"Every sensible and rigorous theory of language shows that a
perfect translation is an impossible dream." (Umberto Eco in _Experiences
in Translation_, 2001)
To communicate exactly
what another has said, I would need not only to use the same words, but also
the same cadence, inflections, stances and facial expressions because all of
these influence and are part of the message communicated. And, this is just
what is necessary within a common language context; imagine 'translating' the
message into another language that does not share the same idioms, metaphors,
contexts, etc...!
Those who think that
translation is simply knowing "equivalent" vocabulary do not
understand the complexity of human language and human communication.
Because of this
complexity, language learning in a classroom setting has obvious and great
deficiencies. However...what is gained
in the classroom are the very important building blocks for real language
learning. On those building blocks of
basic vocabulary and 'canned' conversations second language students must
integrate 'real language' experience that comes through television news-casts
from the country (countries?) that speak the target language (to provide
contexts, connections, etc.), books--novels and texts--in the target language
(to provide structure, vocabulary and cadence), movies and TV shows in the
target language (to learn idioms, metaphors, common expressions), and popular
music in the target language (to learn flow and cadence). In addition to all these, the best elements
of language learning would be friendships with native speakers and experiences
on the ground in a country that speaks the target language.
Even after years of
classroom training, reading, writing and listening to the language, and time
spent 'in country,' one will always find gaps, spaces and questions regarding
the second language, but one will be ever closer to the real ability to
translate, to move between languages with confidence and grace.
Now...try to translate
this entry into your native language...and send me a copy!
~Jon~
jherrin65@gmail.com
