Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to extend the general theory of translation to texts written in the same language and show some possible applications. The main result shows that the mutual mathematical relationships of texts in a language have been saved or lost in translating them into another language and consequently texts have been mathematically distorted. To make objective comparisons, we have defined a “likeness index”—based on probability and communication theory of noisy binary digital channels-and have shown that it can reveal similarities and differences of texts. We have applied the extended theory to the New Testament translations and have assessed how much the mutual mathematical relationships present in the original Greek texts have been saved or lost in 36 languages. To avoid the inaccuracy, due to the small sample size from which the input data (regression lines) are calculated, we have adopted a “renormalization” based on Monte Carlo simulations whose results we consider as “experimental”. In general, we have found that in many languages/translations the original linguistic relationships have been lost and texts mathematically distorted. The theory can be applied to texts translated by machines. Because the theory deals with linear regression lines, the concepts of signal-to-noise-ratio and likenss index can be applied any time a scientific/technical problem involves two or more linear regression lines, therefore it is not limited to linguistic variables but it is universal.
Highlights
Language is a fundamental and essential part of a community because it carries values and knowledge used in the practice and transmission of intangible highly regarded cultural heritage
After the mythical Tower of Babel, humans speak many different languages which require translation to be understood. In this introductory Section we first review the general features of the statistical theory of language translation [1]-which we wish to extend, we recall the large literature on machine translation and anticipate purpose and outline of the present paper
In [1], we have shown that the same linguistic variable in a text and in its translatione.g., the number of words per chapter nW-are linearly linked by a regression line, and that the general theory of language translation can assume any language as reference, Greek, as shown in Section 11 of [1]
Summary
Language is a fundamental and essential part of a community because it carries values and knowledge used in the practice and transmission of intangible highly regarded cultural heritage. Language can communicate-across space and time-personal and intimate thoughts, stories and knowledge through literary and scientific texts. After the mythical Tower of Babel, humans speak many different languages which require translation to be understood. In this introductory Section we first review the general features of the statistical theory of language translation [1]-which we wish to extend -, we recall the large literature on machine translation and anticipate purpose and outline of the present paper
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
