Translating Neologisms
Translating Neologisms
Introduction:
Neologisms are perhaps the non-literary and the professional translator 's biggest problem. New objects and processes are continually created in technology. New ideas and variations on feelings come from the media. Terms from the social sciences, slang, dialect coming into the mainstream of language, transferred words, make up the rest. It has been stated that each language acquire 3000 new words, annually, but in fact, neologisms cannot be accurately quantified, since so many hover between acceptance and oblivion and many are short-lived, individual creations. In other words, Neologisms are new words, word-combinations or fixed phrases that appear in the language due to the development of social life, culture, science and engineering. New meanings of existing words are also accepted as neologisms. A problem of translation of new words ranks high on the list of challenges facing translators because such words are not readily found in ordinary dictionaries and even in the newest specialized dictionaries.
In 1975nthe French lexicographer and terminologist Alain Ray set up a theoretical model, suggesting that '..., the neologism will be perceived as belonging to the language in general or only to one of its special usages; or as belonging to a subject-specific usage which may be specialized or general. ' (Ray, 1975 cited in Yiokari, 2005:3)
Nowadays, there seems to be a consensus that neologism is a word that expresses a novel concept either through coining a new vocabulary item or through attaching a new meaning to an already existing one (Bolinger and Sear, 1981; Collins Cobuild English Dictionary 1995; Newmark, 1995).
Neologisms: How are new words created?
How can our finite vocabulary be expanded and altered to deal with our potentially infinite world? First, new words can be added, and the meaning of already existing words can be changed. Second, new words can enter a language through the operation of word formation rules.
Introduction:
Neologisms are perhaps the non-literary and the professional translator 's biggest problem. New objects and processes are continually created in technology. New ideas and variations on feelings come from the media. Terms from the social sciences, slang, dialect coming into the mainstream of language, transferred words, make up the rest. It has been stated that each language acquire 3000 new words, annually, but in fact, neologisms cannot be accurately quantified, since so many hover between acceptance and oblivion and many are short-lived, individual creations. In other words, Neologisms are new words, word-combinations or fixed phrases that appear in the language due to the development of social life, culture, science and engineering. New meanings of existing words are also accepted as neologisms. A problem of translation of new words ranks high on the list of challenges facing translators because such words are not readily found in ordinary dictionaries and even in the newest specialized dictionaries.
In 1975nthe French lexicographer and terminologist Alain Ray set up a theoretical model, suggesting that '..., the neologism will be perceived as belonging to the language in general or only to one of its special usages; or as belonging to a subject-specific usage which may be specialized or general. ' (Ray, 1975 cited in Yiokari, 2005:3)
Nowadays, there seems to be a consensus that neologism is a word that expresses a novel concept either through coining a new vocabulary item or through attaching a new meaning to an already existing one (Bolinger and Sear, 1981; Collins Cobuild English Dictionary 1995; Newmark, 1995).
Neologisms: How are new words created?
How can our finite vocabulary be expanded and altered to deal with our potentially infinite world? First, new words can be added, and the meaning of already existing words can be changed. Second, new words can enter a language through the operation of word formation rules.
References: Akmajian, A et al.eds. (2001) Lingustics. Massachusetts: Institute of technology. Collins Cobuild English Dictionary (1995) (new edition). The University of Birmingham. HarperCollinsPublishers. Jacqueline, L.Kam-Mei (2001) 'A study of semi-technical vocabulary in computer science texts, with special reference to ESP teaching and lexicography. ' Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1783.1/1056 Niska, H. (1998) Explorations in translational creativity: Strategies for interpreting neologisms. Workshop paper, 8th Aug, Stockholm University. Available from: http://lisa.tolk.su.se/kreeng2.htm Newmark, P.A Text book of translation, Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd: 1988 Ray, Alein, Essays on Terminology, Translated and edited by Juan C. Sager, Amsterdam: John Benjamins publishing Company, 199 Silvia, P. (2001) 'Handbook of Terminology. ' Terminology and standardization Directorate. Translation Bureau. Public Works and Government Services Canada. Yrokari, C. (2005) Translating English Neologisms in science, Technology, and IT: A General Survey and a Case Study for Greek.