Literal translation in the audiovisual field. Methods and techniques

Abstract

The debate on literal translation is an old one, and it will surely continue to exist for the time to come. In any case, it is not intended to address that discussion here, but rather to take a descriptive, nonjudgmental look at the matter for the sole purpose of pointing out the need for more precise terminology when speaking about literal translation, especially in translation teaching. As it will be explained, literal translation can be both a translation method and a translation technique and it seems appropriate to be aware of what we mean exactly when we use this label. Moreover, as it will be shown, the positions in either direction (method or technique) remain in force, although the data suggest that, despite what it might seem at first, literal translation, as a method, is probably more present in the practice of audiovisual translation than what one might think.