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| Post Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies |
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The terminology used in scientific texts is semantically specific and therefore is referred to as technical terminology. By definition it is exact, restricted in meaning and has referential meaning. The connotative meanings or suggestions have practically no role to play. Even the everyday terms of spoken language when used in scientific texts become definitive or are technically defined. Therefore, a common man who is not familiar with the language of science may get confused. In fact in all the areas of scientific study the use of scientific terminology is not only necessary but is also essential. Therefore, it is difficult for a common man to comprehend the scientific discourse because of his ignorance of the concerned subject matter. In scientific language there are several ways of defining terms. For example, the basic terms in mathematics are defined in the light of theory and theorum and on the basis of these very terms the whole complex edifice is developed further and is accordingly defined. In other words the technical terms of scientific texts are not developed in natural course of language development but are deliberately coined and defined as per need of the scientific discourse. In brief, the following features are found in the language of almost all scientific texts: |
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| (i) |
Scientific language is diachronic and it is not affected by temporal considerations. |
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| (ii) |
Since technical terms are coined by use of roots and suffixes of classical languages the language of scientific texts, therefore, tends to be hybrid. |
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| (iii) |
Every branch of science defines its terms in its own way and therefore, they are context-free and express single meaning. |
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| (iv) |
Surface level meaning is more important in scientific' language than deep level. |
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| (v) |
Its use is always restricted. |
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| (vi) |
Subjective elements are avoided to the extent possible and therefore passive constructions are mostly used. (Sharma 1985, 171) |
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| 423.8.4: NECESSITY OF THE TRANSLATION OF SCIENTIFIC TEXTS |
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The translation of scientific texts is an essential need in the modern Indian context since most of the scientific texts are written in English, a colonial heritage, which is not the language of the masses. Consequently, most Indians are not in a position to take advantage of the scientific developments within the nation and abroad. They do not get even the preliminary knowledge of scientific achievements. Due to its dependence on a foreign language for scientific learning, Indian society has not made technical advances on par with the technically developed countries. To overcome this situation it is necessary that our scientists should be encouraged to develop scientific writings in Indian languages. Till such time, the only course left to us is to depend upon the translation of scientific texts which would not only contribute to our knowledge but also help us in the development and modernization of our languages. The language development not only means the development of vocabulary but also uses of language in the domains of science and technology. Within the Indian context, whenever the scientific text is translated, the gaps in the terminology are filled either by coining terms through borrowing Sanskrit roots, or adaptation of English words into our own language systems, or by borrowing terms from other Indian languages. In this way our languages develop scientific registers and become capable of expressing new ideas in new norms. |
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