- Published: November 17, 2021
- Updated: November 17, 2021
- University / College: University of Reading
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 36
Translation and Culture History al Affiliation: I studied translation during my undergraduate years. The intensively engaged all the students by having them translate numerous technical articles. As students advanced through the course, they were required to translate poems, novels and short stories while maintaining the original writer’s message. In order for the students to master the techniques employed in these advanced classes, we were required to take a culture class. Most of the content that was to be translated originated from British and American history, and as such we had to study their culture extensively. This experience had one distinct lesson, in order for one to understand a culture, they have to look at the history of that culture to fully understand and appreciate the customs of the given culture that makes it unique from the rest.
The course explored the adventures of Christopher Columbus that led to the discovery of America. This goes through the interaction of the settlers and the native Indians, and how these interactions led to the massacre of the native tribes. It goes further to depict the roots of slavery and slave trade that was perpetrated by sending scores of criminals and minor religions to the New World. This serves to prove that by studying and researching the history of a people’s culture, one can develop an understanding of the development of their language. By learning the different idioms, we were able to connect these idioms to the values embedded within the foundation of the culture.
This course was essential in helping me develop a broader perspective of different cultures. By understanding the fundamental values of different cultures, I have been able to appreciate each culture as unique to itself. By appreciating these different cultures, I have developed a deeper understanding of relating and communicating with different individuals.
References
Elliot, S. S., & Boer, R. (2012). Ideology, Culture, and Translation. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature.
Faull, K. M. (2004). Translation and Culture. Lewisburg: Bucknell University Press.
