Handbook for translators of Spanish historical ... - University Library

INTRODUCTION
itself and separate from all other forms of translating.
Specifically, this study deals with the translation of
Spanish historical documents. It is my object herein to
supply translators of Spanish historical documents with
such aids as may prevent needless errors. The most common
errors in translating manuscripts are due to the failure
of the translator tc read the involved original correctly.
Failure to disting'Jiish simple letters is another source of
errors.
Another primary object in the preparation of this guide
is to standardize the translation and transcription of
Spanish historical documents. There are certain general
principles which may "be observed in the rendition of accurate
and readable translations. It is, of course, obviously
impossible to set down any set of fast rules inasmuch
as the translation of any type of document is a personal
matter; that is, its value depends upon the point of
view and ability of the translator. Nevertheless, the vocabulary
and phraseology can safely be standardized. The
form for the transcription of documents can be standardized.
In fact, standardization of transcription form,
which is discussed at length in this study, applies not
only to Spanish historical documents but to all historical
doc^uments.
The transcription of documents assumes considerable importance
when we take into consideration the fact that
there are certain fragile documents which require transcription
to prevent total mutilation by constant handling.
Becaiise of the localized or specialized value of certain
documents that may be translated, it is often inexpedient
to have such translations printed. Most depositories of
documents will naturally desire to have these translations
filed in transcript form. Standardization in this phase
of archival work would facilitate research; and the desirability
of standardization of the form of transcription
throughout the country can not be over-emphasized.
This' study is the result of actual translation of Spanish
historical documents over a period of ten years. Having
failed to find any tangible aid to the translation of
documents, I commenced to take notes on various phases of
the work from the first time a set of these documents was
placed before me for translation. The work of collecting
vocabulary and studying phraseology was slow and tedious.
The work was facilitated, however, by the fact that I had
access to several collections of original Spanish manuscripts
and printed documents ranging in date and form