księżyc - 日本語

[księżycowy]

Ok, so to start this thread up gain, I'll start translating my shrimp story again, starting with the second paragraph.

I'll probably also post my translations of reading material in the reading workbook for MnN when there is an interesting passage.

I'll also post a composition every two weeks or so (depending on how much I get done in the main textbooks for MnN; there are only 20 composition lessons, so I will try to spread those out over 50 main lessons, though only 15 of them are intended to be for the beginning lessons; the last 5 are beginning intermediate compositions, so we'll see how this all works out).

Finally, here is a pdf copy of the text I was working on, and will be starting again:
アメリカザリガニ.pdf

In case Vijay or anyone else wants to take a look and/or join in.

I'll post my first round of translations and a composition by Saturday (Aug. 11).

Actually, I've changed my mind. For now I want lighter fair as I easy myself back into things, and I still have my other readers with audio from my cousin, so I think I'll go through those.

I will eventually go through the rest of the shrimp story though.

[vijayjohn]

Okay, I'll try to go through the shrimp story with you whenever you're ready then.

[księżycowy]

I can also share the other reading material too, if you want. Though you might find it too simple.

[vijayjohn]

見せて下さーい！

[księżycowy]

見せて下さーい！

A month late, but here you go:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aA4FJv ... sp=sharing

Added bonus: this one has my notes all over it.

[vijayjohn]

Aww, what a pretty story!

[księżycowy]

All of the stories are like that. At least at the 0 level.

[vijayjohn]

Wait, so were you intending to do anything with this at this point? Or just show it to me for now?

[księżycowy]

I intend to try to do something with it this week, if I can fit it in.

You're suppose to be motivating me, Vijay! Or so I thought!

EDIT: Fixed a formating issue.

[vijayjohn]

I know, but I'm trying to figure out how!

FWIW I think it's great that you're still progressing with Japanese and German. You're doing better than me on that front IMO.

[księżycowy]

Awww....

[vijayjohn]

If you want, maybe we can try translating this, too.

[pennybright]

Sorry for butting in--I just found the UniLang forum in my search for Serbian learning resources, and I couldn't resist poking around in the Japanese topics too.

I read the shrimp story. So cute! What book is this from? It's great that it glosses uncommon words with simple Japanese explanations.

Seeing your progress, I thought I might mention that IMO, when you're doing a J>E translation exercise for the purpose of language learning, you should feel free to use some mildly awkward English, since the point is to make sure that you understand the underlying structure of the Japanese. If you want to practice your translation skills as well, you could then try rewriting the awkward bits into more natural English. But because Japanese grammar is so different from English (as you're already painfully aware, I'm sure), a lot of compensatory strategies have to be used to successfully translate one into the other while retaining as much of the original nuance as possible--which is to say, it's a different skill set that has to be practiced separately.

Reading comprehension exercises aside, awkward semi-literal translation also draws out the beautiful linguistic acrobatics that you see in phrases like ～させていただけないでしょうか？, which native speakers don't really bat an eye at but I find endlessly delightful.

Anyway, others might disagree, but that's my two cents as a professional J-E translator. Embrace the awkward English!

[księżycowy]

No worries about butting in, and sorry for the late reply.

The shrimp story is from the following:「齋藤孝のイッキによめる! 名作選小学1年生」。

And I certainly get what you're saying about more literal translations and awkward English. I also think there is merit in transforming that rough translation into natural English and helps on see differences and similarities. Suffice it to say, translation is a multistep process as far as I'm concerned, and awkward English is a step, I just may not post it.

[pennybright]

Nice, it looks like it's a whole graded series. I will have to check that out for my students. Thanks!

[księżycowy]

Like I posted in my German thread, the main things I've been doing is going through some Michel Thomas and reviewing vocabulary.

I intend to review some grammar this weekend.

[vijayjohn]

What are you using for reviewing grammar?

[księżycowy]

MnN

[vijayjohn]

Then maybe I can join you for your grammar review, too!

Which chapters are you reviewing it from again?

[księżycowy]

Probably the first few lessons. 1-3(-4?)

Need to get back into the rhythm of things.