ProZ.com translation contests »
11th ProZ.com translation contest: "Contemporary society" » French to English

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Discussion about 11th ProZ.com translation contest: "Contemporary society" in French to English
Tom Weber
Tom Weber
United States
Local time: 19:53
French to English
A good literary contest needs to distinguish American from British English Feb 21, 2013

Most people would say that in literary translation the British and American versions will have to differ. I think it follows that it is hard to compare them on an absolute basis. More importantly, I think I would be as unsuited to judging a British translation as the Brits here were to judge an American one. Wouldn't it make more sense to have separate contests with separate judges? (This really leaps out with a text like this French one, with an American setting with its own terms that must... See more
Most people would say that in literary translation the British and American versions will have to differ. I think it follows that it is hard to compare them on an absolute basis. More importantly, I think I would be as unsuited to judging a British translation as the Brits here were to judge an American one. Wouldn't it make more sense to have separate contests with separate judges? (This really leaps out with a text like this French one, with an American setting with its own terms that must be used. But my suggestion is a general one, for all languages and all literary texts into English.) Maybe others have thoughts on this. ▲ Collapse
 
Clive Phillips
Clive Phillips  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 01:53
Member (2009)
German to English
+ ...
AE v BE Mar 5, 2013

Methinks Thomas has a point. Otherwise it's a tad like comparing chalk with cheese (two nations divided by a common language, and all that). Of course, there are many other flavours of English too - I am fascinated by Sri Lankan English (learned from my wife).

First time I've entered. Really enjoyed it although literary translation is not my normal cup of tea. Also learned much from some comments on my own and other renderings.

Thank you, everyone who contributed and Proz!
 

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