Translation Portfolio

University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Translation Portfolio
Portuguese  English
Helena Sousa 59902
Date of completion: 22nd December 2012
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 6
Translation Practice .......................................................................................................... 9
ST1: Welcoming Message .......................................................................................... 10
ST1: Welcoming Message – Improved version ........................................................ 10
TT1: Welcoming Message .......................................................................................... 11
ST2: Gonçalo Bilé......................................................................................................... 12
TT2: Gonçalo Bilé ......................................................................................................... 13
Advertising ....................................................................................................................... 15
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 16
ST1: Ethnographic analysis - “Make the Right Move” ............................................ 17
ST1: Make the right move .......................................................................................... 18
TT1: Make the right move ........................................................................................... 19
ST2: Ethnographic analysis - “Lemon – VW” ............................................................ 20
ST2: Volkswagen Lemon ............................................................................................. 22
TT2: Volkswagen Lemon ............................................................................................. 23
ST3: Ethnographic Analysis – “Let your geek shine” ............................................... 25
ST3 – Let your geek shine ........................................................................................... 26
TT3 – Let your geek shine ............................................................................................ 27
ST4: Ethnographic Analysis – “Windows” ................................................................. 28
ST4: Windows................................................................................................................ 30
TT4: Windows ................................................................................................................ 31
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 32
Glossary ........................................................................................................................ 33
Informative Leaflets ........................................................................................................ 34
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 35
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ST1: USF Briosa .............................................................................................................. 36
TT1: USF Briosa .............................................................................................................. 37
ST2: USF Briosa .............................................................................................................. 38
TT2: USF Briosa .............................................................................................................. 39
ST3: Gripe A .................................................................................................................. 40
TT3: Gripe A .................................................................................................................. 41
ST4: Sida page 1 .......................................................................................................... 42
TT4: Sida page 1 .......................................................................................................... 43
ST4: Sida page 2 .......................................................................................................... 44
TT4: Sida Page 2........................................................................................................... 45
ST4: Sida page 3 .......................................................................................................... 46
TT4: Sida page 3 .......................................................................................................... 47
ST4: sida page 4 .......................................................................................................... 48
TT4: Sida page 4 .......................................................................................................... 49
ST5: Communiqué – Page 1 ...................................................................................... 50
TT5: Communiqué - Page 1 ...................................................................................... 51
ST6: Communiqué – Page 2 ...................................................................................... 52
TT6: Communiqué – Page 2 ....................................................................................... 53
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 54
Glossary ........................................................................................................................ 55
Instruction Manuals ........................................................................................................ 58
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 59
ST1: Dinosaur Egg ........................................................................................................ 60
ST1: Dinosaur Egg – Improved version ...................................................................... 60
TT1: Dinosaur Egg ........................................................................................................ 61
ST2: Pedestal page 1 .................................................................................................. 62
TT2:Pedestal page 1 ................................................................................................... 63
ST3:Pedestal page 2 ................................................................................................... 64
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TT3:Pedestal page 2 ................................................................................................... 65
ST4: Pedestal page 3 .................................................................................................. 66
TT4: Pedestal page 3 .................................................................................................. 67
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 68
Glossary ........................................................................................................................ 69
Official Documentation ................................................................................................. 72
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 73
ST1: Delegação regional do centro da ordem dos médicos .............................. 74
TT1: Delegação regional do centro da ordem dos médicos .............................. 75
ST2: Certidão................................................................................................................ 76
TT2: Certidão ................................................................................................................ 77
ST3: Declaration of Honour ........................................................................................ 78
TT3: Declaration of Honour ........................................................................................ 79
Glossaries...................................................................................................................... 80
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 83
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 84
Helena Sousa
Page 4
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Helena Sousa
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University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Introduction
Since forever, I have known that my future profession would be related to
languages. The world of the languages and his importance to the society has
always captivated my attention. While growing up, perhaps because of living
among the French and the Portuguese societies, my interest in languages,
cultures and travels was increasing. When arrived the decision time about what
degree should I chose, I did not have any doubt and chose a translation degree.
Obviously, I would choose the French language since it’s my native
language. On the other hand, the English culture as well as its language has
always been a passion, although my difficulties. So I decided to improve my
English and to study it. More broadly, that means that I’m about to finish my
degree translation with specialisation on French and English.
For a translation student as for a professional translator, a portfolio is an
important thing since it works as a work presentation for whoever wants to see
their skills and abilities. In other words, the objective and the advantages of
having a portfolio are various: It allows not only to gather documents, but also to
show how organised you are, as well as your time management skills. Since it
requires some Photoshop skills, it works as a showcase about what you can do.
That can be very useful for example during a job interview because it represents
the academic experience and can be a part of the curriculum vitae.
Additionally, it also demonstrates the capacity of analyzing texts and
understanding them properly.
So this portfolio includes a range of text types: Firstly, there is the advertising
text, which requires some brainstorm in order to be faithful to the source
message. Then, there are the informative leaflets, which demand a little more
research since there are a lot of specific terms. After that, there are the
instruction manuals, whose grammatical aspect and length sentences might be
taken in consideration. Finally, there are the official documents which
necessitate of some special attention, since they use some specific expression
and words. This is actually a good example of how to be a translator because as
a professional, he must not only have some skills for the activity but also be
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versatile and ready for all the types of texts. Who knows in the future we will not
be forced to accept all the works we will find…
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Helena Sousa
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Translation
Practice
Helena Sousa 59902
Date of completion: 22nd December 2012
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST1: Welcoming Message
ST1: Welcoming Message – Improved version
ENGLISH
Please, accept our warmest welcome. We are very pleased to finally have you
as our costumer. This restaurant offers you a wide range of services at your
disposal.
As well as we hope you enjoy your meal, we want you know that all staff and
management are at your entire services. Then, if you have any doubts or
suggestions, please, feel free to tell us and we hope to see you again soon.
Helena Sousa
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TT1: Welcoming Message
PORTUGUÊS
Aceite, por favor, os nossos melhores cumprimentos. Estamos muito satisfeitos de
o ter aqui finalmente como nosso cliente. Este restaurante oferece-lhe uma
grande variedade a seu dispor. Esperámos que desfrute da sua refeição e que
saiba que toda a equipe e gerência está ao seu inteiro serviço. Se tiver alguma
dúvida ou sugestão, por favor, diga-nos. Esperámos vemo-lo de novo em breve.
Helena Sousa
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ST2: Gonçalo Bilé
GONÇALO BILÉ- AMARRADO (DA CABEÇA AOS PÉS)
Estás sentado no sofá a ver T.V.
Rodeado de IKEA’s e LCD’s
Sonhas com o desportivo de colecção
E ter mulher e ter um filho e ter um cão
Mas não há dia que passe que não penses naquele dia em que sais do canto
E perdes logo a simpatia quando vês que o que ganhas não vale assim tanto
Tira os sapatos que te prendem ao chão
São mocassins chiques mas não valem um tostão
Estás amarrado da cabeça aos pés
Num dia cheio de cigarros e cafés
Estás amarrado sabes bem porquê
Estás amarrado da cabeça aos pés
Estás atrasado para onde quer que vás
E o teu relógio não te deixa em paz
Mas não há dia que passe em que não te imaginas a voar mais alto
E perdes logo a simpatia quando vês que não vai ser o teu maior salto
Tira a gravata, desaperta o botão
Tens o pescoço inchado de tanta pressão
Estás amarrado da cabeça aos pés
Num dia cheio de cigarros e cafés
Estás amarrado sabes bem porquê
Estás amarrado da cabeça aos pés (x2)
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TT2: Gonçalo Bilé
GONÇALO BILÉ – TIED UP (FROM HEAD TO TOE)
[You are] seated on the couch, seeing TV.
Surrounded by IKEA’s and LCD.
You dream about sports collector’s car
And about having a wife, a son and a dog (to follow you wherever you are)
But there’s no day you don’t think about that day you leave the corner
And you lost the sympathy when you realize that what you earn doesn’t worth
that much
Take the shoes that stuck you to the ground off
[They are] Chic moccasins but they are worthless
You are tied up, from head to toe
In a day plenty of cigarettes and coffees
You are tied up, you well know why
You are tied up, from head to toe.
You are late wherever you are going
And your watch doesn’t leave you alone
But there’s no day in which you don’t imagine you are flying higher
And you lost the sympathy when you understand that it will not be your biggest
jump.
Take the tie off, loose the button up
Your neck is swollen of so much pressure
You are tied up, from head to toe
In a day plenty of cigarettes and coffees
You are tied up, you well know why
You are tied up, from head to toe. (x2)
Helena Sousa
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Helena Sousa
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Advertising
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Introduction
As first topic, there is an approach to the advertisement text and
language. For sure, it’s not the easiest text for a translator, even if he’s a
professional, so it’s necessary to understand how advertisement works firstly.
In order to well translating the ads, it is necessary to answer a few questions that
composed the ethnographic analysis so we can understand how the
advertisements work and consequently, how to translate them in a better way.
This analysis includes some general questions as “where would this text be
found?”, “What is the target readership of this text?”, “What is the purpose of the
text?”, but also some question related to the grammatical aspect, such as “What
is the ST like in terms of Sentence length/Sentence complexity/Vocabulary and
terminology?”. One of the most important questions that has obviously to be
answered is “what changes need to be made to the TT to make it more
effective?”. This one allows the translator to determine which are the potential
challenges of a translation and how can he overcome these difficulties.
For the collaborative works, there are two essentials questions that have to
be made before translating by each member of the group: “What are my
responsibilities as a group member?” and “What information needs to be taken
into consideration to ensure an effective and seamless translation is created?”. In
order to make this type of works more efficient, we later concluded that the
better way of overcoming the differences between the group’s members is to
make a glossary used by them.
Besides that, as future-translators and in order to elaborate some kind of
strategy, we look at how the colors, the slogans, the size of frame and even the
type of font can influence and determinate if an ad is good enough or not. Only
this way it has been possible to use the imagination and translate an ad without
neglect the connection between the image and the text.
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Translation Degree
ST1: Ethnographic analysis - “Make the Right Move”
This text would be found in a specific magazine. The readership is a very
small sector of the market, for example CEO’s, import/export department, selling
department, between others, and its main purpose is to try to sell these services
or this product and to get new customers.
In relation to the Source text, the sentences are relatively short and simple,
not complicated. However, there is a specific terminology, related to chess that
is crucial here (which we can see on the background image).
By making this ad, Transocean wants to make the costumers believe that
by using the services of this company, they will be using strategy as well.
In this case, the Target text should emulate the Source Text in some
aspects, mainly because the vocabulary and terminology are the same in both
texts. We can also keep the simple and short sentences, no needing to rephrase
them. However, at the end, we find an expression to which we must pay
attention: “We’re never out of our depth” is a pun, because it refers not only to
the activity of the company, but also to the English expression “be out of depth”
that means “to not have the knowledge or skills to deal with a particular subject
or situation”.
In order to be effective, the translator must do a parallel research, since
the main challenge of this translation is the vocabulary, specifically related to
chess. He can overcome this difficulty by creating a glossary, in order to help
him.
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ST1: Make the right move
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TT1: Make the right move
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ST2: Ethnographic analysis - “Lemon – VW”
This text may be found in a magazine or newspaper, with the purpose of
impressing the target audience (which is everyone who may be interested in
acquire a new car). The general public can also be considered a part of the
target audience, since the ad can awake the desire of buying a new car. In this
perspective, the purpose of the text is not only promoting the brand’s product,
but also shows the superiority of the Volkswagens’ car in relation to the others in
the market.
The image in black and white suggests that it’s an old car, an old
advertisement and an old (which means with some experience) company. It
also gives the idea that the car is a classic, as well as its quality.
In relation to the terminological aspect of the texts, we can notice in this
text that the sentences are not very long, what makes the translation task easier.
They also are relatively simple and cause no problem to whose wants to translate
them. There’s a lot of parenthesis and semicolons in order to facilitate the
comprehension of the sentences. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is specific; there
are several references to the components of a car. There are also a few
references to German words and places that lead us to make a little research. In
this case, we just have to adjust the Target Text to the Source Text, trying to keep
the short and simple sentence length, and using the terminology from the Source
Text to make the message of Target Text faithful. On the other hand, in some
parts of the text, it’s necessary to opt for a simpler way of transmitting the main
message. For that, things like not keep an expression must be done. On the other
side, you also have to choose the better option for the Target Text, even if that
means a non-literal translation.
To help in this task, I think that texts related to cars are indispensable,
because that’s the main subject of the Source Text. It must then be necessary to
do some research about Germany, country and language, in order to decide if
the German words may be translated or not.
Helena Sousa
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In my opinion, the main challenge in this task will be to understand some
English expression, for example, the reference to the Lemon (because this fruit is
beautiful on the outside, but it tastes bad, so the company doesn’t want their
cars to be beautiful but working bad). It will also require some research (to
understand that Lemon describes poor quality cars). There’s a huge word game
that the translator has to understand and translate in a way to keep it and make
it having sense in the Target Language and culture.
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ST2: Volkswagen Lemon
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TT2: Volkswagen Lemon
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Helena Sousa
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ST3: Ethnographic Analysis – “Let your geek shine”
This text may be found in a specific magazine or newspaper, with the
purpose of selling the company’s products.
The target audience is everyone who might be interested in technology or
innovation, since the company is selling electronic products. On the image, we
can highlight the warm colors like red, yellow and orange to transmit the
adventure and exotic feeling. Moreover, the size of frame is a very long shot
since the person isn’t even looking at us. This fact reveals a lack of intimacy
because the products don’t need to be much familiar to the buyer, it’s much
formal. On the other hand, the person on the ad is jumping from a cliff to show
the adventure and to underline the idea transmitted in the advertisement text.
This is also related to the key sentence “Take the leap and let your geek shine
too”. “Sparkfun”, the name of the firm, is appealing because of the word “fun”
since electronics and informatics are often related to boring stuff.
In relation to the terminological aspect of the texts, the sentences are not
very long and simple. However, there are some terms that require to do some
research as “WiiTilt”, “BASE Jump” and “LED” in order to translate them properly.
Moreover, the distance “400 foot” also has to be translated to the measure used
in the country of the target language, in this case, meters. In relation to the
slogan, it must be translated since it’s the motto, then the sentence that
captures the attention of the audience. Since the ad is orientated to a younger
public, it’s possible to be more informal while translating. That’s why I think it’s
better to translate “Your” by “Teu” and not by “Seu”. Nevertheless, I believe the
target text can emulate the source text because the grammatical structure of
the sentences is not that different.
To better success in this task, I think that translators must do some research,
as I said before. It’s essential to have some notions related to the specific terms in
order to have a better final product. This is, in my opinion, the main challenge of
this translation.
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ST3 – Let your geek shine
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TT3 – Let your geek shine
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ST4: Ethnographic Analysis – “Windows”
This ad would probably be found in a specific magazine, related to
technology and innovation. We can then conclude that the target readership is
people who is interested by this and love new technology. Its purpose is to show
how important and recognized the products that Microsoft sells are, more
specifically the Operating System Windows. Besides that, this advertisement has
been made in order to convince more people to buy the product.
For that, Microsoft presents the Windows system as a solution for the
“walls” we fight against, a metaphor of the challenges of life. This is present in the
slogan “Life without walls” (which we can interpret as life without problems,
handicaps, etc…) and in the title of the text “Windows VS. Walls” (an expression
of a fight between two sides, using “Versus”). We can also refer that the title used
the alliteration to the “s” sound, what suggests pleasant feelings (“windowS
verSuS wallS”).
On the other hand, the colours used – dark colours – have more than one
meaning: It represents the sophistication and class of the product. We also know
that black is mostly associated to technology. Finally, it means the dark side of
life, when everything goes wrong, in opposition to the shiny side of life (which
explains the use of bright colours) that we can observe through the hole that has
been made in the wall. This one obviously has the shape of the Windows logo, to
enhance that this is the solution for problems we can have, and also to represent
the connection with other people.
Moreover, we can see that the frame, a very long shot (that suggests a
low level of intimacy) in which the participant is not looking directly at the
camera (indirect connection), presents a gloomy living room, and that it was the
man who did the hole, by himself. This fact suggests to the readers an
autonomous feeling and consequently a feeling of power over the problems, by
knowing that “Windows” is always there to help them.
Concerning the text present in the ad, the ST, it’s clear, with short
sentence (to provide a kind of mysterious speech), some of them without being
a complete sentence (for example, without a verb). It also has a low level of
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complexity. However, the vocabulary and terminology are specific (not very
technological, but relating to advertising). It resorts to a lot strong adjectives
(“epic”) and to figures of speech, like the gradation “little; big; crazy”. We also
observe that some words are re-quoted in subsequent sentences “It’s an
approach to life. An approach dedicated to…” used to emphasize the words
and to determinate the key words of the text. The last sentence is seen as a
conclusion of the text, and is very strong in order to mark the reader and to
make them think about it.
When translating, the translator will have to be careful with the sentence
structure, which may be readjusted. They also might pay attention to the
adjectives chosen, because in the TT they might have some of them that are
better. I think my biggest challenge will be the title, because I haven’t decided if
I should keep the name’s product or if I should translate it yet: The name should
stay as it is, but, on the other hand, its connection with the text and the image
has to make sense.
In order to help themselves, the translator can do parallel research, but I
don’t think it’s very necessary because the text doesn’t talk about a concrete
theme but “an approach” between life and technology. Then, I believe we
won’t find anything that could really help. In this perspective, I think that the most
useful tools would be lingual online dictionaries, to overcome the challenges the
translator can find.
Helena Sousa
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ST4: Windows
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TT4: Windows
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Conclusion
Translating an advertisement is a very enriching experience and should be
imposed to all the translators as far as it improves a lot the professional skills. It
requires a higher level of knowledge about the languages (the source and the
target languages) and know-how.
Personally, it allowed me to be more comfortable with a type of text I
wasn’t very familiarized with. It was a very challenging task, since the translator
can’t just translate literally what the text presents. He has to make sure the
message transmitted on the target text is faithful to the source text, but always
taking in consideration the linguistic and cultural differences. For example, some
ads used puns or idiomatic expression. In these cases, the professional has to be
clever enough to overcome the difficulties related to that. He can try to find a
similar or same expression in the target language, in order to keep the game of
words and consequently, to maintain for example the humor of the ad.
By analyzing the ad made by the cars’ company Volkswagen, it’s possible
to highlight some sentences which can be serious challenges: “We pluck the
lemons, you get the plums” is one of them. It was essential to brainstorm to get a
suitable solution. In this point of view, working in group can then be a positive
aspect and a crucial help for translators to have a good final product.
More broadly, I have realised how much is important to analyze an ad
properly, since it’s the base for a good translation. Then, I learned how to
understand an advertisement and, consequently, how to translate it in a more
perfect way.
Helena Sousa
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Glossary
English
Portuguese
BASE jump
Salto BASE.
Blemished
Mancha
Drilling
Perfuração
Firmware
Firmware
Fleet
Frota
Glove compartment
Porta-luvas
(To) Hack
Piratear
Junkie
Viciado
Leap
Salto
(To) Lift up
Levantar
Pathway
Caminho
Rig
Equipamento
Shock absorber
Amortecedor de choque
Spot checking
Verificação aleatória
“We pluck the lemons, you get the plums”
“Separámos o trigo do joio”
Windshield
Para-brisas
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Informative
Leaflets
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Introduction
Translating Informative leaflets presents some challenges. In fact, this type
of text presents a lot of technical words which is sometimes more difficult to
translate than what we think.
In order to overcome this challenge, unlike while translating the
advertising texts, it’s important to use less the creativity. The translator will have to
do more research to be coherent with the expression used for some specific
words. Since the texts will be translated into English, it’s essential to translate them
always taking in consideration that they will be read by English people. We
always have to pay attention to the target public while translating.
Another challenge that informative leaflets present us is the sentence
length. In English, they are generally shorter than in Portuguese, which means a
translator have to know how to simplify them. That also happens since the
objective of this type of text is to inform everyone, younger and older people,
with some or any education. So, as translators, we have to adapt the texts to
make them more accessible and easy to understand. A good technique for that
is to look at Linguee and compare with the parallel research made previously, to
check the reliability of some expressions of the target texts.
On the other hand, based on the supposition that the texts will be read by
English people living in Portugal, the translator should not translate localisations,
to allow people to find the mentioned places easily.
This type of translation was a true challenge, mainly with regard to
collaborative and group task, since it forces the group elements to try to keep
the consistency and the coherence throughout the whole translation task. For
that, it was necessary to well delegate the tasks, which is a quality the translators
that works in group must have. This is more important than it seems, since in the
future, we may have to work in group, with professionals that has a totally
different way of working.
Helena Sousa
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ST1: USF Briosa
University of Aveiro
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Helena Sousa
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TT1: USF Briosa
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ST2: USF Briosa
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TT2: USF Briosa
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ST3: Gripe A
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TT3: Gripe A
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ST4: Sida page 1
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TT4: Sida page 1
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ST4: Sida page 2
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TT4: Sida Page 2
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ST4: Sida page 3
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TT4: Sida page 3
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ST4: sida page 4
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TT4: Sida page 4
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ST5: Communiqué – Page 1
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TT5: Communiqué - Page 1
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ST6: Communiqué – Page 2
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TT6: Communiqué – Page 2
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Helena Sousa
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Conclusion
Translating an informative leaflet is a true challenge. It’s very restrictive
and doesn’t give a lot of liberty to the translator since the text has to be precise
and not ambiguous. On the other hand, the professional has to be very careful
while translating, because most of the informative leaflets are about health cares
and a minimal mistake can lead to a misunderstanding or even to a mistake
which might have some serious consequences.
Since the objective of this type of text is to inform everyone about
something (most of the time, an important subject as health), the language must
be simple so everyone can understand what’s on it. It can be a challenge to find
the right words to define or describe something because in some cases, it’s
easier than it looks like, which can confuse the translator and force him to do
some parallel research.
Moreover, there is another challenge: to keep the coherence while
translating in group. Collaborative work is harder than individual work since there
must be a bigger concern relative to the others translators’ translation. For that, it
was created a glossary used by the members of the group, to make sure the
coherence and consistency were kept all along the translation.
To conclude, translating the informative leaflets was very rewarding
because it allowed me to get closer to this type of text, since I was not very
familiarized with it. I also have understood how important is to make a glossary
because you can re-use some expressions, terms or verbs in a future translation.
Helena Sousa
Page 54
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Glossary
English
Portuguese
Accessibility
Acessibilidade
Appointments marking
Marcação de consulta
Appointment to diabetic foot
Consulta do pé diabético
Appointments with a substitute doctor
Consulta de Intersubstituição
Birth Control
Planeamento Familiar
Bite
Picada
Blotches
Manchas
CAJ (Appointment for teenagers)
CAJ (consulta de atendimento ao jovem)
Children’s Health
Saúde Infantil
Clinical information
Informação clínica
Communiqué
Comunicado
Contacts
Contactos
Contingency plan
Plano de contingência
Continuity
Continuidade
Dengue Fever
Febre de dengue
Diabetes
Diabetes
Director-General for Health
Diretor-Geral da Saúde
Droplet
Gota/Gotícula
Emergency/Scheduled Appointments
Consulta Aberta/Programada
Emergencies
Situações agudas
Family Doctor
Médico de Família
Family Health Team
Equipa Saúde Familiar
Family health unit
Unidade de Saúde Familiar
Globality
Globalidade
Guidelines
Orientações
Health care
Cuidados de Saúde
Health center
Centro de Saúde
Home visits
Consulta o domicílio
Hypertension
Hipertensão
Helena Sousa
Page 55
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Insect Repellent
Repelente de Insetos
Loose-fitting
Folgadas/Amplas
Medical/ Nursing appointment
Consulta Médica/De Enfermagem
Medical/Nursing attendance
Atendimento Médico/De Enfermagem
Minor Surgeries
Procedimentos cirúrgicos
Mosquito net
Mosquiteiro
Needle
Agulha
Nurses
Enfermeiros
Nursing care
Cuidados de Enfermagem
Nursing home visits
Domicílios de Enfermagem
Opening hours
Período de Funcionamento
Patient
Utente
Physicians
Médico (de família)
Prescription
Receituário/Receitas
Reception
Secretariado
Reception Staff
Administrativos
Referrals
Credenciais
Results
Resultados
Risky behavior
Comportamento de Risco
Sexual intercourse
Relação Sexual
Shiver
Arrepio
Spread
Propagação
Stop smoking appointment
CCT (consulta cessação tabágica)
Surveillance appointment
Consultas de Vigilância
Swine Flu
Gripe A
Team
Equipa
Test
Exames
Tissue
Lenço de Papel
Throw away
Deitar fora
User Card
Cartão de utente
Waiting time
Tempo de espera
Helena Sousa
Page 56
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Helena Sousa
Page 57
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Instruction
Manuals
Helena Sousa
Page 58
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Introduction
One of the types of texts we have to translate was the instruction manuals,
which objective is to make the everyday life easier, by explaining how toys,
electric appliances and sometimes technological products work.
Fortunately, this is not the hardest one among the others, since the
structure of the sentences is simple and easy to understand. On the other hand,
there is a necessity of keeping the language elementary, since this type of text
gives orders or requests that have to be understood by everyone. In fact, the
target audience of the manual instructions is obviously anyone who needs it –
and this is very vast, because the text might be read by an 8 year old as by a 40
year old person.
The Manual Instructions are most of the time accompanied by images
and the respective captions. Then it’s essential that the translator makes sure to
translate all the text, and to not forget any caption or explanations of the
illustrations. Moreover, the text (not only the captions) has to be in accordance
with the image. For example, if the illustration shows us an up arrow, the text will
obviously not talk about a “down arrow”. That means that there is a bigger
necessity of paying attention to the translation, since there is a direct connection
between the image and the text.
Finally, for translating a manual instruction, it’s essential to do a lot of
parallel research due to the intensive use of specific and specialized words. For
example, terms and expressions as “pole”, “screw”, “set up” or “cable clamper”
are usually used on this type of texts. It was necessary to dip into some manual
instructions in Portuguese, for check and validate that, in fact, the translations of
those terms and expressions are respectively “pino”, “parafuso”, “instalação” e
“abraçadeira”.
Helena Sousa
Page 59
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST1: Dinosaur Egg
ST1: Dinosaur Egg – Improved version
Helena Sousa
Page 60
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT1: Dinosaur Egg
Helena Sousa
Page 61
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST2: Pedestal page 1
Helena Sousa
Page 62
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT2:Pedestal page 1
Helena Sousa
Page 63
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST3:Pedestal page 2
Helena Sousa
Page 64
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT3:Pedestal page 2
Helena Sousa
Page 65
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST4: Pedestal page 3
Helena Sousa
Page 66
Português
Instruções paraUniversity
a instalação
dos cabos
of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT4: Pedestal page 3
Junte os cabos ao televisor com a abraçadeira.
 Junte os cabos com a abraçadeira do lado esquerdo.
 Fixe o cabo de alimentação com a abraçadeira do lado
direito.
Cabo de alimentação
Abraçadeira
Evitar a queda do televisor
plasma
Acessórios para a segurança do pedestal
Tira (2)
Parafuso (2)
Fixação à base.
Parafuso para madeira
(2)
Grampo (2)
Fixação na parede.
Remova os parafusos dos cantos
superiores, na parte de trás do
televisor e prenda os grampos (4),
usando os parafusos removidos.
Parte da
frente
Parafusos no corpo principal
Parte da
Método de fixação
frente
Bancada de
madeira
Fixe os parafusos para madeira nos orifícios na
extremidade da parte de trás da bancada de madeira.
Se não existirem orifícios, fure-os primeiro no meio da
espessura da bancada de madeira, e depois, fixe a tira
com os parafusos para madeira.
Utilize arame ou corrente
resistente
disponível
no
mercado para fixar o televisor
a uma área sólida da parede
ou a um pilar.
* O televisor deve ser fixado tanto à base como à parede.
Helena Sousa
Page 67
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Conclusion
Translating instruction manuals require a lot of concentration, since there is
a huge need of keeping the coherence and the consistency trough the pages
of the manual. Using the example of a text I have translated, there are some
terms which demand more attention:

“Holes” was translated as “Orifícios”.

“Plasma television” or “Plasma TV”were translated by “televisor” all along.

“Front” by “Parte da frente”.

“Rear” by “Parte de trás”.

“Base” was always translated by “base” and never by “pedestal”.

“Securing” was translated by “fixação”.

“Fasten” was translated by “Fixar”.

“Accessories” was translated by “acessórios”.
To ensure the faithfulness and quality of the translation, it was necessary to
consult
some
parallel
texts
(as
http://download.p4c.philips.com/files/d/dvdr75_191/dvdr75_191_dfu_brp.pdf) to
initially understand how the relation between the company who sells the
product and the customer works. I did then realize that the instruction manuals
use a casual language, and try an “approach” to the product user, perhaps
trying to make him feel secure and trusting. This type of research also helps to
validate the translation of the specific terms choosed during the translation. After
that, I made a glossary with those terms that allowed me to translate the text
faster than if I always would have to check the specific terms.
Besides that, I paid attention to the relation between the illustrations and
the captions. On the other hand, I tried to keep the sentences simple. Also, the
objective language is an obligation in this type of text – any sort of ambiguity
should be erased. For that, I used the imperative form to transmit the idea of an
order or require.
Helena Sousa
Page 68
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Glossary
English
Portuguese
Assembling
Montagem
Band
Tira
Bind
Juntar
Cable clamper
Abraçadeira
Choking hazard
Perigo de Asfixia
Clamp
Grampo
Coating
Revestimento
Dealer
Comerciante
Fall-prevention bracket
Suporte anti-queda
(To) Fasten
Fixar/Apertar
Front
Parte da Frente
Hatch out
Eclodir
Holes
Orifícios
Injury
Lesão/Ferimento
Mains lead
Cabo de Alimentação
Marble
Berlinde
No. Label
Número da Etiqueta
Pole
Pino
Rear
Parte de trás
Screw
Parafuso
Setting up
Instalação
Soaked
Embebido
Supplied
Fornecido
Strap
Tira
Thickness
Espessura
Thinner
Mais fino
Warped
Deformado
(To) Wipe
Limpar
Helena Sousa
Page 69
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Wire
Arame
Wood Screw
Parafuso para Madeira
Worktop
Bancada
Helena Sousa
Page 70
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Helena Sousa
Page 71
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Official
Documentation
Helena Sousa
Page 72
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Introduction
The official documents are a specific type of texts. It requires some deeper
knowledge not only of the target language but also of the source language. For
correctly translated an official document, it’s first necessary to understand what
is the purpose of “this” text, as well as what means some terms used by the
official language in particular.
This type of document has the purpose of certified a fact relating to
someone. Thus the target audience encompasses all the persons who want to
certify a fact or event of their lives. As an example of that, we have a degree
completion or a career licence.
One of the biggest challenges of the official documents is the fact that
they are most of the time a representation of some big institutions, companies or
other entities. In this perspective, the translator has to be careful not to do any
mistake, since he could put the image or prestige of them iat risk. Therefore,
there’s a bigger needing of check and proofreading in relation to the other
types of texts we have been translating.
For a translator, the easiest part of the official documentation is the fact
that most of them are previously made and follow a standard of writing. This can
really help a translator who works exclusively for a company, for example, since
the translations are made. However, some details might have to be changed,
since an official documentation is personal and adapted to each situation.
In order to overcome some difficulties, there’s a strategy adopted by a lot
of translators: the progressive elaboration of a glossary. Along the translations
made in the official documentation area, the translator adds to the glossary the
terms and expressions which have caused some doubts. Every time he needs to
check a term, he just has to look at the glossary. It’s a very effective way of
making the translator works easier.
Helena Sousa
Page 73
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST1: Delegação regional do centro da ordem dos
médicos
Delegação regional
do centro da ordem
dos médicos
Eu, MARIA JOANA ALMEIDA ROSMANINHO, Directora dos Serviços
da Delegação Regional do Centro da Ordem dos Médicos, declaro que, o
Dr. NUNO FERNANDES BASTOS RODRIGUES, residente em Coimbra,
está registado nesta Delegação com o número SETE MIL,
QUATROCENTOS E OITENTA E SETE desde o dia 22 de Outubro de
1998, correspondendo à Cédula Profissional número TRINTA E OITO
MIL, SETECENTOS E NOVENTA E CINCO, estando em plena posse dos
seus direitos nessa mesma data, está legalmente habilitado para exercer as
funções de Médico em todo o território nacional, sem quaisquer
restrições, e que ele é competente e profissional na sua conduta, não
havendo nada de penalizante no seu registo pessoal.
Mais declaro que o referido Médico exerceu a sua actividade durante três
anos consecutivos nos últimos cinco, e que a sua formação médica está de
acordo com os estatutos definidos no Artigo 1º da 2ª Directiva Médica (75363-CEE) do Conselho das Comunidades Europeias.
Após reconhecimento da veracidade destes factos e após o pedido da
emissão deste certificado, lavrei e assinei pessoalmente, e autentiquei com
o selo branco desta Delegação Regional.
Secretariado da Delegação Regional do Centro da Ordem dos Médicos, a
28 de Fevereiro de 1999
(Assinatura de Maria Joana Almeida Rosmaninho por cima do selo branco)
Este certificado é válido por um período de três meses após a data de
emissão
Helena Sousa
Page 74
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT1: Delegação regional do centro da ordem dos
médicos
REGIONAL DELEGATION OF THE
CENTRE OF PORTUGAL OF THE
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION
I, MARIA JOANA ALMEIDA ROSMANINHO, Director of the Regional
Delegation of the Centre of the Portuguese Medical Association, hereby
declare that, Dr. NUNO FERNANDES BASTOS RODRIGUES, residing
in Coimbra, Portugal has been registered in this delegation with the
number 7,487 since 22nd October 1998, corresponding to the license
number 38,795 being in full possession of their rights on that date, is
legally qualified to practise Medicine in Portugal, without any restrictions
and that they are competent and professional, there being nothing to
discredit them on their personal record.
I further declare that the aforementioned doctor has practised during three
consecutive years over the last five years, and that their medical training is
in accordance with the statutes determined in the Article 1 of the 2nd
medical directive (75-363-CEE) of the Council of European Communities.
After having personally verified the truth of these facts and after the
request of the issue of this certificate, I drew up, signed, and authenticated
it with the embossed seal of this Regional Delegation.
Office of the Regional Delegation of the Center of Portugal of the
Portuguese Medical Association, 28th February 1999
(Signature of Maria Joana Almeida Rosmaninho, over embossed seal)
This certificate is valid for three months after the date of issue.
Helena Sousa
Page 75
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST2: Certidão
Helena Sousa
Page 76
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT2: Certidão
University of Aveiro
theoria poiesis praxis
CERTIFICATE
Name:
Parents:
Date of Birth:
ID Card:
Nationality: PORTUGAL
issued on 15TH SEPTEMBER 2003
Enrolled in: 11th AUGUST 2005
Degree: 9062 – MASTER IN ENGLISH STUDIES
I hereby certified that, according to our records, the aforementioned student completed
and passed the referred course in 8th September 2008, under Decree-law 216/92 dated
13th October.
The diploma has already been required and all the inherent expenses have been paid.
This certificate is authenticated with the embossed seal of this University, and comprises
1 page.
P.P. DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVES SERVICES
CHECKED
Fees 13,65€
Total 13,65€
ACADEMIC SERVICES
12th September 2008 15:54:46
Page: 1 of 1
Helena Sousa
Page 77
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
ST3: Declaration of Honour
MARIA ISABEL FIGUEIREDO CAMPOS PEREIRA
TRADUTORA
Rua José Régio Lote 259, 3º Esquerdo
Vale das Flores
3030-107 COIMBRA
Telefone / Fax: 239 56 58 90
Telemóvel: 916 257 112 / 966 557 149
Correio Electrónico: [email protected]
DECLARAÇÃO SOBRE COMPROMISSO DE HONRA
MARIA ISABEL FIGUEIREDO CAMPOS PEREIRA, tradutora licenciada, residente
na Rua José Régio, Lote 259, 3º Esquerdo, Vale das Flores, 3030-107, Coimbra,
Portugal, declara que o Certificado de Licenciatura em anexo, emitido a Dr. Nuno
Fernandes Bastos Rodrigues, foi escrito em português e traduzido para Inglês.
Mais declara que a tradução do referido documento é uma tradução fiel ao
documento original.
Coimbra, 24 de Novembro de 2010
Maria Isabel Figueiredo Campos Pereira
Maria Isabel Figueiredo Campos Pereira
Tradutora
Helena Sousa
Page 78
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
TT3: Declaration of Honour
MARIA ISABEL FIGUEIREDO CAMPOS PEREIRA
TRANSLATOR
Rua José Régio Lote 259, 3º Esquerdo
Vale das Flores
3030-107 COIMBRA
PORTUGAL
Telephone / Fax: 239 56 58 90
Mobile phone : 916 257 112 / 966 557 149
E-mail : [email protected]
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I, MARIA ISABEL FIGUEIREDO CAMPO PEREIRA, qualified Translator,
residing in Rua José Régio, Lote 259, 3º Esquerdo, Vale das Flores, 3030-107,
Coimbra, Portugal, declare that the attached degree certificate, issued to Dr.
Nuno Fernandes Bastos Rodrigues, was written in Portuguese and translated
into English.
I further declare that the translation of the abovementioned document is a faithful
translation of the document provided to me.
24th November 2010
Maria Isabel Figueiredo Campos Pereira
Maria Isabel Figueiredo Campos Pereira
Translator
Helena Sousa
Page 79
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Glossaries
Portuguese
English
MARIA JOANA ALMEIDA ROSMANINHO
MARIA JOANA ALMEIDA ROSMANINHO
Declaro que
I hereby declare that
Delegação Regional do Centro
Regional Delegation of the Centre
Ordem dos Médicos
Portuguese Medical Association
Residente em
Residing in
Está registado nesta delegação
Has been registered in this delegation/here
Desde o dia 22 de Outubro de 1989
Since 22nd October 1989/October 22, 1989
Correspondendo à cédula profissional nº
Corresponding to the license number
Estando em plena posse dos seus direitos
Being in full possession of their rights
Nessa mesma data
On that date
Está legalmente habilitado para exercer
Is legally qualified to practise Medicine
as funções de médico
Em todo o território nacional
In Portugal
E que ele é competente e profissional na
And
sua conduta
professional
Não havendo nada de penalizante no
There being nothing to discredit them on
seu registo pessoal
their personal record
Mais declaro que
I further declare that
O referido Médico
The abovementioned doctor
Exerceu a sua actividade
Has practised
A sua formação médica
Their medical training
Está
de
acordo
com
os
estatutos
Is
that
in
they
are
accordance
competent
with
the
statutes
definidos
determined
Artigo 1º da 2ª Directiva Médica
Article 1 of the 2nd medical directive
Conselho das Comunidades Europeias
Council of European Communities
lavrei
I drew the certificate up
Após
o
pedido
da
emissão
deste
and
After the request for the issue of this
certificado
certificate
Reconhecimento da veracidade destes
Having personally verified the truth of these
factos
facts
Assinei pessoalmente
I signed
Helena Sousa
Page 80
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Autentiquei
I authenticated
Com o selo branco
With the embossed seal
Secretariado
Office
Assinatura de
Signature of
Por cima do selo branco
Over embossed seal
Válido por um período de três meses
Valid for three months
Após a data de emissão
After the date of issue
Portuguese
English
Certidão
Certificate
Filiação
Parents
Bilhete de Identidade
ID Card
Nacionalidade
Nationality
Matriculado em:
Enrolled in:
Curso
Degree
Mestrado em
Master in
Ao abrigo do D.L. 216/ de de Outubro
Under
Decree-law
216/92
dated
13th
October.
Classificação final
With an average of (…)
Aprovado
Completed and passed
Diploma
Certificate
Despesas inerentes
Inherent expenses
Contém 1 folha
Comprises 1 page.
DIRECTOR DOS SERVIÇOS ACADÉMICOS E
DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATIVOS
ADMINISTRATIVES SERVICES
Conferido
Checked
Emolumentos
Fees
SERVIÇOS ACADÉMICOS
ACADEMIC SERVICES
OF
THE
ACADEMICS
Helena Sousa
AND
Page 81
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Portuguese
English
Telefone
Telephone
Telemóvel
Cellphone
Correio Electrónico
E-mail
DECLARAÇÃO SOBRE COMPROMISSO DE
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
HONRA
Em anexo
Attached
Emitido
Issued
Mais declara
I further declare
Referido documento
The abovementioned document
Tradução fiel ao documento original
A faithful translation of the
document provided to me.
Helena Sousa
Page 82
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Conclusion
The official documents are at the same time, the most demanding and
one of the simple type of text we have study during the semester: On the one
hand, the language is very specific, what have made me consult some parallel
texts (of certificates and diplomas) in order to be able to well translate the texts.
But on the other hand, once you have translated a writing model of certificate
for a specific entity, you just have to change some details on the future
translations. Taking the example of the Certificate of the University of Aveiro, a
translator who is hired for translating one of them just has to translate the general
information (as “Name, Parents, Birth Date, etc. …). The rest of the certificate has
to be written in accordance with the data of the student. Moreover, some
sentence fragments are the same for all the certificates, like “I hereby certified
that, according to our records, the aforementioned student… “. This makes the
work easier for the translators and allows them to translate faster and better.
As I said before, to overcome the challenges of the official documents, I
have
made
some
research
and
read
some
texts
of
the
area
(http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/european-skillspassport/certificate-supplement/examples). Then I also used the translation tool
Linguee, which has really helped me with some words or expressions. Finally, I
also consult the multilingual term base Iate that is very helpful when we are
translating a specific area text. However, all these tools even combined might
not be enough to translate an official document. In fact, it requires a higher level
of knowledge and mastery of the language.
We can then conclude that this type of text increased a lot the student’s
skills since most of them have never had a close contact to the official
documentation.
Helena Sousa
Page 83
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Conclusion
Once again, throughout this portfolio, it’s completely proved that
translation is not “for everyone” and confuted the idea that “everyone can be a
translator”. In fact, it’s not only about knowing two languages superficially since
the knowledge of a language is much more than talking it. Elaborating this
showcase is very grateful, since we can evaluate the evolution of the translation
skills. Moreover, I also have learned some translation “rules”:
Firstly, we can never translate expressions literally (“We pluck the lemons,
you get the plums”). We also have to be aware of the well-known “False friends”,
which are very present between the Portuguese and the English languages. On
the other hand, it’s fundamental to keep the language register. Also, all the
languages are different on something, so we should not restrict the sentences’
syntaxes and structure of the target text to the source text. By that, I mean that
the target text should not always emulate the source text in the grammatical
aspects. As a professional, the translator has to be able to read between the
lines, in order to understand all the minimal details of a text. He also has to be
able to determine which types of text he is more comfortable with and in
opposite, which types of text present him more difficulties. In relation to, for
example, the companies’ names, it’s important to know that we have to keep
and never translate them, writing when necessary a translation or explanation in
brackets. It’s also essential that the professional has to be aware of the fact he
might need more than dictionaries, since these ones may provide a lack of
information or on the contrary, provide too much information and then create
some difficulties. Throughout this semester, I also worked in group and this had
taught me that collaborative work might be a good way of improved our
personal skills and consequently, our translations. A brainstorm might be an
imperative thing to do when some term or expression is too complicated or
confused. Finally, the translation is not only the activity of translating. It’s also
about a lot of research. In this perspective, it is not in any case a product of the
literality – Translating requires a huge capacity of decision.
On the basis of these observations, a translator has to know which are the most
appropriated necessary resources to overcome a challenge. He also has to be
able to outline the fundamental strategies to find the best solution for a difficulty.
Helena Sousa
Page 84
University of Aveiro
Translation Degree
Moreover, he has to have the vaster knowledge possible of the language and all
it includes. He always has to be persistent and not decide on the basis of a
simple research or equivalent given by a dictionary. To conclude, a translator
might be not only versatile, but also creative, to be able to translate some types
of texts that require more creativity, like the advertisement or the literary texts.
As we can notice, this portfolio helped me to conclude some important
aforementioned things about the translation and its activity. On the other hand,
it’s grateful and rewarding to have a compilation of a semester’s work. This
portfolio is the product of the big progression not only of my English skills but also
of my translation capacities. The different types of text (and their various
disparities of characteristics) approached during the classes was a way of
working hard on my language skills. By this, I mean I feel more comfortable with
some types of texts I was not very familiarized yet.
Helena Sousa
Page 85