Chinese: Second Language Learner F–10 Sequence / Levels 7 and 8 / Communicating / Translating
Content description
Translate texts for different audiences varying the language to explain key points for these different audiences
Elaborations
identifying the challenges of translating some concepts (for example, ‘descendant of dragon’, 龙的传人), and developing strategies to overcome these challenges, for example: What is lost in translation? Why can’t we just translate word for word? Why does context matter?
translating short phrases or texts, noting culture-specific words and phrases and discussing alternatives, equivalence or non-equivalence
discussing reasons for producing different versions of texts for different audiences
describing the impact of subtle differences in language use and the way meanings are implied rather than explicitly stated, for example, the use of 吧 to indirectly reject or refuse others in 我能来看看你吗？ --- 不太好吧？
avoiding literal (word-for-word) translations when trying to convey the intended meaning, for example, mediating a response to a compliment such as 你的衣服真漂亮。 ---- 哪有啊?
reading bilingual signs in places such as restaurants, shops, pools, schools, hospitals and construction sites (for example, 出口 — ‘exit’, 入口 — ‘entrance’), determining the effectiveness of the English translations and analysing possible reasons for such interpretations
comparing word choices for warnings across languages, and discussing ways language is used to convey rules, expectations and permission, for example, comparing 闲人免进 to ‘Staff Only’
exploring a range of dictionaries, including online translation tools, and considering how these tools help or hinder in Chinese learning
