{"id":138,"date":"2014-10-14T21:07:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-15T01:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp\/2014\/10\/14\/taken-out-of-context-the-importance-of-context-in-japanese-into-english-translation-part-2\/"},"modified":"2014-10-14T21:07:00","modified_gmt":"2014-10-15T01:07:00","slug":"taken-out-of-context-the-importance-of-context-in-japanese-into-english-translation-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/2014\/10\/14\/taken-out-of-context-the-importance-of-context-in-japanese-into-english-translation-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Taken Out of Context: The Importance of Context in Japanese-into-English Translation (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
Example 3: Making it real<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
The word \u5b9f\u73fe<\/span> is fundamentally associated with the process of converting an abstract entity (such as an idea or a concept) into a concrete entity (such as an object or a numerical result). Authoritative dictionaries offer meanings such as \u201crealization,\u201d \u201cattainment,\u201d \u201cactualization,\u201d \u201cmaterialization,\u201d and \u201cfruition,\u201d but the inherently broad range of application for this word forces the translator to select a translation that fits the specific context in which the word appears. In a technical paper that describes different types of glass we encounter the following sentence:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u56f3<\/span> 1 \u306b\u592a\u967d\u5149\u30a8\u30cd\u30eb\u30ae\u30fc\u6ce2\u9577\u5206\u5e03\u3068\u3001\u4e0a\u8a18\u5149\u5b66\u7279\u6027\u3092\u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/i>\u6750\u6599\u306e\u5019\u88dc\u3068\u3057\u3066\u306e\u3001\u9285\u30a4\u30aa\u30f3\u3092\u6709\u3059\u308b\u5408\u308f\u305b\u30ac\u30e9\u30b9\u3092\u900f\u904e\u3057\u305f\u30a8\u30cd\u30eb\u30ae\u30fc\u5206\u5e03\u3092\u793a\u3057\u305f\u3002<\/span>   <\/span>(4)<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
In this instance the direct object of the verb \u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> is \u5149\u5b66\u7279\u6027<\/span>, which means \u201coptical characteristics.\u201d A student submitted the following translation:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cFigure 1 displays the sunlight energy wavelength distribution. Also displayed is the transmitted energy distribution of a glass laminate containing copper ions, as a candidate material that can actualize<\/i> the optical characteristics mentioned above.\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
This student translated \u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> as \u201cactualize.\u201d The verb \u201cactualize\u201d is a valid word, but the combination of \u201cactualize\u201d and \u201coptical characteristics\u201d sounds more like marketing jargon than the objective of an R&D project. A newly developed material would be expected to \u201cdisplay,\u201d \u201cexhibit,\u201d or \u201cprovide\u201d a desired property. Thus, the sentence could be translated like this:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
*** Fig. 1 shows the energy vs. wavelength distribution for sunlight and the comparable distribution for the light that is transmitted by laminated glass containing copper ions. Such a glass is one candidate\/option\/possibility as a material that displays\/exhibits\/provides the above-mentioned optical characteristics. ***<\/o:p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
In a technical paper that describes a new type of LED we find this sentence:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u534a\u5c0e\u4f53\u306e\u4e2d\u3067\u6700\u3082\u77ed\u3044\u6ce2\u9577\u3067\u767a\u5149\u3059\u308b\u3053\u3068\u304c\u7406\u8ad6\u7684\u306b\u4e88\u6e2c\u3055\u308c\u3066\u3044\u305f\u7a92\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span> (AlN) \u3092\u7528\u3044\u305f\u767a\u5149\u30c0\u30a4\u30aa\u30fc\u30c9<\/span> (LED) \u306e\u52d5\u4f5c\u3092\u5b9f\u73fe\u3057<\/i>\u3001\u6ce2\u9577<\/span> 210 nm \u306e\u9060\u7d2b\u5916\u5149\u3092\u89b3\u6e2c\u3059\u308b\u3053\u3068\u306b\u6210\u529f\u3057\u305f<\/u>\u3002<\/span>   <\/span>(5)<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
Here the direct object of \u5b9f\u73fe\u3057<\/span> is \u52d5\u4f5c<\/span>, which could mean something along the lines of \u201caction,\u201d \u201cmovement,\u201d \u201cdemeanor,\u201d or \u201coperation.\u201d A student proposed this translation:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cLuminescence of the shortest wavelength among semiconductors has been implemented<\/i>through the action of a light emitting diode (LED) which uses aluminum nitride and which followed theoretical predictions. There have been successful observations<\/u> of far UV light with a wavelength of 210 nm.\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
The student translated \u5b9f\u73fe\u3057<\/span> as \u201cimplemented.\u201d Although we implement such things as \u201crules,\u201d \u201cpolicies,\u201d and \u201cguidelines,\u201d we do not generally implement a property, such as luminescence. Returning to the direct object of \u5b9f\u73fe\u3057<\/span>, we see that the \u52d5\u4f5c<\/span> in question is the \u52d5\u4f5c<\/span> of a particular type of light-emitting diode. In such a situation we might say that we \u201cachieved operational status (for the LED)\u201d or that we \u201csuccessfully operated (the LED).\u201d If we incorporate the second option, which sounds more natural, the entire sentence could read like this:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
*** We successfully operated a light-emitting diode (LED) using aluminum nitride (AlN), the material that is predicted theoretically to luminesce at the shortest wavelength among all semiconductors, and we<\/u> were able to observe<\/u> far-ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 210 nm. ***<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
It is worth noting that if we use the word \u201csuccessfully\u201d as part of the translation for \u5b9f\u73fe\u3057<\/span>, we need to consider how to translate the final phrase (\u89b3\u6e2c\u3059\u308b\u3053\u3068\u306b\u6210\u529f\u3057\u305f<\/span>). A literal translation could read \u201cwe succeeded in observing …,\u201d but in order to avoid unnecessary repetition it would be better to use the phrase \u201cwe were able to observe …,\u201d as indicated above.<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
The following sentence appeared in a paper dealing with robotic technology:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u4eba\u9593\u306e\u80fd\u529b\u3092\u8d85\u3048\u305f\u30cf\u30a4\u30d1\u30d2\u30e5\u30fc\u30de\u30f3\u6280\u8853\u3092\u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/i>\u305f\u3081\u306b\u306f\u3001\u307e\u305a<\/u>\u4eba\u9593\u306e\u80fd\u529b\u305d\u306e\u3082\u306e\u3092\u7684\u78ba\u306b\u628a\u63e1<\/u>\u3057\u3066\u304a\u304f<\/u>\u5fc5\u8981\u304c\u3042\u308b\u3002<\/span>   <\/span>(6)<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
In this instance the direct object of \u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> is \u30cf\u30a4\u30d1\u30d2\u30e5\u30fc\u30de\u30f3\u6280\u8853<\/span>, which we may safely translate as \u201chyper-human technology.\u201d A student provided the following translation:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cIn order to materialize<\/i> hyper-human technology that exceeds human abilities, it is necessary to accurately grasp<\/u> human abilities themselves.\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
This student rendered \u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> as \u201cmaterialize.\u201d The verb \u201cmaterialize\u201d is a valid word, but this is not the proper context for its use. Among other tasks we may \u201cdevelop\u201d technology, we may \u201cadvance\u201d technology, we may \u201crefine\u201d technology, and we may \u201cemploy\u201d technology, but we do not \u201cmaterialize\u201d technology. The writer\u2019s use of \u305f\u3081\u306b<\/span> suggests that \u30cf\u30a4\u30d1\u30d2\u30e5\u30fc\u30de\u30f3\u6280\u8853\u3092\u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> is a goal or an objective to be reached in the future. The use of the connective form (\u628a\u63e1\u3057\u3066<\/span>) and the auxiliary verb \u304a\u304f<\/span> indicates that this action (\u628a\u63e1\u3059\u308b<\/span>) is being carried out in order to attain some future objective. The introductory word \u307e\u305a<\/span> places emphasis on the necessity (\u5fc5\u8981<\/span>) of carrying out this action \u201cfirst\u201d in order to ultimately reach the stated objective. The verb \u628a\u63e1\u3059\u308b<\/span> often means \u201cto grip (something)\u201d or \u201cto grasp (something).\u201d The verb \u201cgrasp\u201d itself can refer either to the physical act of holding an object in one\u2019s hand or to the mental act of gaining a deep understanding of a concept or a situation. In this instance the writer is referring to a mental act, and that point should be made clear in the translation. A translation that incorporates all of these thoughts could read like this:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
*** Before<\/u> we can bring to reality\/commercialize\/successfully develop\/implement hyper-human technology\u2014technology that exceeds the capabilities of humans\u2014we must first<\/u> gain<\/u>a detailed understanding<\/u> of those very capabilities. ***<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
Based on the content of the sentence alone any one of the four alternatives provided here for \u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> would be reasonable. Careful reading of the entire paragraph in which this sentence appears would be needed in order to determine which of the alternatives is best.<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
In this example we have seen the same verb (\u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span>) combined with three different direct objects, and we have chosen a different translation for \u5b9f\u73fe\u3059\u308b<\/span> in each case. The range of possible translations for \u5b9f\u73fe<\/span> makes this word a useful tool for teaching students the importance of context in determining the intended meaning of a word or phrase.<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
Example 4: Level of emotion<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
A book about the Japanese economy contains the following sentence:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u3053\u308c\u3089\u3092\u7768\u307f\u3064\u3064<\/span><\/u>\u3001\u653f\u5e9c\u3001\u65e5\u9280\u3001\u6c11\u9593\u4f01\u696d\u306e\u666f\u6c17\u5206\u6790\u62c5\u5f53\u8005\u306f\u65e5\u3005\u982d\u3092\u60a9\u307e\u305b\u3066\u3044\u308b<\/i>\u3002<\/span>   <\/span>(7)<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
Two students offered the following translations:<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cWhile staring at these factors<\/u>, the government, the Bank of Japan and people from civilian companies in charge of analyzing the economy worry themselves<\/i> everyday.\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cWith this glaring down upon us<\/u>, economic analysts within the government, the Bank of Japan, or private businesses are troubled<\/i>on a daily basis.\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
The verb \u60a9\u307e\u305b\u308b<\/span> typically indicates \u201cdistress,\u201d \u201canxiety,\u201d or perhaps even \u201ctorment.\u201d The range of emotions covered by this verb is quite broad, but the specific expression \u982d\u3092\u60a9\u307e\u305b\u308b<\/span> suggests a level of emotional stress on the high end of this range\u2014much higher than these two translations indicate. The verb \u7768\u3080<\/span> could mean \u201cto glare at (someone)\u201d or \u201cto watch in a disapproving manner,\u201d but it could also mean \u201cto look intently at (something),\u201d \u201cto concentrate on (something),\u201d or simply \u201cto bear (something) in mind.\u201d The pronoun \u3053\u308c\u3089<\/span> refers to trends in economic indicators that the author had described in earlier sections. From the context we understand that it is through the process of analyzing these economic indicators that the \u666f\u6c17\u5206\u6790\u62c5\u5f53\u8005<\/span> are \u982d\u3092\u60a9\u307e\u305b\u3066\u3044\u308b<\/span>. The first student assumed that the \u666f\u6c17\u5206\u6790\u62c5\u5f53\u8005<\/span> work only for \u6c11\u9593\u4f01\u696d<\/span>, but the second student assumed that all three nouns (\u653f\u5e9c<\/span>, \u65e5\u9280<\/span>, and \u6c11\u9593\u4f01\u696d<\/span>) modify the topic. In fact, the government, the Bank of Japan and corporations employ economic analysts, so the second interpretation is probably correct. The second student misunderstood the direct object of the verb \u7768\u3080<\/span>, but the first student recognized that the analysts work with data. The first student translated \u6c11\u9593\u4f01\u696d<\/span> as \u201ccivilian companies,\u201d while the second student chose \u201cprivate businesses.\u201d Usually, the word \u201ccivilian\u201d is used in contrast to \u201cmilitary,\u201d but that distinction is not relevant in this instance. It is not clear whether the English phrase \u201cprivate businesses\u201d is intended to refer specifically to \u201cprivately held companies\u201d\u2014i.e., those companies whose stock is not traded on public exchanges\u2014or whether the student intended to encompass any non-governmental company or corporation. The term \u6c11\u9593\u4f01\u696d<\/span> usually carries the second meaning; a phrase such as \u201cthe private sector\u201d would eliminate any confusion in this regard. A translation that takes all of these features into account could read like this: <\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
*** Every day economic analysts in the government, the Bank of Japan, and the private sector rack their brains as they carefully watch these trends<\/u>. ***<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
(to be continued)<\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n
Jim Davis is <\/span>Professor and Director of the Technical Japanese Program in the Dept. of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/span><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Example 3: Making it real The word \u5b9f\u73fe is fundamentally associated with the process of converting an abstract entity (such as an idea or a concept) into a concrete entity (such as an object or a numerical result). Authoritative dictionaries offer meanings such as \u201crealization,\u201d \u201cattainment,\u201d \u201cactualization,\u201d \u201cmaterialization,\u201d and \u201cfruition,\u201d but the inherently broad range […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=138"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=138"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=138"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/JLD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}