans Moravecs, “Rise of the Robots”, Scientific American, December 1999, Backtranslation from American, December 1999, Backtranslation from German Spektrum der Wissenschaften “Robots will German Spektrum der Wissenschaften “Robots will overtake us”January 2000overtake us”January 2000

Nevertheless, Nevertheless, I am convincedI am convinced that ... By 2040, that ... By 2040, II believe, believe, wewe will finally achieve the original goal of will finally achieve the original goal of robotics robotics andand a thematic mainstay of science a thematic mainstay of science fiction: …Why do fiction: …Why do II believe that rapid progress and believe that rapid progress and stunning accomplishments are in the offing?stunning accomplishments are in the offing?

Despite previous failuresDespite previous failures I am convinced that.... I am convinced that.... By 2040 By 2040 we will, so I think, we will, so I think, have finally reached have finally reached the great goal which has also been often praised in the great goal which has also been often praised in science fiction...How doscience fiction...How do I I come to be so optimistic come to be so optimistic and believe…and believe…

Jill Tarter and Christopher Chyba „Is Life elsewhere in Jill Tarter and Christopher Chyba „Is Life elsewhere in the universe?” Scientific American December 1999 the universe?” Scientific American December 1999 At a minimum At a minimum wewe will have thoroughly explored the will have thoroughly explored the most likely candidates, something most likely candidates, something wewe cannot claim cannot claim today. today. WeWe will have discovered will have discovered whether life dwellswhether life dwells on Jupiter’s moon Europa or on Mars. Andon Jupiter’s moon Europa or on Mars. And we we will will have undertaken the systematic exobiological have undertaken the systematic exobiological exploration of planetary systems…exploration of planetary systems…

““Is there extra-terrestral life?“ Spektrum der Is there extra-terrestral life?“ Spektrum der Wissenschaft March 2000, backtranslated Wissenschaft March 2000, backtranslated We We will at least have thoroughly examined the most will at least have thoroughly examined the most likely candidates, something likely candidates, something wewe cannot yet claim cannot yet claim today. Until then today. Until then wewe will for example find out will for example find out whether we willwhether we will find traces of life on the Jupiter find traces of life on the Jupiter moon Europa or on Mars. And moon Europa or on Mars. And wewe will have begun to will have begun to systematically and biologically investigate extrasolar systematically and biologically investigate extrasolar planets…planets…

While there is then some evidence that cultural While there is then some evidence that cultural filtering is replaced by “All-Anglo Norms”, filtering is replaced by “All-Anglo Norms”, we cannot be sure that the dissolution of we cannot be sure that the dissolution of the natural ties between texts and their local the natural ties between texts and their local contexts is traceable to hegemonic English via contexts is traceable to hegemonic English via translation processes translation processes

It might for instance be the case that the observed It might for instance be the case that the observed changes reflect a current changes reflect a current general general (media-induced? (media-induced? youth-culture conditioned?) tendency for texts to youth-culture conditioned?) tendency for texts to become more colloquial, more oral, become more colloquial, more oral, more ,personal’! more ,personal’!

The changes in the link between text and The changes in the link between text and context can presently not be definitively context can presently not be definitively explained. Much more empirical research explained. Much more empirical research is needed - with different genres, different is needed - with different genres, different language pairs and larger diachronic language pairs and larger diachronic corpora - before plausible hypotheses can corpora - before plausible hypotheses can be formulated that might explain how be formulated that might explain how global English changes the link between global English changes the link between texts and their local contexts.texts and their local contexts.