Lecture 2 translation history in the west and in the east. Plan: translation history in the west

_{LECTURE 2}
TRANSLATION HISTORY IN THE WEST AND IN THE EAST.
PLAN:
1. TRANSLATION HISTORY IN THE WEST.
2. TRANSLATION HISTORY IN THE EAST.
KEY WORDS: Adapted translation, Antiquity, Apprenticeship, Chivalry, Dissemination, Ecclesiastical, Exact translation, Free translation, Hellenistic, Psalm, Saga, Secular, Troubadour, Word for word translation
1. Translation history in the west.
Translation plays an important role in the cultural development of mankind. Translation acquaints with the life, mode of life, history, literature and achievements of science of other nations. The first historical stage of development of translation began from Antiquity. Greece spread great culture, which was inherited by the Romans. Romans took a lot from the Greeks. The translation of literary works is a form of cultural intercommunication. Famous Roman writer Cicero translated speeches of Greek orators into Latin without breaking the norms of the language. Mostly translators of the Antiquity used exact translation. As it’s known, the history of Middle Ages, in its early stage, was tightly connected with the expansion of Christian teaching. The Bible was translated into many local languages and it was stipulated to be reformed a movement. It should be noted that the translation of the Bible into the languages of European nations played a great role in the final forming of their literary languages as well. In the epoch of feudalism translations of religious texts were rather widely spread and distinctly reflected the principle of a word for word translation, which was contrasted with the principle of free translation.
Problem of literary translation was theoretically put forward in Cicero’s, Horatius’ and Quintillion’s statements about the best translation. A special importance in this respect presents Cicero’s statements.
In chronological frames of the Ancient World there were almost all types of translation activity from different types of oral translation to variety types of written translation. Oral translation was used in diplomatic practice, trade and military service. Written translation was divided into communicative and artistic. The first one included translation made in the kings’ offices, translations of orders, diplomatic negotiations. As the social-economical and political development of Ancient civilizations was irregular, so the development of the translation was irregular too. That’s the reason of both professional and non-professional translators. Mostly, non-professional translators of the ancient world were enlighteners, very often poets. Translation played a great role in the qualitative development of culture on the basis of other cultures and influenced on the traditions of all ancient civilizations.
Questions:

1. 
   What was the attitude of Roman and Greek thinkers towards translation?
   
2. 
   What books were translated into local languages from Latin?
   
3. 
   Can you name the translators of Antique Period?
   
4. 
   Do you know any dictionaries made up in BC?
   
5. 
   Who translated Homer’s “Odyssey” in the II century BC?
   
6. 
   How Cicero described a translator’s work? What was his motto?
   
7. 
   How many principles of translation were used in Antique Period?
   
8. 
   Can you name any works which can be called literal translation?
   
9. 
   What religion influenced on translation (Antique Period)?