Japanese Researcher Kumono Tokumaru Meets with the Students of the Institute of Foreign Languages
The researcher introduced the audience to his interpretation of an important problem in translation studies—the relationship between word and meaning. He suggested that translation itself be viewed as a physical phenomenon that connects the phonological nature of a lexeme and its logical-semantic content. The lecturer demonstrated his ideas using the translations into the Japanese and the English languages of the book by the Russian scientist and physiologist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (1849 – 1936), the creator of the theory of higher nervous activity. Kumono Tokhumaru speculated on the reasons why meaning can be lost in translation and how a translator can prevent distortion.
The lecture was attended by undergraduate students from groups 143 and 114 majoring in "Teacher Education" and "Linguistics. Translation and Translation Studies" respectively, by Associate Professor S.R. Nedbailik, Ph.D., curator of the IFL Student Research Society, and V.A. Dmitrieva, senior lecturer at the Department of Foreign Languages, head of the Center for Linguistic and Intercultural Studies at the Institute.
Nedbailik Sabina Rudolfovna, Associate Professor of the German and French Languages Department:
"The lecture by K. Tokumaru was very informative and enlightening. The researcher introduced us to his alternative concept of the nature of translation and its constituent mechanisms, as well as touched upon the concept of individual-stylistic variability in scientific translation studies. The lecturer answered all questions with great enthusiasm and depth. The meeting had a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere of lively discussion and left a positive emotional impression on all the participants.
Dmitrieva Valeria Arkadyevna and students of group 114:
"It was interesting to get acquainted with the concept of the Japanese researcher and gain experience in intercultural communication. K. Tokumaru discussed in his lecture the problems and principles of translation process, the importance of context for adequate understanding of the text's content, and the factors that disrupt the correct transmission of meaning.
Such meetings contribute to enhancing the linguistic and cultural competencies of future teachers and translators.
