Thesis (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / This study examines the quality of translated study material at the University of Stellenbosch and the way in which professional translators can improve the quality thereof. The focus was on the Arts Faculty and specifically translated material found on WebCT. The new Language Policy of the University of Stellenbosch stresses that language services such as translation must play an important role in bringing about a multilingual culture for learning. The problem is that people with little or no training in translation, such as lecturers, take it on themselves to translate the study material. The result is substandard study material and students who are being adversely affected. Chapter 2 discusses the newly implemented Language Policy and Language Plan of the University and the way in which both see the role of translation. It also discusses a Language Survey done at the University to ascertain the extent of translation. Chapter 3 examines different approaches to the translation of more technical documents whereas Chapter 4 analyses various translations on WebCT. A random choice of five translated texts is taken and given to professional editors to analyse and suggest ways in which to better the material. Chapter 5 compare a linguistic and functionalistic translation of the same source text to see which one students in a random test sample prefer. The aim is to see whether functionalist translations really are better than linguistic translations done by an untrained translator. The results of the study show that there are a lot of problems with existing translations and that professional translators do not only improve the quality of translated materials but are also preferred by students. The conclusion is that the University of Stellenbosch must realise the need for professional translators and should promote their use.

Thesis (MPhil (Afrikaans and Dutch))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The principal aim of this research is to study the translation of dialects within the framework of the translation theoretical framework and to determine the challenges and the fundamentals of successful translation. This is especially important, since the focus will be on the translation of dialects of three related standard languages: Afrikaans and English: Kaapse Afrikaans and German: Schwäbisch and Berlinisch. The prerequisites for the process of rendering these dialects accessible, is not to be underestimated, as they include a sound and reliable knowledge of the standard languages of the particular dialects, especially in the case German, as well as a at least two of the vast variety of dialects. It is furthermore necessary to undertake a short but thorough study of the origin of the standard language German to determine which influences it had been exposed to. The relation and interaction between the author, translator and the reader are of the utmost importance. The translator is subjected to demanding challenges; these challenges should not be under-estimated. During the translation process the translator takes on the role of an interpreter and mediator of the source text. It is imperative that the translator should be aware of the theoretical aspects of translating as well as dialectology. These aspects are discussed extensively. The two dialects, Mundarten, which had been selected as examples are Schwäbisch and Berlinisch (from the federal states Baden-Württemberg and Brandenburg). Various aspects were discussed such as the linguistic, traditional characteristics of the dialects, their natural speakers as well as their love for and dedication to their own language. The translation of these aspects opens up a cultural world that would otherwise remain unknown and inaccessible. Numerous practical examples have been used, amongst which, a children’s story in rhyme. Translations were done from German as a source language to Afrikaans and Cape Afrikaans as target languages, also from Schwäbisch and Berlinisch as source languages to Afrikaans and Cape Afrikaans as target languages. Some examples were done from Cape Afrikaans as a source language to English, German and Afrikaans as target languages. Some cultural content and emotional value might be lost during the translation process, especially when it is done across cultural barriers. It remains possible, however, that the translator will be able to convey and communicate the message of the author in an accurate, convincing and sensitive way. A well-known juvenile story by a French author was used as an example to compare nine different German dialects. The German translation of the text has been used since the dialects under discussion are German dialects and the original French text would have served no purpose. The text is still translated and published in German dialects, although not all could be consulted. (Full details are in the BRONNELYS.) Sections of the text are given in the particular dialect, then in German and in Afrikaans (personal manuscript). This was done to indicate the differences and similarities of words, expressions and idiomatic similarities with standard Afrikaans. Because of the volume of this chapter, it was decided to include it as an Appendix. Additional information is given in the APPENDICES regarding the large variety of German dialects, the Germanic origin of English, whether Yiddish is a German dialect (as is alleged by a publisher) and a light-hearted look at the skylarking with traditional customs of dialect speakers.