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Craft and StructureVery hardTwo views on a translator's fidelity

Craft and Structure practice question

Text 1 The new translation is unfaithful: whole sentences of the original have no counterpart in the English, and others appear that the author never wrote. Text 2 The original's sentences are built on puns and rhythms that English cannot carry word for word. Where the translator drops a sentence, she supplies its effect elsewhere; the book is faithful to what the original does, if not to what it says.

Which choice best describes the disagreement between the texts?

  1. A. They disagree about whether fidelity in translation means matching the original's words or reproducing its effects.Correct
  2. B. They disagree about whether the translation is in English.
  3. C. Text 2 denies that any sentences were dropped.
  4. D. Text 1 praises the translation's rhythm.

Answer: A. They disagree about whether fidelity in translation means matching the original's words or reproducing its effects.

Words against effects.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. They disagree about whether the translation is in English.
Both discuss the English.
C. Text 2 denies that any sentences were dropped.
Text 2 admits dropped sentences.
D. Text 1 praises the translation's rhythm.
Text 1 calls it unfaithful.

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