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Review Article: Translating by Factors |
Translating by Factors
State University of New York Press, 1996 ISBN 0-7914-2958-X. 346 pages.
Reviewed by
Eva Meidl,
University of Tasmania, Hobart
In their introduction Gutknecht and Rolle state that translating factors are yardsticks with which translations can be gauged. For their purpose the authors use the definition of factors found in "Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language" which is: 'any of the circumstances, conditions, etc. that bring about a result; element or constituent that makes a thing what it is' (5) and then limit the study of translating factors to a single linguistic phenomenon, that is English and German modals. This approach is useful, because the complexity of factors already identified by previous researchers would prevent any in-depth discussion of more than one linguistic phenomenon.
After the introduction the book is organized into a further 7 chapters. Chapters 2 - 4 feature the classical semiotic dimensions of syntax, semantic and pragmatics. In Chapter 5 factors relating to spoken and written language are discussed. Chapter 6 shows different translation units as relevant factors and Chapter 7 looks at factors that are essential elements of any translation situation. Finally, the notion of "factor" in keeping the distinction between translation and adaptation in mind is examined.
"Translating by Factors" is aimed at students of translating and interpreting, as well as intermediate and advanced learners of German or English. With their work the authors aim to inform their target audience that translating by factors is desirable. However, Gutknecht and Rolle's book is a very scholarly work, the linguistic metalanguage of which is probably only accessible to linguists. "Translating by Factors" might therefore be more stimulating to researchers and be useful to instructors of future interpreters and translators. The authors seem to be aware of the pitfalls their dry scientific work could pose for translators. In Section 3.2.5 "Dynamic Modality: Subject Oriented and Circumstantial" they write: '...as far as the translator is concerned, the whole topic of whether a given use of a modal is to be classified as "modal" or not is of no relevance for one's job. As long as - or better, as soon as - one knows which meaning is intended, one can translate.' Although limiting their investigation to modal usage in English and German, Gutknecht and Rolle are well aware that looking at modal systems alone is not enough for a translation. Therefore they also discuss cognates of modals (57) and include modal particles and their relationship to modality which in German add subtlety in distinction of modality (82).
© Thao Lê and Quynh.Lê
Last Updated 3 Feb, 1997