Linguistic translation

Linguistic Translation and Human Development

Linguistic translation is a crucial idea that comes before development and necessitates each person’s mental capacity. Therefore, learning and transforming words based on non-linguistic familiarity connected to the meaning of the word in the English lexical code constitutes translation. This is made possible by the recipient’s first language, which is also dependent on cognitive development, and their real-world experience. However, it’s important to note that translation is essential because it fosters diversity in language learning and growth, where real cognitive images are constructed to convey lasting meaning. (House, 2004). This essay seeks to examine the various linguistic translation processes that are essential to human development.

Functionalism and Symbolism in Linguistic Translation

In linguistic translation, a number of precepts are core for one to achieve maximum language acquisition and translation. These include the application and use of functionalism and symbolism. Functionalism is necessary in learning as it gives the computational state of one’s cognitive element (brain) (House, 2004). In doing this, one is taxed with the duty to link the words (for example in Chinese) to the common knowledge and real-world experience of objects and matter. On the other hand, symbolism involves semantic interpretation of the tokens to yield or convey meaning in bid to arrive at new word or meaning altogether. In translation, symbols are significant in helping an individual link words or elements of lingual acquaintance to give the relevant or intended meaning of the words to be translated (Jakobson, 1959).

Criteria of Verbal Sign Interpretation

When giving or getting meaning of words (phrases), it’s imperative to note that there are words whose meaning cannot be inferred from non-linguistic acquaintance without the use of verbal codes. In such a case, linguistic symbols are required to introduce the words that are not familiar (Jakobson, 1959). Furthermore, there are three criteria of interpreting verbal signs which include; intralingual, interlingual, and intersemiotic translations. Each translation plays a vital role in linguistic development in terms of translation. In this regard, intralingual translation of a phrase or word uses another word of the same language to give meaning to it. As such, a mixture of words or code units are used to give meaning the word in question. Additionally, interlingual involves the interpretation of the sign or word by the use of another language. In this type of translation, an alien coding is used to unravel the meaning of the words used, for instance English to Russian language. Finally, intersemiotic translation is where verbal signs are translated by means of non-verbal signs (House, 2004).

Equivalence and Theory of Translation

In language translation, equivalence is used to give meaning in a number of codes up to a maximum of two. Therefore, this indicates the pivotal point of linguistics. In all the cases, the theory of translation is defined by a number of intricacies in which most of the time attempts are made to simply the untranslatability (Jakobson, 1959). This has called for a number of aspects that include radical revision of traditional language, metalinguistic (metalanguage), grammatical devices, and grammatical gender. All in all, cognitive experience is always conveyed in existing language. Whenever there is a deficiency, loanwords and semantics shift are used to give a newborn language. For instance, in the newborn language of Northern Siberians Chukchees, a screw is termed as a rotating nail. In such a scenario, traditional conjunctions such as “and” or “or” are added by new connectives. Supplementary information is always required when translating from one language to another.

The Role of Grammatical Gender in Language Formalization

Considering the mythological attitude of the speech community, grammatical gender plays a key role in formalizing the language. In this regard, genders prompt the interpretation of inanimate nouns. As the author says, ways of personifying or metaphorically interpreting inanimate nouns are prompted by their gender (Jakobson, 1959). For instance, in the Russian language, feminine is categorically for females and not males. Therefore, symbolism of gender plays a key role in defining aspects depending on the language in context (House, 2004).

References

House, J. (2004). Linguistic aspects of the translation of children’s books. An International Encyclopedia of Translation Studies, 1, 683-697.

Jakobson, R. (1959). On linguistic aspects of translation. On translation, 3, 30-39.