Stylistic competence in L2 translation: stylometry and error analysis

ABSTRACT We examine the stylistic aspects of L2 translations using a set of quantifiable descriptors. The sample includes 40 translations of a promotional text from Czech into English and French produced by novices and professional translators. The general stylistic competence is slightly higher in the group of professionals, although the overall quality score is almost the same. Translations into English are characterised by higher overall quality. The correlation coefficients expressing the dependence between stylistic descriptors and quality indicators show differences both across and within the four groups. Translators into French seem to have less controlled behaviour in the sense that stylistic parameters with quality-enhancing potential can both improve and worsen the translation quality. It seems that the stylistic acceptability of a non-native translation is influenced by the translator’s disposition, i.e. their self-perception, risk awareness, risky vs. prudent decision-making, and the ability to learn from feedback.