LET360 owl LET360

English Translation Studies — LET Practice Questions

Translation Studies questions go deeper than basic translation — covering theorists (Nida, Newmark, Venuti), strategies, equivalence types, and the history of translation as a field.

12 reviewed questions on English Translation Studies — and over 800 across English Major overall — are available with a free LET360 account. Sign up free →

Sample questions with answers and explanations

Sample 1

What is the difference between TRANSLATION and INTERPRETATION?

Answer: A

TRANSLATION = converting WRITTEN text from one language to another. INTERPRETATION = converting SPOKEN language in real time (like at conferences). Both bridge languages but use different skills — translation has time to research; interpretation must be instant.

Tip: Translation = written. Interpretation = spoken/real-time.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • B. Both can be literal or creative depending on the type chosen.
  • C. Different — written vs spoken is the key split.
  • D. Speed isn't the defining difference.

Sample 2

Which translation approach is MOST appropriate for translating a children's story from English to Filipino?

Answer: B

Children's books require DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE. The goal is for Filipino kids to enjoy and understand the story the same way English-speaking kids did. That means adapting names ('Tom' might become 'Tomas'), idioms (US idioms become Filipino ones), and cultural references where needed.

Tip: When the stem says 'MOST appropriate,' match the answer to the audience or context the question highlights — not the most general-sounding option.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Literal would sound stiff and confuse children.
  • C. Defeats the purpose of translation.
  • D. Formal Filipino is too hard for children.

Sample 3

What is 'untranslatability' in translation theory?

Answer: B

UNTRANSLATABILITY = some words or concepts don't have a direct equivalent in another language. Example: Filipino 'kilig' (a specific romantic giddy feeling) has no single English word. 'Bayanihan' (community helping each other) needs a phrase to explain. Translators handle these via paraphrase, footnote, or borrowing.

Tip: Untranslatability = no perfect equivalent exists. Solutions: paraphrase, footnote, or borrow the original word.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Not about quitting.
  • C. Not specifically software-related.
  • D. Not about audience response.
Want all 12 questions on English Translation Studies plus timed practice tests?
Sign up free with Google →

Related topics