INTRODUCTION
Rationale
As a foreign language student with a deep passion for global cultures, I am particularly intrigued by Southeast Asia, especially the predominantly Buddhist Kingdom of Thailand My curiosity led me to explore a report on Southeast Asian culinary culture, focusing specifically on the rich and diverse food culture of Thailand.
Southeast Asia is a diverse region comprising 11 countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, each with its own distinct culture and cuisine Thailand stands out as a premier tourist destination, blending traditional heritage with modern influences The country's culinary identity is significantly shaped by the introduction of chili peppers in the 15th century, leading to the incorporation of bold flavors that define Thai dishes Notably, the cuisine features a harmonious balance of spicy and sweet tastes, reflecting both Asian and European dining practices, as locals utilize chopsticks, knives, forks, and sometimes eat with their hands Additionally, Thai cuisine is enriched by influences from China and other Southeast Asian nations, making it a unique gastronomic experience Lastly, a comparison of Thailand's diabetes prevalence with that of the United States highlights important health considerations within the region.
In this graduation thesis, I aim to explore specialized documents that delve into the diverse cultures of countries worldwide, with a particular focus on translating the section titled "Amazing Thailand."
— Another Look at an Ever Changing Food Culture” from the report
The book "Food Culture of Southeast Asia: The Perspective of Social Science and Food Science," edited by Wahyudi David and Daniel Kofahl in 2021, serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the rich culinary traditions and cultural significance of Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Thailand This publication aims to enhance knowledge and provide valuable references regarding the diverse food practices and cultural narratives that shape the region's cuisine.
Aims and Objectives
Through the graduation thesis, I want to aim at the following goals:
Helping Vietnamese readers better understand the social culture and cuisine of Southeast Asia in general and Thailand in particular.
Answering everyone's questions and doubts about the historical origin of the social culture and cuisine of this place.
Having a suggested translation for students studying with a major in English for translation and interpretation to read and refer to.
Supporting everyone to improve their skills in the translation process.
By carrying out this graduation thesis, I have learned lots of helpful things:
Knowing how to apply appropriate words and sentences to many specific situations by translating the report into Vietnamese.
Gaining a broad knowledge of the terms and concepts of the socio-cultural and culinary fields through analysis of vocabulary and sentence structure.
Avoid common faults in the process of translation as well as find out what difficulties translators may face in the translation process to propose solutions to overcome those challenges.
Scope of the Study
This graduation thesis aims to provide a proposed translation of the section "Amazing Thailand — Another Look at an Ever Changing Food Culture" from the report "Food Culture of Southeast Asia: The Perspective of Social Science and Food Science," edited by Wahyudi David and Daniel Kofahl in 2021, from English to Vietnamese Additionally, the thesis will include an analysis of the original text, highlighting challenging vocabulary, phrases, and grammatical structures.
In the section "Amazing Thailand — Another Look at an Ever Changing Food Culture" from the report “Food Culture of Southeast Asia: The Perspective of Social Science and Food Science,” republished by Wahyudi David and Daniel Kofahl in 2021, the historical origins of Thai cuisine are explored, highlighting the significant influences from neighboring countries on Thai food and customs The report provides a comprehensive analysis of Thailand's culinary evolution and showcases the nation's rich food culture, underscoring its unique greatness within the Southeast Asian region.
This report, titled "Amazing Thailand — Another Look at an Ever Changing Food Culture," spans thirty-eight pages Due to time limitations, it has been condensed into approximately three thousand seven hundred words, capturing the essence of Thailand's dynamic culinary landscape.
The chapter "Amazing Thailand — Another Look at an Ever Changing Food Culture" from the report "Food Culture of Southeast Asia: The Perspective of Social Science and Food Science" explores the diverse regional cuisines of Thailand, highlighting their historical beginnings and evolution This examination reveals how Thailand's food culture is continuously influenced by social and environmental factors, showcasing the dynamic nature of its culinary traditions.
"Indianization", Where's the Chili ?, Streetfood, International Exchanges,
“Thai Soul" - The Rise of Isan Foodways, Less Rice, and Sugar, Sugar to translate and analyze.
This graduation thesis consists of six chapters:
• Chapter 1 is the introduction of this thesis including rationale, aims, and objectives, the scope of the study, method of the study, and organization of the study.
• Chapter 2 is about the theoretical background of translation.
• Chapter 3 is the translated version of the report.
• Chapter 4 is about the analysis of vocabulary and structures of the suggested translation.
• Chapter 5 shows the difficulties during the translation process and gives some solutions to deal with the difficulties.
• Chapter 6 gives out conclusions as well as suggestions
The section titled "Amazing Thailand — Another Look at an Ever Changing Food Culture," featured in the 2021 report "Food Culture of Southeast Asia: The Perspective of Social Science and Food Science," edited by Wahyudi David and Daniel Kofahl, explores the dynamic nature of Thailand's culinary landscape This insightful report is readily accessible online for those interested in delving deeper into the subject, available at the link trenk-amazing_thailand.pdf.
Method of the Study
As an English major, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience, which I aim to enhance further through my graduate thesis focused on the intersection of translation, culture, society, and cuisine To achieve this, I am utilizing various introductory books and reports, employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods to develop complex vocabulary and structures Additionally, I am grateful for the enthusiastic support from my lecturers and peers, which has been instrumental in gathering essential information for my thesis.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Translation Theory
In contemporary discourse, numerous authors have proposed various definitions of translation, each reflecting their unique perspectives on the concept Here are several definitions of translation from renowned linguistic experts.
According to the definition of J C Catford in the book “A
Linguistic Theory of Translation”, “Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in another language (TL).” (Catford, 1965)
Besides, from the book “Translation” by Allan Duff, he quoted
Dr Ian Tudor emphasizes that translation is a vital communicative process that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries He suggests that its application should be considered in a broader array of educational contexts than is currently practiced.
Translation is the process of converting a written text from one language (the source language) into another (the target language), as described by Jeremy Munday in "Introducing Translation Studies." This involves transforming the original text (source text) into a new written form (target text) in a different verbal language.
In summary, translation involves the direct conversion between a source language (SL) and a target language (TL), grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
J C Catford presented that: “Translation equivalences may be set up, and translations performed, between any pair of languages or dialects - “related” or “unrelated” and with any kind of spatial, temporal, social or other relationship between them” [1], in the book “A Linguistic Theory of Translation” (1965:20)
According to J C Catford (1965:20), in the book “A Linguistic
The "Theory of Translation" encompasses various types of translation categorized by distinct criteria, including extent, levels, and rank To provide clarity on these classifications, I will reference several authoritative books on the subject.
Based on the extent, J C Catford classified translation into Full Translation and Partial Translation:
• Full Translation means that all elements of the source language text are replaced by target language text materials.
For example, “The race ended and ended the hopes too What
Champions League has is just the name of Chelsea Manchester City has been left behind.”
The race has concluded, and with it, the hopes have faded The Champions League now only features Chelsea, while Manchester City has been left behind.
• Partial translation can be understood as some parts of the source text that will not be translated, only moved to incorporated in the target text
Such as: “How a wonderful place ever!”
And I have a suggested version: “Một nơi thật tuyệt vời!”
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 substitution of the source language (SL) text with target language (TL) material However, this process cannot achieve an equivalent replacement at every level of the text, making the term "Total Translation" somewhat misleading.
For instance: “There is nothing permanent except change”
This sentence will mean in Vietnamese: “Sẽ không có gì là mãi mãi ngoại trừ sự thay đổi”.
Restricted translation involves substituting the source language (SL) text with equivalent target language (TL) text at the same level, whether it pertains to phonology, graphology, grammar, or lexis.
For example: “I have to take care of my grandparents”
And I have translated version: “Tôi phải quan tâm đến ông bà của tôi.”
Writing in the book “A Linguistic Theory of Translation”(1965:22), J C Catford deemed that although phonological or
Contextual translation involves the challenge of replacing source language (SL) contextual units with their target language (TL) equivalents while maintaining the integrity of grammatical and lexical elements This highlights the inherent difficulty in separating phonological or graphical aspects from the translation process, as doing so disrupts the intended meaning and context.
Firstly, in Restricted Translation at Phonological Translation, in phonological translation, the equivalent TL phonology will replace the
SL phonology, and there is only the replacement of grammatical or lexical changes.
Secondly, in Restricted Translation at Graphological Translation, in graphological translation, the equivalent TL graphology will replace the SL graphology; there are only the again accidental changes without other replacements.
Suggested version: “Áp-ga-ni-xtan”
The process of phonological and graphological translation is more complex, as both must be contained in a general theory of translation.
Restricted Translation involves substituting the grammar of the source language (SL) with its equivalent in the target language (TL), while keeping the original lexis intact This means that only the grammatical structure is altered, preserving the original vocabulary.
For example: “Cao Lau” is one of the traditional foods of Vietnam”.
"Cao Lầu" is a traditional Vietnamese dish that showcases the unique flavors and culinary heritage of Vietnam.
Based on the rank, J C Catford classified translation into Rank- bound Translation and Unbounded Translation:
Rank-bound translation refers to the practice of limiting the selection of equivalent text in the target language to a specific rank, such as word-for-word or morpheme-for-morpheme equivalence This approach ensures that the translation remains closely aligned with the original text at a particular level of linguistic structure.
Unbounded Translation, we can understand simply that it may move freely up and down the scale of rank.
For instance: “That sounds like a good deal, but I’d like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.”
Suggested translation: “Nghe có vẻ là một thỏa thuận tốt, nhưng tôi muốn suy nghĩ kĩ trước khi đưa ra quyết định cuối cùng cho bạn.”
Or “Nghe có vẻ là một thỏa thuận tốt, nhưng tôi muốn ngủ quên trước khi đưa ra quyết định cuối cùng cho bạn.” (Rank-bound
Translation – Word-for-word Translation).
Principles and Methods of Translation
Mr Alan Duff gave some general principles of translation in the book “Translation” (1989:10) These principles will help the students well as the translator or translate better.
Accurate translation is essential for preserving the original text's meaning, and it is important to avoid arbitrary additions or omissions While some degree of meaning transposition may be acceptable, maintaining fidelity to the source material is paramount.
For example: “He looks for his dictionary.”
Translated version: “Anh ấy tìm quyển từ điển của mình.”
In his book "Translation" (1989:10), Alan Duff emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original order of words and ideas in translation This is particularly crucial for legal documents, contracts, and guarantees, where fidelity to the source material's form and structure is essential for accuracy and clarity.
However, the translators have to change the form and order of the word based on the difference in the structure of the language.
Example: “Take advantage of changing customer preferences.” Translated version: “Tận dụng lợi thế của việc thay đổi sở thích của khách hàng.”
Languages vary significantly in their level of formality depending on the context It is essential for translators to differentiate between formal and informal expressions, as the tone set by the writer or speaker plays a crucial role in addressing these variations effectively.
For instance: “Please do not park the car here.”
Suggested version: “Xin vui lòng không đỗ xe ở đây.”
The translated version sounds unnatural is one of the most regular criticisms of translating.
The mindset of the translator is significantly influenced by the original text To prevent errors, it is essential to avoid disregarding the source material; instead, translating from memory for a more natural flow in the target language can be an effective strategy.
For example: “My father has a sweet tooth, so he is also overweight.”
Suggested version: “Ba tôi hảo ngọt nên ông ấy thừa cân.”
Translators should maintain the original style of the text; however, if the source material contains numerous errors, such as being poorly written, dull, or repetitive, it is acceptable for the translator to make corrections to enhance the reading experience for the audience.
For example: “She is young, pretty, and well-proportioned.”
Suggested version: “Cô ấy vừa trẻ, vừa đẹp và có thân hình cân đối.”
Idiomatic expressions, such as similes, metaphors, proverbs, and slang, pose significant challenges in translation To effectively address this issue, consider several strategies: use the original phrase in quotation marks, provide a literal explanation in brackets, apply an equivalent term, or opt for a straightforward, non-idiomatic translation.
Note: The golden rule is that if the idiom does not affect the target language, do not oblige it into the translation.
I have an example: “You scratch my back and I‟ll scratch yours.”
And this sentence will be translated: “Có qua có lại mới toại lòng nhau.”
In the book “A textbook of translation” (1989:45), Peter New Mark mentioned about eight methods of translation.
Translating literally or freely has always been the most significant element of translation
In "A Textbook of Translation," Peter Newmark (1989:45) explains that interlinear translation involves placing the target language (TL) directly beneath the source language (SL) words, preserving the original word order This method translates words using their most common meanings without considering context, with cultural terms often translated literally Word-for-word translation primarily serves to clarify the mechanics of translation.
SL or to construct a difficult text as a pre-translation process.
And suggested version: “Thích thì chiều.”
In the pre-translation process, individual words from the source language are translated without considering their context, leading to potential issues This approach often results in the nearest grammatical structures of the target language replacing the original language, which can create inaccuracies and misunderstandings Addressing these problems is essential for effective translation.
For instance: “That book will be published this afternoon.”
Translated version: “Cuốn sách đó sẽ được xuất bản vào chiều nay.”
This translation method will try to replicate exactly the contextual meaning of the original bounded by the target language’s grammatical structure It “transfers” cultural words and maintains the
“abnormality” level of grammar and vocabulary (deviation from source language standards) in the translation.
Faithful translation tries to be completely faithful to the purposes and realization of the source language text of the writer.
For example: “He is as fat as a pig.”
Suggested version: “Anh ấy mập như một con heo.”
Semantic Translation closely resembles Faithful Translation, yet it emphasizes preserving the aesthetic qualities of the source text This approach requires a careful balance in conveying the intended meaning while avoiding issues such as assonance, wordplay, or jarring repetition in the final translation.
“Further, it may translate less important cultural words by the culturally neutral third or functional terms but not by cultural equivalents.”
Faithful Translation is characterized by its rigorous and dogmatic approach, ensuring a precise adherence to the original text, whereas Semantic Translation offers a more flexible and creative method, allowing translators to engage more freely with the source material.
On Friday, ten European Union nations expressed their disappointment over the U.S decision to withdraw from the Open Skies treaty, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the agreement while NATO envoys convened to address the situation.
Vào thứ 6 vừa qua, mười quốc gia trong Liên minh châu Âu đã bày tỏ sự tiếc nuối về kế hoạch rút lui khỏi Hiệp ước Bầu trời của Mỹ và cam kết duy trì hiệp ước này, trong bối cảnh các phái viên NATO đã họp để thảo luận về các bước đi tiếp theo.
The "freest" translation method is primarily utilized for plays, poetry, music, and movies, focusing on preserving themes, characters, and plots This approach involves adapting the source language culture to resonate with the target audience, resulting in a rewritten text that maintains the original's essence.
Boscombe Valley, located near Ross in Herefordshire, is a rural area primarily owned by Mr John Turner, a prosperous landowner who amassed his wealth in Australia before returning to England Among his properties, the Hatherley farm is leased to Mr Charles McCarthy, another individual with Australian roots.
(Conan Doyle, The Boscombe Valley Mystery, The
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) Suggested version:
Thung lũng Boscombe, nằm gần thị trấn Ross thuộc miền Herefordshire, là một vùng nông thôn nổi bật Tại đây, ngài John Turner, một trong những chủ đồn điền lớn nhất, đã trở về sau khi làm giàu ở Áo Ông hiện cho ngài Charles McCarthy, người cũng từng sống ở Áo, thuê trang trại Hatherley của mình.
(Nhà văn Conan Doyle, Bí ẩn tại thung lũng Boscombe,
Những cuộc phiêu lưu của Sherlock Holmes) 2.2.2.6 Free Translation
SUGGESTED TRANSLATION
Suggested Version
Food Culture of Southeast Asia:
The perspective of Social Science and Food Science
Văn hóa ẩm thực Đông Nam Á:Góc nhìn khoa học xã hội và
ANALYSIS
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is a crucial element in any text, as understanding a word often requires more than just a dictionary definition Misinterpretations can arise when words lack contextual relevance or possess multiple meanings While some terms may seem straightforward, accurately translating them can be challenging Therefore, I carefully select the most appropriate meanings based on the context to ensure clarity and coherence in my translations.
4.1.1 Words or Phrases without Suitable Meaning in the
While translating, I encountered numerous specialized terms whose precise meanings eluded me To address this, I conducted extensive research on their definitions and synonyms, aiming to produce a more natural translation By selecting appropriate translation methods, I translated these terms into equivalent expressions in the target language, ensuring a smoother reading experience.
In the Northeastern provinces of Thailand, where a significant portion of the population resides, traditional dining customs remain prevalent, with many people choosing to eat seated on mats and using their hands This ancient practice has also seen a revival in certain restaurants in Bangkok.
According to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, the verb "place" encompasses various meanings such as to put, invest, give, rank, and sell Similarly, Tratu Soha defines "place" as "đặt, để, đầu tư, đưa cho, xếp hạng, và bán," highlighting its versatile usage in both English and Vietnamese contexts.
In Thai and Southeast Asian culture, the term "chiếu" (mat) is more commonly used than "thảm" (carpet) Typically, a "chiếu" is spread out on the floor, making "trải" the more appropriate term in this context.
Tại các tỉnh Đông Bắc, nơi có một phần ba dân số Việt Nam sinh sống, thói quen ẩm thực truyền thống vẫn được ưa chuộng, với việc ngồi trên chiếu trải sàn và dùng tay để ăn Nghi thức cổ xưa này đang dần quay trở lại và được phục vụ tại một số nhà hàng ở Bangkok.
In the Northern provinces, raw dishes known as leaps are highly popular, while in the Central and Southern regions, the enjoyment of raw foods, including fish and meat, is also prevalent.
In Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, the verb “shunned” means
“avoid” And in Tratu Soha, it means “ tránh xa, xa lánh”
Raw food is highly favored in the Northern region, while the Central and Southern areas often feel a sense of unease when it comes to it The verb "shunned" does not accurately capture this sentiment, leading me to select the term "e ngại," which better reflects the cultural nuances and culinary attitudes present in this country.
Trên các tỉnh phía Bắc, món ăn sống (hay còn gọi là leap) rất phổ biến, trong khi miền Trung và miền Nam lại có sự e ngại đối với các món ăn sống, dù là cá hay thịt.
He described "strolling restaurants," referring to mobile cooks and food vendors who quickly serve dishes like "curry and rice," a practice still prevalent in the "Khao gaeng" culture.
In the Cambridge Dictionary, "lightning" refers to a bright flash of light, while "speed" denotes rapidity When these terms are combined, they form the phrase "lightning speed," which conveys the idea of extreme quickness Therefore, I translated this phrase as "tốc độ nhanh như chớp" to accurately reflect its meaning and context.
Ông đề cập đến khái niệm "nhà hàng đi dạo", nơi các đầu bếp lưu động và nhà cung cấp thực phẩm phục vụ nhanh chóng các món ăn như "cà ri và cơm", phản ánh sự phổ biến của các loại thực phẩm "Khao gaeng" và "dtam sang".
Cookshops and mobile food booths are ubiquitous in Bangkok, much like the city's Buddhist temples and striking spirit houses These vibrant elements significantly shape the urban landscape and enhance Bangkok's distinctive and exotic appeal.
In Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, the adjective “exotic” means
“Overseas put in, and strange” And in Tratu Soha Dictionary, it means “ngoại lai, và kỳ lạ.”
The term "exotic" in the phrase "Bangkok's exotic image" highlights the unique and captivating visual appeal associated with the city This adjective emphasizes the allure and distinctiveness of Bangkok, making it a fascinating destination for travelers The combination of "Bangkok" and "exotic" creates a vivid representation that draws attention to the city's rich culture and vibrant atmosphere.
The term "exotic," often perceived as negative and unsettling, can also convey a sense of prominence and distinction In this context, it highlights the vibrant and unique qualities of Bangkok, enhancing the city's appeal and contributing to the country's development Thus, I prefer to interpret "exotic" as "prominent."
Structures
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses, also known as simple sentences that are connected.
A compound sentence can be constructed by joining independent clauses in three ways: using coordinating conjunctions such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so; employing a conjunctive adverb; or utilizing a semicolon.
The absence of coconut milk and various fresh herbs in traditional recipes highlights the gradual evolution of curry paste preparation (krueang gaeng), which has become essential in modern cuisine.
Along with coconut milk, / many of today's familiar fresh herbs/ would
Adv1 S1 V1 have been missing, and/the technique of preparing a curry paste
(krueang gaeng) from these herbs/ would have been acquired/ only
Independent clause: Along with coconut milk, many of today's familiar fresh herbs would have been missing.
Dependent clause: The technique of preparing a curry paste (krueang gaeng) from these herbs would have been acquired only gradually over time.
Ngày nay, bên cạnh nước cốt dừa, nhiều loại thảo mộc tươi quen thuộc đang dần mất đi, và kỹ thuật làm cà ri (kruang gaeng) từ những loại thảo mộc này sẽ chỉ được truyền lại và phát triển theo thời gian.
A complex sentence contains at least a dependent clause and an independent clause that are linked together by using subordinating conjunctions, but not using coordinating conjunctions.
There are three kinds of dependent clauses used in complex sentences: noun clause, adjective clause (or relative clause), and an adverbial clause.
Chili, originally known as prik thet or foreign pepper, is now commonly referred to as prik, while the traditional pepper has been renamed prik thai.
Initially, / chili/ was designated/ as/ prik thet or foreign pepper, /chili/
Adv1 S1 V1 preposition O1 S2 nowadays/ is simply referred/ to as/ prik, / whereas/ the long- established
Adv2 V2 preposition O2 Conjunctions S3 pepper /has come to be called/ prik thai.
Independent clause 1: Initially, chili was designated as prik thet or foreign pepper.
Independent clause 2: Chili nowadays is simply referred to as prik.
Dependent clause: Whereas the long-established pepper has come to be called prik thai.
Ớt ban đầu được biết đến với tên gọi prik thet hoặc ớt ngoại, nhưng ngày nay, nó thường được gọi đơn giản là prik Trong khi đó, loại ớt cũ hơn được gọi là prik thai.
In East Asia, chopsticks are the traditional utensils for eating, while in South Asia, as well as in much of the Islamic world and all of Africa, meals are typically consumed using the hands.
In East Asia, / it/ is customary to/ eat with / chopsticks, whereas / in South
Asia / one/ eats with/ the hand /as/ is/ true of much of the Islamic
S2 V2 O2 preposition V3 O3 world and all of Africa.
Independent clause: In East Asia, it is customary to eat with chopsticks.
Dependent clause: Whereas in South Asia one eats with the hand as is true of much of the Islamic world and all of Africa.
Tại Đông Á, việc sử dụng đũa để ăn uống là rất phổ biến, trong khi ở Nam Á, nhiều người thường ăn bằng tay, điều này phản ánh thói quen ẩm thực của phần lớn các nước Hồi giáo và toàn bộ châu Phi.
Example 12: “Thus, the Thais also adopted Western table manners, although the knife was felt to be superfluous and dispensed with.” [P20]
Thus, / the Thais /also adopted/ Western table manners, although / the
Adv S1 V1 O1 Conjunctions S2 knife /was felt to be superfluous and dispensed with.
Independent clause: Thus, the Thais also adopted Western table manners.
Dependent clause: Although the knife was felt to be superfluous and dispensed with.
Người Thái đã bắt đầu áp dụng những cử chỉ ăn uống của phương Tây, mặc dù họ cho rằng việc sử dụng dao là không cần thiết.
A relative clause, also known as an adjective clause, is a subordinate clause that modifies or provides additional information about a noun or pronoun There are two main types of relative clauses: defining relative clauses, which specify the noun they modify, and non-defining relative clauses, which add extra information without altering the meaning of the sentence.
Example 13: “The Kingdom of Thailand encompasses four regions that define present-day Thai cuisine.” [P25]
The Kingdom of Thailand/ encompasses/ four regions/ that /
S1 V1 O1 Relative pronouns defines/ present-day Thai cuisine.
The relative pronoun "that" replaces the noun "The Kingdom of Thailand " as the subject.
Independent clause: The Kingdom of Thailand encompasses four regions.
Dependent clause: That defines present-day Thai cuisine.
Suggested version: “Vương quốc Thái Lan bao gồm bốn khu vực xác định nền ẩm thực Thái Lan ngày nay.”
A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences, featuring at least one complex sentence alongside a simple or compound sentence This structure adds depth and complexity, making it a more intricate form than a standard compound sentence.
Example 14: “The Thai tourism authority promotes the country as “Amazing Thailand”, and this slogan would repeatedly spring to mind as I traveled the country conducting field research.” [P1]
The Thai tourism authority / promotes/the country as “Amazing
Thailand”, and this slogan/ would repeatedly spring/ to mind//
Coordinations S2 V2 O2 as/ I/ traveled/ the country conducting field research.
Independent clause 1: The Thai tourism authority promotes the country as “Amazing Thailand”.
Independent clause 2: This slogan would repeatedly spring to mind. Dependent clause: I traveled the country conducting field research.
Cơ quan du lịch Thái Lan quảng bá hình ảnh đất nước với khẩu hiệu “Thái Lan tuyệt vời”, và câu slogan này luôn hiện hữu trong tâm trí tôi trong suốt hành trình khám phá và nghiên cứu thực địa khắp nơi trên đất nước.
Passive sentences emphasize the object impacted by the action rather than the action itself It is essential that the tense of the passive construction aligns with that of the active sentence.
Example 15: “The West, by contrast, is distinguished by the custom of eating with a knife and fork.” [P16]
The West, / by contrast, / is distinguished / by / the custom of eating with
S Linking word V preposition O a knife and fork.
BE (is/ am/ are) + Past Participle/ V2 Suggested version: “Ngược lại, phương Tây được phân biệt bởi phong tục ăn bằng dao và nĩa.”
DIFFICULTIES AND SOLUTIONS
Difficulties
This graduation thesis explores the "Food Culture of Southeast Asia" through the lenses of social science and food science Despite extensive research and implementation efforts, I have encountered several challenges throughout the process.
Despite my extensive study of translation theory, I occasionally struggle with accurate translation, especially when it comes to specialized terminology in socio-cultural and culinary contexts This complexity often leads to translations that may feel somewhat rigid or lacking in fluidity.
Moreover, grammar is also a central issue that worries me quite a bit There are many grammatical structures and usages in the report that I have never encountered before
Besides, even though the time is limited and the text is quite long,
Translating between English and Vietnamese presents challenges due to significant linguistic differences, often resulting in unnatural sentence structures and expressions Additionally, certain Thai terms and their applications necessitate further research to ensure accurate usage.
Finally, Thailand is a country with a lot of new and ancient things, so learning about this country is not a few days but I think it takes more time to learn.
Solutions
To overcome challenges in the translation process, I have utilized my extensive skills and knowledge gained over the years, while also seeking guidance from my superiors.
To effectively rewrite the article, I would begin by skimming the original text for an overall understanding, followed by a careful examination of any confusing sections This process involves analyzing the author's intentions and perspectives to ensure clarity and coherence in the final content.
Once I have roughly understood the content of the text, I will highlight words and phrases that are difficult to translate Then I use dictionaries like Oxford Learner's Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Tratu Soha to look up their meanings and find synonyms to choose the meaning that best fits the context of the original text I also look up more information on the internet and in books to have more vocabulary and better understanding.
In this analysis, I will examine the sentence structure by reviewing the various learned theories to identify the appropriate sentence types, clauses, and their related elements The complexity of the sentence, which contains multiple clauses, necessitates a detailed examination to ensure clarity and enhance comprehension.
The enthusiastic support of my superiors has been crucial in my research journey, providing essential insights that clarified challenging concepts Additionally, I sought further information from books, newspapers, and discussions with friends, which enriched my understanding and improved my writing Their assistance has been invaluable in the development of my graduation thesis.
In summary, challenges in translation are unavoidable, making it crucial to understand their origins and find solutions I have endeavored to provide a clear and precise translation that is accessible for readers.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
Conclusion
Completing my graduation thesis has provided me with valuable information and significant experience Despite encountering challenges during the translation process, I embraced these obstacles as opportunities for growth, ultimately enhancing my skills and knowledge.
I recognized that my vocabulary is limited and that I struggle to convey the author's intent in Vietnamese, despite understanding the words Additionally, there are many terms I'm unfamiliar with To improve my translations, I sought assistance from my lecturers and friends to select the most appropriate meanings.
Despite facing challenges with grammatical structures, this experience presents a valuable opportunity for me to learn new sentence constructions and enhance my skills in sentence analysis and translation.
Through my graduate thesis, I acquired valuable knowledge in a new field, enhancing my understanding of Thailand and Southeast Asia, particularly in the socio-cultural aspects of food This experience not only broadened my perspective but also enriched my vocabulary significantly.
Suggestions 68 REFERENCES
In my opinion, I wish to bring many benefits to the Faculty of English – at Duy Tan University as well as the students.
Students often struggle with vocabulary specific to their fields and with analyzing grammar and structure Achieving high-quality translations requires more than just relying on translation tools; it involves understanding the context and the target language while analyzing the reasons behind the translation Consequently, thorough research and careful selection of topics are essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the material being translated.
The guidance of lecturers in specialized knowledge is crucial for student success I urge educators to provide more comprehensive instruction on grammar and sentence structure, enabling students to build a strong knowledge foundation This support will empower students to confidently tackle any project they encounter.
Working on a graduation thesis allows students to apply their knowledge and enhance their English skills I encourage the Faculty of English to introduce additional extracurricular programs and practical subjects, as this would provide students with valuable real-world experience Such initiatives would not only enrich their understanding but also boost their confidence in successfully completing their graduation thesis.
1 Catford, J.C., (1965), A Linguistic Theory of Translation, Oxford
2 Duff A., (1989), Translation, (Maley, A., Ed.), Oxford University Press.
Theories and applications (Fourth ed.), New York: Routledge.
4 New Mark P., (1989), A textbook of Translation, Prentice-Hall.
5 Cambridge Dictionary Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/vi/
6 Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
Tratu Soha Dictionary Retrieved from http://tratu.soha.vn/
7 Lac Viet Dictionary Retrieved from http://tratu.coviet.vn/
8 Brissenden, Rosemary: Southeast Asian Food, Singapore: Periplus
2003 South East Asian Food (Rosemary Brissenden) (z-lib.org) (2).epub
9 Cookrnan ReFlux: "The Sushi Wars", The Nation, January 10/2007, Cornwel-Smith, Philip: Very Thai, Everyday Popular Culture,
Bangkok: River Books 2005 https://www.academia.edu/68466894/Very_Thai_Everyday_Popular_Culture.