ERIC Number: ED340249
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1991-Aug
Pages: 10
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Problems of Translation of Judeo-Spanish Texts.
Zucker, George K.
Problems in the translation of Judeo-Spanish texts go beyond the problems normally associated with translation. Aside from near-native control of two languages, the translator must have knowledge of vocabulary that is not completely Spanish and an understanding of the unique orthographic history of the Judeo-Spanish dialect. There are Spanish words that have a different meaning in Judeo-Spanish, creating potential for confusion. In addition, Judeo-Spanish vocabulary has been derived from many other languages, including Greek, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Serbo-Croatian, Turkish, Hebrew, French, and English. Regional variations in Judeo-Spanish also occur. In some cases, words from two languages have become fused to create a new form. The writing system presents problems for translation because until the 18th century, the Hebrew alphabet was often used even to write Spanish texts, with adjustments for elements occurring in Spanish but not in Hebrew. Representation in the Roman alphabet is difficult. Ideally, it requires selection of a single set of orthographic conventions but historically and currently, transcription systems vary. Diacritic markings, common in Spanish, are uncommon in English. The translator must be able to use and justify a transcription system when necessary. (MSE)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (73rd, Chicago, IL, August 7-11, 1991).