Translation: Some of the problems of terminology and syntax
Abstract
In this report various texts on the history of Basque translation are analyzed, in order to study the lexis, certain relative clauses and the accuracy in respect to the original text. At the same time we will see the different answers given to these problems throughout history.
Looking back, we can say that in the field of terminology the dictionary by Silvain Povreau (c.l 17), for its modern approach, however the "trilingual Dictionary" by Manuel de Larramendi, meant a step back, because of its neologisms and invented terms. The critics did not do any better. Still today neologisms are taboo, in answer, there have been people who have gone to the other extreme. with a clear abuse of borrowing.
With respect to relative clauses, a problem arises, the so called "romance", condemmed by many as not authentic basque. It is undeniably and undoubtely very convenient for writers and translator, as well as being necessary.
For the breakdown of the text (a letter to Luis de Borbon, 1803, translation by Bicenta Mogel, The decrete of Usurbil, 1888, a technical text from the time of the civil war, and a current law), the implication is that even to this day cofusion exists in the field of terminology. As said by Koldo Mitxelena 'It won't be easy to find, across this wide world, a lexical tradition more disjointed than ours, confusion intricately mixed with fantasy and reality'. In this way we can see that both extreme tendencies exist: the purist which does not accept copies and those who hardly use anything else. Also in syntax, the relative clauses carry on causing problems. Lastly with respects to originality, it is clear that the translation of technical texts is compelled to be as accurate as possible, which forces us to abanndon some of the myths of pure written Basque.
