Affiliation:
1. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
Abstract
This article discusses ad verbum and ad sensum translation techniques in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, with special attention paid to the literal
translation of Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus made by an Italian humanist, Giovanni Battista Gabia, in the 16th century as an example of ad verbum (word-by-word) translation. It can be seen that trying to translate Greek into Latin involves some grammatical and semantic issues; as a result, the translation becomes hard to perceive. However, the ad verbum type of translation was used for parallel studying of ancient languages that was widespread in the 16th century. Another translation mentioned in the article was produced by a German humanist Veit Winsheimius. It is characterized by simplified grammar and vocabulary. As a result, the translation becomes easier to perceive and understand. The article shows the variety of forms of reception that can be explained not only by usage of certain translation techniques, but also by certain goals of the translators: though both Giovanni Gabia and Veit Winsheim made their translations to use them for teaching ancient languages, the former preferred the method of parallel texts and the latter wanted to make the Latin translation itself clear enough for students.