Rationale
Books are essential for humanity, embodying both spiritual and material values They serve as repositories of information, knowledge, experiences, creativity, and imagination, reflecting the insights of individuals and the collective wisdom of society For countless generations, books have preserved their significance and continue to enrich our lives.
A writer once noted that “In books lies the soul of the whole past time,” highlighting the extensive journey of research and effort that authors invest in their work for readers The true value of a book is amplified when it is translated into multiple languages, facilitating cultural exchange and deepening our understanding of history and customs across different nations.
The book I am translating masterfully blends horror, fiction, family culture, and romance It opens with a chilling title, yet as the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in a warm and poetic romance that reveals the author's distinctive writing style.
I hope that through the suggested version, I can convey all the messages the author wants to convey, making readers find sympathy in every page of the book that I have translated.
Aims and Objectives
Though the graduation thesis, I would like to bring the following aims at:
- To upgrade translating and analysing ability
- To summarize the knowledge I learned in during 4 years of college
- To people know further the fields of culture of the other country
- To have a suggested translation for students studying with a major in English for translation and interpretation to read and refer.
I'd like to accomplish the following objectives with my graduation thesis:
- To translate text fluently and naturally
- To know how to use words and sentences which are acceptable to each specific situations
- To know concepts and conventionalities of the cultural field through the analysis of vocabulary and sentence structures
- To give some implications and solutions in the process of translation as well as avoid basic faults.
Scope of the Study
This graduation thesis aims to provide a suggested translation of Chapter 1, consisting of 4,567 words, from English to Vietnamese It will address the challenges encountered during the translation process and offer insights into analyzing the English grammar, syntax, and semantics present in the text A comprehensive understanding of these elements is crucial for effective translation.
The first chapter of "Murder at the Mayfair Hotel" sets the stage for the narrative by introducing the unique personalities of the characters and the story's environment, while also shedding light on the customs depicted throughout the tale.
The chapter 1 have 25 pages with 6703 words but the time is limited so I have translated 4,567 words in length
The first chapter of "Murder at the Mayfair Hotel," authored by C.J Archer and published in 2020, is readily available online for readers You can access it through this link: [Murder at the Mayfair Hotel](https://cjarcher.com/cjs-books/cleopatra-fox-mysteries/murder-at-the-mayfair-hotel/).
Method of the Study
Over the past four years at university, I have gained extensive knowledge and experience in the English language This graduation thesis aims to enhance my vocabulary and understanding of linguistic structures while showcasing my grasp of social and cultural issues I employed a systematic approach to achieve these objectives.
- Selecting the work to be studied;
- Recording all relevant information about the work
- Discussing with advisors and friends
BACKGROUND
Translation Theory
Translation is a multifaceted concept that varies widely based on individual perspectives and expertise Numerous definitions have been proposed by renowned linguists globally, reflecting the diversity and innovation inherent in the field of translation.
“Translation is a process of conveying messages across linguistic and cultural barriers”
(Tudor Ian, Dr (1965) About translation theory Cambridge)
Translation serves as a vital means of communication that bridges linguistic and cultural gaps Its role extends beyond traditional contexts, suggesting that it could be effectively integrated into a broader array of educational settings.
“Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language)”
(Catford, J.C (1965) A Linguistic Theory of Translation Oxford)
J C Catford said that: “Translation equivalences may be set up, and translations performed, between any pair of languages or dialects - “related” or
In "A Linguistic Theory of Translation," J C Catford (1965:20) discusses various types of translation based on different criteria, including extent, levels, and rank He emphasizes that translations can often be considered "unrelated" due to the absence of spatial, temporal, or social relationships between the source and target texts To enhance understanding, I will reference several key texts that further elucidate these concepts.
Based on the extent, J C Catford classified translation into Full Translation and Partial Translation:
* Full translation: it is a type of translation in which the entire source language text is reproduced by the target language text materials.
SL: Translation is a compulsory subject for students of English major.
TL: → Dịch thuật là môn học bắt buộc đối với sinh viên chuyên
* Partial translation: There are some parts of the source language that are not translated but put into the target language.
SL: How interesting this gift is!
TL: → Món quà thật tuyệt
In terms of levels, translation is divided into two types by J.C Catford: Total Translation and Restricted Translation
Total translation refers to the complete replacement of all levels of the source language (SL) text with corresponding material in the target language However, the term "total translation" can be misleading, as it is not feasible to fully replace every level of the source language with the target language, despite the concept of total replacement being a part of the process.
SL: In fact, there is nothing wrong with Christianity TL: → Thật vậy, Đấng Christ không có gì sai
"Restricted translation" refers to the process of substituting text from a source language with equivalent content in a target language, but limited to a single level This can occur at either the phonological or graphological level, or it may focus solely on one of the grammatical or lexical dimensions.
SL: Thầy u mình với chúng mình chân quê TL: → Our parents and we are really the rustics According to in the book “A Linguistic Theory of Translation” (1965:22), J.
C Catford mentioned that although phonological or graphological translation can happen, there can be no analogous “contextual translation” However, there is no possibility of replacement the SL “contextual units” by the equivalent TL
“contextual units” without instantaneously replacing the grammatical or lexical elements Therefore, the separability of phonology or graphology for translation intentions and the circumstances is impossible
Firstly, Restricted Translation at Phonological Translation, in phonological translation, the equivalent TL phonology will replace the SL phonology, and there is only the replacement about grammatical of lexical changes
When discussing translation types, it's important to note that graphological translation involves replacing the source language's (SL) graphology with the target language's (TL) equivalent This method focuses on maintaining the original meaning while making only incidental changes, without introducing additional replacements For instance, common terms like "bus" translates to "xe buýt," "champagne" becomes "sâm banh," and "film" is rendered as "phim."
The translation of place names like Bangladesh and Singapore involves intricate phonological and graphological processes, which must align with a comprehensive translation theory In Restricted Translation, while the grammar of the source language (SL) is substituted with its equivalent in the target language (TL), the original lexis remains unchanged, highlighting that only grammatical structures are modified in this translation approach.
E.g: “Ao dai” is one of the traditional costumes of Vietnam” Because
The "Ao dai" is a traditional Vietnamese garment that holds significant cultural importance.
Based on the rank, J C Catford classified translation into Rank-bound Translation and Unbounded Translation:
*Rank-bound translation: it means that the selection of TL text equivalent is limited at only one rank, such as word-for-word equivalence, morpheme-for- morpheme equivalence, etc.
E.g: Save for a rainy day → để dành cho ngày mưa
* Unbounded translation: it can move freely up and down the rank-scale.
E.g: Save for a rainy day → để dành/ tiết kiệm cho những lúc cần thiết/ khó khăn trong tương lai
Principles and Methods of Translation
We will handle translation based on precise principles after determining accurate translation techniques Alan Duff stated the following principles in his book Blackwell Duff A, (1990), “Translation”, O.U.P.
In “Translation” Alan Duff defines translation meaning as the precise representation of the original text meaning As a result, we should not add or remove anything at will.
SL: We all must make sacrifices to achieve our dream TL:→ Tất cả chúng ta đều phải chấp nhận những sự hi sinh để đạt được ước mơ
In his book "Translation," Alan Duff emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close alignment between the arrangement of words and concepts in a translation and the original text, especially for legal documents such as guarantees and contracts However, he acknowledges that differences in language structure may necessitate adjustments to the form and order of words to achieve clarity and accuracy.
SL: I hope you don't mind, sir.
TL: → Tôi hi vọng ngài không phiền, thưa ngài
Languages vary significantly in formality depending on the context, such as in rules and regulations Translators must identify the distinction between formal or fixed expressions and more personal tones, as this helps in accurately conveying the intended message.
SL: No dumping rubbish here!
TL:→ Xin vui lòng không vứt rác tại đây
Idiomatic expressions, as noted by A Duff, are often untranslatable due to their unique cultural meanings This category encompasses similes, metaphors, proverbs, sayings like "as good as gold," jargon, slang, colloquialisms, and phrasal verbs To facilitate a smoother translation process, it is essential to consider these complexities.
- Preserving the original expression, with a literal explanation in brackets
- Keeping the original word in quotation marks
- Using a non-idiomatic or plain prose translation.
Note: The golden rule is that if the idiom does not effect in the target language, do not oblige it into the translation.
SL: As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining.
TL:→ Trong cái rủi có cái may.
In his translation, Allan Duff emphasizes the importance of preserving the original style, but acknowledges that if the source text contains significant issues like incoherence, dullness, or unnecessary repetition, the translator is justified in making corrections for the benefit of the reader.
SL: If they observe a well-ordered house, they will develop good habits of cleanliness
TL: → Nếu họ thấy nhà cửa ngăn nắp, họ cũng sẽ tập thói quen sống gọn gàng.
One common error in translation is that the translated version often sounds unnatural This issue arises when translators overly rely on the original text, leading to a word choice that reflects the source language rather than the target language To create a more natural translation, it can be helpful to translate sentences from memory, allowing for the natural thought patterns of the first language to emerge, rather than being constrained by the source text.
SL: Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything
TL: → Mắt mờ, răng rụng, hóa hư vô
Newmark (1988) distinguishes between translation methods and translation procedures, noting that translation methods apply to entire texts, while translation procedures focus on sentences and smaller language units He outlines various methods of translation to illustrate this difference.
Word-for-word translation refers to an interlinear translation where the target language appears directly beneath the source language This method maintains the original word order and translates each word based on its most common meaning, often without considering context It typically involves literal translations of cultural terms and is frequently employed during the pre-translation phase.
SL: I drink coffee every morning → Tôi uống cà phê mỗi sáng TL: The weather today is so beautiful → Thời tiết hôm nay là rất đẹp
Literal translation serves as a pre-translation process where the grammatical structures of the source language are converted to their closest equivalents in the target language In this method, lexical words are translated individually without considering the surrounding context.
SL: The ship must be well built in order to withstand the storms TL: → Chúng ta phải đóng con tàu thật chắc để chống lại cơn bão
The primary goal of translation is to accurately convey the author's intended message into another language, ensuring that cultural nuances are preserved This process involves a careful transfer of meaning, allowing readers to fully grasp the original text's essence.
The "abnormality" level in translation refers to deviations from the standard grammar and vocabulary of the source language A faithful translation aims to accurately reflect the intentions and nuances of the original text, ensuring that the writer's message is preserved.
SL: She is as fierce as a lion TL: → Cô ta dữ như cọp
Semantic translation focuses on the aesthetic value of the source language (SL) text, distinguishing it from faithful translation In this process, translators refine the final version to eliminate issues such as assonance, wordplay, or jarring repetitions They may opt to translate less significant cultural terms using culturally neutral or functional equivalents instead of direct cultural counterparts, making minor adjustments to better suit the target readership.
SL: She really is a bookworm TL: → Cô ấy là con mọt sách chính hiệu
The most flexible form of translation is adaptation, primarily utilized in plays and poetry This approach retains the original themes, characters, and plots while transforming the cultural elements from the source language to align with the target language culture, resulting in a rewritten text.
SL: “She Walks in Beauty”
Free translation focuses on conveying the content of the original text while disregarding its stylistic elements This often results in a paraphrase that is significantly longer than the source material, referred to as "intra-lingual translation." Such translations can come across as verbose, pretentious, and may even feel like they haven't been translated at all.
SL: The film is beyond any words TL: → Bộ phim hay không có gì để chê
This translation method conveys the original text's "message" by employing equivalents in the target language It is essential to utilize idioms in the target language to accurately express concepts However, idiomatic translation can sometimes distort the original meaning by prioritizing colloquial expressions where none exist in the source material.
As a young individual, it's essential to embrace opportunities and work hard, even if it means pushing your limits Balancing various responsibilities can lead to personal growth and success However, it's important to find a sustainable pace to avoid burnout while striving for your goals.
TL: → Bạn còn trẻ bạn nên làm việc cật lực để thành công
TRANSLATION
Moving into The Mayfair Hotel, a luxurious establishment in the world's most dynamic city, was the perfect remedy for my situation With its stunning façade, I felt reassured that I could avoid constant encounters with relatives I barely knew As I tipped my hat and gazed up at the hotel, I was struck by its elegant yet imposing architecture, a grand dame that evoked both admiration and awe.
The top of the fifth level appeared to butt against the dense gray clouds, and
I counted seven arches spanning the width of the ground floor I headed for the central arch, sheltered by a burgundy canopy printed with the hotel’s emblem of an M inside a circle.
I recognized it from the stationery my aunt used for her infrequent letters.
[2] “Miss,” said one of the two
Năm 1899, tôi đến một khách sạn sang trọng ở thành phố năng động nhất thế giới, The Mayfair, nơi tôi có thể tránh xa những người thân mà tôi gần như không quen biết Với mặt tiền tráng lệ và vẻ đẹp uy nghiêm, khách sạn khiến tôi cảm thấy vừa ngưỡng mộ vừa e sợ Đỉnh của tầng năm vươn lên giữa những đám mây xám, trong khi bảy mái vòm kéo dài trên tầng trệt tạo nên một không gian ấn tượng Tôi tiến đến vòm trung tâm, nơi có tán cây màu đỏ rượu in biểu tượng chữ M của khách sạn, gợi nhớ đến những tập giấy mà dì tôi thường sử dụng để viết thư.
[2] “Thưa cô,” một trong hai người gác doormen
“Miss, can you hear me?”
“I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?”
I asked The doorman regarded me down his nose
“Are you sure you’re at the right place?”
“Is this The Mayfair Hotel?”
“Then I am at the right place.” I frowned
“Why would you think I’m not?”
His gaze lingered on me, clearly evaluating how a young woman in a worn black cloak and an outdated hat could afford a stay at a luxury hotel I met his scrutiny without flinching.
“Would you like to put down your luggage? I’ll have it sent to your room with your trunk.”
[3] The doorman gave a pointed look at cửa nói.
“Cô ơi, cô có nghe thấy tôi nói không?”
“Xin lỗi, anh đang nói chuyện với tôi?" Tôi hỏi Người gác cửa coi thường nhìn tôi
“Cô có chắc mình đang ở đúng nơi không?”
“Đây có phải là Khách sạn Mayfair không?"
“Vậy thì tôi đến đúng nơi rồi.” Tôi cau mày
“Tại sao anh lại nghĩ tôi nhầm lẫn?” Anh ta và tôi nhìn nhau lâu, anh ta đang đánh giá tôi, cố gắng hiểu làm thế nào một phụ nữ trẻ đơn độc có thể chi trả cho một khách sạn sang trọng trong khi chỉ mặc một chiếc áo choàng đen sờn và mũ lỗi mốt Tôi cũng không rời mắt khỏi anh ta.
“Cô có muốn đặt hành lý xuống không? Tôi sẽ mang nó đến phòng cùng với chiếc rương của cô "
[3] Người gác cửa nhìn soi mói vào my battered brown leather bag, his mouth turned down in distaste The bag had belonged to my grandfather.
Reflecting on his memory often brought tears to my eyes, yet I managed to breathe through the sorrow until it faded Although he passed away three years ago, he has been on my mind frequently this past month.
“Miss?” The word came out as an irritated hiss I clutched the bag tighter.
“Thank you, but I’ll keep it with me.”
The doorman signaled a tall porter in a smart red jacket, who efficiently loaded my trunk and hat box onto a trolley As another doorman opened the door for him, I adjusted my grip on my bag and followed closely behind Upon entering the foyer, I was momentarily breathless, not from exertion but from the stunning sights around me; the expansive space was filled with captivating details that left me in awe.
Cây thông Giáng Sinh của tôi được trang trí bằng chiếc túi da màu nâu đã rách nát của ông nội, khiến tôi không khỏi bùi ngùi Nhìn chiếc túi, tôi nhớ về ông và cảm thấy nghẹn ngào, nhưng tôi cố gắng vượt qua nỗi buồn Mặc dù ông đã qua đời cách đây 3 năm, nhưng những kỷ niệm về ông vẫn luôn sống động trong tâm trí tôi.
“Này cô?” Anh ta rít một tiếng đầy khó chịu Tôi nắm chặt chiếc túi hơn.
Người gác cửa ra hiệu cho một người khuân vác cao lớn trong chiếc áo khoác đỏ lịch sự, người này đã lấy rương và hộp đựng mũ của tôi để đặt lên xe đẩy Khi một gác cửa khác mở cửa cho anh ta, tôi điều chỉnh quai túi và vội vã theo sau Dừng lại ở tiền sảnh, tôi cảm thấy hụt hơi không phải vì mệt mỏi mà vì cảnh tượng ngoạn mục trước mắt, với quá nhiều thứ để chiêm ngưỡng trong không gian rộng lớn.
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with glass baubles, garlands, and candles stood majestically on the tiled floor, reaching a notable height yet remaining shorter than the elegant crystal chandelier above The spacious foyer featured three chandeliers, all illuminated by electric bulbs, casting a warm glow that dispelled the mid-afternoon darkness and shimmered on the glossy tiles.
The foyer featured several burgundy leather armchairs, with two elegantly dressed ladies engaged in friendly conversation Large black vases adorned with gold trim held vibrant roses, introducing a touch of pink to the space's cream, black, and burgundy color palette.
Despite the off-season for roses, the displays were remarkably stunning A tall porter cleared his throat as he stood with my luggage at a counter, where another man smiled patiently behind it.
“Would miss like to check in?” he asked.
Tôi tiến đến quầy, nơi có đồ trang sức bằng thủy tinh, vòng hoa và nến trang trí nổi bật ở trung tâm sàn gạch Mặc dù đạt đến độ cao ấn tượng, nhưng nó vẫn bị lu mờ bởi chiếc đèn chùm pha lê lấp lánh treo trên đó.
Trong tiền sảnh rộng rãi, hai chiếc đèn chùm rực rỡ ánh sáng từ nhiều bóng đèn, tạo nên không gian sáng sủa, xua tan vẻ u ám của buổi chiều và phản chiếu trên sàn gạch bóng loáng Một vài ghế bành da màu đỏ rượu được bố trí khéo léo, nơi hai người phụ nữ ăn mặc sang trọng đang trò chuyện thân thiện Những bình hoa hồng lớn màu đen, điểm xuyết vàng kim và hồng kem, tạo nên sự nổi bật giữa không gian, mặc dù không phải mùa hoa nở Một người khuân vác đứng bên hành lý của tôi tại bàn lễ tân, nơi một người đàn ông mỉm cười kiên nhẫn chờ đợi.
“Quý cô có muốn đăng ký bây giờ không?” người lễ tân hỏi tôi.
[5] “Có Hay không Tôi cũng không
[5] “Yes Or no I’m not quite sure.”
“Perhaps I can assist you to make up your mind The Mayfair Hotel is a boutique family-owned establishment of one hundred well-appointed rooms
We pride ourselves on our friendly service, family values, and modern amenities.”
“The Mayfair offers all the comforts of home and more,” the clerk went on
A small laugh escaped me, reflecting the humor of my previous home being smaller than the hotel’s foyer, which I found amusing However, my laughter faded as I noticed his smile vanish, replaced by a blush on his cheeks He turned to the porter, who responded with a blank stare, prompting me to suppress my smile and press my lips together.
Apologies for my earlier reaction; I truly appreciate the hotel’s impressive features and excellent service The porter stood proudly, and the clerk’s smile was restored, reflecting the positive atmosphere.