INTRODUCTION
Vietnam is currently undergoing integration and development, with English recognized as a global language essential for young learners, starting from elementary school For English Linguistics students, proficiency in English and strong translation skills are crucial for securing high-paying jobs in the future As third-year English majors, students must focus on specialized subjects, including Translation, before graduation Translation is a complex field requiring accuracy and practice, as it is not an exact science but rather an intellectual endeavor where varying levels of concentration can yield different results The quality of translations is paramount, as errors can lead to significant consequences Each translator's choices in word selection are subjective and influenced by cultural nuances, which can sometimes result in misunderstandings if local terms are overused instead of standard vocabulary.
This research investigates the impact of culture on the translation abilities of third-year English Linguistics students at Thu Dau Mot University The aim is to gain insights and propose solutions to enhance students' translation skills Due to time constraints, the study focuses specifically on the cultural influences in translating from English to Vietnamese.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Term Definition
Culture encompasses the customs, habits, and distinctive traits of people within a specific region, including aspects like language, accent, and personality It represents the collective physical and spiritual values developed by humanity throughout history Traditionally, culture was understood as exhibiting a high degree of internal uniformity within a social system, often restricted to ethnic or national contexts (Stefanie Rathje, 2009).
Culture is an organic system of material and spiritual values developed by humans, shaped through practical activities and interactions with both the natural environment and the community.
Translation is the process of converting text from one language to another, facilitating communication between speakers of different languages or when engaging with foreign documents According to Catford (1965), translation involves substituting a text in one language for an equivalent text in another, necessitating a foundational understanding of linguistic theory He emphasizes that translation is not merely a mechanical replacement but an intricate operation that requires a deep comprehension of both languages involved Similarly, Semenov (1999) defines translation as the translator's activity of transforming a message into another language while preserving its original meaning, highlighting that the end product can be either oral or written.
Influence, as both a noun and a verb, signifies the capacity to affect perceptions, thoughts, and actions of individuals or phenomena It plays a vital role across various fields, including spirituality, economics, and finance, highlighting its importance in shaping ideas and driving change.
Recent research in the influences of culture on the translation
Despite previous research on culture and translation, particularly regarding language use, there is a notable lack of studies focusing on the influence of culture on English-Vietnamese translation Furthermore, limited research has been conducted in Vietnam specifically addressing this topic.
Peeter Torop (2009) emphasizes the crucial link between culture and translation, highlighting that culture is primarily expressed through the act of translation A translator's work reflects the unique characteristics of the original text, effectively conveying its cultural nuances.
Hanada Al-Masriin (2009) explored cultural translation, highlighting the challenges of cultural loss in Arabic text translations and the essential role of translators as cultural insiders He examined hieroglyphic language elements, such as metaphors and idioms, in both Arabic and English texts, concluding that translators must possess cultural literacy to achieve authentic translations Similarly, Mohammad Salehi (2012) defined culture from various perspectives within translation research, emphasizing the significant interplay between culture, language, and translation He asserted that culture profoundly impacts interpretive discourse, making it a crucial factor in effective human communication.
According to Komissarov (1991), the cultural factor in translation is crucial for effective communication, as understanding a text relies on the shared background knowledge of the events it describes This understanding is essential for the communicator to convey the intended message Individuals within the same language community inherently share a specific cultural context, which influences their interpretation of linguistic units.
The contribution of culture and translation
Culture is essential in shaping society, acting as a vital catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development It fosters creativity and uncovers the latent potential within individuals Moreover, culture permeates every aspect of life, highlighting its significance in various domains.
Page 4 of 17 social life Culture is the hallmark of a community of people, a nation recorded and transmitted to the next generations in customs, practices, habits, rituals, religions; in behavior, exchange, social relations; In law as well as in architectural works, artworks Therefore, when it comes to the culture of an ethnic group or of a nation, first of all, it is about what is relatively stable, attached intimate with people However, culture is not invariant, especially in communication relationships, attitudes - behavior, mutual learning, etc
Translation is vital in an integrated society, impacting various sectors like construction, health, finance, and tourism, which utilize specialized materials in both Vietnamese and foreign languages As international economic integration continues to grow, the demand for translation services for business and cultural exchange becomes increasingly essential.
Effective communication with international friends and partners necessitates reliable translation services These services enhance mutual understanding and are crucial for businesses to maintain strong relationships, ultimately elevating their brand image Translation plays a vital role across various professions, with education being the most reliant on these services Many literary and philosophical works, as well as educational materials, originate from languages other than Vietnamese and require accurate translation to convey their true meaning A skilled translation team is essential, as each work encompasses unique contexts and cultural nuances, demanding translators with expertise and deep language comprehension.
Language barriers hinder communication across various professions, including business, culture, and the arts, affecting the connection between Vietnam and other countries Consequently, translation is crucial in fostering closer ties and facilitating exchange between nations.
For Vietnamese individuals aiming to live, study, or work abroad, as well as foreigners seeking opportunities in Vietnam, utilizing notarization services is essential These services facilitate clearer communication and understanding between both parties, ensuring that all requirements are met effectively.
Translation services are essential in our lives, significantly contributing to the economic and cultural development of our country during this era of integration.
The role of culture in translation
Culture significantly influences translation, as each sentence reflects the translator's cultural background and language nuances While language is a vital component of culture, it does not encompass its entirety A solid grasp of linguistics and cultural concepts is essential for translators, guiding them in choosing between prioritizing linguistic accuracy—such as identifying equivalent terms—or conveying the expressions and thought processes of the target language's speakers.
Purpose of the study
The researcher aims to explore the relationship between culture and translation, focusing on the influence of culture on the translation skills of third-year English language students at Thu Dau Mot University This study seeks to identify solutions that can help students enhance their translation abilities while effectively incorporating cultural elements Additionally, the research paper aspires to deepen the understanding of various regional languages and their respective cultures.
METHODOLOGY
Participants
This study was carried out at Thu Dau Mot University in Binh Duong Province, focusing on the third-year English Linguistics students within the Faculty of Foreign Languages The research involved 90 participants, comprising 60 students who completed a questionnaire and 30 who took part in interviews The student body, totaling around 400, is characterized by its diversity, with individuals hailing from various regions, resulting in a rich variety of local languages The research spanned a period of four weeks, providing insights into the linguistic experiences of these students.
Research questions
- How does culture affect translation?
- What role does culture play in translation?
Technique of data collection and data analysis
There are many techniques and methods used to collect data for research purposes Usually, the quantitative method and the qualitative method are used a lot in research
Quantitative research involves the systematic collection and analysis of market data to derive insights through statistical methods This approach is particularly effective for examining attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of respondents The findings from a sample group are often generalized to represent a larger population, making quantitative research a valuable tool for market analysis.
Qualitative research is a valuable method for exploring ideas and perspectives to gain insights into various problems Unlike quantitative research, it employs diverse data collection techniques that lack a rigid structure, including focus groups, personal interviews, and observations Typically, qualitative research involves smaller, carefully selected samples to ensure depth and relevance in the findings.
In this study, the researcher employed interviews and questionnaires to gather data from third-year English majors at Thu Dau Mot University's Foreign Language Department, aiming to explore the cultural benefits of photos in translation The detailed information collected during each phase of the research is provided in the appendix, which includes both the interview format and the questionnaire.
This study utilizes a questionnaire to gather insights on the translation practices of third-year English language students, specifically focusing on their methods for translating English words into Vietnamese It also seeks to understand the students' perceptions of the influence of culture on translation The questionnaire comprises nine questions, including seven multiple-choice and two short answer questions, designed to elicit clear responses from participants The findings will help the researcher assess the impact of cultural factors on students' language use and translation styles, ultimately leading to informed recommendations.
This article explores the impact of culture on the translation skills of third-year English majors at Thu Dau Mot University The author conducted interviews with a selected group of students, utilizing four key questions to gather insights Following the interviews, the researcher systematically analyzed the responses and extracted relevant findings based on the students' answers.
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Questionnaire
Figure 1 Difficulty of translation according to the perception of 3rd-year
A study of 60 third-year English majors revealed that 31 students (51.67%) find translation challenging, with 11 students (18.33%) expressing significant difficulty and a lack of confidence in their skills The author, who is studying English Linguistics, shares this sentiment, acknowledging the complexities involved in producing accurate and personal translations Conversely, 13 students (21.67%) perceive translation as a normal task, while 5 students (8.33%) consider it easy Notably, no students reported finding translation very easy, indicating a general consensus on the challenges of the field.
So easy Easy Normal Hard So Hard
Figure 2 How often third-year English-majored students practice translating
Figure 1 illustrates students' translation practice frequency, revealing that 58% of students engage in practice once a week, which is an encouraging trend for skill development Regular practice can be gradually increased to 2 to 3 times a week, enhancing translation abilities, vocabulary, and writing skills Additionally, 23% of students practice monthly, which can significantly impact their translation proficiency The data also shows that 10% of students practice twice a month, while 9% practice daily, indicating varied levels of commitment among learners.
How often third-year student-majored
Once/week Once/month Twice/month Everyday
A significant 72% of students support the use of algorithmic tools during the translation process, favoring online resources like Google Translate and online dictionaries over traditional paper dictionaries The increasing development of the Internet has made these tools more accessible, allowing students to enhance the quality and intricacy of their translations However, some students argue against the reliance on such support tools, believing they hinder the expression of individual style and cultural nuances in translation.
Is it good to use support equipment on translation?
Figure 3 Using support equipment on translation
A recent survey conducted by the researcher revealed the translation tools most frequently used by participants As illustrated in Figure 4, Google Translate emerged as the most popular choice among students, with a usage rate of 61% This widespread familiarity with Google Translate highlights its role as a go-to resource for individuals seeking assistance with language comprehension Moreover, the platform continues to enhance its features, ensuring users receive optimal translation support.
29% of students often use Microsoft Translator (See Figure 4) Microsoft is also a popular software, but besides some software such as Microsoft Word,
Translation support software, such as Excel and PowerPoint, along with tools like Wordfast, simplifies the translation process by utilizing common and easily understood vocabulary These resources help prevent the misuse of words and reduce confusion However, over-reliance on these tools can hinder students' translation skills, making them dependent and less capable of translating effectively without assistance.
Google TranslateWordfastMicrosoft TranslatorOther
Table 1 Using local language when translating
Question 4 Do you use your local language when you translate from English to Vietnamese?
Answer Number of choices Percentage
Table 2 illustrates the usage of local words by students when translating texts from English to Vietnamese The researcher assessed the extent to which third-year English major students incorporate local vocabulary in their translations Findings reveal that 8 students (13.33%) and 32 students (53.33%) either always or sometimes utilize local words, indicating a significant influence of local language on their translation processes.
In Vietnam, the word "mother" is translated differently across regions; for instance, people in the South commonly use "má," while those in the North prefer "mẹ," and Central residents may say "mạ." These regional variations can lead to confusion in translation quality and comprehension Additionally, some translators may not incorporate local dialects, further complicating the translation process.
Table 2 The degree of agreement about the influence of culture on translation
Question 5 Do you agree with culture influences translation?
Answer Number of choices Percentage
A significant 75% of students believe that culture plays a crucial role in translation, highlighting its impact on translators, while only 25% disagree Snell-Hornby (1988) notes that Wilhelm Von Humboldt was the first to formally establish the connection between language and culture, emphasizing that language reflects the culture and personality of the writer Komissarov (1991) further elaborates that cultural differences between the source and target languages may necessitate additional context in the target text to clarify unfamiliar concepts, or alternatively, result in the exclusion of irrelevant details.
Table 3 Suggestions for avoiding the influence of culture on translation
Question 6 Have you been influenced by culture while translating?
Learn Mandarin to avoid using local words 58
To enhance the impact of culture on translation quality, a researcher conducted a survey among third-year English majors, gathering their insights on the issue A total of 45 students recommended reading more books Given that the study centered on translating English words into Vietnamese, the author proposed this as a key solution.
To enhance Vietnamese vocabulary, 55 students emphasized the importance of a strong lexicon for translators, as it enriches both voice and word choice A significant number, 58 participants, advocated for studying high school-level vocabulary to avoid local dialects Given the diversity of the Vietnamese language, improving translation quality requires translators to refine their skills, ensuring clarity for all readers Additionally, 30 students suggested that translators should deepen their understanding of various regional cultures and engage in self-practice to further enhance their vocabulary usage.
In a recent survey exploring the impact of culture on translation, most participants emphasized that culture significantly influences the translator's personality and reflects their cultural background While a minority argued that translation relies solely on the translator's skills, the majority highlighted the importance of using natural language, often incorporating local dialects Over 75% of respondents preferred a natural approach to word choice, while others opted for selective dictionary terms or commonly used words to maintain clarity and avoid confusion in their translations.
Interview
In addition to conducting a questionnaire survey, the researcher interviewed 40 students and selected responses from 30 students across various regions for analysis The interview format was preferred to capture direct answers rather than relying on written responses Many students reported feeling confused by documents that contained local terminology, which hindered their understanding and led to unclear communication Despite their efforts to minimize the use of local words in class discussions, most students admitted to incorporating them into their communication, indicating a gradual improvement over time This habitual use of local language posed challenges during the translation of articles.
Page 15 of 17 translator naturally uses local words Finally, similar to the questionnaire survey, many respondents said that translation is a difficult field and it takes time to become good at this subject
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Limitation
During the project implementation, the author encountered several limitations and challenges The researcher faced time constraints due to ongoing school commitments and an internship, which hindered the survey phase Despite efforts to manage time effectively for timely reporting, participant non-cooperation posed difficulties in data collection Additionally, the scarcity of domestic studies on the topic made it challenging to draw comparisons, leading the author to rely on external references such as books and magazines for information.
Conclusion
After conducting research on the impact of culture on the translation skills of third-year English majors at Thu Dau Mot University and analyzing the collected data, the author has identified several key findings.
Many third-year English majors perceive translation as a challenging field that requires various factors for success A significant number of students surveyed emphasized the crucial role of culture in translation, particularly in English-Vietnamese contexts They noted that cultural nuances often lead to misunderstandings, especially when local terminology is employed, as different regions may express the same idea in diverse ways This highlights a critical area for improvement in their translation practices.
To minimize cultural bias in translating English to Vietnamese, many students enhance their vocabulary by reading more books and learning common words Additionally, most students practice their translation skills weekly to improve The research also revealed that a significant number of students utilize software and tools, with Google Translate and Microsoft Translator being the most popular options for assistance in the translation process.
Utilizing support tools to assist students in reducing the use of local terminology can lead to dependency, hindering their ability to develop strong translation skills from English to Vietnamese.
When translating between languages, cultural factors significantly shape the translator's writing style and language choices The language itself is a crucial element of culture, and readers can discern the cultural nuances embedded in the text Therefore, translating from English involves not only linguistic skills but also an understanding of the cultural context that informs the author's voice.
To ensure high-quality translations in Vietnamese, it is crucial for translators to have a strong command of local vocabulary Using incorrect local terms can significantly impact the overall quality of the translation Therefore, writers should focus on enhancing their Vietnamese language skills and engage in consistent practice to avoid such pitfalls.
Recommendations
After doing the research, the author hopes that when translating from
Translators from English to Vietnamese must ensure that cultural influences do not compromise the quality of their translations, particularly in language accuracy To enhance their vocabulary, they should engage with a variety of books and magazines It's crucial for them to understand the appropriate usage of words in context Furthermore, while support tools can aid in refining translations, translators should develop their own unique style and not rely solely on these tools, as they cannot fully capture the nuances the translator wishes to convey.
5.3.2 For third-year English Linguistic students:
Students should engage in extensive reading, including books and magazines translated from English, to enhance their vocabulary This practice helps them avoid incorrect word usage, slang, and localized expressions While it's important to maintain one's cultural identity, those in the field of translation should prioritize using words that resonate with a broader audience, ensuring their translations align with general cultural standards.
This research has several limitations, and the author encourages future researchers to expand on this study by exploring the cultural factors that influence translation, as this study only addresses a small aspect of the topic The author anticipates that subsequent studies will yield valuable insights and significant findings.
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In her 2005 study, Paluszkiewicz-Misiaczek explores effective strategies and methods for addressing culture-specific expressions, focusing on Polish-English translations of administrative and institutional terms The research highlights the challenges translators face in conveying the nuances of cultural terminology, emphasizing the importance of context and adaptability in translation practices By analyzing specific examples, the study contributes valuable insights into the complexities of cross-cultural communication in the field of translation.
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Preliminary Survey of the influences of culture on the translation of third- year English-majored students at Thu Dau Mot University
This survey aims to explore the impact of culture on the translation skills of third-year English majors at Thu Dau Mot University The results will provide insights into how cultural influences affect students' motivation for language learning All collected data will remain confidential, and any inquiries can be directed to my email address.
Please answer the following questions
1 Do you feel translation is difficult?
2 How do you practice translation?
3 In your opinion, is it good to use support equipment for translation?
4 What translation tools do you usually use?
5 Do you use your local language when you translate from English to Vietnamese? xi
6 Do you agree with culture influents translation?
7 From your point of view, what good suggestions do you think would be for avoiding local language influencing translation?
□ Learn Mandarin to avoid using local words
8 In your opinion, what role does culture play in translation?
9 How do you usually use words when translating? What sources do you usually refer to?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR KIND CO-OPERATION.