Marián Kabát

In 2020 the first two courses on localization were introduced in Slovakia. During their preparatory stages, it was thought that they would be taught in person. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia had worsened by the end of the summer of 2020; teaching over both semesters was moved online and the syllabi had to be promptly adjusted to the new situation. Another change in the syllabi was required in the following academic year as teaching began in a hybrid format. The presented paper is a case study, and it will deal with the adjustments made to the courses; it will briefly introduce the first syllabi and then present the changes made after the switch to distance teaching and after the switch to hybrid teaching. The various parts of the syllabi are accompanied by statements from students that were gathered in an anonymous survey after each semester to see whether they were satisfied with the course and whether they understood the problems they had been dealing with. The results of the paper will discuss the changes, their positive and negative impact on the overall syllabi of the first two localization courses, and improvements and changes.

Software localization is an integral part of a business process as long as a company wants to sell their software products on a global scale. The purpose of the following article is to provide information about some key features of the development and publishing process that have a significant impact on digital game localization from English into Slovak. The selected features are based on a study by M. Kabát on localization aspects of non-gaming software that are here adapted to digital game localization, and on the author’s practical experience. Each key feature is briefly introduced and its impact on digital game localization is described. Where necessary, examples are provided. Other than presenting key features of digital game localization, the intent behind this paper is to spread information on digital game localization as I believe that, e.g., developers should be more informed on this topic to create more effective cooperation with localizers and in that way higher quality localization.

This article deals with two main points: localization theory in Slovakia and localization theory elsewhere. It opens with an introduction of localization and the basic concepts used in localization research (based on Jiménez-Crespo, 2019). It then presents several prominent theories and definitions as to what localization could be, summarizing them into one general theory. Following that, the article investigates localization research in Slovakia starting from the 1990s up to the present day; herein, more than twenty years of research are divided into four major periods. It shows that localization research in Slovakia has gained traction since 2017. The article can be divided into two parts presenting descriptive research on translation and localization theory in Slovakia and abroad. Its aim is to address the boundaries of localization, contribute to discussion on general localization theory, and present the situation concerning localization in Slovakia and local research. To do so, it works with various current as well as older sources on localization and translation theory.

This paper presents some initial insights into practical translation problems that can occur during agile localization. Although agile localization is not a novel approach to software localization, the range of oossible translation problems and their causes and solutions have not yet been described. In order to write this paper, an ad hoc monolingual English corpus made up of user interface strings of one agile localized software product was used. The corpus was analyzed string by string, and various causes of translation problems, mostly relating to lacking context, were identified. The paper presents and discusses sample cases of these problems. This paper tries to show that while agile localization can be used as an alternative to traditional localization, the development team must be open to cooperation with the localization team in order for agile localization to be successfully implemented; otherwise, problems will occur.

Available at: https://ojs.umb.sk/index.php/nfr/article/view/675
The paper focuses on terminology and neologisms and their typology in video games. It defines video games as a specialized type of communication and then presents three different types of discourse that take place in the video game industry. This is done in order to show that video game terminology varies and goes beyond a video game per se (e.g., terminology from technology or pop culture). Then the paper presents a video game terminology typology that is based upon a video game corpus made up of Minecraft (a corpus of 42,058 words) and its analysis, but it demonstrates relevant terminology from other video games as well. The point of this analysis is to show that video game terminology is very fluid and video games are a field where new words enter and leave the lexicon quite frequently. Yet video game terminology should still be studied as such classifications can help during the creation of terminology databases.

Agile localization, as a new type of localization is promising to be fast, flexible and free of any severe errors (Phrase 2020). Such claims need to be tested. The present article looks at a software product that was agile-localized. After an introduction of basic terminology (e.g. agile, waterfall) and a presentation of positives and negatives of agile localisation, the results of a comparative analysis of the English original and the Slovak localization of Pinterest app for Android. The analysis focuses on the factor of time, which plays the key role in agile localization. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be said that even agile localization is not without errors, since the human factor is present in this process as well.

The notion of localization has been examined by many scholars in Translation Studies (Benko and Rajčanová 1998; Esselink 2000; Pym 2001, 2004; Bernal- Merino 2006; O’Hagan and Mangiron 2013; Jiménez- Crespo 2018). Nonetheless, it seems that there is a divide in theoretical approaches to localization between the localization industry and Translation Studies scholars. The localization industry defines  translation only on a lexical level; it does not consider the shifts made due to things like cultural differences to be a part of the translation process, but rather sees it as an independent process conducted during localization. On the other hand, Translation Studies scholars have considered the problem of intercultural transfer as a relevant part of translation since the cultural paradigm shift in the 1980s. This different perspective on translation and localization is mainly visible in translation and localization agencies and associations. The Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA) defined localization as “taking a product and making it linguistically and culturally appropriate to the target locale […] where it will be used and sold” (Esselink 2000, 3). A quite similar definition of localization (albeit of literary texts) was given by Popovič (referencing Reiss 1971) as “an adaptation of thematic elements of the original connected with the locale of the original […] aiming to meet the conventions of the recipient” (1975, 278). In the Slovak Translation Studies tradition, we could call this “adaptation of thematic elements of the original” naturalization. The aim of this chapter is to analyze different theoretical sources dealing with translation and localization, and present relevant theories and descriptions by scholars and localization associations of what localization is and what translation is within it. The focus then shifts to proposing a context- based definition of localization
that would encompass both translation and culture. Such a definition could (at least to some extent) resolve the issues between the two clashing scholarly approaches to translation and localization.

Software terminology is affected by several different factors, such as videogame and non-videogame software, fast software development and expansion, software development in other than anglophone locales and languages, and specific terminologies created by companies that own a given software (Corbolante and Irmler 2001). Terminology in software localization is therefore increasingly dynamic. A thorough analysis and description of this dynamic is probably not possible, but it should be possible to at least create a comprehensive terminology database for the purposes of software localization. The aim of this article is to introduce a model for such a terminology database, as there is still one missing in Slovakia.

The work of Slovak Translation Studies scholars often deals with the competences of literary translators (e.g., Keníž 2018), translators of non-literary texts (e.g., Angelovičová 2018), and audiovisual translators (e.g., Paulínyová and Perez 2018). Not much focus is given to the competences of translators of software products (websites, software, and videogames), which is understandable given that localization does not get a lot of attention in Slovakia. The following article aims to be a contribution to the discourse on competences in Slovak Translation Studies, and it focuses on the translation of software products (localization). Firstly, it introduces competences from different fields of translation, and then it presents a set of competences of software translators. In doing so, it uses works by Mangiron and O’Hagan (2013) and Jimenez-Crespo (2013) as a foundation that is later confronted with practical issues from the present author’s own experience.

The paper deals with style guides in the process of localization. It explains their structure and contents. Eight main chapters of localization style guides were identified: Introduction, Company Voice, Content Types, Product-Related Information, Linguistic Information, Internationalization, Additional References and Updates. Furthermore, the paper also explains the main chapters of a videogame context document and information presented to translators in it, which are: Target Player, Formatting, Tone, Characters, World, Context Hints and Q&A. The aim of the paper is to pose as a foundation for further work in the process of teaching localization during university courses.

The paper examines the possibility of teachers of literary and non-literary translation writing their own texts that are then given to students of translation as assignments to translate at home and later checked and discussed with the teacher during classes. The author discusses several pros and cons of the writing process of such texts and then goes on to show several kinds of translation problems a teacher of translation can include in a literary and a non-literary text (e.g. terminology, cross-cultural differences, linguistic differences, charactonyms, word play, intertextual problems, text analysis, conventions, etc.). The stated examples are taken from his own texts that he created for the purpose of teaching literary and non-literary translation courses. He also adds possible steps the students can take in order to solve the given problems and a possible solution to them.

Predkladaný príspevok sa venuje premenným v kontexte prekladu a lokalizácie herného aj neherného softvéru a webových lokalít. Autor premenné definuje ako integrálnu súčasť softvérových produktov, s ktorými jednotlivé softvérové produkty pracujú na programovacej rovine. Zároveň premenné rozdeľuje do štyroch typov, ktoré postupne popisuje, vysvetľuje a ozrejmuje ich vplyv na výsledný preklad. Všetky prípady sú doplnené o názorné príklady s vysvetlivkami, ktoré problematiku premenných ilustrujú aj z praktickej stránky.

Príspevok sa zaoberá základmi lokalizácie neherného softvéru. Aktuálne v našom prostredí neexistuje práca, ktorá by sa systematicky zaoberala vlastnosťami lokalizácie. V príspevku sa medzi špecifikami spomínajú premenné, obmedzenie počtu znakov, fragmentácia textu, preklad naslepo a počas vývoja, celosvetové vydanie, nástroje CAT, testovanie, aktualizácie a štylistická príručka. V príspevku jednotlivé vlastnosti vysvetľujeme a uvádzame príklady.

The paper deals with basic concepts of software localization. As there is at the moment no work that would summarize the basic features of localization, the author made to be the main goal of this work. He mentions variables, character limits, text fragmentation, blind translation, translation during development, sim-ship, team work, CAT tools, testing, updates and style guides. The author explains these features and gives examples. It is important to mention that these features apply mostly to (non-gaming related) software localization.

Príspevok sa zameriava na krok procesu prekladu – tvorbu koncepcie. Autor koncepciu rozdeľuje na dve časti: formálnu a jazykovú. Na základe príkladov z knihy Duma Key of S. Kinga (slovenský preklad Marína Gálisová) autor oba typy koncepcie ilustruje na príkladoch. V závere príspevku sa autor zamýšľa na následkami, aké môžu vzniknúť pre nesprávne zvolenú koncepciu prekladu.

This paper studies the problems related a step of the whole translation process. The approach is split into two parts – formal and linguistic. The paper further presents examples from the book Duma Key by Stephen King and its Slovak translation by Marína Gálisová. In the final part, a conclusion about the problems that can arise if a translator chooses a wrong concept, whether formal or linguistic, is presented.

Príspevok sa zaoberá vynechávaním v preklade z pohľadu Slovenskej prekladateľskej školy. Autor uvádza niekoľko príkladov z prekladu knihy Boh múch od W. Goldinga (preklad J. Kot), na ktorých ilustruje následky vynechávania v preklade. V závere argumentuje, že vynechávanie nespôsobuje len stratu informácie, ale ochudobnenie čitateľa o estetický zážitok. Cieľom príspevku je aj varovať študentov pred následkami, aké môže mať vynechávanie v preklade.

This paper deals with translation by omission from the point of view of the Slovak Translation School. The author presents several passages from the original and the Slovak translation of the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding and tries to illustrate the results caused by omissions in the translation. In the end, he formulates that omissions do not only cause the loss of information, they also rob the reader of the atmosphere and of the specific traits of the characters. The main aim of the paper is to pose as a warning for students of translation and beginner translators and as a demonstration of the drastic effects omissions in translations can cause.

Príspevok sa zaoberá audiovizuálnym prekladom reality šou. Na Slovensku sa tento žáner dabuje metódou voice-over, čo prináša niekoľko výhod aj nevýhod. V príspevku sa venujeme niektorým prekladateľským problémom, s ktorými sme sa stretli počas našej praxe (hovorový jazyk, chýbajúce časti scenára, rozdiely medzi obrazovou a zvukovou zložkou, preklad mier a váh, odkazovanie na iné epizódy a medzikultúrne rozdiely).

This paper deals with the problems of audiovisual translation of reality shows. In Slovakia, reality shows are dubbed with the voice-over method. This brings with itself several advantages and disadvantages. In this article we cover six major areas of problems that we encountered while translating reality shows: colloquial language, missing passages in the script, differences between the visual and audio elements, translation of measures and weights, reference of some episodes to others and cultural differences. We also try and provide some help for translators who are dealing with the same problems. Yet, it is important to note, that there is not just one solution for one specific problem and that there are other different problems a translator may encounter while translating reality shows.

This paper deals with the question, whether Translation Studies (TS) is, or is not an independent scientific discipline. It examines the relationship between TS and applied linguistics, because applied linguistics was the most frequent answer to a question in a survey I conducted, which was the reason why I focused on this particular relationship. The survey as well as the analysis of the answers I gathered is also a part of this paper. I try to argue that TS should be viewed as an interdisciplinary discipline, which works with many different sciences, but is not a part of any of them, because, as I state in the paper, applied linguistics cannot account for the notions, which TS uses in its research today. In the end I give a draft of my own definition of TS as an independent and interdisciplinary discipline.

Vysokoškolská učebnica Preklad 101 je určená pre začínajúcich študentov odboru Filológia (so zameraním na prekladateľstvo a tlmočníctvo). Učebnica je rozdelená do troch hlavných celkov. V prvom predstavuje základné translatologické koncepty, s ktorými sa potrebujú adepti prekladu oboznámiť. Čerpá pri tom z východiskových diel slovenskej aj medzinárodnej translatológie. Druhá kapitola je orientovaná na prvé kroky prekladu – čo musia prekladatelia spraviť skôr, ako vôbec začnú písať preklad v textovom editore alebo nástroji CAT. Posledná časť vysvetľuje najzákladnejšie jazykové, prekladateľské a štylistické problémy, s ktorými sa študenti budú stretávať nie len počas štúdia, ale aj v praxi. Učebnica tak poskytuje komplexnejší, no zároveň prehľadný a ľahko čitateľný vstup do sveta prekladu.

Účelom tejto všeobecnej štylistickej príručky je pomôcť pri simulácii situácií z lokalizačnej praxe, pri ktorých je lokalizátor alebo prekladateľ viazaný klientovou štylistickou príručkou. Primárne je určená na praktické prekladateľské semináre z angličtiny zamerané na lokalizáciu softvérových produktov – herných, neherných aj webových lokalít, počas ktorých študenti musia pri vypracúvaní zadaní konzultovať rôzne kapitoly, aby zadania vypracovali správne. Ako didaktická pomôcka môže slúžiť aj na iných seminároch prekladu, keďže študenti v nej nájdu aj všeobecné informácie týkajúce sa prekladu z angličtiny do slovenčiny, ako napríklad informácie o rôznych typoch textov, pravopise alebo zoznam niektorých častých gramatických chýb. V neposlednom rade sa dá využiť aj v praxi, ak klient nemá vlastnú štylistickú príručku k dispozícii, môže sa prekladateľ či lokalizátor riadiť touto všeobecnou.

V diplomovej práci Kritická analýza diela W. Goldinga Lord of the Flies a prekladu J. Kota Boh múch posudzujeme preklad spomínaného diela. Práca sa začína teoretickou časťou, v ktorej postupne predstavujeme autora a dielo, niekoľko myšlienok o preklade a o kritike prekladu a následne sa teoreticky zaoberáme prekladom funkčných mien a vynechávaním v preklade – dva javy, na ktoré sme sa v práci sústredili. V praktickej časti postupujeme podľa P. Newmarkovho modelu kritiky prekladu. Najskôr sme východiskový text analyzovali, potom sme pomocou rozhovoru s prekladateľom odhadli jeho koncepciu prekladu. V ďalšej kapitole prezentujeme jednotlivé úryvky, v ktorých poukazujeme na ochudobňovanie čitateľa cieľového textu. V závere konštatujeme, že síce je preklad na veľmi dobrej úrovni, práve kvôli vynechávaniu v preklade mohlo jeho čitateľovi uniknúť niekoľko výstavbových prvkov diela a jedna z hlavných point. Hlavným cieľom práce je teda poukázať na dôležitosť celistvosti prekladového textu.

In the diploma thesis Critical analysis of W. Golding’s Lord of the Flies and its translation by J. Kot we assess the translation of the aforementioned book. The thesis begins with a theoretical part in which we introduce the author and the book, several thoughts about translation, translation criticism and then we deal with the theory behind the translation of functional names and translation by omission – two phenomena on which we focused in our thesis. The practical part proceeds according to the translation criticism model developed by P. Newmark. Firstly, we analyzed the source text and then we thought about the translator’s concept for the translation. We did this with the help of an interview with the translator. The following chapter deals with the passages. We tried to show that the target language reader can really have a smaller esthetic experience. In the end we argue that, although the translation is exceptionally good, the target language reader could miss some important building elements and even one of the main points of the book because of the omissions in the translation. The main aim of the thesis is to show the importance of the entirety of a translated text.

In the thesis The Theory of Translation and Linguistics we discuss some of the aspects of general linguistics, applied linguistics, text linguistics and psycholinguistics for the theory of translation. The thesis begins with a chapter on the results of a survey we concluded, followed by the historic relationship between translation studies and linguistics. The thesis first examines theories and models and the possible requirements of a theory of translation, followed by the specification of different aspects of general linguistics, also focusing on the relationship between linguistics and translation studies. The chapter on applied linguistics is a reaction to the survey results and we tried to show why translation studies cannot be a branch of applied linguistics. The following chapters on text linguistics and psycholinguistics deal once again with different aspects of these two, which might be relevant for a theory of translation. The overall goal of the thesis is to outline at least some of the ideas created within these linguistic disciplines which could be important for a
theory of translation.