INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
"Hard Times" is a thought-provoking novel that critiques British society while satirizing the economic and social challenges of its era The exploration of societal issues resonates globally, including in countries like Vietnam This captivating book sparked my interest in understanding the various problems faced by nations around the world.
So there are two reasons for me to choose "Hard Times".
Reading profoundly impacts the lives of young people, influencing various aspects such as work and entertainment while also giving rise to new fields and opportunities A notable example is the novel "Hard Times," which critiques English society and satirizes the social and economic conditions of its time.
Secondly, this novel offers a wide range of knowledge in different fields.
As a translating and interpreting major, I aim to utilize my four years of university education and practical experience to effectively complete my graduation paper based on this book.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
There are two points this graduation paper aims at.
This paper aims to explore and share experiences in translating a book focused on population issues By analyzing the translation and interpretation of words and sentence structures, it seeks to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, enhancing both knowledge and translation skills.
The second point is to provide some useful information about British society and economy.
- To equip you with knowledge of History.
- To help me gain experience in translating books.
- To master how to translate and analyze difficult words and structures.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study aims to enhance our ability to study and work more efficiently while fostering new perspectives that aid in personal development The insights gained are valuable not only during our academic journey but also in our future endeavors This translated version will include definitions of personal qualities and their benefits, as well as strategies for developing skills and cultivating a positive mindset essential for success in both work and education.
3.1.1 Biography Information of Charles Dickens
Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English writer and social critic.
Regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, he created some of the world's most iconic fictional characters His works achieved remarkable popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century, he was recognized by critics and scholars as a literary genius Today, his novels and short stories continue to be widely read and celebrated.
3.1.2 About the Book “Hard Times”
“Hard Times” is the tenth novel by Charles John Huffam Dickens The
"Hard Times," published in 1854, aims to portray the economic struggles faced by society Unlike other contemporary authors, Dickens does not focus on the London setting; instead, he vividly depicts the industrial town of Coketown, which is often associated with Preston.
This book serves as a guide for individuals seeking knowledge but unsure of how to start their journey In this graduation paper, I will present a translated version of Chapters 8 and 9, which delve into "Book the First: Sowing," highlighting essential starting points for learners.
This book consists of three parts, each containing several chapters Due to time constraints, I translated only two chapters from Part 1, specifically Chapters 8 and 9, titled "Never Wonder" and "Sissy's Progress," totaling 4,948 words.
This book is divided into three Parts and the text I choose belongs to
- Sissy Jupe's hard time between Mr M’Choakumchild and Mrs.
Gradgrind and journey to find father.
- The conversation of Jupe and Miss Louisa.
The book “Hard Times” of Charles John Huffam Dickens was published in 1854 This book is at The Project Gutenberg eBook.
METHOD OF THE STUDY
This graduation paper was performed with the following steps:
Constructing the translation theory, then analyzing and presenting the illustrating examples
Finding out the author and the book I will translate
Beginning to translate, and studying particularly vocabularies and some terminologies
Researching some references on the Internet or in books in order to have more basics to construct and analyze the graduation paper exactly and briefly.
STUDY ORGANIZATION
The introduction gives the rationale for the study It also outlines the aims and the objectives of the study.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
TRANSLATION THEORY
Translation theory explores the relationships between languages, making it a key aspect of comparative linguistics It encompasses the translation process between any two languages or dialects, whether they are related or unrelated, and considers various factors such as spatial, temporal, and social contexts.
Language relations are typically two-directional but not always symmetrical In contrast, translation is an unidirectional process, occurring specifically from a Source Language (SL) into a Target Language (TL).
Translation theory focuses on identifying effective translation methods applicable to diverse texts and categories It offers a structured set of principles and guidelines to aid in translation and interpretation, serving as a foundation for addressing challenges in the field Additionally, it can illustrate the reasoning behind selecting one translation option over another in specific contexts Importantly, translation revolves around making choices and decisions rather than merely the technical aspects of the source language (SL) or target language (TL).
Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language).
Translation is a process of rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that the author intended the text.
Translation is the process of conveying messages across linguistic and cultural barriers.
Translation can be categorized based on various criteria, including extent, levels, and rank While numerous translation methods exist, this paper focuses on a select few types relevant to the study.
2.1.3.1 Full and Partial Translation a Full Translation
The distinction in translation pertains to the scope of the source language text involved in the process, which can range from a complete book to a single clause or even a conceptual idea that lacks formal linguistic representation.
A "full" translation involves converting the entire source text into the target language, ensuring that every element is replaced In contrast, a "partial" translation retains certain sections of the source text, incorporating them directly into the target language without translation.
Example: The race ended and ended the hopes too What La Liga has is just the name of Real Madrid Barca has been left behind.
Cuộc đua La Liga đã chính thức khép lại, với Real Madrid dẫn đầu và Barcelona bị bỏ lại phía sau, chấm dứt mọi hy vọng cho đội bóng xứ Catalan.
In “partial” translation, the progress of transferring source language lexical items into a target language text is more complex than appears at first sight, seeming to remain “non-translated”.
Example: “Áo dài” là một trong những trang phục truyền thống của phụ nữ Việt Nam.
“Ao dai”” is one of the traditional costumes of Vietnamese women.
This distinction relates to the levels of language involve in translation. a Total Translation
In "total" translation, every aspect of the source language text is substituted with corresponding material in the target language However, the term "total" can be misleading, as this process involves complete replacement but does not ensure equivalence at all levels.
In “total” translation, source language grammar and lexis are replaced with equivalent target language grammar and lexis This replaced entails the replacement of the source.
Language phonology/ graphology with target language phonology/ graphology, but this is not normally replacement with target language equivalent.
(1) Our earth is in serious danger Trái đất của chúng ta đang bị đe dọa nghiêm trọng.
(2) We are break our rules for someone Tất cả chúng ta đều phá vỡ các quy tắc của mình vì ai đó. b Restricted Translation
In “restricted” translation, the source language is replaced with an equivalent one at only level (phonological/graphology) or at only one of the two levels of grammar and lexis.
In this translation, the main thing is source language phonology is replaced –with equivalent target language one, but there are hardly other important replacements.
Phonological translation can inadvertently lead to grammatical or lexical alterations For instance, the English plural "cats" may be rendered as the singular "cat" in a target language that lacks a final consonant cluster.
Source language graphology is replaced with equivalent target one without other considerable replacements.
In a comprehensive theory of translation, it is essential to incorporate both phonological and graphological translation, as they illuminate the conditions for translation equivalence and contribute to the intricate process of achieving a "total" translation.
The process of translating involves a complex interaction between phonological translation and the correlation of phonology and graphology in both the source and target languages Initially, the graphological units of the source language are identified Next, these phonological units from the source language are converted into their equivalent phonological units in the target language Finally, the target language phonological units are substituted with their corresponding graphological units, completing the translation process.
2.1.3.6 Free, Litral, and Word-for-Word Translation
A "free" translation offers flexibility and creativity, while "word-for-word" translation adheres closely to the original text "Literal" translation occupies a middle ground, beginning with a direct translation but adapting to fit the target language's conventions, such as incorporating cultural terms and altering sentence structures This approach can result in a cohesive translation that balances fidelity to the source with readability in the target language.
Example: She is deaf to all his advice.
1 Cô ta điếc với tất cả lời khuyên của anh ta (word-for-word).
2 Cô ta lờ đi tất cả những lời khuyên của anh ta (Literal).
3 Cô ấy làm lơ với mọi sự khuyên bảo của anh ta (Free).
The free translation is the only method that can be directly substituted for the source language text when the audience seeks to comprehend the content in their own language.
PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF TRANSLATION
Although this is not a theoretical work, students may follow some guidelines on how to evaluate their own work Below are some general principles which are relevant to all translation.
The translation should reflect accurately the meaning of the original
When rewriting content, it's important to maintain the original meaning without adding or removing elements arbitrarily For instance, the phrase "she is working hard at a company in London" can be effectively transposed to "cô ấy đang làm việc hết sức chăm chỉ tại một công ty ở London," preserving its essence while adapting the language.
1 Is the meaning of the original text clear? If not, where does the uncertainly lie?
2 Are there any underlying implications?
Example: “I will call you if I can't” suggested “I can do it”
3 Is the dictionary meaning of a particular word the most suitable one?
In Vietnamese, the term "thuận tiện" can be translated to "convenient" in English, as exemplified by the phrase "Một địa điểm thuận tiện để chơi trò chơi," which means "A convenient location to play games." While "convenient" is a suitable translation, other English synonyms such as "opportune" and "favorable" also capture the essence of the meaning.
4 Does anything in the translation sound unnatural or forced? a The baby is cute with her dirty face.
Em bé đó dễ thương với mặt bẩn của nó (?) b I’m broke
In linguistics, form refers to the appearance of words, phrases, or clauses Traditional grammar categorizes these forms as parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives For instance, the word "dog" is identified as a noun, "bite" as a verb, and "tiny" as an adjective.
The concept of form encompasses the internal structure of words, phrases, and clauses This internal structure can be characterized by the various inflections of words and the syntactic arrangements possible within phrases and clauses.
Good character is an “essential personal quality” for true success.
→ Đặc điểm tốt là phẩm chất cá nhân cần thiết để thành công thực sự (?)
Languages often differ greatly in their levels of formality in a given context To resolve, these differences, the translator must distinguish between formal and fixed expressions.
Example: a Get out of the way! b Please tell him ! c I’d like to extend a warm welcome to …
One common criticism of translation is that it often lacks naturalness, primarily due to the translator's excessive reliance on the source language (SL) To mitigate this influence, translators can benefit from setting the original text aside and translating a few sentences from memory This approach encourages the emergence of natural thought patterns in the target language (TL), which may not be as readily apparent when focused solely on the SL text.
Idiomatic expressions, such as similes, metaphors, proverbs, sayings, jargon, slang, colloquialisms, and phrasal verbs, are often difficult to translate directly When faced with untranslatable expressions, consider alternative methods to convey their meaning effectively.
1 Retain the original word, in inverted commas
Example: Chơi “tennis” “Giao tiep” skill
2 Retain the original expression, with a literal explanation in brackets.
Example: a It never rains but it pours → Họa vô đơn chí. b In rome do as Romans do → Nhập gia tùy tục
Example: a Save for the rainny day→ Làm khi lành để dành khi đau. b Practice makes perfect → Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim.
4 Use a non-idiomatic or plain prose translation.
Example: a As and when → Khi nào có dịp b Break a leg → Chúc may mắn
A translator should maintain the original style of the text; however, if the writing is poorly constructed or excessively repetitive, it is acceptable for the translator to make necessary corrections for the benefit of the reader.
She is intelligent and she is also beautiful.
→ Cô ấy không những thông minh mà còn xinh đẹp. Đừng làm nô lệ của đồng tiền.
→ Money is the good servant but a bad master.
Basing on dynamic equivalence theory of Nid, Newmark proposed 8 translation methods which can be listed below.
The Source Language (SL) word order is maintained, and words are translated using their most common meanings, while cultural terms are translated literally This method is primarily employed to grasp the mechanics of the SL or to interpret challenging texts as a preliminary step in the translation process.
There is a man at the end of the road → Có người đàn ông ở cuối đường.
No star where → Không sao đâu.
The SL grammatical structures are translated into their closest TL equivalents; however, the lexical items are translated without context This pre-translation process highlights issues that need to be addressed.
→ Anh ta đang cảm thấy buồn.
She is deaf to all his advice.
→ Cô ta lờ đi tất cả những lời khuyên của anh ta.
The article aims to accurately convey the original context while adhering to the grammatical structures of the target language (TL) It ensures the transfer of cultural terms and maintains the appropriate level of grammatical and lexical deviation from the norms of the source language (SL) The goal is to remain fully faithful to the intentions and textual expressions of the SL authors.
I cannot see any honest from his saying.
→ Tôi không thể thấy bất cứ sự chân thành nào từ lời nói của anh ta.
→ Tôi yêu mọi thứ về em.
Semantic translation prioritizes the aesthetic value of the source language text, allowing for compromises on meaning where necessary to ensure that elements like assonance, wordplay, and repetition flow smoothly in the final version Unlike faithful translation, which adheres strictly to the original text, semantic translation adopts a more flexible approach, making minimal concessions to the target readership and avoiding reliance on cultural equivalence.
She has a sunny smile on her face → Cô bé có gương mặt với nụ cười tỏa nắng.
Bustle Right in the Hanoi, Hoan Kiem is an enchanting body of water, a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and of the city.
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, tọa lạc ngay trung tâm Hà Nội, là một hồ nước tuyệt đẹp và là một ốc đảo yên bình, tách biệt hoàn toàn với nhịp sống hối hả của thành phố.
The freest form of translation is primarily utilized for plays and poetry, where the themes, characters, and plot are preserved This approach involves converting the source language culture into the target language culture, resulting in a rewritten text that maintains the essence of the original work.
The Scarlet Letter → Nét chữ ô nhục (Name of a novel)
The film is beyond any words → Bộ phim này không thể chê vào đâu được.
It reproduces the matter without the manner, or the content without the form of the original It is paraphrase much longer than the original (intralingual translation).
The film is beyond any words → Bộ phim không chê vào đâu được. That guy is as poor as a church mouse → Anh ta nghèo rớt mồng tơi. 2.2.2.7 Idiomatic Translation
It reproduces the message of the original but tends to distort nuance of meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms.
Don’t judge a book by its cover → Đừng trông mặt mà bắt hình dung. With age comes wisdom → Gừng càng già càng cay.
New one in, old one out → Có mới nới cũ.
Easy come, easy go → Của thiên trả địa.
It attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a way that both language and content are readily acceptable a comprehensible to the readership.
Example: Beware of the dog → Nhà có chó dữ.
Keep off the grass → Không được giẫm lên cỏ.
SUGGESTTED TRANSLATION
Let us strike the key-note again, before pursuing the tune [PP1]
When she was half a dozen years younger, Louisa had been overheard to begin a conversation with her brother one day, by saying ‘Tom, I wonder’ - upon which Mr.
Gradgrind, who was the person overhearing, stepped forth into the light and said, ‘Louisa, never wonder!’ [PP2]
The essence of mechanical education lies in nurturing reason while neglecting emotions and affections Embrace the simplicity of mathematical operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—to resolve all matters without questioning the process.
M’Choakumchild, yonder baby just able to walk, and I will engage that it
CHƯƠNG VIII ĐỪNG BAO GIỜ THẮC MẮC
Cho phép chúng tôi nhấn mạnh lại những ghi nhớ chính, trước khi vào phần bắt đầu [PP1]
Một ngày nọ, khi Louisa mới 6 tuổi, cô đã tình cờ trò chuyện với anh trai Tom Ngay lúc đó, ông Gradgrind, người đã nghe được cuộc trò chuyện, nhẹ nhàng tiến vào và tham gia vào cuộc đối thoại.
Louisa, đừng bao giờ thắc mắc! Trong xã hội hiện tại, mọi người hoạt động như những cỗ máy, và phương pháp giáo dục không chú trọng đến việc nuôi dưỡng tình cảm và cảm xúc Không bao giờ đặt câu hỏi, mọi thứ chỉ được giải quyết qua các phép toán đơn giản mà không có sự tò mò M’Choakumchild nhấn mạnh rằng đứa trẻ ở xa kia chỉ có thể đi bộ, và tôi đảm bảo rằng nó sẽ không bao giờ thắc mắc.
Now, besides very many babies just able to walk, there happened to be in
In Coketown, a significant population of infants seemed to be endlessly striving towards an unknown future, with some having done so for decades These unusual children became a source of concern within society, prompting various religious groups to engage in endless debates about how to address their plight, yet failing to take any meaningful action Despite their many differences, these groups were united in their belief that these unfortunate infants should accept their circumstances without question, with one faction insisting on blind trust while another advocated for compliance.
Hiện nay, tại thị trấn Coke, bên cạnh nhiều trẻ nhỏ mới biết đi, có một số lượng đáng kể trẻ sơ sinh đang sống trong một thế giới lạc hậu so với thời đại Những đứa trẻ này trở thành mối lo ngại cho xã hội, khi mười tám tôn giáo khác nhau không ngừng xung đột và tranh cãi về các bước cần thực hiện cho sự cải cách mà họ chưa từng dám thực hiện Mặc dù có sự khác biệt trong nhiều khía cạnh, một điểm chung giữa những đứa trẻ không may mắn này là chúng thiếu sự tò mò Nhóm đầu tiên cho rằng, chúng phải tin tưởng vào mọi khía cạnh của kinh tế chính trị.
Body number three authored dull little books illustrating how the well-behaved adult baby always reached the Savings Bank, while the misbehaving adult baby ended up being transported Meanwhile, body number four presented a bleak facade of humor.
In a somber atmosphere, there were feeble attempts to hide the dangers of knowledge, which it was the responsibility of the young ones to navigate However, all agreed that questioning was not permitted.
There was a library in Coketown, to which general access was easy Mr.
Gradgrind was deeply troubled by the content consumed in the library, where streams of tabular data flowed into an overwhelming sea of information that left no one truly enlightened It was a disheartening reality that various groups had distinct views on education: one insisted on a comprehensive understanding of political economy, while another produced simplistic booklets illustrating that well-behaved children received savings funds, whereas misbehaved ones faced exile A third group, feigning lethargy, engaged in superficial actions to obscure the traps of knowledge set for the children, who were conditioned to learn in secrecy and endure criticism Yet, all groups agreed on one principle: questioning was strictly forbidden.
In the town of Coke, there exists a library that is easily accessible, yet Mr Gradgrind is troubled by what people read there He reflects on how reports about small rivers merging into oceanic studies lack depth and expert analysis This situation is frustrating, but it highlights a sad truth: despite their struggles, readers are curious about human nature, emotions, and the everyday lives of ordinary individuals After long hours of work, they find solace in reading fables that resonate with their own experiences, favoring the comforting narratives of authors like Defoe and Goldsmith over more academic texts like Euclid.
Mr Gradgrind tirelessly endeavored to solve an eccentric mathematical problem, both in published works and in his own calculations, yet he remained perplexed by the inexplicable outcomes it produced.
"Tôi chán ghét cuộc sống của mình, Loo Tôi ghét tất cả mọi thứ, và tôi ghét mọi người ngoại trừ bạn." Những độc giả này vẫn kiên trì tự hỏi về bản chất con người, những đam mê, hy vọng, nỗi sợ hãi, cùng với những cuộc đấu tranh, chiến thắng và thất bại Họ quan tâm đến niềm vui, nỗi buồn, và vòng đời của con người Sau những giờ làm việc căng thẳng, họ thường tìm đến những câu chuyện ngụ ngôn giản dị về đàn ông, phụ nữ và trẻ em, những nhân vật phản ánh chính họ và con cái của họ.
Họ chọn De Foe làm nguồn cảm hứng thay vì Euclid, và dường như cảm thấy an ủi hơn từ Goldsmith so với Cocker Ông Gradgrind làm việc không ngừng nghỉ, in ấn cho đến khi không còn gì để xuất bản, và với khoản chênh lệch này, ông không bao giờ biết cách tạo ra lợi nhuận vô hạn.
"Young Thomas Gradgrind expressed his deep dissatisfaction with life, stating, 'I am utterly fed up, Loo I hate this feeling and everyone around me except for you.'"
‘You don’t hate Sissy, Tom?’
‘I hate to be obliged to call her Jupe.
And she hates me.’ said Tom, moodily.
‘No, she does not, Tom, I am sure!’
Tom expressed his concern, saying, "She must truly despise our entire situation I believe they will relentlessly pester her until they tire of it Already, she appears as pale as wax and feels as burdened as I do."
Young Thomas expressed these sentiments sitting astride of a chair before the fire, with his arms on the back, and his sulky face on his arms.
His sister sat in the darker corner by the fireside, now looking at him, now looking at the bright sparks as they dropped upon the hearth [PP6]
‘As to me’ said Tom, tumbling his hair all manner of ways with his sulky hands, ‘I am a Donkey, that’s what I am I am as obstinate as one, I
Thomas Gradgrind nói một cách gượng gạo trong buồng cắt tóc lúc chạng vạng.
‘Anh không ghét Sissy à, Tom?’
‘Anh ghét khi buộc phải gọi cô ấy là Jupe Và cô ấy ghét anh.’ Tom nói một cách tâm trạng.
‘Không, cô ấy không hề ghét anh, Tom, em chắc chắn vậy!’
Tom nói rằng cô ấy nên cảm thấy như vậy vì chắc hẳn cô ấy căm ghét sự sắp đặt của họ Anh lo lắng rằng họ sẽ dày vò tâm trí cô trước khi hành động Thomas, ngồi trước đống lửa với vẻ mặt buồn rầu, cảm nhận được sự nặng nề trong lòng Em gái anh ngồi ở một góc tối hơn, chăm chú nhìn những tia lửa sáng rơi xuống lò sưởi.
ANALYSIS
Vocabulary
Translating a document, vocabulary plays an extremely important role.
To effectively translate from a source language (SL) to a target language (TL), mastering the meanings of new vocabulary is essential This challenge often leads to confusion and hinders my translation progress, particularly in documents and social reports Therefore, I intend to conduct a thorough analysis of specific vocabulary that requires attention in these reports.
The English language is rich with words that possess multiple meanings, making it challenging to select the most appropriate definition When I consult a dictionary, I often encounter various meanings for a single word, which complicates the decision-making process To ensure I choose the most suitable meaning, I typically revisit the original text for context For instance, the Oxford Dictionary provides several definitions for the word, illustrating this complexity.
“circumstance” in the sentence “It was a di”shearteni”ng circumstance, but a melancholy fact, that even these readers persi”sted i”n wonderi”ng.” [PP5] has many meanings:
[1] the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action.
[2] the conditions of a person’s life, especially the money they have.
[3] situations and events that affect and influence your life and that are not in your control.
It seems that the first meaning is the most suitable in this content. Therefore, in this situation, I think the most suitable Vietnamese meaning is
Suggested version: Đó là một tình trạng đáng thất vọng, nhưng một sự thật đáng buồn rằng ngay cả những độc giả này vẫn kiên trì tự hỏi.
Example 2: “They’ll bother her head off, I thi”nk, before they have done wi”th her.” [PP6]
In Oxford Dictionary, “bother” is defined:
[1] to spend time and/or energy doing something.
[2] to annoy, worry or upset somebody; to cause somebody trouble or pain.
[3] to interrupt somebody; to talk to somebody when they do not want to talk to you.
In this context, I believe the second meaning is the most appropriate I find that the Vietnamese translation "dày vò" effectively captures the essence of the sentence, making it a smooth choice Ultimately, I have opted for the meaning "dày vò" to convey the intended message.
Suggested version: Anh nghĩ họ sẽ dày vò tâm trí cô ấy trước khi họ hành động.
Example 3: “Not but what I shall be very unwilling, both to leave you,
Loo, and to leave you here.” [PP15]
As defined in Oxford Dictionaries, the adjective “unwilling” has many meanings:
[1] not wanting to do something and refusing to do it.
[2] not wanting to do or be something, but forced to by other people.
Basing on the context, I think the second meaning is the best choice. Therefore, I translate the word “unwilling” is “bất đắc dĩ”.
Suggested version: Nhưng mà những gì tôi làm thực sự bất đắc dĩ, cả hai chúng tôi sẽ rời bỏ cậu, Loo à, bỏ cậu ở lại đây.
A phrasal verb consists of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb, resulting in a meaning that differs from the original verb While translating, I encountered several phrasal verbs that caused confusion.
At this moment, Mr Gradgrind's gaze would shift towards her, and under the chilling weight of his factual demeanor, she would once again fall into a state of torpor.
According to Oxford learner’s Dictionary, the phrasal verb “fall upon” means:
(1) to attack or take hold of somebody/something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
(2) to be the responsibility of somebody.
It seems that the first meaning is the most suitable Hence, I decide to translate this phrasal verb “đổ dồn”.
Vào thời điểm này, ánh mắt của ông Gradgrind tập trung vào cô ấy; trong cái lạnh lẽo của mùa đông, cô lại trở nên tẻ nhạt.
Example 5: “And when I came to stoop down and look up at hi”s face, I saw that he was cryi”ng.” [PP43]
According to Oxford learner’s Dictionary, the phrasal verb “look up” means:
(2) to raise your eyes when you are looking down at something.
(3) to visit or make contact with somebody, especially when you have not seen them for a long time.
(4) to look for information in a dictionary or reference book, or by using a computer.
It seems that the second meaning is the most suitable Therefore, I decide to translate this phrasal verb “ngước nhìn”.
Suggested version: “Và khi tôi ngước nhìn gương mặt ông, tôi thấy ông đang khóc.”
Translating idioms and expressions poses a significant challenge due to their complex meanings that often differ from the literal definitions of individual words To accurately translate these phrases, one must grasp the overall context rather than relying on a word-for-word approach A deep understanding of verbs and their nuances is essential for effective translation of idiomatic expressions.
Example 6: “Body number one, sai”d they must take everything on trust.” [PP4]
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the phrase "take something on trust" refers to the act of believing someone's words without needing proof or evidence of their truthfulness Therefore, the Vietnamese translation for this concept can be expressed as "tin tưởng."
Suggested version: “Nhóm số một nói rằng, chúng phải tin tưởng vào mọi thứ.”
Example 7: “Loui”sa, wi”th a bri”ghter laugh than usual, told her she would be wi”ser by-and-by ” [PP26]
In Oxford Dictionary, the idiom “by and by” means “before long; soon” So I think I can use the meaning “dần dần” to translate for this sentence.
Suggested version: “Với một nụ cười rạng rỡ hơn mức bình thường, Louisa nói với cô ấy rằng cô dần dần sẽ thông minh hơn.”
Example 8: “Mr and Mrs M’Choakumchi”ld call me up, over and over agai”n, regularly to make mi”stakes.” [PP26]
In Oxford Dictionary, “over and over” means “many times; repeatedly”.
So I think I can use the meaning “hết lần này đến lần khác” to translate for this sentence.
Suggested version: “Ông bà M’Choakumchild gọi tôi lên, hết lần này đến lần khác, thường xuyên chỉ ra những sai sót.”
Structure
When translating documents, the structure significantly impacts sentence meaning Analyzing the grammatical components of clauses within paragraphs is essential for comprehension The interplay of words and sentences creates cohesive paragraphs, and skilled writers utilize a variety of sentence lengths to enhance the text's appeal Relying solely on simple sentences can result in a choppy style, while excessive long sentences may hinder readability and understanding.
This text has some difficult and ambiguous sentences to translate them into Vietnamese correctly, so I would like to analyze grammatical structures.
The passive voice emphasizes the action and the object of a sentence rather than the subject This construction indicates that the subject may be less significant than the action or that the identity of the subject is unknown.
The shadows of the brother and sister were distinctly cast on the wall, contrasting with the merged shadows of the high presses in the room, creating an effect as if they were enveloped by a dark cavern.
In this analysis, three clauses are presented in passive voice: the first highlights how "their shadows were defined," the second describes "those of the high presses were blended," and the third notes that "the brother and sister were overhung."
"Bóng của họ phản chiếu rõ nét trên mặt đất, trong khi ánh sáng từ những chiếc máy ép cao trong phòng hòa quyện với nhau trên tường và trần nhà, tạo nên cảm giác như họ đang bị bao bọc trong một hang động tăm tối."
Example 10: “Thi”s observati”on must be li”mi”ted exclusi”vely to hi”s daughter.” [PP48]
The use of the passive form "is limited" in this sentence highlights the emphasis on the action, which is a key consideration in the translation process.
Suggested version: “Sự phê bình này phải được giới hạn dành riêng cho con gái ông ta.”
A compound sentence is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a comma, semicolon, conjunction, or conjunctive adverb.
An independent clause is a clause that has a subject and verb and forms a complete thought There are 3 ways to make a compound sentence.
- Using comma, and coordinating conjunctions There are 7 coordinating conjunctions FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, SO
- Using semicolon, comma, and conjunctive adverbs such as: however, therefore, as a result, in contrast, etc.
Example 11: “I hate i”t altogether, and I hate everybody except you” [PP6]
- Two independent clauses: “I hate it altogether” and “I hate everybody except you”
Suggested version: Anh hoàn toàn ghét điều đó, và anh ghét tất cả mọi người trừ em.
Example 12: “Loui”sa deni”ed Tom’s parti”ci”pati”on i”n the offence, but her mother stopped her wi”th the conclusi”ve answer.” [PP18]
- Two independent clauses: “Louisa denied Tom’s participation in the offence” and “her mother stopped her with the conclusive answer”
Louisa đã bác bỏ thông tin liên quan đến việc Tom tham gia vào hành vi công kích, tuy nhiên, mẹ cô đã can thiệp và đưa ra một lý do thuyết phục để ngăn cản cô.
A complex sentence consists of an independent clause combined with one or more dependent clauses While a dependent clause resembles a complete sentence, it is missing essential elements that prevent it from standing alone By attaching a dependent clause to an independent clause, you create a coherent complex sentence.
4.2.3.1 Complex Sentences with Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause is a type of dependent clause that acts as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb This clause includes both a subject and a predicate, although the subject and the verb in the predicate can occasionally be omitted and understood from context.
An adverbial clause often begins with a subordinate conjunction, such as when, while, or because, and serves as an optional component in a sentence These clauses are categorized based on their meaning, including types like reason, time, concession, manner, and condition.
Example 13: “However, when I go to live with old Bounderby, I’ll have my revenge.” [PP9]
This sentence contains one Dependent Clause “when I go to live with old Bounderby” This clause is Adverbial Clause of time.
Independent clause: I’ll have my revenge.
Suggested version: Tuy nhiên, khi anh đến sống với ông già Bouderby, anh sẽ trả thù.
Example 14: “ Though I do know better, Tom, I am very sorry for i”t.”[PP10]
The sentence contains one Dependent Clause “Though I do know better” This clause is Adverbial Clause of concession.
Independent clause: I am very sorry for it.
Suggested version: Mặc dù đúng là em hiểu rõ hơn, nhưng em rất xin lỗi về điều đó, Tom à
Example 15: “ When I had no more left to tell, he put hi”s arms round my neck, and ki”ssed me a great many ti”mes.” [PP45]
The sentence contains one Dependent Clause “When I had no more left to tell” and this clause is Adverbial Clause of time.
Independent clause: He put his arms round my neck, and kissed me a great many times.
Suggested version: Khi tôi không còn gì để kể nữa, ông đã vòng tay qua cổ tôi, và hôn tôi rất nhiều
4.2.3.2 Complex Sentences with Relative Clauses
An adjective clause, also known as a relative clause, is the second type of dependent clause used in complex sentences This clause serves as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun within the sentence Adjective clauses typically begin with specific relative pronouns, enhancing the sentence's descriptive quality.
Mrs Gradgrind implores Louisa not to engage in any actions of that nature, expressing her concern with urgency and pleading for her to refrain from such behavior.
This sentence has a relative clause “who had opened the door without being heard” The pronoun “who” is replaced for “Mrs Gradgrind”.
Bà Gragrind cầu xin Louisa, vì Chúa, đừng làm điều gì liên quan đến những người như vậy, khi bà mở cửa mà không ai nghe thấy.
Example 17: “Father, father! Pray don’t hurt the creature who is so fond of you!” [PP41]
This sentence has a relative clause “who is so fond of you!” The pronoun “who” is replaced for “the creature”.
Suggested version: “Cha, cha ơi! Cầu xin cha đừng làm tổn thương đến sinh vật mà cha rất yêu quý!”.
4.2.3.3 Complex Sentences with Noun Clauses
A noun clause, also known as a nominal clause, is a type of clause that functions as a noun within a sentence It consists of a subject and a finite verb, allowing it to serve various grammatical roles, including that of a subject, object, or complement.
Example 18: “But, all the bodi”es agreed that they were never to wonder.” [PP4]
In this sentence, the noun clause “that they were never to wonder” work as an object modifying the verb “agreed”.
Suggested version: Nhưng, tất cả các nhóm đều thừa nhận rằng chúng không bao giờ được thắc mắc.
Example 19: “And when I came to stoop down and look up at hi”s face,
I saw that he was crying ” [PP43]
In this sentence, the noun clause “that he was crying” work as an object modifying the verb “saw”.
Suggested version: Và khi tôi ngước nhìn gương mặt ông, tôi thấy ông đang khóc.
A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses, and at least one dependent clause.
Example 20: “I am as bad as you i”n that respect, and I am a Mule too, whi”ch you’re not.” [PP9]
In this analysis, the sentence comprises two independent clauses: "I am as bad as you in that respect" and "I am a Mule too," along with one dependent clause, "which you’re not." This structure forms a compound-complex sentence, highlighting a comparison and a shared characteristic.
Suggested version: Anh cũng tệ như em về mặt đó, và anh cũng là một người ương bướng, còn em thì không.