Scan barcode
rclairel's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, an excellent look at the facets, interpretations, history, and applications of translation that you never even knew existed. Really, it's a book about translation through the eyes of linguistics - especially semantics. Without any knowledge of semantic or linguistic terminology, it might be a somewhat confusing read at times. Nevertheless, it's definitely accessible for the average, determined reader.
n_i_o's review against another edition
4.0
It was the title (and the amusing chapter names) that drew me to this book on translation. These led me to expect an easy read with an anecdotal content but it turned out to be rather more wonderful than I expected and offered not only wit but also a coherent narrative.
The central question the book of the book is not 'what is translation' (if that were the case I would still be reading now)instead it explores what it is that translation does. The author never loses himself in philosophical debates instead he uses the almost 400 pages of his book wisely to debunk commonsensical ideas about translation. And since David Bellos is not only a professor but also an experienced translator in his own right he can easily offer the reader both (practical) examples and anecdotes to support his arguments. This makes the book not only interesting in an academic sense but also a pleasure to read for someone who, like me, knows very little about translation.
Btw: I loved the 'afterbabble: in lieu of an epilogue' which discusses the way we normally look upon language diversity and why this makes no sense.
bekkabergamot's review against another edition
4.0
Rating this at a 3.5.
An intriguing look at language and translation. I used this for reference and scholarly purposes. Definitely worth considering if you are interested in translation and what that subject encompasses.
An intriguing look at language and translation. I used this for reference and scholarly purposes. Definitely worth considering if you are interested in translation and what that subject encompasses.
hedonismbookbot's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished my MA in history with a focus on historic preservation and I saw many parallels between my work and translation.
Questions of shared reality and differences in perception shape the stories we tell in historiographies.
Additionally, a good translation relies on cultural knowledge beyond just the text and proper understanding of a historical item requires context as well.
Questions of shared reality and differences in perception shape the stories we tell in historiographies.
Additionally, a good translation relies on cultural knowledge beyond just the text and proper understanding of a historical item requires context as well.
atschakfoert's review against another edition
3.0
Very interesting but a bit dry. It reminded me very much of the textbooks I read for classes in college, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It just makes it near impossible to read more than a chapter at a time without falling asleep.
cjdavey's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating and enlightening. Written very much from the translator's perspective, it's less thought-provoking than [b:Mouse or Rat?: Translation as Negotiation|10525|Mouse or Rat? Translation as Negotiation|Umberto Eco|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348773986s/10525.jpg|388362], preferring a methodical, more technical approach - but it's still well worth reading.