Literal and Idiomatic Translation

Nov 25, 2008

Literal and Idiomatic Translation

What is literal Translation?

Literal translation or form-based translation attempt to follow the form of the source language.

What is idiomatic translation?

Idiomatic translation or meaning-based translations makes every effort to communicate the meaning of the source language text in the natural forms of the receptor language. The basic overriding principle is that an idiomatic translation reproduces the meaning of the source language (that is, the meaning intended by the original communicator) in the natural form of the receptor language.

Read also Goal of Translation