Types and Methods of Translation

Semantic translation 
: 
Semantic translation attempts to render, as closely as the semantic and syntactic structures of 
the second language allow, the exact contextual meaning of the original (Newmark 1982: 39).
Semantic translation aims at replicating the original texts’ forms within the target language, 
reproducing the original context, and retaining the characters of the SL culture in the 
translation. 
A semantic translation is more source text focused. Although, not necessarily a 
literal translation, it follows the source text more closely. 
In contrast, communicative translation centres on the specific language and culture and 
focuses on the TL readers. The translation under this method is clear, smooth and concise.
A 
communicative translation is focused on the target text and aims to ensure that the reader will 
understand the message of the text.
Semantic translation
, on the other hand, 
differs from 'faithful translation' only in 
as far as it 
must take more account of the aesthetic value of the source language text, compromising on 
the 'meaning' where appropriate so that no assonance, word-play or repetition jars in the 
finished version. Further, it may translate less important cultural words by culturally neutral 
third or functional terms but not by cultural equivalents. Thus, the distinction between 'faithful' 

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and 'semantic' translation is that the first is uncompromising and dogmatic, while the second is 
more flexible admits the creative exception to 100% fidelity and allows for the translator's 
intuitive empathy with the original text. 
6)
 
Adaptation 
 
Adaptation means the modification of the idea in the source language (SL) so as to find an 
acceptable one in the target language (TL). It is necessary when something specific to one 
language culture is expressed in a totally different way that is familiar or appropriate to 
another language culture. It is a shift in cultural environment. 
In other words, adaptation is a kind of rewriting of the ST to make it conforms to the rules of 
the language and especially the culture of the TL community. It is considered as the freest 
form of translation and is used mainly for plays (comedies) and poetry; the themes, characters 
and plots are usually preserved, the SL culture is converted to the TL culture and the text is 
rewritten.
For example, translating the title of Hemingway’s masterpiece 
The Old Man and the Sea
into 
Arabic like: ( رحبلاو خيشلا) (The Sheikh and the Sea) rather than the literal conversion: ( زوجعلا
رحبلاو) while the former term (sheikh) in Arabic indicates to many dimensions of the 
protagonist Santiago, the old man, such as experience, faith, determination and backbone, the 
latter, (old) does not cover all these dimensions but refers only to old age. In addition, the 
translation of metaphors, proverbs, etc. also frequently involve this technique