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French: outils de fonds communs ... parfois singuliers

English translation: common tool types ... sometimes individual (types)







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GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
French term or phrase:outils de fonds communs ... parfois singuliers
English translation:common tool types ... sometimes individual (types)
Entered by:Rachel Fell
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2:25pm Oct 21, 2005Login or register (free) for more options.
French to English translations [PRO]
Archaeology / Neolithic
French term or phrase: outils de fonds communs ... parfois singuliers
Translation of an abstract concering an archaeological study. Full sentence:

Les approches typochronologiques des lames de haches polies en silex, des lames retouchées -dont des poignards de technique pressignienne-, des pointes de flèches, d’outils de fonds communs (grattoirs, racloirs, tranchets, etc.) parfois singuliers et autres artefacts en roche tenace (haches polies en jadéite, brassards d’archers, haches "de combat") permettent néanmoins de percevoir sur un plan diachronique la diversité des formes et des matières premières employées.

Proposed translation:

Nevertheless, a typochronological analysis of polished flint axe blades, retouched blades — including daggers made using the Pressignian technique — arrowheads, ? tools (end scrapers, side scrapers, tranchet axes, etc.) and other artefacts made from tenacious rock (jadeite polished axes, archery arm guards, ‘battle’ axes, etc.) allows for a diachronical interpretation of the variety of shapes and raw materials used.

Any help with the phrase in question would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance.
Alan Campbell
United Kingdom
Clarification request(s) and response
Alan Campbell: 3:28pm Oct 21, 2005: Toolkit? - Many thanks for the answers so far. I certainly agree with the idea of it meaning "basic tools". I have come across the term "toolkit" used in this context and wonder if it would fit here. There are many references to it on the Internet, e.g.:

"The Neolithic or New Stone Age as it is called features a much more sophisticated toolkit of flint with blades, knives, scrapers and other flake tools, together with leaf-shaped arrowheads."

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/moyses-archaeolog...

Also, I was just wondering whether "parfois singuliers" simply means that these toolkits were at times unusual (in their composition, for e.g.). Any thoughts?
Alan Campbell: 3:39pm Oct 21, 2005: Toolkit? - Many thanks for the answers so far. I certainly agree with the idea of it meaning "basic tools". I have come across the term "toolkit" used in this context and wonder if it would fit here. There are many references to it on the Internet, e.g.:

"The Neolithic or New Stone Age as it is called features a much more sophisticated toolkit of flint with blades, knives, scrapers and other flake tools, together with leaf-shaped arrowheads."

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/moyses-archaeolog...

Also, I was just wondering whether "parfois singuliers" simply means that these toolkits were at times unusual (in their composition, for e.g.). Any thoughts?
Alan Campbell: 5:48pm Oct 21, 2005: Toolkit? - Many thanks for the answers so far. I certainly agree with the idea of it meaning "basic tools". I have come across the term "toolkit" used in this context and wonder if it would fit here. There are many references to it on the Internet, e.g.:

"The Neolithic or New Stone Age as it is called features a much more sophisticated toolkit of flint with blades, knives, scrapers and other flake tools, together with leaf-shaped arrowheads."

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/moyses-archaeolog...

Also, I was just wondering whether "parfois singuliers" simply means that these toolkits were at times unusual (in their composition, for e.g.). Any thoughts?
Rachel Fell: 5:58pm Oct 21, 2005: Are you sure it's tenacious rock - not just hard rock? -
Alan Campbell: 6:05pm Oct 21, 2005: Toolkit? - Many thanks for the answers so far. I certainly agree with the idea of it meaning "basic tools". I have come across the term "toolkit" used in this context and wonder if it would fit here. There are many references to it on the Internet, e.g.:

"The Neolithic or New Stone Age as it is called features a much more sophisticated toolkit of flint with blades, knives, scrapers and other flake tools, together with leaf-shaped arrowheads."

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/moyses-archaeolog...

Also, I was just wondering whether "parfois singuliers" simply means that these toolkits were at times unusual (in their composition, for e.g.). Any thoughts?
Alan Campbell: 7:38pm Oct 21, 2005: Toolkit? - Many thanks for the answers so far. I certainly agree with the idea of it meaning "basic tools". I have come across the term "toolkit" used in this context and wonder if it would fit here. There are many references to it on the Internet, e.g.:

"The Neolithic or New Stone Age as it is called features a much more sophisticated toolkit of flint with blades, knives, scrapers and other flake tools, together with leaf-shaped arrowheads."

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/moyses-archaeolog...

Also, I was just wondering whether "parfois singuliers" simply means that these toolkits were at times unusual (in their composition, for e.g.). Any thoughts?
Rachel Fell: 7:46pm Oct 21, 2005: I'm not sure what they are yet, but there's something about Les outils du fonds commun here http://www.membres.lycos.fr/rozoyprehistoire/Travaux/ardtard... -
Alan Campbell: 9:03pm Oct 21, 2005: Toolkit? - Many thanks for the answers so far. I certainly agree with the idea of it meaning "basic tools". I have come across the term "toolkit" used in this context and wonder if it would fit here. There are many references to it on the Internet, e.g.:

"The Neolithic or New Stone Age as it is called features a much more sophisticated toolkit of flint with blades, knives, scrapers and other flake tools, together with leaf-shaped arrowheads."

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/moyses-archaeolog...

Also, I was just wondering whether "parfois singuliers" simply means that these toolkits were at times unusual (in their composition, for e.g.). Any thoughts?
cchat: 11:51am Oct 22, 2005: parfois singuliers is ambiguous. Can you offer two translations and ask which one corresponds to the intention of the writer? Either "sometimes single items" or "unusual items". For "tenacious rocks"
long-lasting/resistant/durable/hard-wearing? -
Rachel Fell: 9:23pm Oct 26, 2005: Thanks -

common tool types ... sometimes unusual
Explanation:
not quite sure about the unusual

The most common tool types were burins and scrapers while nibbled blades were
... on Neolithic 1 sites although a few items of jewelry were sometimes made. ...
ancientneareast.tripod.com/101.html

They represent the most common Neolithic tool type, and cannot be related to the
earlier blade types. Raclettes on large flakes are common, ...
www.vela-spila.hr/eng/early-neolithic.html

In chapter 3 the most common flint tool types are considered, ... 9), with an
intervening excursus on Neolithic flint axehead production (chap. 7). ...
www.ucl.ac.uk/prehistoric/reviews/05_09_butler.htm

Only one of the tools, a whetstone, is clearly from post-Neolithic times, ...
The most common tool type is small scrapers. We recovered 20 scrapers made on ...
www.primtech.net/Report.htm

Also, I think you should paraphrase "typochronological" - e.g. analysis of tool types across time

According to Bordes, the presence or absence of tool types, ... isolate (and
interpret) differences across time and space in the production of stone tools. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithic_analysis
Selected response from:

Rachel Fell
United Kingdom
Note from asker to answerer
Thanks very much for your help - I found your answer the most useful.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4common tool types ... sometimes unusual
Rachel Fell
3 +1community tools
Cecile Watrin
4functionally similar tools or tools found in the same excavation area
Jane Lamb-Ruiz
4commonly found digging implements /toolsreubenius
3common tools, often "one of a kind"Rita Heller


  

Answers

9 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
community tools

Explanation:
my understanding is that the tools belong to a fonds commun, i.e. to all the members of a community.

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Note added at 15 mins (2005-10-21 14:40:46 GMT)
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or maybe something lile "collectively-owned tools"

These are only suggestions as I'm no expert on the subject :)

Cecile Watrin
France
Native speaker of: Native in FrenchFrench

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral Jane Lamb-Ruiz: mais c'est fonds communs....le fond d'une fouille??
2 hrs
  -> non pas dans ce sens là, fonds commun serait synonyme de patrimoine d'outillage commun à une période ou une collectivité

agree xxxdf49f: suis pas non plus spécialiste du domaine, mais je pencherais aussi pour cette explication (pas le tps pour faire une recherche...)
3 hrs
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21 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
commonly found digging implements /tools

Explanation:
or just 'common' digging implements /tools.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 28 mins (2005-10-21 14:53:52 GMT)
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hmm, I was quite confident, but then I saw the 'parfois singuliers'. Maybe 'commonly found and less common digging implements /tools (...) allow for...'

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 35 mins (2005-10-21 15:01:05 GMT)
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hmm, I was quite confident, but then I saw the 'parfois singuliers'. Maybe 'commonly found and less common digging implements /tools (...) allow for...'

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 39 mins (2005-10-21 15:05:03 GMT)
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Following on from Rita's 'one of a kind', what about 'one-off' as an alternative option i.e. 'commonly found and one-off digging implements /tools'.

reubenius
United Kingdom
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree Rita Heller: commonly found is good
11 mins
  -> Thanks Rita.

neutral Jane Lamb-Ruiz: I don't see how the French means that at all...how can fonds communs mean commonly found, unless you are unconsciously saying fond is found?? :)
2 hrs
  -> My idea was that 'outils de fonds' could mean 'digging implements', but with further research I can't find anything to support the idea!

disagree xxxdf49f: puisqu'ils sont "singuliers" ils ne sont justement pas "commonly found" !
3 hrs
  -> donc 'one off' (voir note), meme si je suis sur qu'il y a une meilleur facon de l'exprimer!
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2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
functionally similar tools or tools found in the same excavation area

Explanation:
not sure


but it does not mean commonly used tools

that would be: d'usage commun or suchlike



Jane Lamb-Ruiz
United States
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in PortuguesePortuguese
PRO pts in category: 4
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5 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
common tool types ... sometimes unusual

Explanation:
not quite sure about the unusual

The most common tool types were burins and scrapers while nibbled blades were
... on Neolithic 1 sites although a few items of jewelry were sometimes made. ...
ancientneareast.tripod.com/101.html

They represent the most common Neolithic tool type, and cannot be related to the
earlier blade types. Raclettes on large flakes are common, ...
www.vela-spila.hr/eng/early-neolithic.html

In chapter 3 the most common flint tool types are considered, ... 9), with an
intervening excursus on Neolithic flint axehead production (chap. 7). ...
www.ucl.ac.uk/prehistoric/reviews/05_09_butler.htm

Only one of the tools, a whetstone, is clearly from post-Neolithic times, ...
The most common tool type is small scrapers. We recovered 20 scrapers made on ...
www.primtech.net/Report.htm

Also, I think you should paraphrase "typochronological" - e.g. analysis of tool types across time

According to Bordes, the presence or absence of tool types, ... isolate (and
interpret) differences across time and space in the production of stone tools. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithic_analysis

Rachel Fell
United Kingdom
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Note from asker to answerer
Thanks very much for your help - I found your answer the most useful.
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33 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
common tools, often "one of a kind"

Explanation:
seems that the set/group of tools are commonly found (I agreed w/Reuben) but they are unique/ one of a kind (no mass production at that time :-)

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 34 mins (2005-10-21 15:00:32 GMT)
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I think "outils de fonds" = basic tools

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Note added at 1 hr 11 mins (2005-10-21 15:37:36 GMT)
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it's possible but it might just mean that they are individualized - highly unique which makes sense because there were no standards, no guidelines, so the carver just made what seemed to be the most efficient tool. Re: composition, they didn't have many choices.

Also, each "inventor" probably passed through stages of invention and certain tools might have seemed like a good idea but who knows if it ever worked? Nowadays, bad prototypes are simply trashed, we never see them.

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Note added at 6 hrs 20 mins (2005-10-21 20:46:30 GMT)
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43 - Les cultures du Néolithique final -

Différentes cultures du Néolithique final ont été reconnues grâce à la présence de quelques rares éléments céramiques et de nombreux éléments lithiques trouvés hors stratigraphie, en particulier des pointes de traits, des grandes lames retouchées, des tranchets et des outils du fond commun.
http://www.prehistory.lu/vo_txt2.htm

Dans le Tardenoisien moyen, les outils sur lames et lamelles constituent l'essentiel des outils du fonds commun : au moins les deux-tiers et souvent les quatre-cinquièmes, voire les six-septièmes, tendance particulièrement marquée au sud de la Seine, qui commence ainsi à se distinguer du Tardenoisien-Nord.
http://www.membres.lycos.fr/rozoyprehistoire/Travaux/ardtard...
Parmi l’outillage du fond commun, nous mentionnerons, dans les US 102 et 103, la ...
www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/ med/acrobat/Ecrins%202001/Ecrins2001.pdf

http://antiquity.ac.uk/ant/062/Ant0620532.htm
Some of the most common stone tool types are described and illustrated in the final section of the book. These tools are of course not merely common: they also represent the best of the diagnostic attributes among various stone tools, some of which (like the burin) are essentially toolmaking tools. Endblades for arrows and harpoon heads, knife blades, sideblades, microblades, and scrapers
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3712/is_200003/a...

Rita Heller
United States
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree Rachel Fell: about the individualized bit - different from the usual design
4 hrs

disagree xxxdf49f: are they "common" or are they "one-of-a-kind/unique"? can't be both at once - too ambiguous...
19 hrs
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