Contexts in Translating

Contexts in Translating is designed to help translators understand the varieties of contexts and their importance for understanding a text and reproducing the meaning in another language. The contexts include the historical setting of writing a text, the cultural components that make a text unique, the types of audiences for which the translation is intended, and the most efficient and effective ways of producing a satisfactory representation of the source-language text. The structural levels of language are described, and the principal features of text organization are also explained. In addition, the main features of various books on translation are outlined, and a chapter on basic theories of translation is followed by a selective bibliography.

Wang Shaoxiang, Fujian Teachers University in Linguist List, Vol 14-1000 (April 2003):
In this delightfully written book, instead of elaborating numerous theories, Nida addresses one of the essentials in translation studies-context. [...] What I find even more valuable in this book is its readability, due in large part to the author's clear analysis and engaging tone of voice. It is presented in the understandable language that readers and beginning translators can readily grasp. [...] One more asset of the book is the illuminating examples and tips provided for the reader, thanks to Nida's insights and knowledge gained from his years of experience as a translator about language and culture. [...] the book is a pleasure to read and will prove to be a good starter for beginning translators.