A Special Issue for Cihan University-Erbil Second International Conference

on Linguistics and Arts (CIC-LITART’18), June 27-28, 2018

Communicative Translation as a new approach in Translation

with Reference to English and Kurdish

Wrya Izzadin Ali

English Department, College of languages, Salahaddin University-Erbil
[email protected]

Abstract
Translation is a mutual process of conveying meaning from one language to
another. It is, in fact, one of the most useful exercises in contrastive linguistics. Any
translation activity has one or more specific purposes. The main aim of translation is to
serve as a cross-cultural bilingual communication means among people. Translation has
always played a crucial role in society. It requires abiding by certain regulations adequate
knowledge and experience in both (SL) and (TL). Translation is not an easy task,
whatsoever; in fact, it is a complicated multi-task practice that involves the use of various
skills. Translation is not just the replacement of a source text (ST) by a target text (TT).
It is essentially a communicative act. It involves the same parameters that characterize
the act of communication between any two individuals. Communicative translation to, P.
Newmark, is an attempt to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a
way that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the
reader.

Keywords: Translation & Linguistic Theory, Contextual meaning,

Semantic/Communicative Translation, Cross-Cultural Bilingual Communication.

Introduction
Translation in this study is taken to mean translation from English into Kurdish
(mother tongue language). The study is an attempt to investigate and analyse certain
problematic areas that come across translator in the process of translation, particulary
when semantic translation does not serve, it requires the most recent approach in
translation which is communicative translation. The purpose of the study is, firstly, to
specify such difficulties and problems which come across translators in translating certain
words, expressions, sentences and even large linguistic units such as texts, secondly, to
DOI: 10.24086/cuesj.si.2018.n1a10
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reveal the factors that give rise to such difficulties, and thirdly, to remedy coming across
such problems.

At the end of the study, conclusions are drawn, suggestions are pointed out for the
purpose of reducing such problems to the minimum.

Translation/ The Definition(s)

P. Newmark (1982), in his book “Approaches to Translation” says that translation
is a ‘craft which attempts’ to replace a written message and/or statement in one language
by a similar message and/or statement in another language.

J.C. Catford (1965), in his book “a linguistics theory of translation”, says that
translation equivalence is an empirical phenomenon discovered by comparing (SL) and
(TL) texts. The text may be fully or partially equivalent in respect of context, semantic,
syntactic, style….. at different ranks.

E. Nida (1964), in his book “Towards a science of Translation” affirms that the
purpose behind the translation will determine its definition. To him, translation is
concerned with the reproduction of the closest equivalent of the (SL) textual material in
the (TL), i.e. Translation is based on equivalence not transference. (Ilyas, A. 1989)

Thus, translation is an operation that is performed on two languages or more in

which the source text is replaced by the target text on the basis of the equivalence between
both texts.

Historically speaking, translation is a very old human achievement that no other

living creatures could share. The need among different peoples from different speech
communities to communicate and exchange their experience and knowledge helped the
arising or discovering of translation. Translation is an attempt to solve the problems and
difficulties in understanding different nations with each other, and conveying ideas,
knowledge and experience from one culture to another.

Translation and Translation Theory

Translation is the replacement of a textual material in one language (SL) by
equivalent textual material in another language (TL). To many theorists, “meaning” and
“style” have an essential role in the process of translation side by side with equivalence.
Translation means reproducing the closest natural equivalent of the (SL) message in the
receptor language, first in terms of “meaning”, and secondly in terms of “style”.

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Some theorists look at translation from semantic perspective, others look at it from
communicative perspective.

Translation theory, as Catford (1965), claims, is a branch of comparative

linguistics, it is, also, called as the theories of translation.

P. Newmark (1998), says that translation theory, in a more pragmatic view, is not,
really, a theory but seems more as an analogy, i.e. a framework of principles and hints, a
background for problem solving.

The main concern of translation theory is to determine appropriate translation

methods for the widest possible range of texts or text catagories.

Translation theory helps in identifying and defining a translation problem, no

problem, means not translation theory. This means that translation theory is pointless if it
does not arise from the problems of translation practice, from the need to stand back and
reflect, to consider all the factors within the text and outside it, before coming to a
decision.

Translation and Culture

Culture is the identity of people, the way they behave, eat, dress, live……, it plays
an important role in language use and in communication. Duff, A, (1989) in his book
“Translation” pointed out that “language does not dissect nature, but rather combines
experience in different ways”. This means that the relation between language and culture
is very close and intimate one. Problems of culture differences in translation is more
complicated than the linguistic differences, but still, such problems and difficulties can
be solved by using certain strategies like, borrowing, adaptation, explanation,
generalization, reduction and others (Gueera 2012, p. 5-22). Duff, A. (1989 p. 98) that
“translation” was traditionally accused of being uncommunicative, boring, pointless,
difficult and irrelevant. It seemed so, but in fact, it is a communicative act and it has a
significant role in strengthening the relationship among different speech communities.
The received view of translation today is that, it is first and foremost a process of
intercultural change, rather than a kind of cross-linguistic substitution. This means that
the translation process is not a mere replacement of (SL) words or structures by (TL)
words or structures. It is rather an act of communication between three parts who are the
author of the source texts (ST) the translator and the receivers of the target text (TT)
(House, 2009 p. 71-72).

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Semantic and Communicative Theories of translation

1- Semantic approach to translation

2- Communicative approach to translation

What does the concept of semantic translation involve?

In semantic translation, the translator attempts to render the sense of the (SL) text.
This is a common type of translation. Semantic translation takes more account of the (SL)
text, concentrating on meaning where appropriate, so that no word play or repetition in
the finished version, the translator shows empathy to the original text. Semantic
translation tries to render the (SL) for contextual meaning of the original texts as
accurately as semantic and syntactic structures of the original (SL) text allow. Sematic
translation as a method concentrates on the message itself rather than on its effect or force.

What is meant by communicative translation?

Communicative translation, a process of conveying message across linguistic and

cultural barriers, is an eminently communicative activity. In fact, communicative
translation attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a way
that both “content” and “language” are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the
readership.

Translation is a Communicative Act

The purpose of translation, normally, is to communicate the intended meaning of

the original author in a different language and to different audience. A theory of
translation, however, should include more than the text itself. Translation is not just the
replacement of the source text (ST) by a target text (TT). It is a communicative act
employed across time and language. It, therefore, involves the same problems and
parameters that characterize the act of communication between any two individuals,
between the writer and his/her a reader or audience.

Translation is something going on all the time. It is a natural and necessary

activity. Communicative translation attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of
the original text in such a way that both content and language are readily acceptable.

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A Communicative Approach to Translation

Translation is not simply the replacement of one word or expression by another.

It is a special variety of written language that involves a very high degree of planning. It
is the process of conveying a message from one language into another while respecting
the linguistic features of the (TL) at different levels, morphological, lexical and
grammatical.

The fact that different people speak different languages and there is the need to
communicate experience and knowledge, have led to the discovery of translation as a
solution to overcome the problems of conveying ideas, knowledge and experience from
one culture to another.

P. Newmark claims that the translator aims at producing the same effect on the
(TL) receiver equivalent to that experienced on the part of the (SL) receiver.

The message in communicative translation is the most important thing. It

emphasizes the force of the message more than the content of the message.

In communicative translation, the translator gives himself, somehow, when

necessary, the right to remove obscurities, to eliminate repetition and specify general
terms.

P. Newmark, recommends the communicative approach, because such a

translation seems to be simpler, clearer and more direct when the translator thinks that
the original text has to be improved or that it requires a certain arrangements.

Communicative translation seems to be freer; it gives priority to the effectiveness

of the message to be communicated. It focuses on certain factors such as readability and
naturalness and is appropriate to translations of “pragmatic” texts where the actual term
of the original is not closely bound to its intended meaning.

Sometimes a text requires both semantic meaning and communicative translation,

particularly when the text conveys a general rather than cultural or specific message and
when the “form” and “content” of the message are equally important. Sometimes one part
requires semantic approach in rendering while the other part needs to be translated
communicatively.

Generally speaking, in semantic translation the translator’s main concern is to

show an element of loyalty, faithfulness or fidelity to the author or (SL) text writer, but
in communicative translation, the translator is more concerned with the “force” and
“effect” of the message on the receiver.

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Sometimes, semantic and communicative translation coincide, particularly in the

case, when the “form” and “content” of the message are specific message and when the
“form” and “content” are equally important.

Practical Application on Communicative Translation

English Kurdish

Note: in the following examples, semantic translation does not serve and communicative
translation seems more applicable particularly the underlined words.

1) If you are expecting your fist child, or your first one has just arrived, it is as well to
realize that however careful you are, he will acquire a variety of infections.

@óØ@oïäai@óàó÷@óîaì@’bi@Lòìíi@Úîa†óÜ@bnŽï÷@Šóè@ póØòŠóiüä@çbî@LõóØò†@oÜa‡åà@ãóØóî@ ôäìíi@Úîa†óÝõåïj“Žïq@Šó ó÷

@@NoŽïiò†@bmóq@bèòŠüu@ô’ìím@póØóÜa‡åà@Loïi@õŠa†b b÷@ò‡äóšŠóè

2) In England, we like overseas students at Bath, we make them welcome, at present we

have over300 from 60 different countries.

@H300I@óÜ@‹mbîŒ@óØbnŽï÷@LæîóØò†@Ž¶@çbîŒaí“Žïq@òì@LHtbiI@õŠb’@óÜ@Žõìò†@•ü‚@çbáïØòŠò†@ôibmíÔ@LaŠónÝ0åï÷@ômłìì@óÜ@óáŽï÷
@@Nbïubïu@ômłìì@H60I@óÜ@óîóè@çbà@ôibmíÔ

3) Dozens of children and adults are affected by this serious disease every year.

Nòìóåiò†@òŠa‡ïŽ‹móà@óï’ü‚óä@ãó÷@ô’ìín−ó @ì@ÿa‡åà@çbîò†ói@óäłbŽ

4) The child cannot sleep on his stomach.

@@NoŽîìó£@ôَ@ŠóŽóÜ@oŽïäaímbä@óØóÜa‡åà

5) The moon is full tonight.

@@Nóîa‡îìó’@ò†Šaíš@óÜ@Âäbà@ìó“àó÷

6) Ali went out to have his dinner.

Nìa‹‚aì†@õûŠòíïä@ô䆊aí¯bä@ôàòˆ@üi@ì횊ò†@¶óÈ

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Kurdish English

Note: in the following examples, semantic translation does not serve and communicative
translation seems more applicable particularly the underlined words.

@ÚîŠó‚@ça‹Žï Šòì@Na‡äa‹Žï Šòì@õŠóäíè@óÜ@Žôióè@õóäbîbnŽòì@ì@łbi@ôÙŽïnŽò†@Žôiò†@Žõ‹Žï ò†Šòì@ÚŽïåïŽìíä@óšŠbq@õòìó÷ H1
NoŽïi@ŠórŽïm@‰ŽîŠ†@ì@Šìì‡õØóîòìóä‹ÙïÔbm@ói@Žôiò†@‹Žï Šòì@LõŽ ìò†@õŠûŒ@ôÙŽïäìíi

The one who translates a piece of writing should be highly skillful and experienced in the
art of translation. Translation requires much more involvement. He should go through a
long-term experiment.

@òŠóiìŠóŽ@Žôi@ì@ôØóàòŠóè@ŠûŒ@çbïÙŽï’ói@LçìóØò†@ìbšŠói@ça‹Žï Šòì@õìb“ŽïÜ@ói@õŠûŒ@ôÙŽïàóèŠói@òìóåîŠóqaŠ@•bqóÜ H2
NçŒaìý@ŠûŒ@òìóäbàŒ@õììŠóÜ@ì

Following the uprising, a large number of translation products can be observed. Some of
them are very poor regarding language mastering.

@üi@òìóÙŽîŠaíi@óÜ@ óîa†@熋Ø@o’ó @óÜ@ãaìò†Šói@ói@Lóîaì@ Šbïn’ó @ôÙŽïŽóØ@íØòì@‹Žï Šòì@óØ@ óîa‹Ù’b÷@ì@çììŠ@ôÙŽïn’ H3

@óÜ@ üšímbè@ôàb−ó÷@ óÜ@oŽïiò†@ ôîòŒ‹r’@ì@çìíiìì‡äbà@õŠbšìì†@‹Žï Šòì@L‹m@ôäbØòŠbïn’ó @ìíàóè@Ûòì@òì@L‹m@ôÙŽîŠaíi
@òŠbiìì†@ íÙÜói@ LpbÙi@ óØóäóŽòŠ@ óÔò†@ ôØûŠòìbä@ óÜ@ õŠbÙäaHŠü @ óïä@ ‹Žï Šòì@ õŠbØ@ óàó÷@ L‹m@ ôÙŽïäbéïu@ üi@ òìóÙŽïäbéïu
NpbÙi@Žôq@ônŽóè@oŽïiò†@‹m@ôÙŽïŽóØŠó‚@”Žïq@‹Žï Šòì@LoŽïióè@ÛóïmŠíØ@ì@ãóØ@Šóè@Šó ó÷@Lômóîòìóån’Ša†

It is obvious that the translator is a traveler, moving constantly back and forth from one
field to another, and like all travelers, he is exposed to fatigue and confusion at having to
switch perspectually from one world to another. It is no the translator’s task to change the
original but to reproduce it. If there are any short comings, he, more than anyone else,
should be aware of.

@LõHŠü ò†@õü‚@ô Šói@ì@ÞuˆûŠ@õbèòˆûŠ@ì@ìó’@õbèòìó’@Lìíi@†ìíá«@çbnÜíŽ@õìbä@ìíióè@Ûóîb’†bq@æŽïÜò†@ì@òìóä‹Žï ò† H4
@ôäaín“ïäò†@ ôäaŠòŒí @ì@çbîˆ@õŠa†b b÷@ bm@oŽïŽbåïi@ÚŽïŽóØ@õòìó÷@Žôi@ òìóîaHŠìíŽò†@ì@aHŠó ò†@a†Šb’@ ôäłüØìóšíØ@íŽïäói
NômŠìíØ@ì@ãóØ@óÜ@Šìì†@ò†ìíŽb÷@ì@ãaŠb÷@ôÙŽïäbîˆ@üi@pbjiý@òŠó óm@ì@sŽüØ@ì@pbÙi@ŠóŽòŠbš@”îbŽb÷@ì@oŽïiŠb’

It is said that there was a king called “Sultan Mahmood”. All the day and night, he was
changing his clothes, walking and wandering among the cityalleys and quarters, without
being recognized by anybody, to follow upthe life style and living standards of the city
citizens, and to ensure security and happy life with no problems and obstacles.

Nõü“i@pìbš@ì@oŽò‡ä†Šaí‚@çbä@õaì†@ì@çbïäbîói@ónîíŽïq H5

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You have to wash your face after having your breakfast.

Conclusion
Based on the findings, the study arrived at the following conclusions:

- Translation is not an easy task whatsoever for translators. In fact, it is a complicated

multi-task practice that involves the use of various skills.

- Difficulties, often arise due to the translator’s lack of enough knowledge about the
cultural differences between (SL) and (TL), and choosing the right equivalent vocabulary
in the (TL).

- Translator’s shortage of adequate knowledge and practical experience about the

translation methods such as semantic and communicative translations.

- Translators encounter difficulties in translating certain texts because they involve

complex terminologies and untranslatability of certain words and expressions.

- Communicative translation, in fact is the most recent approach in translation.

It is, somehow, subjective since the translator attempts to create an effect on (TL) receiver
which is equivalent to the effect that is experienced by the receivers of (SL).

- This type of emphasizes on the force or effect of the message much more than its
content.

- Communicative translation takes into its consideration cultural and idiomatic

differences between (SL) and (TL). It is more likely to create appropriate equivalence
than other types of translation.

- Translation from mother-tongue (Kurdish) into English (foreign language) is,

somehow, more complicated since it requires English language mastering, problems of
arriving at the right and suitable equivalences for the words of Kurdish in English which
fits the context in the (TL).

References
Catford, J. C., (1965) “A Linguistic Theory of Translation”. Oxford. Oxford University
Press. UK.

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on Linguistics and Arts (CIC-LITART’18), June 27-28, 2018

Duff, A., (1989) “Translation” Oxford. Oxford University Press. UK.

Govadec, D., (1998) “Translation as a Profession” University of Rennes.

Guerra, A. F., (2012) “Translating Culture: Problems, Strategies and Practical Realities”,
available on www.google.com

Ilyas, A., (1989) “Theories of Translation”, theoretical issues and practical implications.
Mosul. Mosul University Press.

Newmark, P. (1982) “Approaches to Translation” Prentice Hall internal LTD. Uk

Newmark, P. (1988) “A Text Book of Transaltion” Oxford. Oxford Print House. UK.

Newmark, P. (1998) “About Translation” Oxford. Oxford Print House. UK.

Nida, E. A. (1964) “Towards a Science of Translating” Leiden. E. J. Brill.

Nida, E. A. (2006) “Theories of Translation” Pliegos de Yuste.

Nida, E. A. and Taber, C. (1969) “The Theory and Practice of Translation” Leiden: E. J.
Brill.

Petrova, O., (2006) “Introduction of Translation Theory and Practice” Moscow: Ast;
Vostok-Zapad.

Shaheen, M., (1991) “Theories of Translation and their Application” University of

Glasgow. UK.

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