unnecessary words -issue of direct translation I

A difficult challenge in translation is conveying the sense of the original text, rather than simply rendering it word for word. In other words, something that makes a lot of sense in Korean could sound redundant and awkward in English. The following is some of the common mistakes I have seen in essays written by Koreans.

• Korea is making (its) efforts to help developing countries: If Korea makes certain efforts, it is obvious that those efforts are "Korea's" efforts. You don't need to say "its" here.

• If medical costs continue to increase rapidly (as they do now), they will crush household and business budgets: If something "continues," it implies that the current state lasts. So you don't need to say "as they do now" here.

• (Nowadays) A major debate is going on over the government's budget deficit: If a debate is "going on," it is obvious that the debate is currently underway. So you don't need to state "nowadays."

But if you are trying to compare and contrast the past and the present, emphasizing the differences, you can use "nowadays." Take a look at the following:

• The hulking Chrysler stamping plant that once employed thousands will shut down forever in June, and the 400 or so workers left will scatter in search of a paycheck. The plant's slow death has spread throughout the town. As fewer workers stopped by for lunch, the Bob Evans down the block shed waitresses. Faced with declining revenue, the mayor laid off firefighters and raised taxes. Nowadays, the chattering old ladies who used to raid the candy shop for their grandchildren don't drop in anymore (April 19, 2010, New York Times)

Here, the author is highlighting the changes in the town by using "nowadays."


My advice: Once you finish a preliminary translation from Korean to English, do not just compare the Korean text and the English translation, but read your translation and see if it sounds natural in itself as well.

Another post on the issue of direct translation will follow shortly!