Fundamentals of Translation

Clear and concise, this textbook provides a non-technical introduction to the basic and central concepts of translation theory and practice, including translation briefs, parallel texts and textual functions, cohesion and coherence, and old and new information. Colina focuses on the key concepts that beginning students of translation, practising translators, language students and language professionals need to understand. Numerous exercises (discussion, group and individual) at the end of each chapter and 'Practice' activities throughout each chapter allow students to self-assess their practical understanding of chapter topics. In addition, examples, figures and text extracts from a wide variety of world languages contextualise chapter material and produce a lively and accessible narrative. Suitable for non-specialists with no prior experience of translation, it will also be of interest to practising translators, language students and language industry professionals who wish to gain a wider and up-to-date understanding of translation.

Preface; 1. The term 'translation': concepts, definitions, and usage; 2. The functions of translation: functionalism; 3. Pragmatics: translation functions and language functions; 4. Texts and translation; 5. Reading and translation; 6. Social aspects of translating; 7. Translation quality; Answer key; Glossary.

Sonia Colina is Professor of Hispanic Linguistics in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Arizona, where she teaches linguistics and translation. The author of Translation Teaching: From Research to the Classroom (2003), she has also published numerous articles in edited volumes and journals including Target, The Translator, Babel, Linguistics and Lingua. She is on the editorial board of Translation and Interpreting Studies (TIS) and on the International Advisory Board of The Interpreter and Translator Trainer.