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What can be lost in translating a concept?

Translations can preserve a useful relation while changing associations and distinctions.

Languages & linguisticsTopic · Selected readingSome background helpful
Background and goal

Try the short introduction first, or bring equivalent reading experience. Obtain the specified text before beginning the longer reading.

Compare two translations of one short passage, keeping a record of one term that shifts meaning.

Useful preparation

Start here if the background is new. Equivalent experience is enough.

Your pathway

5 steps · 14 hours
  1. 01

    Locate the reading

    0.25h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    First fifteen minutesCheck the edition or article version and locate the passages below. Write the question you want the reading to resolve.
    Your outputEdition and passage record
  2. 02

    Study the opening

    4h · week 1
    Introduction to Linguistics

    David Pesetsky · course

    Course notes on semantics; use one publicly available bilingual passage for the comparison

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Introduction to Linguistics. Translations can preserve a useful relation while changing associations and distinctions.

    Try thisRead Course notes on semantics; use one publicly available bilingual passage for the comparison. Reconstruct the central argument using premises and a conclusion.
    Your outputArgument reconstruction
    Check your understanding

    Answer this question in your own words: What can be lost in translating a concept?

    Hint

    Name the claim, then explain why a reader might accept it.

    Compare with an example answer

    Translations can preserve a useful relation while changing associations and distinctions.

    What to look for

    • States a claim that addresses the question
    • Connects the claim to a passage or observation
    • Separates the author’s argument from personal agreement

    Common mistake: Summarising a biography instead of explaining the argument.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  3. 03

    Read for contrast

    5h · week 2
    Introduction to Linguistics

    David Pesetsky · course

    Course notes on semantics; use one publicly available bilingual passage for the comparison

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Introduction to Linguistics. Translations can preserve a useful relation while changing associations and distinctions.

    Try thisRead Course notes on semantics; use one publicly available bilingual passage for the comparison. Compare two passages that put pressure on your initial interpretation.
    Your outputTwo-passage comparison
  4. 04

    Develop an example

    3h · week 3
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisCompare two translations of one short passage, keeping a record of one term that shifts meaning.
    Your outputWorked example
    Check your understanding

    What would make your activity a convincing example?

    Hint

    Compare two translations of one short passage, keeping a record of one term that shifts meaning.

    Compare with an example answer

    A useful response carries out the task: Compare two translations of one short passage, keeping a record of one term that shifts meaning. It records the observation or passage used and explains how it bears on the question.

    What to look for

    • Completes the specific task
    • Shows evidence or reasoning rather than only a conclusion
    • Identifies an alternative explanation or reading

    Common mistake: Presenting an opinion without showing the example it rests on.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  5. 05

    Write a considered response

    1.75h · week 4
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisWrite a response to “What can be lost in translating a concept?” that uses both passages and tests its own conclusion. One translation difficulty does not prove communication across languages is impossible.
    Your outputReasoned response with references
    Check your understanding

    What is one conclusion this reading does not establish?

    Hint

    Test the boundary: One translation difficulty does not prove communication across languages is impossible.

    Compare with an example answer

    One translation difficulty does not prove communication across languages is impossible.

    What to look for

    • States a specific limit
    • Explains why the reading does not warrant the stronger conclusion
    • Distinguishes a limitation from dismissing the work

    Common mistake: Treating a useful interpretation as an unrestricted fact.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

All 1 resources

Background, different viewpoints, and further reading.

  • Introduction to Linguistics

    David Pesetskycoursecore

    Translations can preserve a useful relation while changing associations and distinctions.

    Course notes on semantics; use one publicly available bilingual passage for the comparison