Didactics of Translation: Text in Context

The students’ performance in the pre-tests and post-tests

The students were given pre-tests and post-tests followed by interviews to measure the effect of the translation teaching method. The experiment dealt with the following areas:
x Register analysis and register equivalence
x Genre identification and generic equivalence
x The translation of different text types
x The translation of discourse (the speaker’s/ writer’s attitude)

1. Pre-tests: Register

The pre-tests took different forms: an error recognition test, a multiple choice question test and a controlled free response test. These pre-tests were then followed by the researcher’s evaluation, an interview (in which the students attempted to justify their translations) and a lecture. The pre- tests are given below.

Error recognition test:

1. 
   Read the following short texts and underline the words or expressions which are not suitable (out of place).
   
2. 
   Replace these words or expressions by more suitable ones.
   
3. 
   Justify your decisions / answers.
   
4. 
   Translate the revised texts into Arabic.
   

Text 1:
The author here makes a promise to the publisher that the work will be in no way whatever a transgression against any existing copyright and that it will contain nothing obscene.


Text 2: (Two close friends)
A - I would love to continue this conversation really; however, it is necessary to go now. I have to return to the office.
B - Well, let’s get together soon.
A - Okay. I wonder if it would be possible for you to have lunch with me one day next week, say, next Tuesday.

2. 
   - Oh, unfortunately, I’m tied up on Tuesday. I am going to accompany my uncle to the airport to bid him farewell.
   

Text 3: (Airport announcement)
Lufthansa is sorry to tell you about the late arrival of flight LH 068 to London Heathrow. Will passengers on this flight please dwell in the departure room until we contact you later.