Final task for the subject Translation Techniques

1. Unit 1 Task 3
Collaborative activity
Liliana Franco
Angie Calderón
Mateo Marín
Eduardo Adolfo Mejia
Natalia Eugenia Castro
TUTOR
MANGELY LONDOÑO
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA (UNAD)
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
BACHELOR'S DEGREE ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEGREE PROGRAM
2018

2. TASK 1-2: TRANSLATIONS AND REFLECTIONS
Smart Energy
PARAGRAPH 1 by Liliana Franco R.
The next few decades will see great changes in the way energy is supplied and used. In some major oil producing
nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are increasing fears of global warming. Consequently, many
countries are focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to major changes in the
supply and use of electricity. Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and
gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. Secondly, there will be an increase in power generation, not
only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing electricity generation from
renewable sources. To meet these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. This system aims
to provide the electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this
information to create a more efficient power network.
Energía Inteligente
Las próximas décadas verán grandiosos cambios en la forma en que la Energía es suministrada y usada. En
algunas de las mayores naciones productoras de petróleo, el pico de extracción petrolera ya ha sido alcanzado y
aumenta el temor sobre el calentamiento global. Por consiguiente, muchos países se han concentrado en el cambio
a una economía baja en carbono. Esta transición llevará a grandes cambios en el suministro y uso de la
electricidad. En primer lugar habrá un incremento en la demanda general, a medida que los consumidores cambian
del petróleo y el gas a electricidad para proporcionar energía a sus hogares y vehículos. En segundo lugar, habrá
un incremento en la generación de energía no solo en términos de cuánta energía es generada, sino que también
en cómo es generada, a medida que hay una creciente generación de energía de fuentes renovables Para cumplir
con estos retos, los países están invirtiendo en Tecnología de Redes Inteligente. Este sistema pretende proveer a la
industria de la electricidad con un mejor entendimiento de la generación y demanda de energía, y usar esta
información para crear una red de energía más eficiente.
Reflection
The problem I had when translating was that there were few words that I did not know the meaning, such as Grid,
peak oil, words that are used in certain fields that are unknown for me.
I had to look for those words in www.wordreference.com, a dictionary that I frequently use, not only to check the
meaning of the new words, but also to figure out the best way to use them in context, and to discover if the verb is
transitive or intransitive and if the meaning of the word changes when there is an object.
Once the meaning of the word was clear, I checked the sentence in context, in this case I used the web too, typing
any expression that I wanted to understand better and the browser showed several pages about them. One of the
pages I use for this part is linguee. So far, this one has been very useful for me.

3. PARAGRAPH 2- by Angie Calderón
Smart Grid technology basically involves the application of a computer system to the electricity
network. The computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and
improve engineer's ability to manage the system. With better information about electricity demand,
the network will be able to increase the amount of electricity delivered per unit generated, leading
to potential reductions in fuel needs and carbon emissions. Moreover, the computer system will
assist in reducing operational and maintenance costs.
TRANSLATION
La tecnología Smart Grid básicamente implica la aplicación de un sistema informático a la red
eléctrica. El sistema informático puede ser usado para recolectar información sobre la oferta y la
demanda y mejorar la habilidad del ingeniero para administrar el sistema. Con una mejor
información sobre la demanda de electricidad, la red podrá aumentar la cantidad de electricidad
entregada por unidad generada, lo que dará lugar a posibles reducciones en las necesidades de
combustible y las emisiones de carbono. Además, el sistema informático ayudará a reducir los
costos operativos y de mantenimiento.
REFLECTION
Honestly I do not know much about technology, for this reason there were some terms such
as networks, electricity, emissions, fuel that was completely unknown. I chose to search
these terms on the web and then I related them to the context to give a complete and
coherent idea. I think this is very important, because in our mother tongue the ideas are
different and when we translate them we must give them the appropriate meaning.

4. PARAGRAPH 3 by Mateo Marin
Smart Grid technology offers benefits to the consumer too. They will be able to collect real-time
information on their energy use for each appliance. Varying tariffs throughout the day will give
customers the incentive to use appliances at times when supply greatly exceeds demand,
leading to great reductions in bills. For example, they may use their washing machines at night.
Smart meters can also be connected to the internet or telephone system, allowing customers to
switch appliances on or off remotely. Furthermore, if houses are fitted with the apparatus to
generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly from the on-site power source,
and any excess can be sold to the grid.
Translation
La tecnología de red inteligente ofrece también beneficios para el consumidor. Ellos podrán
recopilar información en tiempo real sobre su uso de energía para cada dispositivo. La variación
de las tarifas a lo largo del día dará a los clientes el incentivo de usar electrodomésticos en
momentos en que la oferta supera ampliamente la demanda, lo que conlleva grandes
reducciones en las facturas. Por ejemplo, pueden usar sus lavadoras por la noche. Los
medidores inteligentes también se pueden conectar a Internet o al sistema telefónico, lo que
permite a los clientes encender o apagar aparatos de forma remota. Además, si las casas están
equipadas con el aparato para generar su propia energía, los dispositivos se pueden configurar
para que funcionen directamente desde la fuente de energía en el sitio, y cualquier exceso se
puede vender a la red.
Reflection
I work independently in my free times doing document translation, so this is not my first
paragraph translation; but I have to say this one brought me some difficulties, because there are
several words that I don’t really know, and that I didn´t hear or read before. The word definition
depends on the context that the paragraph indicates you, words such as grid, tariffs, and
apparatus are words that I have to look at it in a dictionary. Nevertheless my final reflection is
that I will never be tired of this magnificent language and I always be able for the people that
really needs to know all about it.

5. PARAGRAPH 4 by Eduardo Adolfo Mejia
With these changes comes a range of challenges. The first involves managing the supply and demand. Sources
of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and solar, are notoriously unpredictable, and nuclear power, which is also
set to increase as nations switch to alternative energy sources, is inflexible. With oil and gas, it is relatively simple
to increase the supply of energy to match the increasing demand during peak times of the day or year. With
alternative sources, this is far more difficult, and may lead to blackouts or system collapse. Potential solutions
include investigating new and efficient ways to store energy and encouraging consumers to use electricity at off-
peak times. A second problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located
in remote areas, such as windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical
infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be
done more efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.
Translation
Con estos cambios vienen una variedad de desafíos. El primero involucra gestionar la oferta y demanda. Fuentes
de energía renovable, tales como el viento, las olas del mar y el sol, son notoriamente impredecibles, y el poder
nuclear, el cual también está destinado a incrementar a medida que las naciones cambian a fuentes de energía
alternativa, es inflexible. Con el petróleo y el gas, es relativamente simple incrementar el suministro de energía
para igualar la creciente demanda durante los puntos álgidos de cada día o el año. Con fuentes alternativas, esto
es mucho más difícil, y podría conducir a apagones o colapsos del sistema. Soluciones potenciales incluyen la
investigación de nuevas y eficientes maneras de almacenar la energía y alentar a los consumidores para usar la
electricidad durante horas de poca actividad. Un segundo problema es el hecho de que varias fuentes
generadoras de energía renovable están localizadas en áreas remotas, tales como tierras altas con rápidos
vientos y regiones costeras, donde actualmente hay ausencia de infraestructura eléctrica. Por lo tanto, nuevas
infraestructuras deben ser construidas. Por suerte, con tecnología inteligente mejorada, esto puede ser hecho de
manera más eficiente al reducir refuerzos y costos de construcción.
Reflection
I didn’t had problems understanding the ideas of the text, so I knew how to interpret the text and write it with my
own words. But considering it is a translation I had to search for some words or expressions like to match, peak
times, off-peak, windy uplands and thankfully not because I didn’t know their meaning, but because I wanted a
synonym or another word that explained better the idea than a mere translation. For me translating a text isn’t just
writing in another language, is but creating the best interpretation possible considering the goal and the target of
the translation.

6. PARAGRAPH 5 by Natalia Eugenia Castro
Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway. Consumers are
currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity use. There are also a number of
demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are in place to test the new
electrical infrastructure. It is likely that technology will be added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which will provide
initial carbon savings, to be followed by more advanced systems at a later date. Cities are prime candidates for investment into
smart energy, due to the high population density and high energy use. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted
first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically powered
vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast. By the year 2050, changes in the energy supply will have transformed our
homes, our roads and our behaviour.
Translation
Aunque la tecnología inteligente esta aun en sus inicios, programas piloto que los promueven y los evalúan son puestos en
marcha en este momento. Los consumidores actualmente están probando los nuevos medidores inteligentes que pueden ser
usados en sus casas para administrar el uso de la electricidad. Hay también un número de demostraciones siendo planeadas
para mostrar cómo podría trabajar hábilmente la tecnología inteligente, y en curso se están realizando pruebas para probar la
nueva infraestructura eléctrica. Es probable que la tecnología sea adicionada en “niveles” empezando con métodos de
“ganancia rápida” que proveerán ahorros iniciales de carbón, para ser seguidos por sistemas más avanzados en una fecha
posterior. Las ciudades son las primeras candidatas para la inversión de energía inteligente, dado la alta densidad de población,
y el alto uso de energía. Es aquí donde la tecnología inteligente es probable sea promovida inicialmente, usando un rango de
recursos con capacidad sostenible, soluciones en transporte, y una infraestructura para cargar vehículos eléctricos motorizados.
En este momento la infraestructura cambia rápidamente. Para el 2050, los cambios en el suministro de energía habrán
transformado nuestros hogares, carreteras y nuestro comportamiento.
Reflection
My experience with the text is certainly successful because it was easy to read and understand, but at moment of translate I had
some issues, for example: I had add many pronouns to give it sense to translation, also I became one adjective (Fast) in adverb
(rápidamente) many grammar structures were changed, for example: in the sentence: The consumers are currently testing, in
this sentence we can see how the adverb currently goes after to be verb, in Spanish, I considered translate: Los consumidores
actualmente estan. you can see that I put the adverb before of verb to be. Some expressions were difficult for me, for example:
at a later date, are in place, and quick wins, and finally the unknown vocabulary smart meters, powered, infancy, schemes,
underway and powered.

7. TASK 3: CHARTS
Eduardo Mejia
EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
METHOD
It is a procedure that
comprehends the text as a
whole and so it applies different
methods of translation to it.
Some of them are: Word-to-
word, Semantic translation, free
translation and idiomatic
translation.
Word-to-word: As the name says, the
translation is made word by word literally
and without any changes. I have three black
chairs/ Yo tengo tres negras sillas.
STRATEGY
A strategy is something can be
applied to the text in a local or a
global way, considering things
like the source language, the
target language, the purpose of
the translation and what the
translator wants to achieve with
the procedure.
The translator can approach the text from
three main ideas; translate the text for as
along and the translator can do it, leaving
corrections for some pauses, a second one
is as the translator converts the source text
he makes little corrections immediately and
a last one consist on leaving the errors on
the translated text in order to suffice them in
a stage previous to the final work.
TECHNIQUE
They are divided in literal or
direct and non-literal or oblique
techniques. They comprehend
how to treat specific pieces of
the text like words or phrases.
Some of them are; borrowing,
calque, transposition and
modulation.
Borrowing: Take words from SL to TL
without translation. Café from French and
hamburger from German.
Transposition: Change the grammatical
structure from one language to another. La
silla roja / the red chair.

8. Liliana Franco R.
METHOD It is a particular procedure, to
accomplish something applying an
approach.
An example is “Adaptation”
where the Source language
culture is converted to the
target language culture and the
text is rewritten. It is used in
plays, comedy and poetry. The
themes, characters and plot are
preserved.
STRATEGY It is the translator’s plan for solving
translation problems.
An example can be “synonymy”
where the translator selects the
closest synonym which is not the
first literal translation of the source
text word or phrase .
TECHNIQUE It refers to every single step a person
does to perform an activity.
A direct translation technique
could be “Borrowing” which means
taking words directly from other
language without translation, such
as “kindergarten” (taken from
German). It is accompanied by an
explanation or a translator’s note.

9. Mateo Marin
Method Strategy Technique
This one relates the
whole text and there
are many kinds of
methods:
Word-for-word
translation
Literal translation
Faithful translation
Semantic translation
Adaptation
Free translation
Idiomatic translation
Communicative
translation
Exm: Literal
translation> You use
that: Tú usa eso
Seguinot (1989)
believes that there are
at least three global
strategies employed by
the translators: (i)
translating without
interruption for as long
as possible; (ii)
correcting surface
errors immediately; (iii)
leaving the monitoring
for qualitative or
stylistic errors in the
text to the revision
stage.
Here the translator
makes a number of
decisions on how to
interpret the source
text (ST), uses
resources and applies
technical skills to re-
expresses the
message in the target
text (TT)

10. Natalia Eugenia Castro
METHOD STRATEGY TECHNIQUE
This term mean the translation of
global parts of the text
- Word-for-word translation
- Literal translation
- Faithful translation
- Semantic translation
- Adaptation
- Free translation
- Idiomatic translation
- Communicative translation
Example Adaptation
Sanduche= Sandwich
literal translation
¿Que hora es?= What time is it?
This is the translator's planning
that allow him define the rules and
strategies that he will use to
translate the text
Global Strategies
Local Strategies
Example
Translating without interruption for
as long as possible
Correcting surface errors
immediately
Leaving the monitoring for
qualitative or stylistic errors in the
text to the revision stage.
It is used for translate smalls
grammar structural and
conceptual units of language
- Functional Equivalence
- Formal Equivalence
- Transcription or
'borrowing'
- Descriptive or self-
explanatory
Example
Borrowing= I can hit you with the
chancleta
Equivalence= Hold back the river:
dejar de llorar

11. ANGIE CALDERÓN
METHOD STRATEGY TECHNIQUE
The translation methods are
related to the complete texts.
Word-for-word translation:
in which the SL word order is
preserved and the words
singly by their most common
meanings, out of context.
Literal translation Faithful
translation Semantic
translation Adaptation
Free translation Idiomatic
translation Communicative
translation
Krings (1986: 18) defines
translation strategy as
"translator's potential
conscious plans for solving
concrete translation
problems in the framework of
a concrete translation task.
1.Translating without
interruption for as long as
possible.
2. Correcting surface errors
immediately .
3. Leaving the monitoring for
qualitative or stylistic errors
in the text to the revision
stage.
Technique is a procedure or
skill for completing a specific
task.
Descriptive or self-
explanatory translation: It
uses generic terms (not
CBTs) to convey the
meaning. It is appropriate in
a wide variety of contexts
where formal equivalence is
considered insufficiently
clear. In a text aimed at a
specialized reader, it can be
helpful to add the original SL
term to avoid ambiguity.

12. TASK 4: FEEDBACK

15. Thank you.