English-Spanish translation of texts describing past and present important local trees with a detailed analysis of all the techniques employed.

Abstract

Vivid descriptions of today’s important endemic trees found throughout the Mayan world providing a fresh synthesis of anthropological and biological research for each one of the three selected, will be found in this work. The vocabulary also involves those fields of knowledge concerning Mayan history, biology, botany, anthropology, cosmogony and arts. A detailed theoretical analysis of applied techniques, methods, procedures and strategies involved in the translation process are provided, each one corresponding to a certain degree of complexity which allows professional translators strict control over the reliability of their work. Knowledge about trees is important for people because there is a regional economic boom. The new cruise ship port Grand Costa Maya demands well informed and trained Spanish and English speaking tour guides and information providers. Therefore, bringing these chosen texts into the TL (Target Language) and focusing on form fitting into a task-based instructional cycle will serve as an engaging and practical paradigm and resource for burgeoning local tour guides, university & graduate students -from the fields of tourism, natural resources and anthropology- eager to learn accurate, interesting information to tell visitors and tourists. Chosen descriptions are written in a contemporary American Standard English easily digestible by local people. These texts depict great ancient stories supported by the author’s keen eye which provides an insight acquired partly by working and travelling in the Mayan world for many years. Also with the guidance of Stanford University’s Tropical Research Program, and a deep interest in being a conservationist, outdoor educator, and writer.