5/4/2019
copyright J.Paul Getty TrustIntroduction to the AATrevised May 2019 For educational purposesTranslation in target language need not mirrorscope note of masterAAT Scope Note exactlyso long as the correct meaning is conveyed
and it does not contradict the English scope noteTRANSLATING SCOPE NOTES
Literal translation ordirect translationWord-for-word translation of a text from the sourcelanguage to the target language. Successful when the basicstructure and syntax of the source language is the same asthe target language, result may be stiff, and may conveyidioms, grammar, and even meaning incorrectly in the target language text. However, if the scope note deals with a scientific or technical topic, some variation of literal translation may be appropriate.Free translationTranslation that conveys the sense ofthe source-language text in the targetlanguage, emphasizing the content ratherthan order of words or the phrasing. Free translationis the recommended method of translating most scope notes; donot distort the meaning of the original text.Pragmatic translationTranslation that allows certain additions or explanations in order to convey the meaning efficiently to the readers of thetarget language. Pragmatic translation may be used for scopenotes as necessary, particularly where the culture andtradition of the target-language readers is different from that of the source-language readers.Patricia Harpring © 2019 J. Paul Getty Trust. For educational purposes. Do not reproduce.