Lecture 6.

Translation styles
 Translation and style
 Classification of functional styles
 Literary translation and its peculiarities

 Nature of the styles in English language

Translation and language are two entities unable to exist separately. Translation belongs
with no doubt among the most challenging tasks a human can undergo. To fulfill this task, it is
crucial for translator to grasp the knowledge of stylistics. Stylistics is the fundamental discipline
building the base of information about particular styles, which are vital for a translator's work.
That is why the introductory chapter of the thesis deals with stylistics. Stylistics is a linguistic
discipline concerned with the study of style in language. Style in language refers to a distinctive
manner of expression, through whatever medium this expression is given physical shape.
Therefore, stylistics can be defined as the analysis of distinctive expression in language and the
description of its purpose and effect. One important approach to the study of style is based on an
analysis of meaning into its “denotative” and “connotative” elements. This is to analyze meaning
into a stylistically neutral “cognitive meaning” and an “expressive” or “affective” element which
is the concern of stylistics. The next chapter deals with defining functional styles according to
contemporary linguist's classification.

 Classification of functional styles

There exists a variety of styles as there are numerous human activities in the world. They all
need to use language to convey the results of their efforts. This variety of styles is summarized in
the following classification. A style of language can be defined as “a system of coordinated,
interrelated and inter-conditioned language means intended to fulfill a specific function of
communication and aiming at a definite effect”. These language means are the main elements
that create distinctions among the styles. Styles are in constant development as a result of the
progress and changes in human activities. The development of each style is predetermined by the
changes in the norms of Standard English.
• The belles-letters style – is the style of the language of poetry, fiction and drama. • Publicistic
style – the most obvious subdivisions are distinguished: oratory, i.e. speeches and orations,
essays and articles. The aim is to persuade a reader or listener that the given information is
correct and to have an impact on public opinion.
• Newspaper style – contains such diverse categories as news reports, editorial comments,
imaginative articles, reviews, letters, headlines, sub-headings, announcements, list of sport
results, cartoon dialogues, competitions and many kinds of advertising.
• Scientific and technical style – is applied when certain scientific knowledge or information
obtained from scientific research has to be conveyed.
• Administrative style or the style of official documents - the language of business documents,
the language of legal documents, the language of diplomacy, and the language of military
documents. Introduction of main styles mentioned above has divided styles into five main
categories. They differ in their nature. The aim of next chapters is to define the essence of
scientific, technical and legal texts and to discuss their features thoroughly.

Nature of Scientific and Technical texts

In this chapter, we will look at scientific and technical texts, focusing on their main features and
special terms. Scientific writing is a key part of non-fiction writing. It aims to inform, not only
within a specific field of science but also in a broader context. Sometimes, administrative writing
is considered part of scientific writing because it also aims to share information.
Miššíková explains that "the language of science aims to test hypotheses, create new ideas, and
uncover how different phenomena are related." Recently, science and technology have advanced
a lot, leading to new and more specialized styles of writing. Today, each science field has its
own set of terms and may even use different sentence structures.

The rapid progress in various sciences and the rise of new fields make linguists study these styles
and their language more closely.

General Features of Scientific and Technical Style

Scientific and technical writing has some special features that make it different from other types
of writing. These features include:

Use of Terms: Scientific and technical writing often uses specific terms related to the field. This
helps to be clear and precise.

Objectivity and Accuracy: The writing is objective, meaning it does not show personal
opinions, and it is accurate, meaning it provides correct information.

Expertise: The writing reflects a high level of knowledge in the subject area.

Language features of Scientific and technical writing:

Gerunds and Participles: These are used to make the text shorter and clearer. For example, “By
studying the data, researchers found new patterns.”

Parentheses: These are used often to add extra information or explanations.

Key Characteristics of Scientific and Technical Style :

Logical Sequence: The information is presented in a clear order, showing how different ideas
are related.

Special Terms: Each field of science has its own set of terms. New words are created to
describe new ideas and discoveries.

Scientific and technical writing helps explain complex ideas and discoveries in a clear and
precise way.

 What is a Literary Text?

A literary text includes all forms of literature, whether written in prose or verse. This includes:

 Short Stories: Brief narratives with a focused plot.

 Novels: Longer, complex stories with multiple characters and themes.
 Drama: Plays meant for performance on stage.
 Essays: Short works that explore ideas or opinions.
 Critical Texts: Analytical works that examine and interpret other literary texts.

Some might argue that critical texts are not creative. However, critical texts often build on
literary texts, and both kinds of texts share similar characteristics.
 Universal Features of Literary Texts:

Special Language: Literary texts use language in a unique way that differs from everyday
speech. This special language creates emotional and imaginative effects that ordinary
language cannot achieve. It acts like a transmitter, sending out messages that are understood
differently based on the reader's perspective.

Expressive Function: Writers are influenced by their surroundings, which shapes their ideas
and feelings. This influence affects how they express their thoughts and emotions in their
writing. The writer's background and personality play a role in this process.

Suggestive Power: Literary texts often have a strong suggestive power. This means that the
text’s beauty comes from its sounds, word choices, and rhythms. These elements add depth
to the text and contribute to its overall meaning.

Form: The form of a literary text is important for creating impact. Writers use style,
metaphors, and new images to make readers see the world in a different way. The form helps
convey the writer’s intended message and emotional effect.

Timelessness and Placelessness: Great literary works are not limited by time or place. They
address universal themes, such as love, suffering, and happiness, which are relevant to people
everywhere and at all times.

Translating a Literary Text

To translate a literary text well, a translator needs to understand its unique characteristics. This
includes both the language and the cultural context. Literary translation is not just about finding
equivalent words but also about capturing the artistic and emotional elements of the original text.

For example, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the phrase "Get thee to a nunnery" can have different
meanings. In Elizabethan times, "nunnery" could also mean "brothel." Translators need to
understand these historical nuances to translate accurately.

Translators should also be familiar with cultural symbols and historical contexts. For instance,
Chaucer’s Middle English text has been translated into modern English to make it accessible to
today’s readers. Similarly, Junichiro Tanizaki’s translation of A Tale of Genji into modern
Japanese followed an earlier English translation, showing how understanding different languages
and cultures is crucial.

In summary, translating literary texts requires a deep knowledge of both the source and target
languages, as well as an understanding of cultural and historical contexts. Mastery of the native
language is essential for a successful translation. As Bannikov states, "Only a perfect command
of your native tongue and a deep creative knowledge of it can, in my opinion, guarantee success
in this field."

References

The nature of scientific/technical texts from viewpoint of translation studies Eva Mastná.
Bachelor Thesis 2010

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