ElecEn2 Translation prior knowledge, context, and experience. This meaning is
then reorganized and re-encoded into the target language.
Classification of Translation The process is not linear but dynamic, often involving
Translation is a complex process that goes beyond the constant revision and problem-solving.
mere substitution of words from one language to another. This approach highlights factors such as:
It involves interpreting meaning, context, culture, and form. • The translator’s language proficiency
Scholars have proposed various ways to classify • Cognitive load and processing speed
translation based on how meaning is transferred and how • Attention and working memory
language functions are handled. This chapter discusses • The influence of bilingual competence
three major classifications of translation: Semiotic, Psycho-linguistic translation also explains why different
Psycho-linguistic, and Genre-stylistic translation. translators may produce different translations of the same
text. Individual differences in cognition, interpretation, and
A. Semiotic Translation linguistic intuition affect translation choices. Errors in
Semiotic translation is grounded in semiotics, the study of translation may occur due to cognitive overload,
signs and symbols and how they create meaning. This misinterpretation, or interference from the translator’s first
classification was notably advanced by Roman Jakobson, language.
who emphasized that translation involves interpreting signs Overall, psycho-linguistic translation underscores
rather than simply transferring words. translation as a human cognitive activity, stressing the
Semiotic translation recognizes that meaning is importance of training, experience, and mental strategies in
communicated not only through language but also through achieving accurate and meaningful translations.
symbols, images, sounds, gestures, and cultural signs. In
this sense, translation may occur across different sign C. Genre-Stylistic Translation
systems, not just between languages. For example, turning Genre-stylistic translation classifies translation according to
a written poem into a song, or adapting a novel into a film, the type of text and its stylistic features. This approach
involves translating verbal signs into non-verbal or mixed recognizes that different genres serve different
sign systems. communicative purposes and therefore require distinct
Jakobson identified three types of semiotic translation: translation strategies.
1. Intralingual translation – rewording or In genre-stylistic translation, the translator considers the
paraphrasing within the same language. function, tone, structure, and stylistic conventions of the
2. Interlingual translation – translation from one source text. For example, translating a legal document
language to another. requires precision and formality, while translating a poem
3. Intersemiotic translation – translation from verbal demands attention to imagery, rhythm, and emotional
signs to non-verbal signs (e.g., text to image, impact. A journalistic text, on the other hand, prioritizes
drama, or music). clarity and immediacy.
Semiotic translation highlights the importance of cultural Common genres include:
context and shared systems of meaning. A translator must • Literary texts (poetry, fiction, drama)
understand how signs function in both the source and • Scientific and technical texts
target cultures. Failure to interpret cultural signs accurately • Legal and administrative documents
may lead to mistranslation or loss of meaning. Thus, • Journalistic and media texts
semiotic translation emphasizes interpretation, meaning • Religious and philosophical texts
negotiation, and cultural literacy as essential components The primary goal of genre-stylistic translation is to preserve
of the translation process. the communicative function and stylistic effect of the
original text rather than strictly adhering to its linguistic
B. Psycho-linguistic Translation form. This may require adaptation, restructuring, or even
Psycho-linguistic translation focuses on the mental and creative reformulation to ensure that the translated text
cognitive processes involved in translating. This sounds natural and appropriate in the target language.
classification views translation as an activity that takes Genre-stylistic translation highlights the translator’s role as
place in the translator’s mind, involving perception, a cultural and stylistic mediator, capable of adjusting
comprehension, memory, decision-making, and language language choices to meet the expectations of the target
production. audience while maintaining fidelity to the source text’s
From a psycho-linguistic perspective, translation begins purpose.
with understanding the source text, where the translator
decodes linguistic input and constructs meaning based on
then reorganized and re-encoded into the target language.
Classification of Translation The process is not linear but dynamic, often involving
Translation is a complex process that goes beyond the constant revision and problem-solving.
mere substitution of words from one language to another. This approach highlights factors such as:
It involves interpreting meaning, context, culture, and form. • The translator’s language proficiency
Scholars have proposed various ways to classify • Cognitive load and processing speed
translation based on how meaning is transferred and how • Attention and working memory
language functions are handled. This chapter discusses • The influence of bilingual competence
three major classifications of translation: Semiotic, Psycho-linguistic translation also explains why different
Psycho-linguistic, and Genre-stylistic translation. translators may produce different translations of the same
text. Individual differences in cognition, interpretation, and
A. Semiotic Translation linguistic intuition affect translation choices. Errors in
Semiotic translation is grounded in semiotics, the study of translation may occur due to cognitive overload,
signs and symbols and how they create meaning. This misinterpretation, or interference from the translator’s first
classification was notably advanced by Roman Jakobson, language.
who emphasized that translation involves interpreting signs Overall, psycho-linguistic translation underscores
rather than simply transferring words. translation as a human cognitive activity, stressing the
Semiotic translation recognizes that meaning is importance of training, experience, and mental strategies in
communicated not only through language but also through achieving accurate and meaningful translations.
symbols, images, sounds, gestures, and cultural signs. In
this sense, translation may occur across different sign C. Genre-Stylistic Translation
systems, not just between languages. For example, turning Genre-stylistic translation classifies translation according to
a written poem into a song, or adapting a novel into a film, the type of text and its stylistic features. This approach
involves translating verbal signs into non-verbal or mixed recognizes that different genres serve different
sign systems. communicative purposes and therefore require distinct
Jakobson identified three types of semiotic translation: translation strategies.
1. Intralingual translation – rewording or In genre-stylistic translation, the translator considers the
paraphrasing within the same language. function, tone, structure, and stylistic conventions of the
2. Interlingual translation – translation from one source text. For example, translating a legal document
language to another. requires precision and formality, while translating a poem
3. Intersemiotic translation – translation from verbal demands attention to imagery, rhythm, and emotional
signs to non-verbal signs (e.g., text to image, impact. A journalistic text, on the other hand, prioritizes
drama, or music). clarity and immediacy.
Semiotic translation highlights the importance of cultural Common genres include:
context and shared systems of meaning. A translator must • Literary texts (poetry, fiction, drama)
understand how signs function in both the source and • Scientific and technical texts
target cultures. Failure to interpret cultural signs accurately • Legal and administrative documents
may lead to mistranslation or loss of meaning. Thus, • Journalistic and media texts
semiotic translation emphasizes interpretation, meaning • Religious and philosophical texts
negotiation, and cultural literacy as essential components The primary goal of genre-stylistic translation is to preserve
of the translation process. the communicative function and stylistic effect of the
original text rather than strictly adhering to its linguistic
B. Psycho-linguistic Translation form. This may require adaptation, restructuring, or even
Psycho-linguistic translation focuses on the mental and creative reformulation to ensure that the translated text
cognitive processes involved in translating. This sounds natural and appropriate in the target language.
classification views translation as an activity that takes Genre-stylistic translation highlights the translator’s role as
place in the translator’s mind, involving perception, a cultural and stylistic mediator, capable of adjusting
comprehension, memory, decision-making, and language language choices to meet the expectations of the target
production. audience while maintaining fidelity to the source text’s
From a psycho-linguistic perspective, translation begins purpose.
with understanding the source text, where the translator
decodes linguistic input and constructs meaning based on
