ENG 276 Interpretation Studies: April 2010

Welcome to the ENG 276 Course Blog

Welcome to the ENG 276 Interpretation, Spring 2010 course blog.

Please feel free to express your impressions, views and opinions based on what has been happening during class.

The Blog is open to all who wish to participate in a respectful exchange of thoughts, ideas, positions, proposals, and anything else that comes up as long as the subject is about the issues that concern the U.S. culture as a whole.

Nevertheless, I must ask the authors to identify themselves at all times.

I hope you enjoy this education experience.

E. Prifti, Course Instructor

*****

Translating Humor: Exercise 2

Speaker: Mr President, I have made so many concessions on this

resolution that I feel I am sticking my neck out.

President: Well, I will do all I can to make sure it doesn’t get

chopped off. (laughter)

Translating Humor: Exercise 1

A limerick is a humorous verse of three long and two short lines rhyming aabba.
Give your Albanian versions of the following limerick.

Serguei is a difficult name

To slip in the limerick game

But we have to admit

That he looks so fit

That he puts the whole Council to shame.

Komisioni Europian: nevojiten dispozita per trajnimin e pershtatshem te perkthyesve

Për të garantuar zbatimin e duhur të ligjit mbi Bashkëpunimin Gjyqësor me Autoritetet e Huaja për Çështje Kriminale, nevojiten dispozita për burime të mjaftueshme njerëzore për zyrën e Prokurorit të Përgjithshëm, duke përfshirë këtu dhe përkthyes, si dhe dispozita për trajnimin e përshtatshëm të tyre.

--nga Raporti i Komisionit Europian mbi progresin e Shqipërisë në plotësimin e udhërrëfyesit për liberalizimin e vizave, 27 Prill, 2010.

An important Google search tip

When it seems impossible to find a solution to complicated phrases in English, an interpreter has to do some research. A good idea is to try find the expression used in different contexts. Sometimes while doing research you may find the definition of that specific phrase.

If you are trying to understand a phrase and would like to see it in context, put the phrase between quotation marks in Google search. For example, if I am trying to understand the phrase double bottom-line considerations, my Google search will look like this:

"double bottom-line considerations"

This search will give me among others the specific definition of the phrase; have a look at this web page:

http://www.ehow.com/about_5072982_definition-double-bottom-line.html

Naus vs. ship

Look at this interesting quote about thought-for-thought vs. word-for-word translation:

"I was beginning to think in Greek. That is the great Rubicon to cross in learning any language. Those in whom the Greek word lives only while they are hunting for it in the lexicon, and who then substitute the English word for it, are not reading the Greek at all; they are only solving a puzzle.

The very formula, "Naus means a ship," is wrong. Naus and ship both mean a thing, they do not mean one another. Behind naus, as behind navis or naca, we want to have a picture of a dark, slender mass with sail or oars, climbing the ridges, with no officious English word intruding."

-C. S. Lewis, "Surprised by Joy"

General Adverbial Clauses 4

Many general adverbial constructions in English begin with the words “as” and “in”, which in Albanian take various forms, depending on the context. Translate each of the following adverbial constructions:

1. As is well known, . . . /

2. As we take up . . . /

3. As this committee is well aware . . . /

4. As our mandate requires, . . . /

5. As the body charged with the task of . . . /

6. As we come to the end of our deliberations . . . /

7. In addressing the problem of . . . /

8. In taking the floor here for the first time . . . /

9. In this landmark year of . . . /

10. In setting about the task of . . ./

General Adverbial Clauses 3

In the following excerpt from a speech, identify any clauses that can stand on their own. Then, translate each passage deciding where to place them in the sentence, or making separate sentences out of the independent clauses.

Since it will to some extent involve a renunciation of sovereign rights, every state must of necessity proceed with caution and circumspection, subjecting its far-reaching provisions to an exacting scrutiny before jettisoning to some extent existing arrangements and procedures as to interstate co-operation and mutual assistance in this field and venturing on uncharted seas. (Statement by representative of Sri Lanka).

General Adverbial Clauses 2

In the following excerpt from a speech, identify any clauses that can stand on their own.

Then, translate each passage deciding where to place them in the sentence, or making separate sentences out of the independent clauses.

Taking an authoritative position on these issues, Belarus intends to present during this session of the General Assembly, on behalf of and on the instructions of the states of Commonwealth of Independent States, a joint declaration of the CIS on issues of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.

General Adverbial Clauses 1

In the following excerpt from a speech, identify any clauses that can stand on their own.

Then, translate each passage deciding where to place them in the sentence, or making separate sentences out of the independent clauses.

Let us take a look at this experience and potential in those areas which, as is widely recognized and attested to even by this current debate, have become very important for preserving world peace and security.

Word Order/Clusters 51

51. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

remotely operated seabed core-sampling vehicle

Word Order/Clusters 50

50. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

universally accessible web-based global information clearinghouse

Word Order/Clusters 49

49. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

double bottom-line considerations/

Word Order/Clusters 48

48. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

grass-roots private sector activity /

Word Order/Clusters 47

47. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

recurrent large-scale human rights violations /

Word Order/Clusters 46

46. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

voluntary effluent and emission industry standards /

Word Order/Clusters 45

45. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

internationally recognized civil and political rights /

Word Order/Clusters 44

44. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

bicameral popularly elected representative assembly /

Word Order/Clusters 43

43. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

consensus-based multilateral environmental standards /

Word Order/Clusters 42

42. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

unilaterally enacted non-tariff trade barriers /

Word Order/Clusters 41

41. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

intractable ongoing partisan policy dispute /

Word Order/Clusters 40

40. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

widespread chronic glandular dysfunction /

Word Order/Clusters 39

39. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

mass-produced modular housing unit design specifications /

Word Order/Clusters 38

38. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

safety-conscious built-in redundancy systems/

Word Order/Clusters 37

37. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

strict repeat-offender felony sentencing guidelines /

Word Order/Clusters 36

36. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

low-sodium high-fiber weight-loss diet /

Word Order/Clusters 35

35. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

highly imaginative high-flying advertising ideas-man /

Word Order/Clusters 34

34. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

uneconomical remotely located low-grade iron ore deposits /

Word Order/Clusters 33

33. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

self-motivating savvy dynamic executive officer /

Word Order/Clusters 32

32. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

self-activated retrofitted jet aircraft canopy /

Word Order/Clusters 31

31. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

privatized deregulated non-profit mass transit system /

Word Order/Clusters 30

30. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

out-of-control self-destructive consumer civilization /

Word Order/Clusters 29

29. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

multi-story steel-frame earthquake-resistant building /

Word Order/Clusters 28

28. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

reconditioned 50-cc 6-cylinder automobile engine /

Word Order/Clusters 27

27. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

state-subsidized family-owned 20-acre banana plantation /

Word Order/Clusters 26

26. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

transparent multilateral decision-making machinery /

Word Order/Clusters 25

25. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

built-in automatic remote-control activation circuit /

Word Order/Clusters 24

24. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

multi-lingual wireless simultaneous interpretation /

Word Order/Clusters 23

23. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

long-range nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine/

Word Order/Clusters 22

22. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

conventional water-cooled enriched-uranium nuclear plant /

Word Order/Clusters 21

21. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

part-time minimum-wage assembly-line jobs /

Word Order/Clusters 20

20. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

slow-growth lowinflation full-employment economy /

Word Order/Clusters 19

19. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

military bacteriological warfare experiments /

Word Order/Clusters 18

18. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

exchange rate-sensitive regional mutual funds /

Word Order/Clusters 17

17. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

long-term structural adjustment program /

Word Order/Clusters 16

16. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

high-visibility inter-disciplinary research program /

Word Order/Clusters 15

15. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

integrated poverty-eradication program guidelines /

Word Order/Clusters 14

14. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

high-profile post-conflict election monitoring program /

Word Order/Clusters 13

13. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

non-military remote-sensing geostationary satellite /

Word Order/Clusters 12

12. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

insecticide-resistant mutating cropdestroying insect pest /

Word Order/Clusters 11

11. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

people-centered grass-roots capacity-building initiatives /

Word Order/Clusters 10

10. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

incurable sexually-transmitted viral infection /

Word Order/Clusters 9

9. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

highaltitude fixed-wing unmanned observation aircraft /

Word Order/Clusters 8

8. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

multi-sectoral intra-country technical consulting services /

Word Order/Clusters 7

7. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

trouble-free orbiting nuclear power source /

Word Order/Clusters 6

6. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

self-contained underwater breathing apparatus /

Word Order/Clusters 5

5. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

mobile battery-powered life-support equipment /

Word Order/Clusters 4

4. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

ad hoc multi-national human rights monitoring team /

Word Order/Clusters 3

3. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

open-ended inter-sessional inter-agency task force /

Word Order/Clusters 2

2. One of the most difficult features of English to interpret into other languages is a noun phrase with several adjectives. Translate the following noun + adjective cluster into Albanian:

forward-looking economic recovery plan /

Letra e Rektorit mbi takimin e studenteve te ENG 276 dhe ENG 263 me Ambasadorin J. Withers

Te nderuar studente,

javen e kaluar nje grup i studenteve te UV-se vizitoi ambasaden Amerikane dhe u takua me ambasadorin amerikan. Me kane ardhur me dhjetra emaile prej tyre ku shprehet gezimi dhe kenaqsia per kete mundesi. Falenderimet me te mira vijne per UV-ne, per punen qe po behet ketu, dhe per pedagogen Erida Prifti e cila e mundesoi kete takim.

Te gjitheve na behet qejfi. Ne emer tuaj i urojme ambasadorit pune te mbare. Falenderimet tona per konsideraten dhe per pritjen e studenteve tane!

Me ka bere pershtypje se sa te lumtur e ndjejne veten keta studente te cilet u takuan me ambasadorin. Shume prej tyre e konsiderojne kete dicka te vecante.

Me kujtohet para disa vjetesh kur nje kolegj i vogel ne Amerike fitoi kampionatin e basketbollit per gjithe Ameriken. Studentet vershuan ne fushe. Traineri perpiqej t'i mbante dhe u thoshte "silluni sikur ishte dicka qe pritej, silluni sikur eshte dicka normale".

Edhe ne duhet te sillemi jo te ngazellyer, jo te habitur sepse takuam ambasadorin, sepse keto jane gjera qe priten.

Ju jeni studente te Universitetit te Vlores! Je jeni te denje te shikoni kedo drejt ne sy, pa ju dridhur qerpiku. Ne po ju pregatisim te tille! Por, ju do te beheni te tille vetem kur te filloni ta besoni kete.

Ju pershendes te gjitheve dhe ju siguroj se do te vije nje dite qe studentet tane te takohen me nobeliste e te mos ju dridhet qerpiku. Ne po perpiqemi te pregatisim eliten e ardhme te Shqiperise, te afte, me besim ne vetvete, te sigurte, me karakter te forte, me respekt vetem per te verteten, pasionante dhe me ndjenja per te dobetin, me dinjitet, me kredibilitet.

Ju do te merrni ne dore te ardhmen e ketij vendi, dhe per kete ju duhet te filloni te silleni sikur kjo "ishte dicka qe pritej".

Pershendetje,
Rektori

Complex Syntax/Compression – Enumerations: Exercise 1

1. Translate the following passage into Albanian, preserving parallelism to the extent possible:

The European Partnership establishes priorities which are both realistic and attainable goals for the country concerned. The key priorities include:

strengthening administrative capacity,
promoting constructive dialogue between the various stakeholders on the implementation of reforms,
increasing the independence and transparency of the justice system,
implementing the 2007‑2013 anti‑corruption strategy,
implementing the recommendations on elections made by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) [FR],
amending the electoral code, strengthening public‑sector governance,
pursuing the fight against organised crime
and stabilising the position of the state electricity company KESH.

Complex Syntax/Compression: Exercise 6

6. Translate the following sentence into Albanian paying particular attention to the word ‘since’. You may divide them into more than one sentence if it seems desirable for ease or clarity:
Since the success of this first meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum has become a viable forum for the promotion of trust as well as political and security cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region.

Complex Syntax/Compression: Exercise 5

5. Translate the following sentence into Albanian paying particular attention to the word ‘since’. You may divide them into more than one sentence if it seems desirable for ease or clarity:

Since the Thai Government has long supported the Middle East peace process, the termination of the state of war between Jordan and Israel, announced in Washington in July this year, following last year’s historic agreement between Israel and the PLO, gives all of us reason to rejoice.

Complex Syntax/Compression: Exercise 4

4. Translate the following sentence into Albanian paying particular attention to the word ‘since’. You may divide them into more than one sentence if it seems desirable for ease or clarity:

Since the Middle East peace process was set in motion by the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991, the Republic of Korea has consistently held the view that peace cannot be whole without reconciliation between Israel and Syria, and between Israel and Lebanon.

Complex Syntax/Compression: Exercise 3

3. Translate the following sentence into Albanian paying particular attention to the word ‘since’:
Since my government began making contributions to this program 20 years ago, it has scored many successes.

Complex Syntax/Compression: Exercise 2

2. Translate the following sentence into Albanian paying particular attention to the word ‘since’:

Since my government began making contributions to this program 20 years ago, we will not stop supporting it now.

Complex Syntax/Compression: Exercise 1

Exercise 1: The following sentence appeared in a statement by a delegate:
-We have come so far for peace but ‘are we there yet?' is the question and challenge being posed to communities, the public and politicians.

First, translate the sentence following the original order of phrases. Then focus on the substance of the sentence and try rearranging the parts of the sentence. Which version is clearer? Was it necessary to translate the word “yet”?

This is an exerpt from Nolan, James. Interpretation: Techniques and Exercises. Copyright © 2005 James Nolan.

5 Questions for a Professional Translator & Interpreter

Monterey Institute of International Studies: A Day in the Life of an Interpreter

UV Students Meet with US Ambassador John Withers

On Thursday, April 8^th, 2010, 40 students from the University of Vlora were given the unique opportunity to meet with US Ambassador John L. Withers II, confirmed by the US Senate as United States Ambassador to Albania on June 28, 2007.

Students from ENG 263: Studies in the American Culture and ENG 276: Interpretation courses with professor Mrs Erida Prifti met for more than an hour of friendly conversation with Ambassador John Withers II, during which the Ambassador answered student questions about American culture and his everyday collaboration with interpreters.

The two courses that these English language students are taking this Spring semester, Studies in the American Culture and Interpretation, are being enriched with activities aided by members of the Peace Corps Organization living in Albania, especially Ms Amy Fladeboe, who is Vlora's Peace Corps volunteer for English education. Professor Amy Fladeboe taught at UV during the academic year 2008-2009 and is still contributing enormously to the University's academic community. Such activities include inviting guest speakers to share their experiences and points of view as American nationals during class and more notably, helping to coordinate this educational opportunity to meet with Ambassador John Withers II.

The students from the Department of Languages represented the Ismail Qemali University of Vlora with great dignity, admirable skill, and remarkable politeness and civility at the meeting with Ambassador Withers, rendering their dialogue with the Ambassador a pleasant and memorable experience. They asked questions about the key to the Ambassador’s success as a diplomat, about the three aspects of the US culture worthy to be put in a "time box" for the future, about the Ambassadors’ expectations of a good interpreter, and even a request for a word of advice to UV students. The answers received were thoughtful, deep and full of fatherly wisdom by Ambassador Withers.

The students and their professor showed warm appreciation for the Ambassador’s time and the significant imprints he left in the minds and hearts of the students in attendance. The Ambassador graciously accepted the students remarks of gratitude and the symbolic gift they had prepared for him, which contained Ismail Kadare's "Chronicle in Stone" translated into English by the respected writer and translator Arshi Pipa, as well as a piece of hand-made wood art representing our Albanian flag. The students had also put all their signatures on a beautifully framed pergamena with a thank you note written on it. At the end, the Ambassador took the time to take individual pictures with each of the 40 students, as well as the staff members.

The IR Officer Mr. Erald Pelari, who was also accompanying the group of students, on behalf of the Rectorate of the University of Vlora extended to the Ambassador an official invitation to be the honored guest at the UV Graduation Ceremony in July 2010.

E. Prifti

Welcome to the ENG 276 Course Blog

Dear students,

Welcome to the ENG 276 Interpretation Studies Course Blog.

Please feel free to express your impressions, views and opinions based on we have been discussing during class.

I hope you enjoy this new education experience.

Live Curious

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