An Eye-Tracking Study of Equivalent Effect in Translation: The Reader Experience of Literary Style

This book uses eye-tracking technology to compare the reading experience of literary source text readers and readers of a translation at stylistically marked points, investigating stylistic foregrounding. It employs Raymond Queneaus Zazie dans le métro (1959) and its English translation Zazie in the Metro (1960) as a case study.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 402 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive work offers a thorough illustration of an eye-tracking technique designed to compare the reading experiences of literary source text readers with readers of a translation at stylistically marked points. Drawing upon principles, methodologies, and insights from diverse fields such as translation studies, cognitive psychology, and language and literary studies, the author proposes an empirical approach to investigate the concept of stylistic foregrounding, wherein style is conceived as the distinctive manner of expression in a particular text. The book employs Raymond Queneau's renowned novel Zazie dans le métro (1959) and its English translation Zazie in the Metro (1960) as a case study to exemplify the proposed methods. This book holds significant appeal to students and scholars engaged in translation studies, as well as those with interests in literary reception, stylistics, and related disciplines.

Introduction:
The study of literary translation has long been a focal point in translation studies, exploring the challenges and complexities involved in conveying the stylistic nuances and cultural references of a source text into a target language. While traditional approaches to translation often focus on linguistic equivalence and accuracy, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of preserving the stylistic features of the original text. Stylistic foregrounding, as defined by scholars such as Maria Tymoczko and Jan Swafford, refers to the deliberate emphasis placed on certain stylistic elements or devices to convey the author's intended meaning and create a specific reading experience for the target audience.

Eye-Tracking Method:
In this book, the author proposes an innovative eye-tracking method to examine the reading experiences of literary source text readers and readers of a translation at stylistically marked points. Eye-tracking technology provides a non-invasive and objective way to measure the visual attention of readers as they interact with a text. By analyzing the patterns of eye movements, researchers can gain insights into the cognitive processes and strategies employed by readers as they navigate through a literary work.

Stylistic Foregrounding in Translation:
The author argues that stylistic foregrounding is a crucial aspect of literary translation and that translators must pay close attention to the stylistic choices made by the original author. By identifying and preserving the stylistic features that contribute to the author's intended meaning, translators can create a translation that is not only linguistically accurate but also resonates with the target audience on a stylistic level.

Case Study:
To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed eye-tracking method, the book employs Raymond Queneau's novel Zazie dans le métro (1959) and its English translation Zazie in the Metro (1960) as a case study. These two versions of the same text serve as a valuable platform for exploring the differences and similarities in the reading experiences of readers of the original French and English versions.

Results:
The results of the eye-tracking study reveal fascinating insights into the reading behaviors of readers of the two versions of the text. The author analyzes the patterns of eye movements, fixation duration, and saccade length to identify the stylistic features that are most salient and influential in shaping the reading experiences of readers.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of translation studies by offering a detailed example of an eye-tracking method for comparing the reading experiences of literary source text readers and readers of a translation at stylistically marked points. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, the author proposes an empirical method to investigate the notion of stylistic foregrounding and demonstrates its practical applications in the context of literary translation. This book will be of particular interest to students and scholars of translation studies, as well as those interested in literary reception, stylistics, and related fields.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030557713
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021