Comparative Stylistics of French and English: A methodology for translation (Benjamins Translation Library)

This is a must have for all translators.

I am a linguist and also a poet now writing a bi-lingual French/English book and I found this book necessary.

I have dipped into this in French, but it is - naturally - easier and perhaps clearer in English. Excellent translation - a lesson in itself.

you know just a text book

Despite the name, this is a classic text on translation techniques, a text that cannot be ignored, even by people who do not work with the English <> French language pair. In fact, it is a description of general translation techniques with examples drawn from English > French translations.Very practical and sensible, but not of the "become a translator in ten easy lessons" sort. Very much on the contrary: this is a serious book, by two serious intellectuals. The text is about thirty years old but is as valid today as it was when it was published.Not to miss if you are interested in translation, no matter what your language pair is.

Learning a new language will always be a challenge. The key is certainly to understand the grammar, Vocabulary will always expand as one learns more. However, just forcing English into French leaves it as simply forcing English into French. It certainly helped me to have it explained, for example, that French prefers to emphasis direction rather than manner of movement. Having had it pointed out means that you recognise it when you see it written. There is certainly more in this book than an average learner needs = but who knows what the future holds. I have found it useful to get some understanding of how French does things the way it does.

I can't do without it!