UNIVERSITY OF BUCHARESTFACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURESDEPARTMENT OF APPLIED MODERN LANGUAGES

Glossary of Instruments and Methods of Torture

Work coordinated by: Candidate:Associate Professor Dr. Diana Ioniţă Prună Maria-Cristina

Bucharest - June 2013 -

Table of contents

Introduction

Key Concepts

Concept map

Terms

Conclusions

Introduction

Goal of the present work :

- The terms and the equivalencies between the two languages can be considered an useful lexical tool both for the specialists in the field and for the translators who may come across the task of handling a text in this domain.

Why a glossary on the domain of Methods and Instruments of Torture?

- The purpose of this paper is to clarify and explain the concept and methods of torture terms to students and others who need to understand and communicate about the humanity, the human beings and the relationship between them.

Key concepts• Torture is a deliberate physical distress, systematicly

and savagely committed by one or more persons acting in the name of some orders, in order to force some people to disclose information, make confessions or other reasons. It is also an intentional infliction of pain and suffering caused by a specific purpose, which is not always to kill the person arrested, but to destroy the personality of the victim.

• Torture is often used to: - punish the person - obtain information or a confession,

including self-termination - take revenge on a person - create terror and to sow fear in society

• People who have been tortured are often afraid of repeated torture and face many serious physical and psychological problems. It is very difficult for victims to be able to gain confidence, again, in other people, even among relatives and friends. They may have nightmares, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and often reintegration into the family and society.

• Tortured victims often have feelings of guilt and shame, triggered by the humiliation they were subjected. Many of them have feelings of self-betrayal, friends or family. All these symptoms are normal reactions of people subjected to torture in response to abnormal and inhuman treatment.

Concept MapTortur

e

Asphyxiation

MethodsInstrume

nts

Electric chair

Blackmailing

Boiling

Castration

Iron Maiden The Brazen Bull

The Head Crusher

Asphyxiation ID Language: en

ID Country: U.K. U.S.A.

Definition: Asphyxia or asphyxiation (from Greek α- "without" and σφύξις sphyxis, "heartbeat") is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to breathe normally. An example of asphyxia is choking. Asphyxia causes generalised hypoxia, which primarily affects the tissues and organs.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_deprivation

Context 1: Nitrogen asphyxiation is an occasional cause of accidental death and a theoretical method of capital punishment. After just two or three breaths of pure nitrogen, the oxygen concentration in the lungs would be low enough for some oxygen already in the bloodstream to exchange back to the lungs and be eliminated by exhalation.

Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_deprivation

Context 2: Asphyxiation is death due to lack of air.

Context Source 2: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_asphyxiation

Grammatical Category: nominal group (nouns)

Nota bene : from Greek α- "without" and σφύξις sphyxis, "heartbeat"

Hyperonym: Physical methods of torture

Synonyms: -

Use Area: torture, terrorism, death

Designation Status: standard

Ro correspondent: privare de oxigen

Correspondent Source: http://www.sfatulmedicului.ro/arhiva_medicala/oxigenarea-creierului

Blackmailing ID: Blackmailing 

ID Language: U.K. U.S.A.

ID Country: en

Definition: The act or practice of extorting money by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, as injury to reputation.

Definition Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Blackmailing

Context 1: A person is guilty of blackmail if, with a view to gain for himself or another or with intent to cause loss to another, he makes any unwarranted demand with menaces; and for this purpose a demand with menaces is unwarranted unless the person making it does so in the belief.

Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackmail

Context 2: But i do feel as tho i'm being emotionally blackmailed and bullied by sefton council.

Context Source 2: http://sentence.yourdictionary.com/blackmail

Grammatical Category: noun

Nota bene: The word is variously derived from the word for tribute (in modern terms, protection racket) paid by English and Scottish border dwellers to Border Reivers in return for immunity from raids and other harassment. The "mail" part of blackmail derives from Middle English male, "rent, tribute."

Hyperonym: psychological torture methods

Synonyms: -

Use Area: criminal law, justice

Designation Status: standard

Ro correspondent: șantaj

Correspondent Source: http://www.webdex.ro/online/dictionar/%C5%9Fantaj

Boiling ID: Boiling

ID Language: en

ID Country: U.K. U.S.A.

Definition: Death by boiling is a method of execution in which a person is killed by being immersed in a boiling liquid such as water or oil. While not as common as other methods of execution, boiling to death has been used in many parts of Europe and Asia.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_to_death

Context 1: In Scotland, there exist several traditions of local power players who were boiled to death.

Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_to_death

Context 2: The psycho dictator of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, became notorious for boiling his detainees alive after torturing them brutally.

Context Source 2: http://antiwar.com/blog/2011/11/04/uzbek-dictator-shifts-from-boiling-people-to-freezing-them/

Grammatical Category: noun

Nota bene: adverb

Hyperonym: Physical torture methods

Synonyms: -

Use Area: torture, terrorism

Designation Status: standard

Ro correspondent: fierbere

Correspondent Source: http://dexonline.ro/definitie/fierbere

Castration ID: Castration  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: Castration (also known as neutering) is any action, surgical, chemical

or otherwise, by which a biological male loses use of the testes (orchiectomy). This causes sterilization, i.e. prevents them from reproducing; it also greatly reduces the production of certain hormones, such as testosterone.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castration Context 1: Negotiations began after a London court ruled in October that three

elderly Kenyans, who suffered castration, rape and beatings while in detention during a crackdown by British forces and their Kenyan allies in the 1950s, could sue Britain.

Context Source 1: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2336418/Mau-Mau-fighters-raped-castrated-beaten-Kenyas-uprising-Britain-14million-compensation-apology.html

Context 2: Campaigners are pushing for chemical castration to be introduced as a way of treating sex offenders in the UK.

Context Source 2: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2311148/Man-undergoes-voluntary-chemical-castration-Dr-Federoff-fearing-day-murder-woman.html

Grammatical Category: noun Nota bene: Latin castrre, castrt-; see kes- in Indo-European roots. Hyperonym: Physical torture methods Synonyms: - Use Area: torture, terrorism Designation Status: standard Ro correspondent: castrare Correspondent Source: http://dexonline.ro/definitie/castra

Electric Chair ID: Electric chair  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair,

is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_chair Context 1: The use of the electric chair has declined as legislators sought what

they believed to be more humane methods of execution. Lethal injection became the most popular method, aided by media reports of botched electrocutions in the early 1980s.

Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_chair Context 2: These executions went more smoothly, clearing the way for

acceptance of the electric chair as a widely accepted means of carrying out death sentences.

Context Source 2: http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/not_guilty/chair/6.html

Grammatical Category: noun phrase Nota bene: Middle English chaiere, from Old French, from Latin cathedra; see

cathedra. New Latin lectricus, deriving from amber, as by rubbing, from Latin lectrum, amber, from Greek lektron.

Hyperonym: Physical methods of torture, execution Use Area: torture, terrorism, death Designation Status: standard Ro correspondent: scaunul electric Correspondent Source: http://www.aitc.ro/pedeapsa-cu-moartea

Iron Maiden ID: Iron Maiden  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: An iron maiden (German: eiserne Jungfrau) is a presumed torture

device, consisting of an iron cabinet, with a hinged front and spike-covered interior, sufficiently tall to enclose a human being. It is believed to be fictional, although examples have been created for display.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_maiden_%28torture_device%29

Context 1: The Iron Maiden is often associated with the Middle Ages. Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_maiden_%28torture_device

%29 Context 2: The iron maiden of Nuremberg was anthropomorphic. Context Source 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_maiden_%28torture_device

%29 Grammatical Category: noun phrase Nota bene: Middle English iren, from Old English ren; see eis- in Indo-European

roots. Middle English, from Old English mægden; see maghu- in Indo-European roots.

Hyperonym: instruments of torture Use Area: torture, terrorism Designation Status: figurative Ro correspondent: Fecioara de fier Correspondent Source: http://www.descopera.ro/cultura/2505374-top-10-cele-

mai-ingenioase-dispozitive-de-tortura

Denailing ID: Denailing  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: The forcible extraction of the fingernails or toenails—was a favorite

method of medieval torture that retains its popularity in the 21st century. It is both efficient and extremely effective as a form of torture and, in modern use, causes limited physical injury: while brute-force tearing out can and does damage the cuticles, surgical extraction without anesthesia does not.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denailing Context 1: Denailing was used in many areas of Europe during the Middle Ages to

extract confessions and cause incredible agonizing pain. Context Source 1: http://www.medievality.com/denailing.html Context 2: That outdoes our last denailing event, especially considering the fact

that this crew was a little bit smaller than the previous one. Context Source 2: http://www.emergentstructures.org/?p=1022&cpage=1 Grammatical Category: noun Nota bene: - Hyperonym: Physical methods of torture Synonyms: - Use Area: torture, terrorism Designation Status: standard Ro correspondent: smulgerea unghiilor Correspondent Source: http://www.apropo.ro/wow/10-metode-socante-de-tortura-

10337299 

Chastity Belt ID: Chastity belt ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: A chastity belt is a locking item of clothing designed to prevent sexual

intercourse. They may be used to protect the wearer from rape or temptation. Some devices have been designed with additional features to prevent masturbation. Chastity belts have been created for males and females, ostensibly for the purpose of chastity.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chastity_belt Context 1: Chastity belts in modern times are sometimes used in BDSM play. Designs

are available for both men and women. Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chastity_belt_%28BDSM%29 Context 2: The chastity belt is made of high-grade stainless steel type V4a (V2a is not

suitable for salt water). Context Source 2: http://www.latowski.de/latowskiFlash/410.htm Grammatical Category: noun phrase Nota bene: Middle English chastite, from Old French chastete, from Latin castit s, from

castus, pure; see chaste. Middle English, from Old English, ultimately from Latin balteus.

Hyperonym: torture, terrorism Synonyms: - Use Area: instruments of torture Designation Status: standard Ro correspondent: centura de castitate Correspondent Source: http://piluladecap.blogspot.ro/2012/11/fecioara-de-fier-pe-

scaunul-spaniol.html

Heretic’s Fork ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: The heretic's fork was a torture device, loosely consisting of a

length of metal with two opposed bi-pronged "forks" as well as an attached belt or strap.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heretic%27s_fork Context 1: The heretic's fork was placed between the breast bone and throat

just under the chin and secured with a leather strap around the neck, while the victim was hung from the ceiling or otherwise suspended in a way so that they could not lie down.

Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heretic%27s_fork Context 2: You have been accused of renouncing your Christian faith, and for

that crime, you will be forced to endure the painful torture of the Heretics Fork. Context Source 2: http://www.inquisitionchamber.com/quaestio/fork.htm Grammatical Category: nominal group (nouns) Nota bene: Middle English forke, digging fork, from Old English forca and from

Old North French forque, both from Latin furca. Middle English heretik, from Old French heretique, from Late Latin haereticus, from Greek hairetikos, able to choose, factious, from hairetos, chosen, from haireisthai, to choose; see heresy.

Hyperonym: Physical methods of torture Use Area: torture, terrorism Designation Status: standard and figurative Ro correspondent: Furca ereticilor Correspondent Source: http://www.descopera.ro/cultura/2505374-top-10-

cele-mai-ingenioase-dispozitive-de-tortura

The Brazen Bull ID: The Brazen Bull  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: The brazen bull, bronze bull, or Sicilian bull, was a torture and execution

device designed in ancient Greece. Its inventor, metal-worker Perillos of Athens, proposed it to Phalaris, the tyrant of Akragas, Sicily, as a new means of executing criminals. The bull was made entirely of bronze, hollow, with a door in one side. The condemned were locked in the bull, and a fire was set under it, heating the metal until the person inside roasted to death.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazen_bull Context 1: The Brazen Bull was a bull-shaped torture device to burn and suffocate

victims to death. Context Source 1: http://www.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/10-medieval-

torture-devices1.htm Context 2: The brazen bull was a terrible torture device used in ancient Greece and

throughout the Middle Ages. Context Source 2: http://www.medievality.com/brazen-bull.html Grammatical Category: nominal group (adjective and noun) Nota bene: Middle English brasen, made of brass, from Old English bræsen, from

bræs, brass. Middle English bule, from Old English bula, probably from Old Norse boli; see bhel- in Indo-European roots.

Hyperonym: Physical methods of torture Use Area: torture, terrorism Designation Status: figurative Ro correspondent: Taurul Sicilian Correspondent Source: http://www.ziare.com/magazin/experiment/cele-mai-

socante-metode-de-tortura-din-epoca-medievala-989242

The Head Crusher ID: The Head Crusher  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: The head crusher comprised of a chin placed on a bottom bar,

and the head was under a cap. The torturer then would turn a screw, pushing the cap down, bringing the victim's head closer and closer to the bottom bar.

Definition Source: http://www.cracked.com/funny-4054-top-10-most-gruesome-torture-methods/

Context 1: The head crusher was a psychologically striking instrument that was mainly used to extract confessions.

Context Source 1: http://www.medievality.com/head-crusher.html Context 2: The Head Crusher was a medieval torture (or often execution)

device. Context Source 2: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_Head_Crusher Grammatical Category: noun phrase Nota bene: Middle English, from Old English h afod; see kaput- in Indo-

European roots. Middle English crushen, from Old French croissir, of Germanic origin.

Hyperonyme: instruments of torture Use Area: torture, terrorism Designation Status: standard Ro correspondent: Spărgătorul de capete Correspondent Source:

http://www.historia.ro/exclusiv_web/general/articol/cele-mai-populare-metode-tortura-evul-mediu-foto

Guillotine ID: Guillotine  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: The guillotine (/ˈɡɪlətiːn/ or /ˈɡiː.ətiːn/; French: [ɡijɔtin]) is a

device designed for carrying out executions by decapitation. It consists of a tall upright frame in which a weighted and angled blade is raised to the top and suspended. The condemned person is secured at the bottom of the frame, with his or her neck held directly below the blade. The blade is then released, to fall swiftly and sever the head from the body.

Definition Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillotine Context 1: There were guillotine-like devices in countries other than

France before 1792. A number of countries, especially in Europe, continued to employ this method of execution into modern times.

Context Source 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillotine Context 2: The Flying Guillotine is a secondary weapon for the Scout. Context Source 2: http://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Flying_Guillotine Grammatical Category: noun Nota bene: from French, named after Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738-1814),

French physician, who advocated its use in 1789 Hyperonym: Physical method of torture, death Use Area: torture, terrorism, death Designation Status: figurative Ro correspondent: ghilotină Correspondent Source: http://www.aitc.ro/pedeapsa-cu-moartea

Gas Chamber ID: Gas Chamber  ID Language: en ID Country: U.K. U.S.A. Definition: A gas chamber is an apparatus for killing humans or animals with gas,

consisting of a sealed chamber into which a poisonous or asphyxiant gas is introduced. The most commonly used poisonous agent is hydrogen cyanide; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide have also been used.

Definition Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_chamber Context 1: Gas chambers were used as a method of execution for condemned

prisoners in the United States beginning in the 1920s. Context Source 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_chamber Context 2: During the Holocaust, large-scale gas chambers designed for mass killing

were used by Nazi Germany as part of their genocide program, and also by the Independent State of Croatia at the Jasenovac concentration camp. The use of gas chambers has also been reported in North Korea.

Context Source 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_chamber Grammatical Category: noun phrase Nota bene: Dutch, an occult physical principle supposed to be present in all bodies,

alteration of Greek khaos, chaos, empty space, coined by Jan Baptista van Helmont (1577-1644), Flemish chemist. Middle English chaumbre, from Old French chambre, from Late Latin camera, chamber, from Latin, vault, from Greek kamar .

Hyperonym: Physical methods of torture Use Area: torture, terrorism, war, genocide Synonyms: asfixiation, poisoning Designation Status: standard Ro correspondent: camera de gazare Correspondent Source: http://www.auschwitz.ro/dictionary.aspx?term=Camere

%20de%20gazare

ConclusionsThe glossary contains 150 entries, 75 in

English and 75 in Romanian; in fact, there are 75 English terms with their Romanian correspondent. These entries represent terms, specific concepts of the torture domain.

Each term is followed by a description made according to the semantic fields, in both Romanian and English.

The English terms are arranged alphabetically and each term is followed by the description of its Romanian equivalent.

The Romanian vocabulary has adopted some terms that are very similar or quite mot-a-mot to foreign terms.

E.g. Flagellation, Garotte,Guillotine,Heretic’s, Fork, Lingchi , Scaphism.

Romanian language presents a tendency to introduce in its vocabulary English words, due to the lack of an authority having the meaning of giving the Romanian equivalents for the foreign terms.

The synonyms were very hard to find because of the domain chosen in the glossary and because of the variety of names given and proper nouns.

Thank you for your attention!