THEORETICAL BACKGROUND OF TRANSLATION
Methods
Word-for-word translation, commonly referred to as interlinear translation, involves placing the target language (TL) directly beneath the source language (SL) words This method maintains the original word order of the SL while translating each word directly based on its most common meaning, regardless of context Cultural terms are translated literally in this approach Word-for-word translation is frequently utilized during the pre-translation phase.
Example: There is a man at the end of the road.
Có người đàn ông ở cuối đường.
Literal translation serves as a pre-translation process, where the grammatical structures of the source language (SL) are converted to their closest equivalents in the target language (TL) In this approach, lexical words are translated individually, without considering the surrounding context.
Example: She is deaf to all his advice.
Cô ta lờ đi tất cả những lời khuyên của anh ta.
A faithful translation strives to accurately convey the original meaning while adhering to the grammatical structures of the target language (TL) It involves the careful transfer of cultural terms and maintains a balance between grammatical and lexical norms This approach ensures that the intentions and stylistic nuances of the source language (SL) writer are preserved in the final translation.
Example: Miley has done well.
Miley đã làm việc tốt.
Semantic translation requires the high value of aesthetic in the SL text.
In the translation process, it is essential for translators to refine the final version to eliminate any assonance, wordplay, or jarring repetition This may involve translating less significant cultural terms using culturally neutral or functional alternatives instead of direct cultural equivalents, as well as making minor adjustments to better suit the readership.
Example: Keep off the grass.
Adaptation is commonly employed in translating plays and poetry due to its flexibility as a translation method This approach allows for the preservation of themes, characters, and plots while transforming source language (SL) cultural elements into target language (TL) contexts Ultimately, the text is rewritten to resonate more effectively with the target audience.
Example: Memoirs of a Geisha (the name of a movie)
In intra-lingual translation, the focus shifts from preserving the original form to conveying its content through paraphrasing, which can result in a more extensive expression than the source text This approach often overlooks elements like prolixity and pretentiousness, emphasizing clarity and understanding over strict adherence to the original style.
Chúc thượng lộ bình an!
This method reproduces the “message” of the source text by using an equivalent in the TL However, in this translation, we must use idioms in the
TL to express for the TL Idiomatic translation tends to distort nuances of meaning by favoring colloquialisms and idioms where these do not exist in the original.
Example: As poor as a church mouse.
Translators utilizing this method strive to convey both the content and language accurately, ensuring that the contextual meaning is preserved This approach is commonly employed in radio broadcasts and newspaper translations Additionally, there are instances where communicative and semantic translation align, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the translation.
Example: Beware of the dog.
In the translation process, adherence to key translation principles is crucial for translators Alan Duff's book "Translation" outlines several fundamental principles that are universally applicable across all translation efforts.
Alan Duff, in his work "Translation," emphasizes that translation should accurately reflect the original text's meaning without any arbitrary additions or omissions A skilled translator must adhere to this principle to ensure fidelity to the source material.
The meaning of original text must be clear, if not, we must find out the uncertain points.
Some words are “loaded”, that is, are they containing underlying implications? ( “correct me if I’m wrong…”suggests “I know I’m right”)
Is the dictionary meaning of a particular word the most suitable one.
Anything in the translation sounds unnatural or forced.
In A Duff's translation theory, it is essential for a translator to pay close attention to the arrangement of words and ideas in order to achieve the most accurate and appropriate equivalent in the target language (TL).
The levels of formality in a specific context lead to significant variations in language Therefore, for effective translation, translators must carefully consider how the writer or speaker establishes tone, distinguishing between formal or fixed expressions and personal expressions.
Idioms play a crucial role in translation, as highlighted by A Duff, who notes that idiomatic expressions are often difficult to translate This category encompasses similes, metaphors, proverbs, sayings like "as good as gold," as well as jargon, slang, colloquialisms, and phrasal verbs.
If translators cannot directly translate the expressions, they should consider some followings:
•Preserve the original word, in inverted commas.
•Keep the original expression, with a literal explanation in brackets.
•Use a non-idiomatic or plain prose translation.
A Duff emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original style in translation However, if the source text contains careless errors or unnecessary repetition, the translator should correct these issues for the benefit of the readers.
One common criticism of translation is that it often lacks a natural flow, as translators can be overly influenced by the original text To overcome this issue, a useful technique is to set the source material aside and translate sentences from memory aloud This approach encourages the use of natural thought patterns in the translator's first language, which may be overlooked when focusing solely on the source language.
Situational context encompasses the various factors and circumstances that impact the interpretation of a text, often more challenging to identify than linguistic elements These factors include micro-level aspects such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, as well as broader influences like social, political, economic conditions, and overarching cultural norms Additionally, conventions and value systems can vary significantly across different cultures and societies, affecting meaning and understanding.
Ninety-two-year-old Johnny Barnes stands on the edge of a roundabout and waves at people as they drive past
[2] He’s been here since before 4:00 a.m.
He’ll be here until 10:00 a.m
[3] He’s not asking for money or begging for food He’s not protesting, complaining, picketing, or loitering
[5] He wears a straw hat and a salty beard His eyes are bright, teeth white, and skin leathery and dark
[6] The years have bent his back and
TỪ NHỮNG ĐIỀU BẤT NGỜ
[1] 6 giờ sáng tại Hamilton, Bermuda. Johnny Barnes, 92 tuổi đứng trên lề của một bùng binh và vẫy tay với mọi người khi họ lái xe qua
[2] Ông đã ở đây từ trước 4 giờ sáng và sẽ ở lại đây đến 10 giờ
[3] Ông không xin tiền hay xin ăn. Ông cũng không phản đối, phàn nàn, biểu tình hay đi lảng vảng.
[4] Ông đang làm cho mọi người hạnh phúc.
[5] Johnny có đôi mắt sáng, răng trắng, làn da ngăm đen với bộ râu rậm và dài, và đội một chiếc mũ rơm
[6] Năm tháng đã làm lưng ông cong slowed his step But they haven’t siphoned his joy
[7] He waves with both hands extended in front of him His wrists turn from side to side as if he were adjusting the volume on a soundboard
[8] He pulls back his right hand to retrieve a kiss and blow it in the direction of a taxi driver or commuter
[9] “I love you!” he shouts “I’ll love you forever!” “Hello, there, darlin’ I love you!”
[10] And they love him! Bermudans call him Mr Happy Man