Introduction
This passage from André Gide's novel Les Faux Monnayeurs (1926) allows for practice in translating a literary French which incorporates idiomatic expressions in the representation of conversational speech. Note that it is slightly longer (389 words) than passages used in exams (normally about 300 words).
The sample translation of the passage is by Dorothy Bussy (published 1927). It is not in any way meant to be definitive, but is offered for reference.
For a good introduction to the author, click here.
Some Instructions
- The passage for translation includes highlighted words: click on a highlighted word or phrase to see more information about it in the right-hand column.
- In the CALL Facility, or via the MML Network Service, you can use the Oxford Hachette Dictionary (Go to Start > Programs > French > Oxford Hachette Dictionary > Superlex).
- Type up your translation with a separate program alongside your web browser. Use a word processor or text editor; on a CALL Facility PC WordPad (Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > WordPad) is reccomended.
- You can save your work on a floppy disk or send yourself (or your tutor) a copy of your translation by copying and pasting it into an email message. To simplify transmission, save your file as plain text rather than a word processor document: under Save As go for plain text. You may even wish to type your translation directly into an email message.