Text Typology, Text Readability and Translation: Guidelines for Selection of Translational Texts

Abstract

This paper introduces readability or text difficulty level and the factors contributing thereto from educational perspective in general and for translator training purposes in particular. Two most-frequently applied readability formulas, Flesch and Fog, are presented including the criticisms leveled by translation researchers and linguists against such quantifications. Subsequently, the question of text difficulty is discussed from translation studies perspective following which textuality standards, text type and text analysis for translator training purposes are put forth. The paper concludes with the introduction of five translation difficulties and problem areas as features presumably shared universally by all languages including Persian. Presented in the final section of this paper are certain guidelines for text selection and classification in educational settings and for pedagogical purposes; texts which are compatible with translational competence level of the translation trainees.