Statement of the problem and the rationale of the study
In Vietnam, museums play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing cultural values, deepening the public's understanding of history and culture The Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures, established in 1960 in Thai Nguyen City, serves as a vital cultural site, exhibiting and conserving the rich heritage of all ethnic groups in Vietnam Visitors, including many foreigners, scientists, and students, not only enjoy the exhibits but also gain insights into Vietnamese culture To enhance the experience for international guests, all exhibit labels are provided in both Vietnamese and translated into English and French.
The translation of exhibit labels poses significant challenges due to the lack of English equivalents for many Vietnamese cultural concepts Translators must employ various strategies to ensure that these concepts are accessible to visitors While translation studies have garnered attention, there remains a scarcity of research focused specifically on Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels Consequently, this study aims to explore prevalent translation strategies, procedures, and methods used in this context, while also providing valuable recommendations for translating cultural concepts effectively.
Significance of the study
Exploring the Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels at the Vietnamese Ethnic Culture Museum in Thai Nguyen City serves as a theoretical foundation for future research in this area The findings of this study spark interest among researchers to further examine Vietnamese-English translations of exhibit labels in various museums.
This study identifies the prevalent translation strategies, procedures, and methods employed by translators when converting exhibit labels from Vietnamese to English It highlights the advantages and disadvantages associated with each strategy in this context Additionally, the research offers valuable suggestions and implications for effectively translating cultural concepts.
Aims of the study
Analyzing the most common translation strategies, procedures and methods used in the Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels
Analyzing the advantages and the shortcomings of each strategy in the translation
Giving some suggestions for translators when dealing with cultural concepts.
Scope of the study
Each exhibit label features a title and a description that provides details about its age, material, collector, and artist This study focuses specifically on the Vietnamese-English translation of these exhibit labels.
Research questions
What are the most common translation strategies in the Vietnamese- English translation of exhibit labels? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy used?
What translation procedures and methods are widely used in translating shortcomings when applying in the translation?
Methodology of the study
The current context of translation of exhibit labels at the Vietnamese Ethnics‟
Established in 1960, the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures in Thai Nguyen province is one of six national museums in Vietnam, housing approximately 2,000 valuable documents, photographs, and exhibits representing fifty-four ethnic minority groups Each exhibit features a label that includes its name, origin, age, and collector details, provided in Vietnamese, English, and French The English translations were completed by a team of four qualified translators associated with the museum The collection primarily consists of everyday items, domestic tools, production equipment, and religious artifacts from various ethnic groups, many of which lack direct English equivalents.
The data collection criteria
This study examines the Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels at the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures in Thai Nguyen province, focusing exclusively on the labels themselves rather than accompanying documents or descriptions Approximately 300 labels were selected for analysis, with most consisting of two to four words The exhibits represented primarily include working tools, everyday items, clothing, and religious artifacts.
Research methods
used to analyze the uses of translation strategies, procedures and methods applied in translating exhibit labels from Vietnamese into English.
Data collection procedure
In order to conduct this study, we will manipulate the following steps:
+ First, we will identify and gather the translation of exhibit labels from the Museum
+ Next, we classify the data according to the strategies, methods and procedures used in the translation based on Vinay & Darbelnet‟s classification and Newmark‟s classification
+ Then, we analyze the purpose, the effectiveness and the shortcomings of each strategy, method and procedure that the translators used
+ Next, we observe the exhibits in the museum and evaluation the translation of their labels to find out some problems in translation
+ Lastly, after analyzing the data and evaluate the translation of exhibit labels we draw out some suggestions in translating culture- specific concepts.
Organization of the study
This thesis consists of three parts, namely introduction, development and conclusion
Part A is introduction which provides an overview of the study including the rationale, the significance, the aims, methods, the scope and the methodology of the study
Part B, Development, includes two distinguishable chapters
Chapter 1, Literature Review, reviews theoretical background on which the whole study is based on
Chapter 2 focuses on the findings and discussions regarding the translation strategies, procedures, and methods employed in the translation of exhibit labels Part C, the conclusion, summarizes the study, outlines its implications and limitations, and offers suggestions for future research.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Previous studies
Translation has garnered significant interest among authors, as evidenced by various studies Nguyen (2005) explored the Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnography, focusing on translation strategies and procedures while identifying challenges faced by translators However, her research primarily listed these strategies without assessing their pros and cons or synthesizing common applications Similarly, Bach (2007) examined equivalence in Vietnamese cultural words in "Wandering Through Vietnamese Culture" by Huu Ngoc, aiming to identify types of equivalence in translation More recently, Nguyen (2011) investigated the Vietnamese-English translation of cultural words in "Hanoi's Ancient Features" by Tran Manh Thuong, highlighting typical equivalence types, common translation issues, and prevalent methods While these studies address the translation of cultural words, they leave gaps for further exploration of strategies, procedures, and methods in the Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels at the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures, aiming to identify the most effective approaches for translating cultural terms.
Definition of translation
Translation is a complex task that has attracted the interest of numerous theorists Catford (1965) defines translation as the process of replacing textual material in one language (source language) with equivalent material in another language (target language) His theory emphasizes that the target text should maintain equivalence to the source text in both form and content, although it primarily addresses written texts.
Bell (1991) aligns with Catford's perspective, defining translation as the expression of content from a source language into a target language while maintaining both semantic and stylistic equivalences.
In contrast, Larson (1894) considers translation as a change of form In translation the form of the source language is replaced by the form of the receptor (target) language (Larson, M.L (1984:3))
Hatim & Mason (1990:3) affirms that “Translation is a communicative process which takes place within a social context.”
Nida (1975) emphasizes that translation involves creating the most natural equivalent in the target language that accurately conveys the meaning and style of the original message.
In his book "On Linguistic Aspects of Translation," Roman Jakobson (1959) posits that translation can take place in three distinct forms: interlingual translation between different languages, intralingual translation within the same language, and intersemiotic translation across different semiotic systems.
Although there are numerous approaches to translation definition, all of them emphasize on the importance of equivalence in target language both in lexical and grammatical structure.
Translation equivalence
Equivalence is regarded as the distinctive intertextual relationship inherent in translations, defined as the connection between a source text and its target text, which validates the latter as a translation Consequently, it is often viewed as a fundamental prescriptive criterion in translation studies, as noted by Koller (1995:196).
Translation is the process of reprocessing a source-language text into a target-language text, creating a new version that maintains a relationship of equivalence with the original This connection between the source text (L1) and the resulting target text (L2) is essential for effective translation.
The focus should not be on whether the two texts are equivalent, but rather on the type and degree of translation equivalence they exhibit Equivalence can be defined as "any relation characterizing translation under a specified set of circumstances," highlighting that it represents a relationship between two texts in different languages, rather than between the languages themselves, as discussed in Dr Tien's lectures.
Translation theorists tend to classify equivalence in accordance with different criteria and approaches Based on quantitative approach, Kade (1968) suggested five types of equivalences
One-to-one equivalence: A single expression in target language (TL) is equivalent to a single expression in source language (SL)
One-to-many equivalence: More than one TL expression are equivalent to a single SL expression
Many-to-one equivalence: There is more than one expression in the SL but there is a single expression in TL which is equivalent to them
One-to-part-of-one equivalence: A TL expression covers part of a concept designated by a single SL expression
Nil equivalence: No TL expression is equivalent to a single SL expression
So loaned/borrowed equivalents should be used
With meaning-based approach, Koller (1979) proposes five types of equivalence:
Denotative equivalence: The kind of equivalence oriented towards the extralinguistic content transmitted by a text Denotative equivalence is achieved when the target language and source language have identical reference
Connotative equivalence in translation refers to the ability of the target language (TL) to maintain the connotations present in the source language (SL) text, which are influenced by factors such as style, social context, and geographical nuances Achieving this level of equivalence is one of the most challenging aspects of translation, and it is rarely accomplished in an absolute manner (Koller, 1979).
Text-normative equivalence focuses on translating texts in alignment with the specific norms and conventions of different text types, ensuring that the communicative impact of the source language (SL) is maintained in the target language (TL) In simpler terms, this form of equivalence is achieved when words from the SL and TL are utilized in comparable contexts within their respective languages.
Pragmatic equivalence focuses on ensuring that both the source language (SL) and target language (TL) words evoke the same response from their respective audiences This approach emphasizes the importance of tailoring translations to suit specific readerships, thereby achieving a meaningful connection between the text and its readers.
Formal equivalence in translation aims to create a text that mirrors the original's form, maintaining its aesthetic qualities This approach involves preserving elements like wordplay, meta-linguistic features, and unique stylistic traits from the source language.
In her 1992 work, Baker presents a compelling exploration of the concept of equivalence, providing a comprehensive list of conditions that help define this notion She makes a clear distinction between various aspects of equivalence, enriching the discussion with nuanced insights.
When translating between languages, equivalence can occur at both the word level and beyond, requiring translators to consider various factors Key aspects to focus on include the number, gender, and tense of words to ensure accurate and meaningful translations.
Textual equivalence involves the relationship between a source language (SL) text and a target language (TL) text regarding information and cohesion The translator plays a crucial role in determining whether to preserve the cohesive ties and coherence of the SL text This decision is influenced by three key factors: the target audience, the purpose of the translation, and the type of text being translated.
Nida (1964) distinguishes formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence as basic orientations rather than as a binary choice:
Formal equivalence in translation focuses on achieving the closest possible match between the source language (SL) and target language (TL) in both form and content This approach involves a literal, word-for-word translation, prioritizing the SL text The translator aims to faithfully convey the original text’s content and form, ensuring consistency in grammatical units, word usage, and meanings as they relate to the source context.
Dynamic equivalence occurs when the source language (SL) and target language (TL) words produce the same effect on their respective readers This concept emphasizes achieving the "closest natural equivalent" of the SL text, focusing on the "equivalent effect" on the audience Translators strive to convey meaning in a manner that impacts the target audience similarly to how it affects the source language audience To create a "natural" translation, translators must consider three essential factors.
The receptor language and culture as a whole
The context of the particular message (intonation, rhythm of sentences, style)
The receptor language audience (translation should produce the same effect in the receptor language readers as the original piece did in the SL audience!)
1 4 Problems with non-equivalent at word level
According to Baker (1992:20), non-equivalence at word level means that the
TL has no direct equivalent for a word which occurs in the SL She distinguishes eleven types of non-equivalence
The SL word may convey a concept that is unfamiliar to the target culture, encompassing both abstract and concrete ideas These concepts can pertain to religious beliefs, social customs, or specific types of food, highlighting the challenges of translation and cultural adaptation.
The term "ông mãnh" in Vietnamese refers to a man who dies young, highlighting a culture-specific expression that may be unfamiliar to those outside of Vietnamese culture Understanding such terms requires insight into the cultural context, as they often carry meanings that are not easily translated or comprehended by individuals from different backgrounds.
(b) The SL concept is not lexicalised in the TL
The term "quân tử" encapsulates a concept well-understood in its cultural context but lacking a direct lexical equivalent in English It describes a talented and straightforward individual who embodies numerous admirable qualities aligned with Confucian ideals.
“gentleman”; however its meaning is restricted in a certain circumstance
(c) The SL word is semantically complex
Translation strategies
Translation strategies are defined as the conscious plans that translators employ to address specific challenges within a translation task According to Krings (1986), these strategies involve concrete approaches to problem-solving, while Seguinot (1989) identifies three primary global strategies: continuous translation without interruption, immediate correction of surface errors, and deferring the review of qualitative or stylistic issues to the revision stage Loescher (1991) further emphasizes that translation strategies are potentially conscious procedures aimed at resolving problems encountered during translation The significance of consciousness in this context is highlighted by Cohen (1998), who notes that it differentiates strategic actions from non-strategic processes.
Translation strategies, as defined by Venuti (1998), encompass the essential tasks of selecting a foreign text and determining the method for its translation, utilizing the concepts of domesticating and foreignizing Jaaskelainen (1999) further elaborates that strategy consists of a series of competencies and processes that facilitate the acquisition, storage, and use of information He emphasizes that these strategies are heuristic and adaptable, with their implementation shaped by changes in the translator's goals.
Mona Baker (1992: 26-42) lists eight strategies, which have been used by professional translators, to cope with the problematic issues while doing a translation task:
(a) Translation by a more general word (superordinate)
One effective strategy for addressing various forms of non-equivalence, especially in propositional meaning, is applicable across multiple languages This approach leverages the universal hierarchical structure of semantic fields, making it relevant in nearly all linguistic contexts.
(b) Translation by a more neutral /less expressive word
Baker (1992:29) gives an example to illustrate this
Source text: the shamanic practices we have investigated are rightly seen as an archaic mysticism
Target text (back-translated from Japanese): the shamanic behaviour which we have been researching should rightly be considered as ancient mysticism
The translator missed the opportunity to use a Japanese phrase meaning "behind the times," which would have better captured the propositional and expressive meanings of "archaic." However, this choice may have been deemed too direct and openly disapproving by Japanese cultural standards, resulting in a loss of the expressive nuance in the translation.
This strategy entails substituting a culture-specific term or expression with a target-language equivalent that may not carry the same literal meaning but is expected to resonate similarly with the target audience The primary benefit of this approach is that it presents the reader with a relatable concept, something that is both familiar and engaging.
E.g Source text: The Patrick Collection has restaurant facilities to suit every taste – from the discerning gourmet, to the Cream Tea expert
Target text (back translated from Italian): to satisfy all tastes: from those of the demanding gastronomist to those of the expert in pastry
In Britain, "cream tea" refers to a traditional afternoon meal that includes tea, scones served with jam and clotted cream, and may also feature sandwiches and cakes This unique dining experience has no direct counterpart in other cultures; for instance, Italians substitute it with "pastry," which, while familiar, does not convey the same essence as "cream tea."
(d) Translation using a loan word or loan word plus explanation
This strategy is effective for addressing culture-specific items, contemporary concepts, and buzzwords Providing an explanation alongside the loanword is beneficial, especially when the term appears multiple times in the text After the initial clarification, the loanword can stand alone, allowing readers to grasp its meaning without being sidetracked by additional lengthy explanations.
E.g Source text: Morning coffee and traditional cream teas are served in the conservatory
Enjoy morning coffee and traditional afternoon tea paired with cream cakes in the elegant conservatory The use of loan words in the Japanese text adds a modern and sophisticated touch, enhancing the overall experience.
(e) Translation by paraphrase using a related word
This strategy is employed when the concept from the source text is expressed in a lexicalized form in the target language (TL), albeit differently It is particularly relevant when the frequency of a specific form in the source text exceeds what would be considered natural in the TL.
E.g Source text: There is strong evidence, however that giant pandas are related to the bears
Target text (back-translated from Chinese): but there is rather strong evidence that shows that big pandas have a kinship relation with the bears
(f) Translation by paraphrase using unrelated words
When the concepts from the source text lack direct equivalents in the target language (TL), the paraphrase strategy remains applicable in certain contexts This approach may involve using a broader term or elaborating on the meaning of the original item, especially when the source material is semantically intricate.
E.g Source text: ….the lower mixed broadleaf forests….are the areas most assessible to and disturbed by Man
Target text (back-translated from Chinese): …the mixed broadleaf forests of the lowland area …are the places where human beings enter most easily and interfere most
The paraphrase strategy offers a significant advantage by providing precise propositional meaning However, it lacks the status of a lexical item, which limits its ability to convey expressive or associated meanings Additionally, while this strategy can enhance clarity, it may also be cumbersome and awkward, as it requires replacing a single term with a more complex explanation.
Omitting the translation of certain words or expressions can be an effective strategy in specific contexts, as it may prevent unnecessary distractions for the reader If a term's meaning is not crucial to the overall message of the text, translators often choose not to include it, allowing for a smoother reading experience without lengthy explanations.
This strategy is effective when the equivalent item lacks certain aspects of the source item, especially when the equivalent refers to a physical entity that can be visually represented It is particularly beneficial in situations where space is limited and the text needs to be brief, concise, and focused.
When dealing with culture-specific concepts, Harvey (2003:2-6) puts forward the following four major techniques for translating them
Functional Equivalence: It means using a referent in the TL culture whose function is similar to that of the source language (SL) referent
Formal Equivalence or 'linguistic equivalence': It means a 'word-for-word' translation
Transcription, often referred to as 'borrowing,' is a strategy that focuses on reproducing or transliterating original terms This approach is typically used when the term is clear and transparent or when it is adequately explained within the context However, it is less effective in situations where the audience lacks familiarity with the term.
SL by the reader is presumed, transcription is accompanied by an explanation or a translator's note
Descriptive or self-explanatory translation employs generic terms to effectively communicate meaning, making it suitable for various contexts where formal equivalence may lack clarity In specialized texts, incorporating the original source language (SL) term can enhance understanding and prevent ambiguity.
Translation method
Newmark (1988:81) distinguishes between translation methods and translation procedures, noting that translation methods apply to entire texts, whereas translation procedures are utilized for individual sentences and smaller language units.
Basing on dynamic equivalence theory of Nid, Newmark proposed 8 translation methods which can be illustrated in the flattened V diagram as follows:
(Newmark, 1988: 45) Newmark briefly explained these methods as:
Word-for-word translation involves translating text directly from the source language at the individual word level, maintaining the original word order without considering context This method uses the most common meanings of words, exemplified by phrases like "love at first sight."
My sister was an exceptionally bright student in her youth, demonstrating remarkable academic abilities She was also a well-behaved and obedient girl, making her a joy to be around.
In literal translation, grammatical structures from the source language (SL) are transformed into their closest equivalents in the target language (TL), while individual lexical items are translated in isolation, without considering context For instance, the phrase "He is a big liar" translates to "Anh ta là một kẻ nói dối lớn." This method emphasizes direct translation but may overlook nuanced meanings.
Milky Way Anh ấy nhìn lên vào con đường màu sữa
Faithful translation aims to accurately convey the original context while adhering to the grammatical structures of the target language This method often involves directly transferring cultural terms from the source text to the target text For instance, the phrase "He was as fast as a kangaroo" is translated as "Anh ấy nhanh như một con kangaroo."
The word “kangaroo” is a cultural word and it is translated directly
Semantic translation prioritizes the aesthetic value of the source language (SL) text over strict fidelity to meaning, allowing for compromises where necessary to preserve elements like assonance, wordplay, or repetition This approach often utilizes culturally neutral terms instead of cultural equivalents for less significant cultural references, making it particularly suitable for expressive texts For instance, the phrase "We hope you will enjoy your stay with us" is translated as "Chúng tôi hy vọng ngài sẽ có một kỳ nghỉ tuyệt vời tại khách sạn này," while "Right in the heart of Hanoi" becomes "Nằm ngay giữa trái tim Hà Nội."
Adaptation is a flexible translation method that retains the original themes, characters, and plots while transforming the source culture into the target culture This approach is commonly employed in translating poems, stories, songs, and plays, allowing for a rewritten text that resonates with the new audience.
Trăng nhập vào dây cung nguyệt lạnh
Trăng thương, trăng nhớ, hỡi trăng ngần! Đàn buồn, đàn lặng, ôi đàn chậm !
Mỗi giọt rơi tàn như lệ ngân (Nguyệt Cầm - Xuân Diệu)
The moon entered the lute's tune cold
The moon of love Oh, moon of old!
The lute's sad voice ends in a plaintive note
As each teardrop is like a bell that tolls
(The Moon Lute - Translated by Thomas D Le ,22 February 2009)
This translation method focuses on conveying the meaning without adhering to the original's style or structure Translators frequently create new versions by paraphrasing, which can result in longer texts than the source material This approach is commonly utilized for informative translations and internal publications For instance, the statement "To reduce the fertility rate from the current 3.7 children per woman to the replacement level of 2" is translated as "Tỉ lệ sinh hiện tại của phụ nữ giảm từ 3,7 xuống còn 2 trẻ."
Idiomatic translation effectively conveys the original message while often altering nuances by using colloquialisms and idioms that may not be present in the source text This approach is particularly successful for translating idiomatic expressions For instance, the phrase "He was as quiet as a mouse" translates to "Anh ta im như thóc," while "Her advice fell on deaf ears" captures the essence of the original meaning.
Communicative translation focuses on conveying the precise contextual meaning of the original text in a manner that is easily comprehensible for the audience This approach is commonly applied to informative texts For instance, the Vietnamese phrase "Bác đi đâu đấy ạ!" is translated to "Good morning!" in English, demonstrating the goal of clarity and understanding in translation.
Among the eight methods of translation, communicative and semantic translations are predominantly utilized for their focus on accuracy and economy Semantic translation is characterized by its personal approach, aligning closely with the author's thought processes and often leading to over-translation to capture nuanced meanings of the source language In contrast, communicative translation emphasizes the social aspect, prioritizing the core message and intent of the text, which results in a simpler, clearer, and more concise output, often involving under-translation.
Beside these methods, when concluding the chapter on translation methods in
A Textbook of Translation, Newmark (1988:52) adds five more translation methods:
(1) Service translation: is translation from one‟s language of habitual use into another language
Plain prose translation involves converting poems and poetic dramas into prose format, where stanzas are transformed into paragraphs This method incorporates prose punctuation while maintaining the original metaphors and cultural elements from the source language, although it does not replicate sound effects.
(3) Information translation: This conveys all the information in a non-hierary text, sometimes rearranged in a more logical form, sometimes partially summarized, and not in the form of a paraphrase
(4) Cognitive translation: This reproduces the information in a SL text converting the SL grammar to its normal TL transpositions, normally reducing any figurative to literal language
(5) Academic translation: This reduces an original SL text to an „elegant‟ idiomatic educated TL version which follows a literary register It irons out the expressiveness of a writer with modish colloquialisms
New Mark's proposed methods align closely with his own categorization and the translation procedures outlined by Vinay and Darbelnet All these approaches focus on achieving equivalence between the source and target languages While different scholars may use varying terminology and classifications, their core philosophies consistently emphasize the importance of creating equivalence between distinct languages.
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
The strategies used in the translation of exhibit labels
2.1.1 Translation by a more general word
In translation, particularly of cultural items lacking direct English equivalents, a common strategy is to use a superordinate term For instance, the Vietnamese words “sáo dọc, sáo chít, sáo cái, sáo con” all translate to “flute” in English, despite referring to distinct types of flutes in Vietnamese This approach allows translators to convey the general concept while acknowledging the absence of precise equivalents in English.
Example 2: Túi nải: cloth bag In Vietnamese, “túi nải” is a kind of bag made of a square piece of cloth which is knotted 2 opposite angles respectively
The term "cloth bag" encompasses all types of bags made from fabric, serving as a general category Within this category, "túi nải" refers specifically to a particular type of cloth bag.
The "Bàn trang thóc," or wooden rake, is a garden tool characterized by its long handle and metal points at the end, primarily used for gathering fallen leaves and smoothing soil This specific type of wooden rake is essential for drying and preparing paddy, making it an important tool in agricultural practices Overall, the term "wooden rake" serves as a general description for this versatile tool used in both gardening and rice cultivation.
The term "Ống bương" refers to a traditional bamboo internode used by the Vietnamese in ancient times as a water container, filling the gap left by the absence of modern containers When translated into English, it is simply rendered as "water container," making it easily understandable for foreign audiences.
More examples are: Giỏ đựng: basket; Giỏ đeo: carrying basket; Thúng: bamboo basket; Sọt: basket; Ống bương: water container
Using general words in translation is a common strategy for creating equivalent terms in English when an exact match is unavailable in the target language This approach helps readers visualize the uses of objects by providing their general names However, it can hinder foreign visitors' understanding of the nuances between similar items, especially when a superordinate term encompasses multiple specific words, such as "Giỏ đựng" and "sọt," both translated as "basket."
2.1.2 Translation by a more neutral/ less expressive word
This strategy is essential when the source language lacks precise equivalents in the target language For example, the word "spade" refers to a garden tool characterized by a broad metal blade and a long handle, used primarily for digging In some languages, such as Vietnamese, the term "mai" or "thuổng" may be used, highlighting the need for effective translation strategies to convey the correct meaning.
“mai” and “thuổng” are Vietnamese garden tools used for digging with curved narrow metal blade In these cases, “spade” is neutral word for “mai” and “thuổng”
The term "cót" refers to a large flat piece of bamboo material, commonly used to cover or surround objects, unlike the English word "mat," which typically denotes a small piece of thick carpet for flooring While translating "cót" as "the bamboo mat" accurately identifies the material, it may mislead readers regarding its broader uses and applications.
The "Múa kỳ lân," or lion dance, features the mythical creature "kỳ lân," which is depicted in Vietnamese culture as having the head of a lion, the body of a horse, the horn of a deer, and the tail of an ox In translation, the term "lion" serves as a neutral equivalent for the original Vietnamese word "kỳ lân."
In case there is no real object displayed, this translation makes the reader fail to imagine accurately how a “kỳ lân” looks like
More examples are:Chợ phiên: a market day; Bộ chõ đồ xôi: rice steaming pot
This strategy is crucial when the source language lacks exact equivalents or broader terms in the target language However, employing this approach can sometimes cause readers to misinterpret subtle nuances in the meanings of words from the source language.
This strategy is essential for translating culture-specific items into a target language when there is no direct equivalent It is particularly relevant in translating terms related to unique musical instruments from Vietnamese ethnic groups For instance, the Vietnamese instruments Đàn tam and Đàn nguyệt are translated as three-stringed zither and two-stringed zither, respectively While the term "zither" refers to a flat wooden instrument with numerous strings, it does not fully capture the specific characteristics of Đàn tam and Đàn nguyệt Therefore, translators enhance understanding by providing descriptive details about the number of strings, ensuring accurate representation of these culturally significant instruments.
Examples of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments and practices include the Nhị “líu” (two-stringed fiddle), Trống trò (tomtom), Nhị (three-stringed fiddle), Đàn ba dây (three-stringed zither), Cò chỉ (another two-stringed fiddle), Nhạc sóc (small bell chain), and the Thầy cúng (shaman).
2.1.4 Translation using a loan word or loan word plus explanation
This strategy, frequently observed in the literature review, is especially prevalent when addressing specific items, contemporary concepts, and buzzwords In the translation of exhibit labels, translators often encounter concepts without direct equivalents, prompting them to directly transfer these terms into their translations while providing additional explanations for any ambiguities.
In Vietnamese water puppetry, notable characters such as "Ba Thạo" and "Chú Tễu" represent lazy and cunning individuals, respectively These iconic puppets are unique to Vietnamese culture and lack direct English equivalents, prompting translators to retain their original names in translations.
The "Xòe" dance and the "Còn" game are traditional cultural expressions of the Thai ethnic group, integral to their festivals While these terms lack direct English equivalents, "Xòe" refers to a vibrant group dance characterized by circular movements, and "Còn" signifies a traditional game often played during celebrations Understanding these concepts enriches appreciation for the Thai cultural heritage.
The "Long Tong" festival, also known as the rice field festival, is a vibrant celebration that highlights the cultural significance of rice farming Translators effectively incorporate the term "long tong" into their explanations, providing foreign visitors with a deeper understanding of this traditional event.
Translation procedures and methods used in translating exhibit labels
From the data analysis, it can be seen that the most common translation procedures used in translating exhibit labels according to Newmark‟s classification are:
The translation of exhibit labels often employs borrowing items to convey terms that lack direct equivalents in English, preserving local color and stylistic effects This approach enhances the uniqueness and appeal of the translations, yet it can render them perplexing for readers unfamiliar with Vietnamese culture For instance, the term "Áo bà ba" translates to "Ba ba clothes," which may confuse those who interpret it as a blouse for a woman named Ba, while culturally knowledgeable readers recognize it as a traditional Southern Vietnamese blouse Such complexities make it challenging for those without prior exposure to these cultural references to fully grasp the meaning Other examples include "Khăn piêu" as "pieu kerchief," "Rối chú tễu" as "Chu Teu Puppet," and "Mũ thầy tào" as "hat of the 'Tao' magician," highlighting the intricacies involved in translating culturally specific terms.
“xoe” dance; đèn dầu dọc: “doc” oil lamp”
Literal translation is utilized when direct transference from the source language to the target language is both meaningful and grammatically correct For instance, the term "tiền âm phủ," which refers to joss paper used as offerings for the deceased, is a concept unique to Chinese and East Asian cultures In translating exhibit labels, this term was literally translated to "the hell money," effectively conveying its significance to readers Other examples of this translation approach include "Cổng làng của người Kinh" as "The village gate of the Kinh," "Làng xóm và nhà cửa của người Kinh" as "Villages and houses of the Kinh," and "Áo dài truyền thống của phụ nữ Huế" as "Traditional long dress of Hue’s women." Additional terms include "Khăn mỏ quạ" for "shawl in crow beak shape," "Khăn thêu" for "embroidered towel," and various puppet types like "Rối vịt" for "duck puppets" and "Rối rồng" for "dragon puppets."
Discover the enchanting world of traditional Vietnamese art forms, featuring "tortoise" puppets and the skillful practice of walking on stilts Experience the rhythmic sounds of beating and shaking musical instruments that bring life to cultural performances Enjoy the captivating dance of aiming for rain, known as Múa cầu mưa, which reflects the agricultural heritage of the region Additionally, explore the craftsmanship of bamboo boxes, such as the hòm đựng tư trang for storing jewels and the bồ đựng muối designed for containing salts, showcasing the intricate artistry and utility of traditional Vietnamese crafts.
This procedure is valuable for translating exhibit labels as it maintains the literal meaning of the original words However, literal translation is most effective when there is a clear referent and pragmatic connection between the source and target languages.
In translating exhibit labels, it is essential to consider the differences in expression between Vietnamese and English Vietnamese often employs verbs, while English favors nouns For instance, "Thạ đựng rau" translates to "vegetable container," where the verb "đựng" (to hold, to contain) is replaced by the noun "container." Similarly, "Cối giã gạo" becomes "rice mortar," with the verb "giã" (to grind) transformed into the noun "mortar." A literal translation of "Sàng nhử cá" would be "an instrument used for enticing fish," which may sound awkward; thus, it is translated as "an instrument for fishing" for clarity Other examples include "Bộ đồ nhuộm răng" as "tools for tooth dyeing" and "Bộ chõ đồ xôi" as "rice steaming pot." This transposition procedure helps make the terms more accessible to English-speaking audiences.
By using transposition procedure in translating exhibit labels, the foreign visitors find the translations more familiar and customary to their habit
This procedure is effectively utilized when a cultural term in the source text can be substituted with a corresponding cultural term in the target language For example, the Vietnamese term "Thầy cúng," referring to an individual with the unique ability to communicate with spirits, is translated as "shaman," a term commonly used in Western cultures to describe someone who has access to and influence over the spirit world Other instances of this procedure include translating "Múa kỳ lân" as "lion dance."
This procedure creates a quite suitable equivalence in target language; however, it makes the translation lose some meaning nuances in some cases, múa kỳ lân: lion dance, for instance
This procedure involves explaining and paraphrasing terms from the source language by adding descriptive elements It effectively translates labels of objects from Vietnamese ethnic minorities, such as the term "hái," which refers to both a verb meaning "to pick, to pluck, and to collect" and a tool resembling a sickle used by ethnic groups in Southern Vietnam By providing a detailed description of "hái," the translation enhances comprehension of its meaning and function for visitors.
“Nhị: three- stringed fiddle” “điếu bát: the tera- cotta pipe put in a bow
Translating cultural concepts can lead to meaning inadequacy, as seen with the Vietnamese term "cây nêu," which translates to "the bamboo pole." In Vietnamese culture, "cây nêu" signifies a bamboo tree erected to ward off evil spirits during the Tet holiday, particularly in North West Vietnam Additionally, it refers to a small branch used in farming to mark land ready for transplanting, indicating that cattle should not enter While the translation "the bamboo pole" helps readers understand its physical form and function, it fails to convey the rich cultural significance associated with the term, leaving a gap in the reader's understanding of its importance in Vietnamese traditions.
The translation of exhibit labels often involves generalizing specific terms, as seen in examples like "bẫy gà rừng," which translates to "the snare," and "lồng nhử gà," meaning "the chicken cage." While this approach simplifies the language for the target audience, it can lead to a loss of the original meaning, particularly with terms like "lồng nhử gà," which may not fully convey the nuances of the source language.
The most effective method for translating exhibit labels involves the simultaneous use of multiple procedures, such as transference combined with descriptive equivalents (e.g., "dành tích" translates to "danh tich," referring to a bamboo box for warming tea), transference with literal translation (e.g., "Hội lồng tồng" translates to "long tong" festival), and reduction with descriptive equivalents (e.g., "Gùi 'Yang'" refers to the rice papoose) Each translation procedure has its unique advantages and limitations; thus, combining them allows for the utilization of their strengths, resulting in the most accurate terms in the target language This approach preserves the distinctive features of the source language while ensuring that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented.
Some suggestions for translating cultural words
Translation and culture are inherently linked, as translating cultural terms involves not only conveying their meanings but also their underlying cultural values and ideologies This article presents insights and suggestions for effectively translating cultural items found in exhibit labels, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural context during the translation process.
A successful translator must possess a deep understanding of ethnography and the cultural contexts of both the source and target languages While universal terms typically pose little challenge, culturally specific words can create significant translation issues if the translator lacks this essential knowledge For instance, the term "chợ phiên" was translated as "a market day," but this fails to capture the full meaning and nuance of "phiên," which conveys not only the concept of a market day but also the frequency with which the market occurs.
When translating cultural terms, it is crucial for translators to carefully select their strategies, often employing multiple approaches simultaneously For example, the term “cây nêu” is translated as “bamboo pole,” but this translation alone fails to convey its cultural significance Therefore, an explanatory note should accompany the term to enhance understanding Similarly, for the phrase “quả còn dùng trong lễ hội,” which translates to “con” for festival, adding a description after the translation can significantly improve reader comprehension.
This concluding chapter summarizes the research findings and highlights its contributions, while also addressing key limitations and offering practical suggestions for future studies It is organized into four main sections: the first section presents the research conclusions, the second discusses the implications of the study, the third outlines notable limitations, and the final section proposes recommendations for further research.
Translating cultural words poses significant challenges for many translators This study identifies six prevalent translation strategies for translating exhibit labels, based on Baker's classification.
In 1992, various translation strategies were identified, including translation by a more general term, translation using a neutral term, cultural substitution, paraphrasing with related words, omission, and the use of loan words or loan words accompanied by explanations.
As mentioned in the previous part, using each strategy brings the both the effectiveness and drawback to the translation
Translating general terms aids foreigners in understanding the uses and functions of objects by providing their basic names in the target language However, this approach can create confusion for readers, as it becomes difficult to differentiate between two or more items that share the same overarching term.
Using neutral word translation is effective when there is a lack of equivalent or superordinate terms in the target language However, this approach can hinder readers' comprehensive understanding of the source material, as it relies on less expressive language.
Translation by cultural substitution offers readers familiar and appealing concepts, though its application is limited Conversely, translation by omission delivers a concise message in the target language, but is effective only when omitted words or expressions do not significantly impact the overall meaning for the audience.
- Paraphrasing by using related word is rather useful in case the source words are lexicalized in target language
Among the six strategies mentioned, utilizing loan words with explanations proves to be the most effective for translating exhibit labels This approach not only maintains the ethnic flavor and style but also enhances reader comprehension by providing detailed explanations alongside the loan words.
The study identifies the most common methods for translating exhibit labels based on Newmark's (1988) categories, including transference, literal translation, transposition, cultural equivalent, descriptive equivalent, reduction, and couplets Each of these translation procedures offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Transference is the easiest procedure for translators to apply, which also causes comprehension problem for the readers if they do not have background knowledge about the loan word
- Literal translation conserves literal sense of the source words; however it is only effectively applied in case there exists referent and pragmatic effect between source language and target language
Transposition is often underutilized in the translation of exhibit labels, despite being a familiar concept This limitation arises from the difficulty in finding English nouns that directly correspond to Vietnamese verbs, highlighting the challenges faced in achieving accurate translations.
- Cultural equivalent creates a quite suitable equivalence in target language; however, in some circumstances it makes the translation lose some meaning nuances of the source words
While descriptive equivalents enhance readers' comprehension through detailed explanations of concepts, this approach can lead to meaning inadequacy when the source language contains cultural terms that require preservation of their unique significance.
- Reduction provides a more general word in target language Nonetheless, this procedure may mislay some meaning nuances of the source words in the translation
The couplets procedure is the most effective method for translating exhibit labels, as it combines multiple techniques to enhance translation accuracy This approach not only maximizes the benefits of each individual procedure but also maintains the cultural nuances and style of the original text Additionally, it ensures that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts in the target language.
The study highlights the challenges translators face when handling cultural terms, suggesting that a lack of understanding of ethnography and cultural differences between languages can lead to potential issues in translating exhibit labels.