The Relevance of the Word - for - Word Translation Method

Abstract

Peter Newmark had given an in depth analysis on the subject area of translation. In 1998 in the book of "A text book of translation" he had given an acceptable definition on language translation and 8 methods of translating categorised on source language and target language. "Word for word translation is a method which protects Source language word order and appears as an interlinear translation". According to this definition where there are different grammatical structures in two languages, appropriateness of using the above method in translation is given attention. Primary data were collected through selfobservation and personal interview method. Secondary sources were books [A text book of translation (Peter Newmark), Translation studies (Susan Bassnet), Introducing translation studies (Jeramy Munday)], Journals, articles, Internet etc. According to pro£. Newmark word for word translation is a translation between lines and hence, in spite of the nature of the sentence it should be indicated as it is in the target language [long sentences]. Although it is possible to understand the mechanism of the language as aforesaid, it would create difficulties in understanding the meaning. Word for word translation method is accepted to be commonly used in legal translations. Yet, even considering the legal documents, this method is not fully used as indicated by Pro£. Peter Newmark and it is closer to the literal translation method. Presently even a translation primarily using the word for word translation method is also been edited. Hence we could see that where there are different grammatical structures of two languages there is no pure translation.