+17. Be Simple.+--With clearness goes simplicity--that is, use no word
you do not understand, +avoid fine epithets+, and do not choose a phrase
for its sound alone, but for its sense.
+18. Avoid Paraphrase.+--You are asked to translate, not to give a mere
general idea of the sense. What you have to do is to +think out the
exact meaning+ of every word in the sentence, and to express this in as
good and correct English as you can.
+19. Pay attention to Metaphors.+--The subject of Metaphor is of great
importance in good translation. You will find that every language
possesses its own special Metaphors in addition to those which are
common to most European languages. As you become familiar with Latin
Authors you must try to +distinguish the Metaphors common+ to English
and Latin and those +belonging only+ to English or to Latin.
For example:--
(1) Metaphors +identical+ in Latin and English--
+Progreditur res publica naturali quodam itinere et cursu.+
_The State advances in a natural path and progress._
(2) Metaphors +differing+ in Latin and English--
+cedant arma togae+
_let the sword yield to the pen._
+ardet acerrime coniuratio+
_the conspiracy is at its height._
+rex factus est+
_he ascended the throne._
+conticuit+
_he held his peace._
+20. Careful Translation a Help to Style.+--In conclusion. Nothing will
help your style more than to +do your translations as well as you
possibly can+, and to +avoid repeating the same mistakes+. The Latins
themselves knew the value of translation as a help to style.
For example, Pliny the Younger says:--
‘As useful as anything is the practice of translating either your Greek
into Latin or your Latin into Greek. By practising this you will acquire
propriety and dignity of expression, an abundant choice of the beauties
of style, power in description, and gain in the imitation of the best
models a facility of creating such models for yourself. Besides, what
may escape you when you read, cannot escape you when you translate.’
DEMONSTRATIONS
in
UNSEEN TRANSLATION
NOTE
The use of a personal mode of address in the following Demonstrations
is explained by the fact that they are written primarily for the use
of boys. It is hoped, however, that they may be found useful to masters
also, and that the fulness with which each passage is treated may supply
some helpful suggestions.
DEMONSTRATION I.
_Fierce encounter with the Germans._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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