Translation as a Subjective and Creative Act: Choices and Constraints

This paper starts with the assumption that translation is neither a transference nor a replacement of one word or symbol in one language with a word or symbol in another It is a matter of choice selecting the most appropriate or equivalent form to the original This paper argues that translators subjectivity and creativity play a significant role in striking a balance between what is accurate and what is acceptable during the translation process Although translation is based on the source text its outcome depends essentially on the translator s own realization and perception of the text Therefore it may be difficult to approach translation from decoding and encoding perspectives because words and phrases change over the years However at the heart of the translation process there is the translator s free will which determines the outcome and quality of the text to be translate

The Role of Formative Assessment in Translation Classes

The use of formative assessment to measure up student’s learning has been on the rise, simply because formative assessment aims at gaining a better understanding of what students know and learn. One of the objectives of this paper is to theoretically argue that, unlike summative strategies of teaching, formative assessment if and when utilized correctly and appropriately in the classroom, can help students understand the subject-matter taught much better and help teachers adjust their teaching strategies. Examples will be taken from an actual translation classroom and examined to see which of those teaching strategies are more conducive to student learning. The types of formative assessment that will be subjective to examination are questioning, discussions, peer evaluation, students’ presentations, quizzes, awareness of student background, etc. The paper also argues that through classroom discussion, teachers’ observations and students’ feedback, formative assessment has advantages and using formative assessment becomes an effective tool for students learning