Question 1

Which is the first component of Steiner's hermeneutic motion of translation?&#10;A) Initiative aggression&#10;B) Initiative trust&#10;C) Embodiment

Accepted Answer

The first component of Steiner's hermeneutic motion of translation is Initiative trust, which refers to the translator's willingness to approach the text with an open and receptive attitude, trusting that it has something valuable to communicate. This trust allows the translator to "tune in" to the text and begin the process of interpretation and translation.

Question 2

What is the last component of Steiner's hermeneutic motion of translation?&#10;A) Incorporation&#10;B) Embodiment&#10;C) Compensation

Accepted Answer

The last component of Steiner's hermeneutic motion of translation is "Compensation." This concept refers to the translator's effort to compensate for the inevitable losses and changes that occur during the translation process, aiming to preserve the essence and meaning of the original text as much as possible.

Question 3

For Steiner, in what way does 'resistant difference' occur in the ST?&#10;A) The translator experiences the foreign language differently from his/her first language&#10;B) The differences between each pair of languages impose themselves on the translator&#10;C) Both a and b

Accepted Answer

According to Steiner, "resistant difference" occurs in the act of translation when the translator experiences the foreign language differently from their first language and when the differences between each pair of languages impose themselves on the translator. Both of these factors contribute to the resistance that the translator encounters in trying to accurately translate a text from one language to another. Therefore, both options A and B are correct.

Question 4

What were the main characteristics of Ezra Pound's translations?&#10;A) Experimentalism and creativity&#10;B) The use of quaint archaic expressions&#10;C) The use of very modern expressions

Accepted Answer

Ezra Pound's translations were marked by experimentalism and creativity, as he sought to bring new life and energy to the original texts rather than simply reproducing them in a faithful or conventional way. He often employed innovative techniques, such as altering the syntax or word order, using free verse, and incorporating elements of modernist poetry. While he did sometimes use archaic expressions, this was not a defining characteristic of his translations.

Question 5

For Walter Benjamin, what is created by the co-existence of ST and TT?&#10;A) Clear language&#10;B) Pure language&#10;C) Literal translation

Accepted Answer

Walter Benjamin believes that the co-existence of ST and TT creates a "pure language" or a language that has not been tarnished by any cultural or historical influences. He argues that this pure language can be found in the act of translation because the translator must strive to maintain the original meaning of the ST without adding any of their own biases or interpretations. Therefore, B is the best choice as it reflects Benjamin's view on the effect of translation on language.

Question 6

What was Walter Benjamin's 'ideal translation'?&#10;A) A TT that conforms to TL conventions&#10;B) A dynamically equivalent Bible translation&#10;C) An interlinear Bible translation

Accepted Answer

Benjamin's concept of the 'ideal translation' is closely associated with the idea of an interlinear translation, particularly in the context of translating sacred texts like the Bible. He believed in revealing the pure language through literal, word-for-word translation, which is best exemplified by the interlinear approach, where the translation is provided directly beneath the original text, preserving the original's structure and meaning as closely as possible.

Question 7

What is the term Derrida used to show the undermining of stable meaning?&#10;A) Diff&#233;rance&#10;B) Difference&#10;C) Deferral

Accepted Answer

Derrida used the term "différance" to show the undermining of stable meaning. Différance is the making and unmaking of meaning through the constant deferral of meaning. It suggests that meaning is never fixed or stable, but always in a state of flux or becoming.

Question 8

What is the difference between Steiner's 'elective affinity' and Lewis's 'abusive affinity'?&#10;A) 'Elective affinity' occurs when the translator recognizes him/herself in the ST; 'abusive affinity' is the translator's deliberate manipulation of the standard linguistic forms of the TL&#10;B) 'Elective affinity' occurs when the translator is attracted to the ST; 'abusive affinity' is a risk-taking and creative expansion of the rhetorical and linguistic forms of the TL&#10;C) 'Elective affinity' occurs when the translator chooses the text to translate; 'abusive affinity' is a harmful expansion of the rhetorical and linguistic forms of the TL

Accepted Answer

Steiner's 'elective affinity' refers to the translator's attraction to the ST, while Lewis's 'abusive affinity' refers to a more risky and creative expansion of the rhetorical and linguistic forms of the TL. Both terms refer to the translator's relationship to the text and their choices in the translation process, but their connotations are different.

Deck 10: Philosophical Approaches to Translation