Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / No abstract available.

Thesis (MPhil (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Dictionaries are important and necessary resources for translators, but still translators have mixed feelings regarding especially bilingual dictionaries. On the one hand, they cannot really work without them, but on the other hand the dictionaries often give the translator little or no help. In this study, reasons are examined as to why bilingual dictionaries aren't a sufficient resource for professional translators with regard to the translation of idioms. During the study attention is given to the theories regarding and the approaches to translation. The focus falls specifically on three important methods of translation, namely the linguistic, text linguistic and functionalist approaches. The development of lexicography as discipline is also examined. The translation of idioms entails more than just the translation of single words. Attention is given to the attributes of idioms, as well as the problems and methods with which translators are confronted during the translation of idioms. Subsequently attention is also given to the current treatment of idioms in bilingual dictionaries as well as aspects such as presentation, equivalence, register and language structures. Based on the evidence of this a model is suggested for the improved treatment of idioms in bilingual dictionaries.

Thesis (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / During an interview, the author Rudolf Herter in Harry Mulisch’s novel Siegfried states that Hitler would only be comprehended if an imaginative experiment is conducted by capturing him in a net of fiction. This is indeed what Mulisch does in this novel. The combination of historical and fictional data resulting from this strategy is typical of the conventional historical novel, while Siegfried also manifests modernist characteristics. In this study, however, special attention is paid to aspects such as metafictionality, selfreflexivity, subjectivity and an emphasis on ideology which Siegfried shares with other postmodern historical novels, with specific reference to Linda Hutcheon’s view on historiographic metafiction and Lies Wesseling’s definition of uchronian fiction. The focus in this study lies, inter alia, on the ways in which Mulisch utilizes open spaces in history and fits the fictitious data like pieces into the puzzle of the history of the Second World War in general and specific events surrounding Hitler in particular. Mulisch’s play with autobiographical data in the novel further diminishes the boundaries between fact and fiction. Of particular importance is the metafictional statements about the nature of history which Mulisch delivers in the process. Not only the political side of history, but also its subjective and one-sided nature is emphasised. Finally a question is posed about Mulisch’s intentions and aspirations in writing another novel about Hitler, who as a character in this novel awakens sympathy on the one hand and on the other is demonized as inhuman with superhuman qualities. This demonstrates the problems involved in gaining insight into the real Hitler. My opinion is that, in the final instance, Mulisch intentionally magnifies the enigma surrounding Hitler in his characterization of the man who can be regarded as one of the most destructive people of the 20th century.

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 (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The primary objective of this thesis is to explore and analyse the structure of the crime novel / thriller in a practical manner – and subsequently develop an equally pragmatic, broad and useful guide which would potentially be of value to both reader and author of the genres. This tight and reductive focus has one important consequence: It will more or less ignore traditional literary theory, but the one obviously excludes the other.

Thesis (MPhil (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Often the task of translators/interpreters in the South African wine industry is hampered by insufficient data in dictionaries for general use. Information obtained from these dictionaries as important user instruments do not always come up to expectations for translation in the South African wine industry. General bilingual and explanatory dictionaries are compiled (in accordance with the typological instruction) for general use only. It therefore does not provide sufficient data for a limited field such as the above-mentioned industry. Inadequate data (data that is not field specific) and excessive data (because of general data supply) therefore necessitate the use of other sources for the sake of clearness. Making use of other sources is a time consuming process. Due to a too low frequency of use the omission of certain field specific words/terms from the mentioned dictionaries likewise creates problems for translators/interpreters. The result thereof is that translators'/interpreters' quest for very accurate dictionary definitions and translation equivalents is not satisfied. It is possible that translators cannot always meet deadlines for translation commissions resulting from the mentioned imperfections. In a competitive practice where translation accuracy and deadlines are formidable role-players, translators/interpreters in this industry need a dictionary that is the ideal user instrument. Such a dictionary can be a translator's dictionary with field specific, unambiguous and clear data that can significantly facilitate the task of translators/interpreters in the South African wine industry as such. Specific problems with recent general dictionaries come under investigation in this thesis. On grounds of the identified problems, recommendations are made for the compilation of a translator's dictionary for the South African wine industry.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / The purpose of this study was to attempt to ascertain the standard of interpreting services in the Western Cape Legislature. The study gives a brief overview of the legislation regarding language, and is furthermore underpinned by a literature review. The everelusive concept of quality in interpreting is also considered. The empirical component of the study encompassed interviews and open-ended discussions with language practitioners, interpreters and users, which in this case are the members of parliament. In addition, interpreters gave feedback on their training, working conditions and own experiences by means of a filling out a questionnaire. In terms of assessing the standard of service delivered, the users were asked to rate the service on eleven different levels, as derived from the literature and previous studies done by international scholars, again by filling out a questionnaire. The purpose hereof was to marry the literature with the outcomes of the data collected. The study concludes that there is much scope for improvement of the service that is currently rendered at the Western Cape Parliament. The reasons for this are in part due to a lack of understanding and awareness of what interpreting entails, as well as a lack of understanding of the value of a sound interpreting service. In addition, it appears that interpreters may benefit from training to ensure better delivery of service.

Thesis (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / In its Preface the WOORDEBOEK/WÖRTERBUCH claims to be suitable for both native and foreign speakers of Afrikaans and German. This study presents an evaluation of WOORDEBOEK/ WÖRTERBUCH to determine to what extent the dictionary can be regarded as a helpful and up-to-date tool for the user, whether he or she is a native or foreign speaker of the language pair treated in this dictionary. This ultimate aim is to determine to what degree WOORDEBOEK/WÖRTERBUCH can serve as a helpful tool in translation. Theoretically and methodically the study is based on the dictionary usage research by HE Wiegand, with the genuine purpose of the dictionary as the main principle. The genuine purpose of the dictionary forms the basis of the theoretical and practical analysis. The study contains a short overview of the development of WOORDEBOEK/WÖRTERBUCH from when it was first published as a monolingual dictionary for native speakers of Afrikaans who wanted to learn German in 1925 to the publication of the eighth edition in 1983, which claims to be a new and more effective source of information for both languages, to enable closer relations between South Africa and Germany. This is followed by a lexicographic discussion on the concepts underlying the planning of a dictionary, with the emphasis on lexicographic processes and lexicographic functions. The problematic issue of active and passive dictionaries is discussed, concluding with the preference for a dictionary orientated towards text production in the case of WOORDEBOEK/WÖRTERBUCH, which would enable translation from Afrikaans into German and vice versa. The problematic nature of equivalent relations is discussed in detail and forms the main focus of the empirical study and the practical study. The evaluation of WOORDEBOEK/WÖRTERBUCH is continued in the practical study, where the genuine purpose of the dictionary and the lexicographic functions are the main criteria. The empirical study analyses the actual problems target users have when consulting the dictionary in the context of the genuine purpose of the dictionary. The study is concluded with the statement that WOORDEBOEK/WÖRTERBUCH should be revised thoroughly and that this revision can only be successful if it is based on an up-to-date, representative corpus of both Afrikaans and German; and when the lexicographer is steered by the lexicographic functions and the needs of the target user, which determine the genuine purpose of the dictionary.

Thesis (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The aim of this study is to examine the rise of Afrikaans rock music and the literary status of Afrikaans rock lyrics, with Fokofpolisiekar as example. An investigation is done into how the specific sociopolitical context within which Afrikaans rock music developed manifests in lyrics and musical style. The implications of Afrikaans rock with regards to the identity of Afrikaner youth in the new millennium are also explored. A case study of the Afrikaans punk rock group Fokofpolisiekar is done by way of demonstration of this interdisciplinary and contextual investigation. Not only the formation and impact of the group are examined, but a considerable section of the thesis is dedicated to the analysis and interpretation of this group’s lyrics, which are viewed and explored from a literary point of view. In this process certain questions regarding the position of lyrics in the Afrikaans literary system comes under scrutiny. The analysis and interpretation of the lyrics of Fokofpolisiekar are therefore aimed towards examining the literary status of this group’s lyrics. It will be proved that the sociopolitical context within which Fokofpolisiekar’s lyrics came to be formulated, impacted on the character and themes thereof. The thematic struggle with issues like liberation (redemption) and identity in the lyrics are shown to bear relation to the sociopolitical context of the Afrikaner youth after the Afrikaner’s loss of power in 1994 and the postmodern condition at the turn of the millennium. This postmodern condition is characterized by the continuing fragmentation of identity. The conclusion is made that Afrikaans popular music sets up a space within which new ideas with regards to ‘truths’ of identity can be formulated. In other words, the punk rock music of Fokofpolisiekar offers an opportunity for the re-articulation of Afrikaner identity. By incorporating the polysistem theory (and other relevant theories) in investigating the creation and reception of Fokofpolisiekar’s lyrics, it is shown that the Afrikaans literary system holds a place for Afrikaans lyrics. Although similar, lyrics should not be regarded as synonymous to poetry. Seeing that the creation and reception thereof differs from that of other literary forms, I argue that lyrics are lyrics and should be regarded as such in order for it to come to its full right in literary study.

Thesis (MPhil (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / In this thesis the translating strategies of domestication and foreignisation in Antjie Krog’s anthology die sterre sê ‘tsau’ (2004) are investigated. A descriptive approach is followed in the analysis, with the main focus on Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) and the poststructuralist concept différance (Derrida 1982). The researcher states that Krog, in her translation of the /Xam narratives, 1) follows a foreignising strategy by moving the target reader towards the source text; 2) is visible as translator as a result of her use of annotations, for example; and 3) that, in addition to foreignisation, she moves the source text towards the target reader by domesticating towards her own poetic style. The introductory chapter is followed by a discussion of those translational models relevant to the analysis. The discussion focuses on Venuti’s (1995) model of domestication/ foreignisation, as well as on some aspects of deconstruction and différance. Lambert and Van Gorp’s (1985) descriptive model is expounded as the primary model for the analysis of the anthology. The following chapter involves a literary historic overview of the language and culture of the /Xam in order to fully contextualise both the source and target texts. In the following chapter the most relevant aspects of Krog’s poetics and translational strategy are discussed as far as they coincide with the main argument of the thesis. In the practical part of the thesis five poems from the anthology are discussed on macro-, micro- and systemic level in order to establish Krog’s translational strategy as well as the presence in the translation of her poetic style. In the final chapter the extent to which the findings in the analysis correspond to the hypothesis is concluded.