Meaning-Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-Language Equivalence, 2nd edition [Paperback]

Mildred L. Larson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0761809716 | ISBN-13: 978-0761809715 | Edition: Second Edition

Meaning-Based Translation is designed for training beginning translators and organized chapter by chapter as drill material for the textbook Meaning-Based Translation. The textbook emphasizes the importance of a translation being accurate, clear and natural and the exercises give the student practice in achieving this goal. The exercises follow closely the content of the textbook since this is a drill manual for added practice. The textbook has some exercises as well, but the workbook provides additional practice from one basic source, thus giving students a wider variety of problems to solve during practice time. It also provides material that can be used as homework or as testing material.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mildred L. Larson is an International Translation Consultant and International Coordinator for Academic Publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: University Press Of America; Second Edition edition (November 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761809716
• ISBN-13: 978-0761809715
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Translation from A-Z, October 24, 2000

By 

Peter J. Silzer "AKA Dr. Language" (Monterey, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meaning-Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-Language Equivalence, 2nd edition (Paperback)

Here's a book for anyone interested in learning more about the wide range of topics involved in translation. The author applies her years of practical field-based translation (and linguistic) experience to explain the various ways ideas are expressed in the world's languages. Although the author uses many English examples, she also refers to dozens of other languages as they illustrate a point.

An interesting addition to the normal texts on translation is a chapter on checking and improving a translation from first draft through to publication.

A helpful index and an extensive bibliography complete the volume.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent textbook, September 15, 2006

By 

EG Evans "Eric" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meaning-Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-Language Equivalence, 2nd edition (Paperback)

I am currently using this text in a translation class. Larsen builds on the work of her predicessors, but does a much better job of breaking down the information on this vast subject into bite-sized pieces than anyone else. Note, this is not an easy read, but a textbook. It is not a night stand book or summer beach novel. It is very comprehensive and takes some effort in reading and utilizing the excercises in order to gain the most benefit. However, if you have an interest in how to translate meaning from one language into another, this text is indespensable.

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent intro to translation, especially for the self-learner, December 25, 2011

By 

wch "wch" (oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meaning-Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-Language Equivalence, 2nd edition (Paperback)

One of the challenges to learning translation outside the classroom is working your way through the thicket of linguistic theories that are the basis of most texts. In addition, as a beginner, it can be difficult to avoid wasting months learning methods that are ultimately too unwieldy to be of practical use. How does a self-learner, wanting to move from ad-hoc to a more methodical practice of translation, map out a course for him or herself?

Larson's Meaning-based Translation is a good place to start. Focusing on the most important aspect of translation - accurately getting the meaning of a text from one language into another - by focusing on the challenges of idiomatic translation. Her approach is practical and largely free of highly technical or abstract jargon; a bonus for the translator less interested in theory or semantics than in translating. To become a good translator, you will have to learn some theory but Larson pares it down to what you really need.

Larson's approach is methodical. Chapters are short and concept focused, so new material is easy to work with. New words and concepts are highlighted by bold print and defined in the text. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that reinforce basic ideas. In addition to drawing from African and Asian languages for examples, Larson includes a good bibliography and decent index.

My only disappointment about the text is that it hasn't been updated since its release in 1997. Otherwise it is an excellent text for new and intermediate translators working on their own.