The Use Of Auxiliary Texts In Academic Translation

In recent years,texts have become an important reference tool for translators.This report explores the use of auxiliary texts in academic translation.Compared with parallel texts,auxiliary texts are of three types:previous translations,background texts,and parallel texts.This categorization has provided a more systematic and clearer guidance for translators.This translator uses auxiliary texts in her translation of two chapters from Cognitive Explorations of Translation(edited by Sharon O Brien).The two academic articles draw on many disciplines such as translation studies,cognitive science,psychology and even metaphorology,which make it difficult to understand the research methodology,choose the accurate expression in the target language,and decide on the formatting.This report discusses the way of utilizing auxiliary texts in academic translation to deal with these difficulties.This report describes the translation task and process,provides guidance to the application of auxiliary texts.It then illustrates with translation examples that(1)previous translations can be consulted to facilitate the translation,(2)background texts can be used for learning subject knowledge,and(3)parallel texts help adjust the formatting and select appropriate cultural and linguistic styles in the translation.This report presents a systematic approach to the application of auxiliary texts in academic translation,hoping to help translators make a better choice and use of auxiliary texts when they translate academic articles.