Book providing guidelines for translators launched
Video: Alan Adami
Guidelines to aid translators produce quality translations in Maltese can now be found in a book launched this evening It-Traduzzjoni tal-Liġi Ewropea, by Peter John Agius, a senior administrator at the general secretariat of the Council of the European Union.
The book explains in detail the political and legal context of the EU and how this affects translation.
All guidelines are substantiated by examples. Some are automatically applied by an experienced and specialised translator. The book is aimed at helping others reach a level of excellence earlier in his career.
Foreign Minister Tonio Borg said during the launch that EU membership had created a translation industry for Malta and hundreds of Maltese were now working in translation at European institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg or as freelancers.
It was calculated that more than 150,000 pages were translated into Maltese each year with the EU’s total expenditure for translation (all languages) surpassing €500 million.
According to a report by the Court of Auditors, it was estimated that each translated page cost around €200 when one considered all the related expenses.
Dr Borg praised Dr Agius’ initiative, which he described as one which honoured Maltese translators and which should assist those involved in this work.
Without translators Europe would not be able to really communicate with the people in their own language but translation would become a useless exercise if it did not serve as a real link between the union and the people.
A translation that was too formalised, for example, could lead the Maltese not to prefer the English version, for example.
So a translator had to ensure that the Maltese in his work could be read well to be of service to the people.
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l.zammit
Nov 3rd 2010, 08:49
from where can this book be bought pls?
l.zammit
Nov 3rd 2010, 14:49
of. i found. thanks
anthony cardona
Nov 3rd 2010, 08:19
This is what I call intelligent comments... keep it up guys at least I have learned something this morning!
Alfred Farrugia
Nov 2nd 2010, 23:03
I do not know Dr. Agius and I have obviously not seen the new book. So my remark is not addressed at Dr. Agius or his work. I simply wish to suggest that a better effort be made to ensure that translations respect our language – which is a refection of our identity. All those concerned with translations must not take the easiest way out and derive words from Italian when we already have a Maltese word.
What level of Maltese are our lawyers at the university getting, if any? With all due respect to them, it appears that some of them fall into the temptation of exhibiting their knowledge of Italian when what we need is the true Maltese word for the foreign term. What level of expertise in Maltese do some key players at the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Information and the House of Representatives have? If we continue to butcher the Maltese language in EU translations, instead of a blessing the inclusion of the Maltese language among the EU languages could turn into a curse.
Joe Cassar
Nov 2nd 2010, 22:26
The only version that is clear, unambiguous and respects Maltese syntax is "mitt elf u elf".
Joe Cassar
Nov 2nd 2010, 22:24
From a cursory look at the first few pages, it is obvious that this book needed the services of a good proofreader.
adrian galea
Nov 6th 2010, 14:22
sure mr cassar is one of those all too keen to jump at others' mistakes...
but, try to do something yourself, or else we should just respect the initiatives of others to dare to take them.
Godwin Borg
Nov 2nd 2010, 21:34
Mija u elf wiehed
W. Sciberras
Nov 2nd 2010, 19:02
101,000 = Mija u elf.. milli niftakar mill-kors tat-traduzzjoni!
Peter Shaw
Nov 2nd 2010, 18:50
Mitt elf u wiehed ! Any prize ?
C. Borg
Nov 2nd 2010, 19:12
If there is, you're not getting it .... try again :-)
m.c.
Nov 2nd 2010, 19:41
Hehe tieghek jigi ekwivalenti ghal: 100, 001 ;-)
Edwin Mifsud
Nov 2nd 2010, 18:08
Here is one for you!
Say this number in Maltese...
101,000 (One hundred and one thousand)
Anne Marie Mercieca
Nov 2nd 2010, 18:42
Mitt elf u elf
E.Cassar
Nov 2nd 2010, 18:50
Let me try :- Mija u wiehed eluf
Franco Farrugia
Nov 2nd 2010, 21:40
That would be: mija u wiehed elf.