Trends in mechanical translation are reviewed briefly, and difficulties in selecting appropriate equivalencies are cited. Decisions dependent upon real world knowledge rather than dictionary equivalents and grammar are illustrated. (15 references) (LB)

Evaluates the use of oral translation as a second-language teaching activity. Shows that, with a proper regard for the principles of translation theory, translation can play a valuable role in second-language teaching and that translation should be an integral part of the language learning program. (HB)

A discussion of translation and second-language instruction looks at the difference between translation used as a tool for teaching a second language and professional translation. It is argued that an interpretive theory of translation necessarily underlies its teaching. (MSE)

Two studies compared the effects of imagery-based instruction and rote learning on the long-term recall of English translations of Chinese ideographs. In no instance was there any indication that imagery-based mnemonics conferred an advantage beyond the immediate test of recall. (27 references) (Author/LB)

Researchers planning to use a Spanish translation of the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist with a primarily Puerto Rican population found that it had been designed for Cuban speakers of the language and, therefore, decided to develop a new translation. Suggests the need to be sensitive to the differences in vocabulary among Hispanic subcultures.…

While the usual uses of dictionaries in second-language learning (decoding and direct translation) are often nonproductive, there are good reasons for teaching dictionary use to language students. The dictionary is an interesting and essential resource, and a tool for lifelong learning. (MSE)

Analyzes Herbert C. Hoover's translation of the "De Re Metallica" in the context of the 1922 Mine Strikes. Claims Hoover's interest in Agricola's "intellectual achievements" may have been more than technical. Demonstrates how technical documents reflect political ideologies. (NH)

Gathering qualitative data on ethnic elders through different kinds of interviews (conversational, guided, and standardized open ended) raises certain questions about using native-speaking interviewers, translators, or bilingual researchers and ensuring that interviewers understand the cultural context. (SK)

Describes the Spanish translation and field testing of the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation, Preschool Edition, which assesses social competence, affective expression, and adjustment difficulties in children aged 2.5-6.5. Field tests with 639 children showed that the Spanish version has satisfactory reliability and internal consistency…

Describes an exercise to help students understand the difference between expressive and neutral text. Examines issues of translation (the author's style, mixed levels of expression from the colloquial to the professional, different norms in the source and target languages) as a means of doing so. (SR)

Reports on two projects dedicated to the compilation of a basic French vocabulary list, the translation of this list into five European languages, and the publication of the results as an electronic reference book for teachers and learners of French as a second language. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the effect of recent developments (particularly globalization and advances in technology) on the production and perception of language, and on translation and the job profile of translators. Two conflicting forces of "globalism" and "tribalism" are presented and set off against the sociological concept of cultural…

This debate is part of a larger discussion on the effect of recent developments (particularly globalization and advances in technology) on the production and perception of language and focuses on assessing the quality of source texts and target texts in translation, the nature of translation versus the changing job profile of the translator, the…

This response to an article on the effect of recent developments (particularly globalization and advances in technology) on the production and perception of language focuses on several issues concerning the evolving role of the translator in today's society. Provides examples from the experiences of a university teacher-researcher and freelance…

This response to an article on the effect of recent developments (particularly globalization and advances in technology) on the production and perception of language argues that the two opposing directions of globalization and tribalism can be equally related to what is going on within the discipline of translation studies. (Author/VWL)