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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2048 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Claassen, Vasti |
| Contributors | Feinauer, A. E., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Afrikaans and Dutch. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | Afrikaans |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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