Translation techniques (1)

Mark Vella, who writes from Luxembourg, in spite of my admonitions in my last letter to The Times is still using strong language to criticise others that do not agree with him. 

It is a matter of complete indifference to me whether or not he does. It is however of some concern that there seem to be a body of individuals who wish to translate every conceivable technical word there is into Maltese.  If that is the case, I would love to see the results they will obtain for words like conductivity or crankshaft or heat exchanger. There are well settled words universally used by many nations including the insular French who have the sense not to interfere with technical terms where change is not called for and where such words are immediately understood.

In this raging controversy over this subject, there is no need for name-calling or for dismissive attitudes to other viewpoints. That is both arrogant and gets us nowhere. There is always room for reason and even compromise. I was reading a Maltese language newspaper, incidentally one of the worst abuser of our great language, and yet could still regard its style, however gross, as valid and instructive. I noted that words like player, club and breakdown were translated as plejer, Klabb and brejkdawn. Another translation which would make a language purist break down and cry in frustration was the universally acceptable ex translated as eks.

It is to be noted however that there is some method in this madness. One will note that although the translation lacks finesse and expertise required, intentionally or not, the phonetic element of the words is retained. I do not advocate such translation techniques but one can even learn from the most unexpected of quarters. Mr Vella should show some humility and respect for other people's opinions.