INTRODUCTION
Rationale
During my four years at Duy Tan University in the Faculty of English, I acquired specialized knowledge and diverse translation skills, with a particular focus on cultural topics that captivated my interest.
Culture encompasses the diverse aspects of society, including both material and spiritual values that have been created and shared throughout history It includes specific characteristics such as language, ideology, and religion Essentially, culture represents the accumulation of values that are passed down from generation to generation over time.
I chose the book "Korean culture and customs" to translate because it describes and presents all about war, life, entertainment, people, customs, religion, and politics from both past and present
This captivating book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of modern Korean culture My favorite part is Chapter 3, which I selected for translation It explores the origins of Korean art and literature during ancient dynasties, highlighting the distinctive architectural styles, the intricacies of sculpture, the beauty of folk painting, and the richness of poetry and legends, as well as the influential artists who shaped these cultural expressions.
Although culture is a popular topic, I translated this book to give readers a deeper understanding of Korean culture, the lives of Korean people, and the hidden corners of Korean culture.
Overall, I hope I made an excellent choice and obtained a high rating.
Aims and Objectives
This graduation paper focuses on two main points.
This paper aims to assist translators in applying their specialized knowledge and translation skills acquired in university to effectively translate diverse documents, such as cultural books Additionally, it encourages translators to evaluate their translation abilities and analyze their skills throughout the translation process.
This paper aims to offer translators effective solutions and help them avoid common pitfalls in translation and analysis Additionally, it provides valuable experiences that can enhance their skills and prepare them for future career opportunities.
After accomplishing my graduation paper, I achieved the following targets:
-To translate the original text smoothly and naturally.
-To analyze difficult words, vocabularies, phrases, complex structures, and sentences in the text.
-To review and apply specialized knowledge.
-To improve translation and analysis skills.
Scope of the study
This study focuses on the translation and analysis of chapter 3 from Donald N Clark's book "Culture and Customs of Korea." It highlights the challenges faced during the translation process, including issues related to sentence structure, grammar, and word semantics.
The book “Culture and Customs of Korea” consists of 9 chapters, and chapter
Chapter 3 explores the rich arts and literature of both North and South Korea, highlighting significant elements such as Korean paintings, architectural achievements, poetry, novels, and notable artists This examination provides insight into the cultural heritage and creative expressions that define the historical landscape of the Korean peninsula.
This book has 9 chapters with 205 pages Because the time is limited, I chose chapter 3 with 4,709 words to translate The chapter is named “Arts and Literature”.
There are 9 chapters in the book “Culture and Customs of Korea” written by Donald
1 The Story of the Korean People
8 Gender , Marriage, and the Lives of Korean Women
The chapter 3 named “ Arts and Literature” is the chapter I choose to translate and analysis.
The book "Culture and Customs of Korea" by Donald N Clark, published by Greenwood Publishing Group in 2000, offers an insightful exploration of Korean traditions and societal norms Available for purchase on Amazon.com, this comprehensive resource delves into the rich cultural heritage of Korea, making it an essential read for those interested in understanding the country's unique customs and practices.
Methods of the study
- Understanding the main content of the book by scanning and skimming
- Reading deeply the chapter needs to translation
- Using the specialized knowledge to translate, noting the difficult words and complicated sentences.
- Searching from the internet and dictionaries to find the meanings of those vocabularies or referring to structures
-Asking the supervisor for help in need.
- Applying analysis theories to analyze complex structures, phrases, difficult words.
- Examining the text's polysemous terms and specialist terminology.
Organization of the study
The study includes three main parts:
This section is about introduces the rationale, aims and objectives, scope, methods and organization of the study.
This part is devided into three parts:
Principles and methods of transltion.
This section will present a suggested translation of the graduation paper.
This part will analyze the words and structures in the translation
This chapter will show the difficulties I meet and how to deal with them.
This chapter includes a summary of results, experiences I achieved through this graduation paper, and some suggestions that I wanted to introduce to the university and the Faculty.
THEORICAL BACKGROUND
Translation theory
Translation is defined in various ways according to dictionaries and scholarly texts, with each definition holding validity in its own context Here are some key interpretations of translation that I have researched.
“Translation is the process of conveying messages across linguistic and cultural barriers.”
“Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language).”
“Translation is a process of rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that the author intended the text.”
Translation involves comprehending the meaning of text in the source language (SL) and conveying it accurately in the target language (TL) A translator plays a crucial role in bridging different languages, cultures, and societies.
Types of categories
Types of categories of translation may be defined in terms of extent, levels, and ranks of translation.
According to J.C Carford,translation is devided into two categories: full and partial.
In a full translation, the entire text is submitted to the translation process: that is, every part of the SL text is replaced by TL text material.[3]
Example: Biodiversity is fundamental to achieving sustainable development.
Đa dạng sinh học là nền tảng để đạt được phát triển bền vững.
In a “partial” translation, some parts or parts of the source language text are left non-translated: they are simply transferred to and incorporated in the target language text.
Example: Vitamin D helps build strong bones and strengthens the body’s defenses against disease.
Vitamin D giúp xương chắc khỏe và tăng cường khả năng phòng vệ của cơ thể chống lại bệnh tật.
This distinction relates to the levels of language involved in translation.
In "total" translation, every level of the source language text is substituted with material from the target language However, the term "total" can be misleading, as this process involves complete replacement but does not ensure equivalence at all levels.
In "total" translation, the grammar and vocabulary of the source language (SL) are fully substituted with their equivalents in the target language (TL) This process also involves the substitution of SL phonology and graphology with TL counterparts; however, it is important to note that this replacement is not typically achieved through direct equivalents.
Example: Poverty is no sin
Đói nghèo không phải là tội lỗi.
In “restricted” translation, the source language is replaced with an equivalent one at only level (phonological/graphology) or at only one of the two levels of grammar and lexis.[3]
In this translation, the main thing is source language phonology is replaced with equivalent target language one, but there are hardly other important replacements.[2]
Source language graphology is replaced with equivalent target one without other considerable replacements.[2]
The process of phonological translation is intricate, as it requires a correlation between phonology and graphology in both the source and target languages Initially, the graphological units of the source language are substituted with their corresponding phonological units, which are then replaced with the appropriate graphological units in the target language.
2.2.6 Free, Literal, and Word-for-word Translation
A "free" translation offers flexibility and creativity, while a "word-for-word" translation adheres strictly to the original text "Literal" translation serves as a middle ground, beginning with a "word-for-word" approach but adapting to the grammar and structure of the target language by incorporating additional words or altering sentence structures, resulting in a more cohesive translation.
Example: The film is beyond any words
Bộ phim hay không chê vào đâu được.
SUGGESTED TRANSLATION
This section will present a suggested translation of the graduation paper.
ANALYSIS
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is crucial for conveying the meaning and information within a sentence, as words can possess multiple definitions While dictionaries provide clear definitions, the translator must select the appropriate meaning that aligns with the context This complexity in vocabulary often presents challenges for translators, prompting a careful analysis of specific words for accurate translation.
Words with multi-meanings are words that have more than one meaning in the dictionary; each different meaning will be chosen based on the context of the text.
Example 1: “There were handbooks of examples that budding artists were supposed to copy until they had mastered the models of each thing.” [P22]
In this sentence, the word “mastered” has few meanings according to Cambridge Dictionary and Oxford Dictionary:
[1] to learn how to do something well
[2] to master new skills/ techniques
[3] to manage to control an emotion
It seems the second meaning is suitable for the word, so it is translated as “làm chủ, nắm vững, thành thạo” and I translate “thành thạo” in this situation.
"Các nghệ sĩ mới bắt đầu nên tham khảo những cuốn sổ tay chứa các ví dụ để sao chép, giúp họ thành thạo các mô hình và kỹ thuật cần thiết."
Example 2: “"People's" artists presented scenes of struggle against injustice, depicting politicians and industrialists as rich and cruel abusers of workers and ordinary people” [P27]
Oxford Dictionary offers these following meanings for the word “presented”:
[1] to show or offer something for other people to look at or consider
[2] to give something to somebody, especially formally at a ceremony
[3] to show or describe something/somebody in a particular way
[4] to cause something to happen or be experienced
[5] to offer or express something in speech or writing
The term has multiple meanings, with the third definition being the most common In Vietnamese, it translates to "to present, reveal, or express."
“phác họa” to translate it in this context.
Các nghệ sĩ "nhân dân" đã khắc họa những cuộc đấu tranh chống lại bất công xã hội, mô tả các chính trị gia và nhà tư bản công nghiệp như những kẻ giàu có, tàn nhẫn với công nhân và người dân thường.
Example 3: “They play golf and drink and keep mistresses, raking in money while talking in government slogans meant to make other people do all the work.”
In Cambridge Dictionary, the word “rake” is defined by some meanings:
[1] to pull a rake over a surface in order to make it level or to remove something
[2] to smooth or gather with a rake
[3] to fire guns at (a target) from one end of it to the other
The second interpretation is the most appropriate for this context While it translates to "cào, gạt" in Vietnamese, I will use "vơ vét" to better align with the sentence's meaning.
Họ tham gia chơi gôn, thưởng thức rượu và duy trì các mối quan hệ tình cảm, đồng thời tích lũy tài sản trong khi kêu gọi những khẩu hiệu của chính phủ để yêu cầu người khác làm việc chăm chỉ hơn.
A phrasal verb consists of a verb paired with a preposition or adverb, creating a meaning distinct from the original verb Some phrasal verbs can be particularly confusing during translation.
Example 1: “The most skilled sijo poets employed symbols and allusions to get their points across.” [P34]
The phrasal verb "get sth across," as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, means "to be communicated or understood; to succeed in communicating something." In Vietnamese, this can be translated as "truyền đạt." Understanding this phrasal verb is essential for effective communication in both languages.
Suggested version: “Các nhà thơ sijo lành nghề nhất đã sử dụng các biểu tượng và lời ám chỉ để truyền đạt ý kiến của họ.”
Example 2: “After Korea's liberation in 1945, the national division threw the arts community into turmoil and the Korean War (1950- 53) reduced everyone, including artists, to the level of battling to survive.” [P26]
The phrasal verb "throw sth into," as defined by Free Dictionary, refers to the act of suddenly or forcefully placing someone or something into a specific condition, position, or situation In Vietnamese, it translates to "ném vào," but I prefer to interpret it as "rơi vào."
Sau khi Hàn Quốc được giải phóng vào năm 1945, sự phân chia quốc gia đã gây ra hỗn loạn trong cộng đồng nghệ thuật Chiến tranh Triều Tiên từ năm 1950 đến 1953 đã buộc tất cả mọi người, bao gồm cả nghệ sĩ, phải chiến đấu để sinh tồn.
Example 3: “As the Koryo kingdom was tottering on the verge of ruin, about to be overthrown by General Yi Songgye, the general's son Yi Pangwon (1367-
1422) invited Chong Mongju, one of the crumbling kingdom's most important
The phrasal verb "win someone over," as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, refers to the act of successfully gaining someone's support or agreement, especially when they were initially opposed In Vietnamese, this concept translates to "lôi kéo, chinh phục," and I have chosen "thuyết phục" as the appropriate translation for this phrasal verb.
Khi vương quốc Koryo đứng trước bờ vực sụp đổ do tướng Yi Songgye lãnh đạo, con trai của tướng quân Yi Pangwon (1367-1422) đã mời Chong Mongju, một trong những chính khách quan trọng nhất của vương quốc, đến dự bữa tối nhằm thuyết phục ông tham gia vào sự nghiệp cách mạng.
DIFFICULTIES AND SOLUTIONS
Difficulties
Despite as a student in translating and interpreting, I still met several obstacles when completing this graduation assignment.
Understanding the main topic of the text is essential, as it encapsulates the overall content Unfortunately, translators often overlook or misinterpret this crucial aspect, leading to inaccurate translations filled with erroneous expressions and diminished meaning This misunderstanding hinders the effective translation from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL).
One of the main challenges I faced was the complexity of vocabulary and my limited knowledge in the translation field The text contained diverse and nuanced meanings, necessitating a deep understanding of translation principles and flexibility in selecting the appropriate meanings for the target language Additionally, the specific functions of words, phrases, and their usage further complicated the translation process.
One significant challenge in the translation process was the intricate grammar and sentence structures used by the author The diverse sentence types employed to convey ideas complicated the translator's task of accurately analyzing and finding equivalent forms while preserving the original meaning Consequently, the combination of complex structures led to frequent errors, particularly when the translator focused solely on simpler constructs.
The primary challenge I encountered was time constraints, which hindered my ability to thoroughly study and understand the original text As a result, the translation lacked smoothness and natural flow, making it difficult to analyze the structure effectively.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
Summary
During my time working on this graduation paper, I recognized several shortcomings in my skills as a translation and interpreting student Over four years at university, I gained valuable knowledge and abilities essential for becoming a proficient translator However, I also realized that what I learned represents only a small fraction of the vast knowledge required in the translation process This project not only enhanced my translation and analytical skills but also offered numerous valuable experiences.
While translating, I realized that my vocabulary in both the source language (SL) and target language (TL) was insufficient This lack of terminology hindered my ability to translate effectively, as I struggled to understand and convey the author's ideas in Vietnamese Therefore, having a strong vocabulary foundation is essential for successful translation.
SL and TL is necessary for translators.
Having specialized knowledge in a specific field is crucial for translators, as it enhances their understanding of the author's intent and enables accurate translations Despite conducting research on cultural topics relevant to my translation, I encountered challenges with the original text Nonetheless, I successfully translated certain terms, which proved to be a valuable learning experience.
This graduation paper highlighted my need for further study in grammar While I find it easy to analyze simple sentences, I often struggle with more complex structures, leading to errors in my analysis My confusion between different types of structures and grammar presents an opportunity for me to enhance my understanding and knowledge in this area.
Despite the numerous grammar, syntax, and translation issues in my graduation paper, I gained a deeper understanding of Korean culture This experience taught me how to find appropriate equivalents for expressing ideas in the target language, allowing me to select the most contextually relevant versions.
In conclusion, to become a good translator, I need to keep learning and training in various fields to achieve more experience and enhance my skills.
Suggestions
To pursue a career as a translator, students must not only master fundamental and specialized knowledge but also refine their translation skills through hands-on experience Practicing translation across diverse fields is essential, as it enhances specialized knowledge, builds valuable experience, and significantly improves translation proficiency.
Students must master translation methods and principles while dedicating time to understand complex grammar and structures to avoid serious mistakes in their translations Additionally, it is crucial for students to practice both English and their native language, Vietnamese, to enhance their fluency and smoothness in translating texts Furthermore, developing the skill to grasp general information from the source text is essential for students to translate documents effectively and effortlessly.
After four years of studying at Duy Tan University, I have some suggestions that I hope will be helpful for the English department in particular and the university in general.
Teachers should offer students more opportunities to apply translation theories and skills in practical settings While it is essential to teach specific subjects for a deeper understanding of specialized knowledge, incorporating practical exercises is crucial for enhancing students' translation abilities.
To enhance students' learning experiences, the school and English Faculty should establish clubs that foster knowledge exchange and peer collaboration This initiative aims to inspire students to deepen their studies and engage in specialized research, while also offering diverse perspectives on the translation profession.
The limited timeframe for completing a thesis poses challenges for students, as the writing and editing process is time-consuming, especially when balancing studies and obtaining certifications Therefore, it is crucial for the school to consider extending the deadline, enabling students to produce their graduation papers more effectively.
[1] Peter Newmark (1984), Approaches to Translation, Pergamon Press.
[2] Nguyễn Mạnh Quang (2013), Translation Theory, Duy Tan University,
[3] J.C Catford (1965), A Linguistic Theorry of Translation, Oxford University
[10] https://www.englishgrammar101.com/module-10/clauses/lesson-9/complex- and-compound-complex-sentences
[11] https://elight.edu.vn/tong-hop-60-cau-thanh-ngu-tieng-anh-hay-thong-dung- trong-cuoc-song/amp/