Techno-scientific terms omitted from translation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the omission of the terms "visible light interference" and "the non-visible spectrum" from the English translation of a Chinese sci-fi novel. Participants explore the implications of this omission in the context of radio and optical astronomy, examining the technical accuracy and clarity of the translation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the omission is likely a personal choice by the translator.
  • Another participant provides an explanation that the omitted terms have minimal relevance to radio astronomy, as the wavelengths of visible light differ significantly from those used in radio observations.
  • This participant also argues that the term "non-visible light bands" is too broad and that omitting it does not affect the scientific descriptions.
  • Some participants express that the translation is easier to understand compared to a more faithful version, particularly for those with some knowledge of optical and radio astronomy challenges.
  • Concerns are raised about the intelligibility of overly faithful translations, which may obscure meaning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of the translation choices. While some believe the omission enhances clarity, others may see value in retaining the original terms for technical accuracy. No consensus is reached regarding the necessity of the omitted terms.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge a lack of knowledge regarding the correct technical terms in Chinese, which may influence their perspectives on the translation's fidelity and clarity.

louislaolu
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TL;DR Summary: Why were the two terms "visible light interference" and "the non-visible spectrum" omitted from the translation?

I am doing a contrastive study of a Chinese sci-fi novel and its English translation.

The following is a more faithful translation of the original:
The initial considerations were purely technical. Unlike traditional astronomy, radio astronomy didn’t have as many demands on atmospheric quality and visible light interference, but required minimal electromagnetic interference on the non-visible spectrum.

The actual English translation is as follows:
The initial considerations were purely technical. Unlike traditional astronomy, radio astronomy didn’t have as many demands on atmospheric quality, but required minimal electromagnetic interference.

Could anyone please tell me why the translator omitted the terms "visible light interference" and "the non-visible spectrum"?
 
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Personal choice by the translator, I should think.
 
Thanks!

The following is an explanation I found:
The translator has omitted "visible light interference" and "non-visible light bands" from translation, as the wavelengths of visible light are several orders of magnitude different from those used in radio astronomical observations, and have almost no impact on the latter. Moreover, "non-visible light bands" has a too broad a scope, being too general, and omitting it has no impact on the relevant scientific descriptions.

Do you think it makes sense?
 
louislaolu said:
The following is an explanation I found:
The translator has omitted "visible light interference" and "non-visible light bands" from translation, as the wavelengths of visible light are several orders of magnitude different from those used in radio astronomical observations, and have almost no impact on the latter. Moreover, "non-visible light bands" has a too broad a scope, being too general, and omitting it has no impact on the relevant scientific descriptions.
I think the translation is far easier to understand than the "more faithful" translation. At least for someone with a little understanding of the problems of optical and radio astronomy. The bane of (terrestrial) optical astronomy is air turbulence (leading to the "sparkling" of stars and blurred photographic images), whereas in radio astronomy a severe problem is interference from all sorts of electrical devices.

I have no idea of the correct technical terms in Chinese. They may circumscribe something imported from another language. A too "faithful" translation can turn out to be barely intelligible.
louislaolu said:
Do you think it makes sense?
Yes.
 
WernerQH said:
I think the translation is far easier to understand than the "more faithful" translation. At least for someone with a little understanding of the problems of optical and radio astronomy. The bane of (terrestrial) optical astronomy is air turbulence (leading to the "sparkling" of stars and blurred photographic images), whereas in radio astronomy a severe problem is interference from all sorts of electrical devices.

I have no idea of the correct technical terms in Chinese. They may circumscribe something imported from another language. A too "faithful" translation can turn out to be barely intelligible.

Yes.
Thank you for the very useful reply!
 

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