ATA Slavic Languages Division

SlavFile

SlavFile, the newsletter of the Slavic Language Division, is published quarterly. Aside from keeping readers informed of Division and relevant ATA activities, the mission of the newsletter is to provide information that will help facilitate the careers and professional development of translators and interpreters of Slavic languages and to entertain and inform them in areas related to these careers. To find out  more about SlavFile and its editorial staff, please view our About SlavFile page.

If you are an SLD member and want to start receiving a hardcopy of each SlavFile issue in the mail, (in a format equivalent to what your printer would print out), you may request this service from ATA Headquarters by going to http://www.atanet.org/divisions/division_modify.php and following the instructions for modifying your Division membership.

Click on the links below to view the tables of contents for recent issues of SlavFile:

• Spring 2009 SlavFile
• Winter 2009 SlavFile
• Fall 2008 SlavFile
• Summer 2008 SlavFile
• Spring 2008 SlavFile
• Winter 2008 SlavFile
• Fall 2007 SlavFile
• Summer 2007 SlavFile
• Spring 2007 SlavFile
• Winter 2007 SlavFile

If you would like to view past issues of SlavFile, please access SlavFile archives on you right.

Spring 2009

!Download Spring 2009 Issue of SlavFile

Liv Bliss lists her must-have paper dictionaries.

Lydia Stone and Vladimir Kovner present Russian and English idioms on fire.

SLD Administrator Becky Blackley discusses the advantages of belonging to an ATA chapter.

Roman Worobec answers the question, “What's with the G” in Ukrainian?

The Moscow Times correspondent Michele Berdy on the Russian translation of Obama's inauguration speech.

Lynn Visson comments on psychological factors in the teaching of interpretation.

Two Slovenian poems by Peter Semoli_ translated by Martha Kosir.

Regular SlavFile Lite column: A Fish of a Different Culture.

BCS literary translation: The “third language” by Stephen M. Dickey.

Ergonomic tips for translators by Becky Blackley.

Web glossaries and dictionaries for Russian translators by Roy Cochrun.

Another literary curiosity by Vladimir Kovner.

Call for SLD Administrator nominations.

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Winter 2009

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Review of Tony Briggs’ Greiss lecture on his translation of War and Peace, reviewed by Jen Guernsey.

Administrivia by SLD Administrator, Becky Blackley.

Minutes of the 2008 SLD meeting in Orlando.

Michele Berdy describes what drives translators to want to start a goat farm.

Roman Worobec addresses regional differences in Ukrainian.

Russian and English idioms that hold water by Vladimir Kovner and Lydia Stone.

Conference newcomers report by Monika Pilecka of Wroclaw, Poland.

Native English speaker and UN interpreter, Lynn Visson, wonders why Russian natives correct her English.

Paula Gordon has a message for those working with non-Russian Slavic languages.

Slovenian poetry in translation: Jure Jakob. Introduced and translated by Martha Kosir.

SlavFile Lite. Regular humor and culture column, including thanksgiving poem by Adam Zagajewski in Polish and English.

Review of legal translation conference presentation given by Fred Grasso and Tom Fennell, reviewed by Irina Knizhnik.

Nora Favorov reviews software tools presentations by Jen Guernsey, Becky Blackley and John Riedl.

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Fall 2008

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An appreciation of Croatian translator Marijan Boskovic (1939-2008) by Paula Gordon and other admirers.
SLD Administrator previews the 2008 Conference.
Detailed article on translating English punctuation into Russian by Natalie Shahova (in Russian).
The critical problem of teaching interpreter training and training teachers of interpretation by Lynn Visson.
Brief interview with 2008 Greiss lecturer, Anthony P. Briggs, conducted by Nora Favorov.
The strange fate of A.A. Milne’s “Happiness” in Russian by Vladimir Kovner.
SlavFile Lite: regular humor and culture column.
Review of 2007 Greiss lecture given by James West, reviewed by Jen Guernsey.
Dictionary aficionado, Roy Cochrun, extols dusty books.
Review of new Russian CAT tool by Konstantin Lakshin.
Slovenian Poetry in translation: Barbara Korun, translated by Martha Kosir.

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Summer 2008

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From the Administrators: Introduction to our Focus on Interpreting issue and other matters by Becky Blackley and P. Elana Pick.

A delightful “anthem” for translators and interpreters and an interview with its author, Mike Zagot.

Interpreters in International Organizations by Dr. Lynn Visson.

Interview with Blanka Novotna, Interpreter Manager, ASET International Services Corporation.

Mental Exercises for Interpreters by Yulia Tsaplina.

Ethical Dilemmas for Interpreters at the Hague War Crimes Tribunal, by Janja Pavetic-Dickey.

Historical Background of the Language Situation in Ukraine by Roman B. Worobec.

SlavFile Lite. Regular humor and cultural column.

An Introduction to the AIIC by Julia Poger.

Review of 2007 ATA Conference Session on Use of English Articles. Reviewed by Elena Bogdanovich-Werner.

Russian<>English Dictionary of False Friends. Reviewed by Elena McDonnell.

KGB Lexicon. Reviewed by Roy Cochrun.

Personality Differences between Translators and Interpreters. An empirical study by Lydia Stone.

The Poetry of Tone Škranec. Slovenian Poetry in Translation. Translated and introduced by Martha Kosir-Widenbauer.

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Spring 2008

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Natalie Shahova Discusses her Russian Translation of the Punctuation Bestseller, Eats, Shoots & Leaves.

Message from SLD Assistant Administrator, P. Elana Pick.

Message from SLD Administrator, Becky Blackley. Sprucing up your computer.

Tips for Increasing Translation Efficiency, by Tom Fennell.

Review of Conference Presentation, Translating Court Forms: Lessons Learned. Presentation by Emma Garkavi, review by Vadim Khazin.

A Day in the Life of a Meical Interpreter, by Elena Fomina.

The Politics of Language, by Pieter Judson.

Idiom Savants . This time deals with Russian and English idioms using personal names, by Vladimir Kovner and Lydia Stone.

SlavFile Lite. Regular humor and cultural column, featuring the translation of Pasternak’s Holy Week.

Russian Transliteration Program. Created and described by Jonathon Lukens.

More English Catch Phrases. Compiled by Liv Bliss.

The Poetry of Lucija Stupica. Slovenian Poetry in Translation. Translated and introduced by Martha Kosir-Widenbauer.

Lost in Translation (A Literary Curiosity). The fate of Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem "Rain" described by Vladimir Kovner.

Review of 2007 ATA Conference Presentation, Translation and Corporate Governance. Presented by Megan G. Lehmann, reviewed by Fred Grasso.

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Winter 2008

!Download the Winter 2008 Issue of SlavFile.

Message from SLD Assistant Administrator, P. Elana Pick.

Administrivia. Message and computer clean-up tips from Administrator Becky Blackely.

Burime (Bouts Rimés). Annual poetic ad lib effort by Vadim Khazin.

A Newcomer’s Experience at the ATA Conference, by Tom Fennell.

Article by 2007 ATA Student Translation Prize Winner, Alexis Crowell. Her experiences translating Daniel Kharms and some sample poems.

Review of Conference Presentation, Translating Culture. Review of a presentation by Joseph Mazza, reviewed by Lucy Gunderson.

Leadership Quotations. From the preconference presentation by Ann Macfarlane, former SLD Assistant Administrator.

Idioms Savants, by Vladimir Kovner and Lydia Stone. The topic this time is idioms containing the word “nose."

SlavFile Lite. Regular humor and cultural column.

English Catch Phrases Explicated. By Liv Bliss.

Annual SLD Meeting Minutes. Compiled by Tom Fennell and Jennifer Guernsey.

Nuts and Bolts by Jennifer Guernsey. A review of members’ favorite translation efficiencies.

Overview of Recently Published Generalist Dictionaries (Russian<>English). By Roy Cochrun.

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Fall 2007

!Download the Fall 2007 Issue of SlavFile.

From the Administrators: Message from the ongoing administrators Elena Bogdanovich and Elena Guernsey.

Candidate Statements: Statements by incoming SLD Administrator Becky Blackley and Assistant Administator Elana Pick.

SLD Banquet: Information on the annual SLD Banquet.

Request for Correspondents: A young Uzbek-based translator looks for contacts.

Idiom Savants (II): Vladimir Kovner and Lydia Stone continue their popular feature, this time addressing dairy-related idioms.

SlavLite: Regular humor and culture column.

The Trials and Tribulations of Upgrading to Microsoft Office Professional 2007 by Nora Favorov

Beginners’ Luck: Liv Bliss discusses on catch phrases.

Translating Children’s Poetry: The War between Children and Parents: Translations of poetry by Nash, Milne, Oster, Prelutsky, Zakhoder, and Moritz.

Hrvatski Pravopis: Dictionary review by Janja Pravetic-Dickey.

English-Russian and Russian-English Religious and Spiritual Lexicon: Dictionary review by Roy Cochrun.

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Summer 2007

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Review of new book, Survival Russian, and interview with its author, Michael Ivanov.

Important information about upcoming SLD elections.

From the Administrators column: Elena Bogdanovich and Jen Guernsey discuss the upcoming conference and other matters.

Review of Dictionary of Military Jargon by Michael Dahl.

SlavFile Lite: Regular humor and culture column.

Beginners’ Luck: Liv Bliss discusses test translations.

Review of book on Translation Contracts.

Translating children’s poetry involving gender conflicts.

Idiom Savants: New column devoted to comparative English and Russian idioms.

Marks of Punctuation as False Grammatical Cognates: Article by Marian Schwartz reviewed by Elena McDonnell.

Roy Cochrun reviews Contemporary Russian-English Law Dictionary.

Stephen Dickey reviews Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian Textbook.

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Spring 2007

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Review of Annual Susana Greiss Lecture and "Torture the Translator" Preconference Seminar: Jen Guernsey and Vera Zartman review two fascinating conference sessions by Michelle Berdy.

SlavFile Lite: Regular humor and culture column by Lydia Stone.

Beginner’s Luck: Liv Bliss’ column this time is devoted to translation contracts.

What’s on Your Shelf: New dictionary editor Roy Cochrun introduces himself and gives an overview of Russian dictionaries available over the last 40-50 years.

The Foreign Invasion of Russian: Infiltration or Evolution? Army linguist Michael Dahl discusses the use of English words in Russian.

Looking at the Overlooked: Sentencing, Paragraphing and Textual Coherence in Russian > English Translation: Lydia Stone reviews conference presentation by Brian Baer and Tatyana Bystrova-McIntyre.

My Crude Ain’t Your Oil: The Language of Petroleum: Konstantin Lakshin’s presentation reviewed by Fred Grasso.

The Name of the Game: Russian Translations of English Expressions Drawn from Sports: Elena Levintova Allison reviews presentation by Vladimir Kovner and Lydia Stone.

How I Played the Game in My Leningrad Youth: Vladimir Kovner describes his early life using English sports expressions.

Speech Etiquette Formulas in Translation: Anastasia Koralova discusses the translation of courteous set phrases.

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Winter 2007

!Download the Winter 2007 Issue of SlavFile.

From the Administrators The SLD's new administrative team takes a look at SLD activities at the recent ATA conference and looks toward the future.

Буриме Our annual bouts rimés by SLD bard Vadim Khazin.

Some Thoughts on the Ukrainian Language by SlavFile editor for Ukrainian, Olga Collin.

Minutes of the SLD's Annual Business Meeting

SlavFile Lite: Not by Word Count Alone Regular humor and culture column by editor Lydia Stone.

Weekly Training Events: Teaching Translation and Interpreting Skills Online Elena Levintova Allison's presentation at ATA-New Orleans reviewed by Nora Favorov.

Lying to Tell the Truth Anastasia Koralova's presentation on translating children's poetry reviewed by Vladimir Kovner.

A Few Thoughts on My First Conference by Lucy Gunderson.

Translation of English Language Advertising Materials Elena McGivern's ATA-New Orleans presentation reviewed by Yuliya Cloud.

A New Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian Column Stephen M. Dickey and Janja Paveti-Dickey, the SlavFile's new editors for BCS, introduce themselves.

Polish Miscellany By editor for Polish, Genowefa Legowski.

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Fall 2006

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Interview with 2006 Greiss Lecturer, Michele Berdy. Find out how she plans to “torture the translator” at her upcoming pre-conference seminar.

Conference preview. Who could resist the sessions and other activities planned?

Beginner’s Luck. Regular column by Liv Bliss. The wonderful world of translation contracts.

Language as a weapon in the battle for Moscow’s architectural landmarks. Stephen McCarthy presents a fascinating perspective on Russian building preservation.

Вот что я люблю. McDonald’s glossary submitted by Boris Silversteyn.

SlavFile Lite: Not by Word Count Alone. Regular humor and culture column by editor, Lydia Stone.

Idioms as a major source of errors in translation. 2005 Conference presentation by Anastasia Koralova.

Partners in Rhyme: Translating poetry for fun and the multicultural child. 2005 Conference presentation by Vladimir Kovner and Lydia Stone reviewed by Nora Favorov.

Nuts and Bolts. Regular column by Jennifer Guernsey. Review of A Translator’s Tool Box for the 21st Century by Jost Zetsche.

A modest proposal concerning Russian. Cathie Petersons, a disgruntled language learner, takes verbal revenge on the language causing her so much difficulty.

Assorted announcements of interests, including a South Slavic freebie.

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Summer 2006

! Download the Summer 2006 Issue of SlavFile.

Beginner’s Luck In her regular column, Liv Bliss asks, “Where is the work?”

The Party Line Reprinted column by 2006 Greiss Lecturer, Michele Berdy, reviewing The Dictionary of the Worker’s Paradise.

First Learn to Think Like a Grader Brian Baer reviews Seattle conference session on taking the certification test presented by language chairs Jim Walker and Marina Aranovich.

Terminology in Legal and Social Services Brochures Conference presentation by Emma Garkavi and Vadim Khazin, reviewed by Liana Loveless. Glossary included.

Negotiations-Переговоры Some English idioms useful in international business by Ludmila Ismailova. Article in Russian. Glossary included.

SlavFile Lite: Not by Word Count Alone Regular humor and culture column by editor Lydia Stone.

“My” Susana Greiss Boris Silversteyn reminisces about our recently deceased founder.

Problem Words in Russian-English Public Health Translation Materials from 2004 conference presentation given by associate editor Nora Favorov. Glossary included.

Polish Miscellany By editor for Polish, Genowefa Legowski.

Characteristics of Legal English Materials from much admired 1996 ATA conference presentation by lawyer and polyglot Thomas West. Glossary included.

You Might be a Freelance Translator If… Humor piece by Jim Shipp.

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Spring 2006

! Download the Spring 2006 Issue of SlavFile.

In Memoriam: Susana Greiss Tributes to the SLD’s founder and first administrator by friends and colleagues, George Fletcher, Ann G. Macfarlane, and Lydia Stone.

Admin-itions by SLD Administrator, Joseph Bayerl.

Letters to the Editor on a variety of topics.

This is a Fact: Mistakes of Russians in English. Jennifer Guernsey reviews Lynn Visson’s ATA Conference presentation.

Between Norms and Style: Translating Punctuation (Russian-English). A fascinating empirical study of comparative punctuation by Brian Baer and Tatyana Bystrova-McIntyre. Presentation reviewed by Vadim Khazin.

Of Camels, Virgins and Perrier Cognacs. Robert Taylor reports on Konstantin Lakshin’s amusing conference session.

Let’s Get to Know Each Other. Our new editor for Ukrainian, Olga Collin, introduces herself and calls for survey responses. An English-Ukrainian certification program has been adopted.

SlavFile Lite: Not by Word Count Alone. Regular humor and culture column.

Who is the New Leader of China? Olga Zamaraeva provides a thorough discussion of rendering names in English-Russian news translation.

Three Little (Russian Biomedical) Words. Suggested translations for организм, препарат and направлен by Lydia Stone.

The Translator: A Prominent Figure in the Twenty-First Century. New editor for Polish, Genowefa Legowski, discusses Polish news articles featuring translators.

Beginner’s Luck. Liv Bliss provides some sensible suggestion on dealing with stubborn payment problems.

Newcomer Profile. Carolyn Cooper of St. Petersburg.

Interpreting Customer Service Phrases from English into Russian. Svetlana Ball tackles Russian commercial phone manners.

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Winter 2006

! Download the Winter 2006 issue of SlavFile.

How to Take and Pass the ATA Certification Examination by Jim Walker, Language Chair for Russian-English Certification

Adminitions by SLD Administrator, Joseph Bayerl.

From the Editors SlavFile editors outline the implications of the new ATA rule allowing membership in an unlimited number of divisions.

Буриме на ужине Славянской Дивизии в Сиэтле Vadim Khazin’s annual on-the-spot creation using rhymes provided by banquet attendees.

An Inexact Science and the Terminology to Match, Review of “Medical Translators and Medical Dictionaries” Nora Favorov reviews the 2005 Annual Susana Greiss lecture presented by Svetolik P. Djordjević.

Minutes of the Slavic Languages Division Annual Meeting

My New Experience at an ATA Conference First-time ATA conference attendee Kathleen Davis provides an overview of her ATA conference experience.

“Words and Values: Factors Affecting Translation of Patient-Centered Medical Documents” Christina Sever reviews Elena N. Levintova’s medical presentation at the ATA conference.

A Lesson in Plunging In Outgoing SLD assistant administrator Nora Favorov writes about what serving as an SLD officer has meant for her.

Respect for Foreign Languages (Not to Mention Accuracy) In Our Nation’s Capital The Washington Post gets it wrong.

SlavFile Lite: Not by Word Count Alone Regular humor and culture column by SlavFile editor Lydia Razran Stone.

Baffle Boris Russian translations of challenging English idioms, by the unbafflable Boris Silversteyn.

Soviet Orphans of World War II: Translation Aspects Rachel Green, doctoral candidate at the U. of Chicago, shares some translation challenges in writing about war orphans.

Yahoo Russian Translators Club Advertisement

End of Life Issues Terminology dealing with end-of-life issues, compiled by Elana Pick.

License for Bilingual Puns Recent Slavic-themed license plate sightings by our readers.

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