Lesson Report:
**Title: Exploring the Complexities of Translation and Interpretation**
**Synopsis:**
In this session, students delved into the intricate processes of translation, interpreting both the linguistic and cultural aspects involved. The lesson objective was to examine what constitutes translation beyond mere word substitution, exploring how translation encompasses the conveyance of meanings, emotions, and cultural contexts. The class engaged in discussions and activities designed to reflect on the challenges of translation and the relationship between sound and silence in communication.
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**Attendance:**
– No students were specifically mentioned as absent.
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**Topics Covered:**
1. **Introduction to Translation:**
– Quotation Analysis: Discussed the Walter Benjamin quote on translation being a temporary means of addressing the foreignness of language.
– Initial Reflection: Students were asked to write in their notebooks what translation means to them, focusing on definitions, communication, and understanding.
2. **Group Discussion:**
– Student contributions highlighted that translation involves definition, communication, cultural understanding, and can be affected by factors like age and background.
– Examples of difficult translation experiences were discussed, considering how humor and scientific terms often pose challenges.
3. **Cultural and Linguistic Translation Challenges:**
– Activity: Students identified words or phrases in different languages that are difficult to translate to English (e.g., Russian expressions for “day after tomorrow” or the complexity of translating Persian content).
– The importance of cultural context and multiple definitions across languages was emphasized.
4. **Catalyst Poems Reading Activity:**
– Students were divided into groups to read and perform different translations of a poem, using varied voices to appreciate the diversity in literary interpretation.
– Follow-up Reflection: Consideration of how silence and sound can convey both presence and absence in communication.
5. **Interactive Prompt:**
– Examined the concept of sound and silence in communication, asking students to provide examples from their experiences.
– Discussed the emotional power of silence and how meaning can be derived from non-verbal cues.
6. **Translation Fidelity and Poetic Emotion:**
– Discussion on why multiple translations of the same text exist, considering changes in language and emotional interpretation over time.
– Analyzed Catalysts poems to understand emotional conveyance in poetry.
7. **Assignment Briefing:**
– Students were instructed to find a poem in a language they speak (other than Russian) for a future class activity.
– Explanation of the upcoming portfolio assignment, requirements, and deadlines were provided.
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**Actionable Items:**
*Immediate Tasks:*
– Find and write one poem in the assigned language other than Russian by tomorrow.
– Prepare for class discussion on the poem.
*Due Later:*
– Draft of the portfolio assignment to be prepared by Wednesday.
– Final portfolio submission is due on Friday.
*Continuous Improvement:*
– Consider the impact of cultural context in future translations and interpretations.
– Reflect further on how non-verbal elements impact communication and meaning.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Poem Transcription
In this assignment, you will explore the nuances of language translation by engaging with a poem in a language you speak. This will prepare you for tomorrow’s class discussion on language and meaning.
Instructions:
1. Identify the language group you were assigned during the lesson (e.g., Russian, Kyrgyz, Persian).
2. Find one poem written in your assigned language. You can use the internet, a library, or any other source to find a suitable poem.
3. Once you have chosen a poem, carefully copy it word for word into your notebook. Make sure every line is accurate and clearly written.
4. Bring your notebook with the transcribed poem to the next class session, where it will be used for an in-class activity.
ASSIGNMENT #2: Portfolio Preparation
This assignment is part of your ongoing portfolio project, which showcases your development as a writer throughout this course.
Instructions:
1. Gather five to six of your best writing assignments from this course that reflect your thoughts on the theme “The Sound of Silence,” including the essay you recently completed.
2. Type each selected piece on a separate page using a word processor.
3. Give each piece a title, including your essay name.
4. Create a title page for your portfolio with your name and the title “Orientation Portfolio 2024.”
5. Prepare a draft of your portfolio to submit in digital form during Wednesday’s class.
6. Note that the final printed version of the portfolio will be due on Friday.