Rationale
Food is a vital component of our lives, supplying the energy and nutrients necessary for growth and health In Vietnam, food culture is deeply intertwined with the natural lifestyle, representing not only material aspects but also spiritual values Vietnamese cuisine reflects the qualifications, dignity, etiquette, and customs of its people, serving as a window into their mental and cultural life.
Vietnamese cuisine has always captivated my interest For those who enjoy reading and exploring daily life, discovering a favorite book in libraries is quite easy This inspired me to undertake the translation of the book.
“The food of Vietnam” by Luke Nguyen to help people who are interested to have more choices
I hope that with all of my knowledge and skills that I have can make a complete translation and gain high evaluation as well.
Aims and Objectives
Aims
- To provide some information about Food of Vietnam and how to make some the Vietnam dishes.
- To provide difficult phrase, sentence structures to avoid misleading for readers.
Objectives
After translating graduation paper, I reached the following purposes:
- To plan some ways to cook Vietnam food.
- To remove the language obstacle for Vietnamese readers who are interested in this subject.
Scope of the Study
Text Features
This book was published in 2013 and it is depicts about Vietnam cuisine,ingredients, and preparation.
Text Length
Because the time is limited so I choose chapter 1 “A Journey to discover food & heritage” including 4,000 words, approximately 30 paragraphs to translated.
Text Organization
Part A - INTRODUCTION: includes rationale, aims and objectives, scope of the study, text features, text length and text organization
Chapter I is theoretical background about translation.
Chapter II is original version of chapter 1 : “A JOURNEY TO DISCOVER FOOD & HERITAGE”, which is followed by my suggested translation
Chapter III hold the analysis of some typical difficult words, phrases and structures
Chapter IV made up of difficulties which I met and solutions which help me overcome these difficulties.
This part will be the summary of findings, experiences I reached through this thesis and some offers which I wanted to send to my university and department.
Text Source
The text “A JOURNEY TO DISCOVER FOOD & HERITAGE” is in the book “THE FOOD OF VIETNAM” The authors is Luke Nguyen
First this book was published on Oct 1 2013 by Hardie Grant Books inSouth Yarra, Australia You can find this book in Goodreads website.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Definitions Of Translation
In today's world, the importance of translation is undeniable for everyone Effective translation demands accuracy, clarity, and fluency Notably, various scholarly definitions of translation highlight its significance and complexity.
Translation is a replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language) ( J C Catford) (1965:20)
Translation involves conveying the closest natural equivalent of a message from the source language into the receptor language, prioritizing meaning first and style second, as defined by Alan Duff.
Translation involves converting spoken or written content into a different language, effectively transforming information or ideas into another linguistic form According to Manser (1996:441), this process is essential for facilitating communication across diverse languages.
Types Of Categories
Types of categories of translation may be defined in term of extent, levels and ranks.
There are many methods to translate; however, my graduation paper used some types among of them.
Interlinear translation showcases the target language directly beneath the source language, maintaining the original word order Each word is translated individually using its most common meaning, often disregarding context, while cultural terms are rendered literally.
Ex 1: She is my neighbor
Cô ấy là hàng xóm của tôi
Ex 2: She is deaf to all his advice
Cô ta lờ đi tất cả những lời khuyên của anh ấy.
The source language grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest target language equivalents but the lexical words are again translated singly, out of context [1]
Ex 1: Running Man program is sponsored by Tiki
Chương trình Running Man được Tiki tài trợ
Ex 2: Kathy doesn’t care her test.
Kathy không quan tâm đến bài kiểm tra của cô ấy.
A faithful translation aims to accurately convey the original's contextual meaning while adhering to the grammatical structures of the target language It effectively transfers cultural terms and maintains the level of grammatical and lexical deviation from the norms of the source language The goal is to remain entirely true to the intentions and text realization of the original writer.
Ex 1 : We could see the Mekong river winding its way through plains below.
Chúng tôi có thể nhìn thấy con song Mekong uốn khúc qua những cánh đồng bên dưới.
Ex 2: I guess that he won’t go to school.
Tôi đoán rằng anh ấy sẽ không đến trường.
This translation approach prioritizes the aesthetic value of the source text, focusing on its beautiful and natural sound while allowing for some compromises on meaning It aims to avoid jarring elements such as assonance, word-play, or repetition in the final version Additionally, less significant cultural terms may be translated using neutral or functional equivalents instead of direct cultural counterparts, exemplified by phrases like "a nun ironing a corporal cloth." This method also includes minor adjustments to cater to the readership's understanding.
Semantic translation is characterized by its strict adherence to the original text, while its counterpart offers greater flexibility, permitting creative interpretations that prioritize intuitive empathy with the source material over absolute fidelity.
Ex 1: The third world is vulnerable owing to its extreme specialization The export earnings of many developing countries are based on just two or three main products.
Thế giới thứ ba thường dễ bị tổn thương do sự chuyên môn hóa quá mức trong sản xuất Nhiều quốc gia đang phát triển phụ thuộc vào thu nhập từ xuất khẩu chủ yếu từ hai hoặc ba sản phẩm chủ lực, điều này làm tăng rủi ro kinh tế cho họ.
Ex 2: Good to the last drop!
Thơm ngon đến giọt cuối cùng!
This method attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a way that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership [2]
Ex 1: Keep off the grass
Không được dẵm lên cỏ
Ex 2: Drinking is dangerous for driving
Đã uống rượu bia thì không lái xe
The idiomatic reproduces the ‘message’ of the original but tends to distort nuances of meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms where these do not exist in the original.[2]
Ex 1: She have just broken the news to me.
Cô ấy vừa báo tin vui cho tôi
Ex 2: I go out for walks once in a blue moon
Tôi ra ngoài rất ít khi đi bộ
This method reproduces the matter without the manner, or the content without the form of the original.[2]
Ex : The girl is beyond any words
Bé gái dễ thương không tả nỗi
This is the ‘freest’ form of translation It is used mainly for plays (comedies) and poetry; the themes, characters, plots are usually preserved, the
SL culture converted to the TL culture and the text rewritten.[2]
Ex: The falling leaves, drift by my windows
Lá rơi nhè nhẹ bên khung cửa.
Principles translation
Below are some general principles which are relevant to all translation.
The translation should reflect accurately the meaning of original text. Nothing should be arbitrarily added or moved, though occasionally part of meaning can be “transpose”.
Ex: I was limp with exhaustion
Tôi mệt đến lả người
The translation should closely align with the original in terms of word order and ideas Maintaining the same structure is crucial, as English allows for emphasis through word order inversion and varied sentence structures.
Ex : Both of us can’t have love her.
Cả hai chúng tôi đều không thể yêu cô ấy.
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 expression [1]
Ex: We would like to experess our gratitude to…
Chúng ôi muốn tỏ lòng biết ơn của chúng tôi với…
Style and Clarity
A translator should maintain the original style of the text; however, if the writing is poorly crafted or contains excessive repetition, it is acceptable for the translation to address these issues for the benefit of the reader.
Ex: She is beautiful, and cute, and sexy
Cô ấy vừa xinh đẹp, vừa dễ thương, vừa quyến rũ.
Idiom
Idiomatic expressions, such as similes, metaphors, proverbs, slang, and phrasal verbs, are often difficult to translate directly When faced with untranslatable phrases, consider these strategies: retain the original term in inverted commas, provide a literal explanation in brackets, use a close equivalent, or opt for a non-idiomatic, plain prose translation.
The golden rule is : if the idiom does not work in the L1, do not force it into the translation.
Context in translating
Situational context encompasses the various factors and circumstances that shape the meaning of a text, making them more challenging to identify than linguistic elements These factors can include micro-level aspects such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, as well as broader influences like the social, political, and economic environment, along with cultural norms Furthermore, conventions and value systems vary significantly across different cultures and societies, impacting interpretation and understanding.
SUGGESTED TRANSLATION
A journey to discover food & heritage.
P1: Growing up in Australia, food was an intrinsic link to my
Everything 'Vietnamese' I'd learnt as a child was passed on to me through the memories and knowledge of my parents, and the other families in my
Vietnamese community They shared these gifts with us, within our own
'little Vietnam' in the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta Our lifestyle, cooking and language were a version of our parents' own upbringing.
Inspired by my experiences, I felt a strong urge to explore Vietnam, seeking to connect with its culture and people This journey aimed to deepen my understanding of my parents' lives and my own identity in Australia However, before embarking on this adventure, I needed to pursue my greatest passion: the dream of opening my own venture.
Một chuyến đi để khám phá ẩm thực và di sản
Lớn lên ở Úc, ẩm thực đã kết nối tôi với di sản và văn hóa Việt Nam Những kiến thức về tiếng Việt tôi tiếp thu từ những kỷ niệm và hiểu biết của cha mẹ, cùng với sự ảnh hưởng từ cộng đồng người Việt xung quanh.
Chúng tôi đã nhận được những chia sẻ về các món quà trong khu vực "little Vietnam" tại Cabramatta, Sydney Lối sống, phong cách nấu ăn và ngôn ngữ ở đây đều phản ánh sự giáo dục từ cha mẹ chúng tôi.
Sau tất cả, tôi đã tìm thấy cảm hứng để trở về Việt Nam, khám phá đất nước và con người nơi đây, đồng thời hiểu rõ hơn về cuộc sống của ba mẹ tôi và cuộc sống của chính mình tại Úc Tuy nhiên, trước tiên, tôi cần theo đuổi niềm đam mê cháy bỏng của mình – ước mơ mở nhà hàng, nơi tôi có thể giới thiệu ẩm thực truyền thống Việt Nam trong bối cảnh ẩm thực hiện đại tại Sydney Nhà hàng của tôi, Red.
Lantern is not just a restaurant; it represents the realization of my dreams and has taken me on a journey around the world, enriching my life and deepening my passion for food and culture beyond my expectations.
My journey to explore my Vietnamese heritage, history, and culture continues to evolve years later With a strong foundation in southern cuisine, I sought to learn about the country's diverse regional specialties This quest took me to various locations, not only to visit family but also to discover new areas without any personal connections, enriching both my soul and palate.
Trong cuốn sách này, tôi chia sẻ hành trình mở nhà hàng của mình, Red Lantern, nơi tôi giới thiệu ẩm thực truyền thống Việt Nam trong bối cảnh ẩm thực hiện đại của Sydney Đối với tôi, Red Lantern không chỉ là một nhà hàng mà còn là giấc mơ đã thành hiện thực, đưa tôi ra khỏi giới hạn của bản thân và khám phá thế giới Tại đây, tình yêu, cuộc sống và văn hóa ẩm thực được kết nối và lan tỏa, mang đến cho tôi nhiều hơn những gì tôi từng mong đợi.
Nhiều năm sau, ước mơ mãnh liệt đã dẫn dắt tôi đến Việt Nam, nơi tôi tiếp tục hành trình khám phá di sản, lịch sử và văn hóa phong phú Tôi đã tìm hiểu sâu sắc về ẩm thực miền Nam và mong muốn nghiên cứu các đặc sản của từng vùng đất Chuyến đi này không chỉ để thăm họ hàng mà còn là cơ hội để khám phá những vùng đất xa lạ, mang lại sự kết nối và hiểu biết sâu sắc về tâm hồn và tinh thần của đất nước.
P4: Ở cuốn sách này, tôi bắt đầu discovery in southern Vietnam, where
I trace my extended family I meet my mother's sisters – Aunties Eight and
Nine takes me on a journey to explore the places where they and my Mum grew up They share cherished family recipes and highlight popular street-food spots, while also introducing me to my cousins from the Mekong region.
Meeting my extensive family along the majestic Mekong River was a transformative experience I cherish their river lifestyle, which deepened my connection to the land as we caught our own fish, shrimp, bush rats, and snakes, while also harvesting rice, herbs, and vegetables Engaging in these activities, from nurturing livestock to savoring the scent of approaching rain, enriched every meal we enjoyed During my visit, I met my mother's sisters, Aunt Tám and Aunt Chín, who shared cherished family recipes and introduced me to my brother living in the Mekong Delta, offering a glimpse into our culinary heritage and the vibrant street food culture of Southern Vietnam.
P5: Gặp gỡ đại gia đình của tôi, những người sống dọc theo bờ sông
Mê Kông hùng vĩ đã thay đổi cuộc sống của tôi, mang đến cho tôi niềm vui với lối sống sông nước độc đáo Tôi nhớ mãi trải nghiệm đầu tiên hòa mình vào vùng đất này, nơi tôi tự tay bắt cá, bắt tôm, chuột và rắn, cũng như thu hoạch lúa, rau thơm và rau củ Việc trồng thực phẩm, cảm nhận cơn mưa sắp đến, cào rãnh nước để bắt cá, chăn nuôi gia súc và trồng cây đã mang lại cho tôi những khoảnh khắc đáng quý Tất cả những trải nghiệm này không chỉ bổ ích mà còn giúp tôi trân trọng sự tương tác giữa con người, động vật và thực vật qua nhiều thế hệ.
P6: Returning to Vietnam coincided with a period of change and development throughout the country.
Vietnam had recently opened its doors to the global market, and international trade and business flooded in The traditional and sometimes ancient ways of life – farming, producing, cooking, selling
In today's rapidly evolving world, there is a pressing need to adapt and remain relevant I am truly impressed by the remarkable skills and knowledge that individuals exhibit in their daily tasks, skills that have been passed down through generations Each person embodies centuries of accumulated wisdom, and I feel fortunate to witness this rich heritage in action.
I had the opportunity to experience and document practices that contribute to the creation of each meal we enjoy together This experience not only highlighted the significance of our culinary traditions but also deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of human generations, as well as the roles of animals and plants in our ecosystem.
Tôi trở về Việt Nam vào thời điểm đất nước đang phát triển mạnh mẽ và hội nhập với thị trường toàn cầu Sự chuyển mình này đã tạo ra nhiều cơ hội kinh doanh quốc tế, đồng thời thách thức lối sống truyền thống như trồng trọt, sản xuất và buôn bán Tôi bị cuốn hút bởi sự khéo léo và tinh tế trong cách cư xử của mọi người trong công việc hàng ngày, những kỹ năng và kiến thức được truyền lại qua các thế hệ Qua đó, tôi nhận ra rằng mình thật may mắn khi được chứng kiến sự tích lũy kiến thức quý giá này.
P7: Later I visit the fishing folk of
In the serene coastal town of Mui Ne, fishermen work tirelessly through the night, preparing fresh seafood each morning by expertly cutting, slicing, drying, and packaging their catch for sale along the beachfront Meanwhile, in the tranquil fishing village of Quy Nhon, I discover the traditional craft of handmaking tofu and explore the renowned Thien Huong.
Pagoda, where I am taught age-old vegetarian dishes, before being blessed by the pagoda's revered
ANALYSIS
Vocabulary
English vocabulary often carries multiple meanings, making translation challenging To accurately translate difficult words, it's essential to understand the author's intended message Analyzing the context of entire sentences or paragraphs is crucial for selecting the most appropriate meaning of a word Therefore, vocabulary presents a significant challenge for translators Below are words I have studied and analyzed in depth.
3.1.2 Specific words or terms with food
My graduation paper includes numerous specialized terms related to Vietnamese culture and customs To ensure clarity in their meanings, I researched these terms through magazines and social media, and I also consulted my teachers Below is a list of some typical challenging specialized terms featured in my work.
Ex 1: “Chargrilled porked neck with vermicelli noodle” (P25)
Chargrilled pork neck with vermicelli noodles, known as "Bún Thịt nướng," is a celebrated Vietnamese noodle salad This dish features lemongrass-marinated pork, fresh herbs, and cool rice noodles, all topped with a flavorful nuoc cham dipping sauce that balances hot, sour, sweet, and salty notes.
Ex 2: “1 large pink pomelo, or 2 small pink pomelos ” (P29)
The pink flesh pomelo, known as "Buoi Da Xanh," is highly sought after in the Vietnamese market, particularly within the Mekong Delta region This unique fruit is predominantly cultivated in Ben Tre province, making it a significant agricultural product in the area.
I decided to translate it into “Bưởi Da Xanh”
My suggested translation: “1 quả bưởi da xanh lớn, hoặc 2 quả nhỏ.”
Ex 3: “If you have any pomelo left over, do what Vietnamese do - dip it into salt and chilli for a snack.” (P29)
Sea Salt with Chili, known as "muối ớt" in Vietnamese, is a traditional spice that combines the heat of chili pepper with the richness of sea salt, creating a flavorful seasoning that enhances various dishes According to DH Food Magazine, this unique blend is celebrated for its ability to elevate the taste of food, making it a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine.
My suggested version: “Nếu bạn có một quả bưởi, hãy dùng nó như người Việt, thưởng thức nó như một món ăn nhẹ bằng cách chấm với muối ớt.”
Ex 4: “150 g rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to packet instructions” (P26)
Rice vermicelli, also known as "bún gạo," are thin rice noodles distinct from cellophane noodles, which are made from mung bean or rice starch These versatile noodles are commonly used in various Asian dishes, adding a unique texture and flavor to meals.
My suggested version is: “150 gam bún gạo, nấu theo hướng dẫn sử dụng trên bao bì.”
Ex 5: “Drizzle with the spring onion oil, then garmish with the coriander and crushed peanuts.” (P26)
Mỡ hành, a simple yet flavorful garnish made of scallions and oil, is an essential accompaniment to Vietnamese dishes, enhancing their taste and presentation.
My suggested version: “Rải một lớp mỡ hành , sau đó trang trí với rau mùi và đậu phộng giã”
Multiple-meaning words are words that have the same spelling and usually sound alike, but have different meanings
From preschool onwards, children develop the skill of using context to identify the correct meaning of multiple-meaning words in sentences As they advance in their education and expand their vocabularies, word study activities, including homonym practice games and exercises focused on multiple meaning words, continue to play a crucial role in their learning process.
Choosing the correct meaning of multi-meaning words can be challenging To determine the most suitable definition, I often revisit the original text and consider the specific context, which helps me select the best interpretation.
Ex 6: ‘With a spring in my step I move on to the seafood section, where most species are still kicking’(P12)
According to Cambridge Dictionary , the word “spring” many meaning:
The season between winter and summer when plants begin to grow.
A place where water comes naturally to the surface from under the ground.
A twisted piece of wire that can be pushed, pressed or pulled but which always returns to its original shape or position afterwards
The ability of a spring to return to its original position
Let’s read that sentence again, we see that the meaning “a cheerful, lively quality” is actually suitable Based on context, so the suggested for this word is “hân hoan”.
Với tâm trạng vui vẻ, tôi tiến tới gian hàng hải sản, nơi mà hầu hết các loại hải sản vẫn còn tươi ngon.
The term "toss," as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, refers to the action of shaking or turning food to coat it with oil or butter In Vietnamese, "toss" translates to actions such as quăng, hất, ném, and lắc lư, which convey similar notions of movement and mixing This duality in meaning highlights the versatility of the word in culinary contexts.
My suggested translation: “Trộn đều chúng với nhau”
Ex 8: ‘He is there every night without fail, and always with a great big smile on his face.’(P27)
The verb "fail," as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, encompasses several meanings: it refers to the inability to achieve a desired goal, the lack of success in a test or exam, the omission of necessary actions, a decline in strength or functionality, and the failure to provide expected assistance to others.
The word “fail” can be understood in Vietnammese as: “bỏ cuộc”
My suggested translation: “ Anh ấy ở đó mỗi đêm mà vẫn không hề bỏ cuộc và luôn nở một nụ cười rất tươi trên khuôn mặt.”
Ex 9: ‘It is the first time that I have felt such a connection to the land’
The term "connection" has four distinct meanings according to the Cambridge Dictionary Firstly, it refers to the act of joining or being joined to something, as well as the process that facilitates this joining Secondly, it denotes the state of being linked or connected in some manner Thirdly, it describes the communication between two individuals via phone Lastly, it pertains to transportation, specifically a bus or train that arrives at a time enabling passengers to transfer seamlessly from one vehicle to another to continue their journey.
Upon reviewing the sentence again, it becomes clear that the meaning [a] is indeed appropriate Additionally, the Lac Viet Dictionary defines it as “sự giao thiệp, sự kết giao.” Therefore, considering the context, I translate it as “sự hòa mình.”
This is the suggested translation: “Đây là lần đầu tiên tôi cảm thấy như hoà mình vào vùng đất này”.
A phrasal verb consists of a verb combined with a particle, resulting in a meaning that differs from the original verb During translation, certain phrasal verbs can be particularly confusing.
Ex 10: “I meet my mother's sisters – Aunties Eight and Nine, who show me where they, and my Mum, were brought up.” (P4)
Structure
Sentence structure refers to the grammatical arrangement of words within a sentence, serving as the foundation for effective communication in any language In translation, the structure is crucial for conveying accurate meaning, especially since some grammatical forms may not exist in Vietnamese Therefore, translators must have a strong grasp of the source language's grammar to successfully translate texts into the target language Understanding the document's meaning relies on analyzing both words and sentences, as words combine to form sentences, and sentences come together to create coherent paragraphs This article will explore several typical sentence structures.
Translating passive sentences from English to Vietnamese can be challenging The passive voice emphasizes the person or object experiencing an action rather than the one performing it, making the subject of the sentence the most significant element Each tense has a corresponding passive form, constructed using the auxiliary verb "to be" followed by the past participle (V3).
Ex 13: “Through all this, I was inspired to go to Vietnam” (P2)
The passive Voice of this sentence : S + BE + V(ED) + O
The verb "was inspired" is presented in passive voice While it can be translated using this structure as "After everything, I gained inspiration to return to Vietnam," I opted for an active voice to better align with Vietnamese linguistic preferences, as active voice is more commonly used in Vietnamese expressions.
So my suggested translation version is : “ Trải qua tất cả, tôi đã có được cảm hứng để về Việt Nam.”
Ex 14: “The stalls were passed on to them from their parents, and my parents then passed the stalls over to their siblings when they left Vietnam.” (P18)
The structure of this passive voice sentence is: S+ BE + PAST
In the sentence, the verb “were passed on” used in passive voice When translating into Vietnamese, we often use “đã được sang nhượng” or “bị chuyển nhượng”
Các quầy hàng này đã được truyền từ ông bà tôi sang cha mẹ tôi, và sau khi cha mẹ tôi định cư ở nơi khác, họ đã để lại cho các anh em của họ.
Ex 15: “Everything 'Vietnamese' I'd learnt as a child was passed on to me through the memories and knowledge of my parents, and the other families in my Vietnamese community.”
In this sentence, it will not be wrong if I translate the sentence according to the passive construction Because in Vietnamese style, we often use “bị” or
“được” to express passive meaning; and I suppose to leave out “được” to make sentence more suitable with Vietnamese style
"Tôi đã học Tiếng Việt từ những kỷ niệm và kiến thức của ba mẹ, cũng như từ một số gia đình khác trong cộng đồng người Việt."
A compound sentence is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by one of types:
A comma and a coordinator (FAN BOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet so)
A semicolon, a conjunctive adverbs and a comma.
Each of clauses is important and could stand alone.
Ex 16: ‘We focus conversation on food, family and neighbourhood gossip and life feels a little less complicated for a moment’ (P20).
There are two independent clauses in this compound sentence They are connected by a coordinator “ and ”
‘We focus conversation on food, family and neighbourhood gossip
‘Life feels a little less complicated for a moment.’
And the form of the sentence 2 is:
Independent Clause + Coordinator + Independent Clause
Chúng tôi tập trung vào những cuộc trò chuyện xoay quanh ẩm thực, gia đình, những tin đồn trong xóm và cảm nhận cuộc sống hiện tại trở nên đơn giản hơn.
A complex sentence consists of an independent clause that can stand alone and at least one dependent clause that cannot stand alone, typically beginning with subordinating conjunctions like because, since, after, although, or when Additionally, it may include relative pronouns such as that, who, or which Understanding these components is essential for constructing coherent and varied sentences in writing.
3.2.4 Complex sentence with adverbial clause
An adverb clause functions similarly to an adverb, providing information about where, when, why, and how an action takes place It starts with a subordinator like when, while, because, although, if, so, or that, and can be positioned either before or after an independent clause.
Ex 17: “If green papaya is left to ripen, it simply becomes a papaya fruit.”(P24)
This complex sentence has two clauses They are joined by subordinator
“if”, so it is also an adverbial clause of condition We can analyze it as follow:
“If green papaya is left to ripen, it/simply becomes/ a papaya fruit.””
Dependent clause Independent clause Adverbial clause of condition
Suggested version: “Nếu đu đủ xanh đã chín mùi, thì nó chỉ là một loại trái cây để ăn.”
Ex 18: “When you are nearly ready to cook, soak the skewers in water for
This sentence consists of one independent clause and one dependent clause, which starts with "when," indicating it serves as an adverbial clause of time.
“when you are nearly ready to cook”
Dependent clause Adverbial clause of condition
“soak/the skewers / in water for 20 minutes to prevent scorching”
My suggested version is : “Khi bạn gần chuẩn bị nấu, ngâm các cây xiên trong nước 20 phút để không bị cháy xén”
3.2.5.1 Complex Sentences with Noun clause
Noun clauses can be challenging in English grammar, often leading to misunderstandings if their definitions and functions are misinterpreted While translating this book, I encountered significant difficulties during the transfer process, highlighting the importance of careful analysis in translation.
Ex 19: ‘As I approach her cart, she asks if I want to eat in or take away.’(P15)
In this sentence, the noun clause “if I want to eat in or take away” work as an object modifying the verb “asks”.
My proposed version is: “Khi tôi đến gần xe của bà ấy, bà hỏi tôi muốn ăn tại đây hay mang về.”
3.2.5.2 Complex Sentences with Relative Clauses
A relative clause, also known as an adjective clause, serves to modify a noun in a sentence, whether it's the subject or the object of a preposition These clauses typically begin with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, that, where, when, or why, and in some cases, the pronoun may be omitted Additionally, the use of commas may be necessary depending on the context.
Ex 20: “Mudfish if a species of fish that lives and thrives in mud or muddy waters” (P26).
Mudfish, a species of fish, is characterized by its ability to live and thrive in mud or muddy waters This unique adaptation allows it to survive in environments where other fish may struggle, highlighting the resilience and versatility of this remarkable species.
(main clause) This is a complex sentence with the structure of relative clause. We can analyze it as follow:
“Mudfish is a species of fish
Independent clause that lives and thrives in mud or muddy waters.”
My suggested translation: “ Cá lóc là loại cá sống và lớn nhanh ở dưới bùn hoặc ở vũng lầy.”
Ex 21: “In this book, I begin my culinary discovery in southern
Vietnam, where I trace my extended family” (P4)
In this book, I embark on a culinary journey in southern Vietnam, exploring my extended family's roots The phrase "where I trace my extended family" serves as a relative clause that adds depth to the description of southern Vietnam This structure highlights the connection between my personal heritage and the rich culinary traditions of the region.
In this book, I begin my culinary discovery in southern Vietnam
“where I trace my extended family”
My suggested version is: “Ở cuốn sách này, tôi bắt đầu khám phá về ẩm thực tại miền Nam Việt Nam, nơi tôi tìm thấy đại gia đình của mình.”
When the clause’s subject is placed at the end of the sentence and the subject position is filled by anticipatory pronoun “IT’
Ex 22: “It is rude to address your elders with their name; you must only address them by the position they are in the family.”
Form: It + be + adjective + to do something
“It is rude to address your elders with their name; you must only
Sf V A Sr address them by the position they are in the family”
The authors utilize an extraposed subject in their sentence to convey their idea, a structure that does not exist in Vietnamese, making translation challenging A literal translation, such as "Nó là bất lịch sự khi gọi người lớn tuổi bằng tên của họ," comes across as rough and unnatural Therefore, I opted for a free translation approach to better express the idea, resulting in the suggested version: "Calling older individuals by their first names is very disrespectful; you should refer to them by their familial titles."
Compound-complex sentences are the most complicated sentences and it has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Ex 23: “The elderly lady selling has no teeth and a great big smile, so I was drawn to her” (P12)
There are two independent clauses: “The elderly lady selling them” and
I was captivated by a woman who sold them, her broad smile revealing her missing teeth, which drew me in completely.
Ex 24: ‘Cau Ong Lanh is the 'real Saigon'; it feels as though nothing has changed for hundreds of years’