An Analysis on Non-Finite Verb Forms as an Indication of the Style of Translation in Bede's Ecclesiastical History

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of English Linguistics

Volume

12

Issue

1

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Publication Date

1978

First Page

19

Last Page

28

Abstract

Non-finite verb forms are ideal as indicators of a translator's ability and style of translating Latin into OE. (1) This is because in Latin there are six different infinitives: the present active infinitive, the present passive infinitive, the perfect active infinitive, the perfect passive infinitive, the future active infinitive, and the future passive infinitive. However, in OE there is only one infinitive: the present active infinitive. In Latin there are four different participles: the present active imperfect participle, the present passive perfective participle, the future active imperfective participle, and the future passive imperfective participle (gerundive). The gerund is the neuter singular nominal of the gerundive. However, in OE there are only two participles: the present active participle and the past passive participle. The translator had little problem in translating the equivalent forms, but when confronted with those infinitives and participles for which there are no equivalents in OE, the translator was forced to innovate. These innovations are personal stylystic traits and can be used as a base of comparison with other Alfredian Translations.

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