Rationale
Translation involves transferring information from a source language to a target language, playing a crucial role in today's global communication and international relations As one of the most widely recognized international languages, English is frequently both a source and target language for translations, encompassing a vast array of formal and informal materials across various fields The Vietnamese language also increasingly interacts with English in diverse contexts However, translators face significant challenges due to linguistic differences, cultural nuances, and varying communication contexts These challenges highlight the importance of translation equivalence, a key concept in understanding and addressing these disparities This thesis focuses on the equivalence of English and Vietnamese noun phrases, particularly drawn from the book "Fire and Fury." While both languages utilize pre-modifiers and post-modifiers in noun phrases, their structural and ordering differences present unique translation difficulties.
The study of English and Vietnamese translation reveals the importance of considering situational context, culture, and communication when translating noun phrases Drawing from Professor Hoang Van Van's article on nominalization in science and technology documents, the author applies Larson's (1984) meaning-based translation strategies to assess the equivalence of noun phrases in "Fire and Fury." Translation strategies must address linguistic mismatches, including lexicon, grammatical structure, and cultural context, to achieve equivalence Larson's theoretical concepts of meaning and lexical choice provide valuable insights for data analysis English noun phrases often contain extensive information, posing challenges for translators in decoding meaning and accurately conveying the intended message This complexity highlights the significance of investigating the structure of noun phrases in translation.
Aims and objectives of the Study
This study aims to compare the noun phrases in Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury" with its Vietnamese translation by Tran Trong Hai Minh, focusing on identifying discrepancies in lexicon, grammatical structure, and the situational and cultural contexts between the two versions.
- To find out how the translator deal with those mismatches to achieve the equivalent translation
1.2.3 The objectives of the study:
This article aims to address the discrepancies in noun phrase translations found in Chapter II of "Fire and Fury," utilizing Larson's Meaning-based Translation theory By examining these mismatches, we can gain insights into the challenges of conveying meaning accurately between the two languages Understanding these differences is essential for improving translation quality and ensuring that the original intent and nuances are preserved in the translated text.
- To investigate the equivalence between the source text and target text at the range of noun phrase.
Scope of the Study
The thesis examines the equivalence between English and Vietnamese translations of noun phrases from Chapter II of Michael Wolff's book "Fire and Fury," published by Henry Holt and Company in New York.
In 2018, the Vietnamese translation of "Bão lửa và cuồng nộ," done by journalist Tran Trong Hai Minh and published by the Vietnam Literature Association, highlights significant discrepancies in lexicon, grammatical structure, and cultural context between the original and translated texts These mismatches serve as key factors in evaluating the equivalence of noun phrases in the translation The assessment is grounded in Larson's (1984) translation strategies and the principles of dynamic equivalence.
Methodology
This study conducts a contrastive analysis of phrases and lexicon to identify discrepancies between two language texts, focusing on lexicon, grammatical structures, and cultural contexts It examines 28 examples of noun phrases from the source language and their Vietnamese equivalents, highlighting the nuances in translation The thesis emphasizes the translation strategies employed for noun phrases in Vietnamese, providing insights into linguistic and cultural adaptation.
This study employed a descriptive qualitative method to analyze and interpret the translation of noun phrases in the target text The goal was to uncover valuable insights and practical implications for both translators and students in the field of translation studies.
The study employs the inductive method, utilizing typical English noun phrases from the book "Fire and Fury" to analyze language features and the situational and cultural differences between English and another language This assessment aims to evaluate translation equivalence between the two versions, ultimately providing valuable insights and guidelines for translators and English learners.
Organization of the thesis
This section introduces the study's rationale, objectives, scope, methodology, and the overall organization of the thesis Chapter 2 focuses on the literature review, covering translation theories, Larson's translation strategies, and the concept of noun phrases, specifically examining their usage in both English and Vietnamese.
Chapter 4: Description and Evaluation of The Equivalence of English Noun Phrases in The Translation: (1) data analysis and (2) implication and findings Chapter 5: Conclusion
Translation theory
Translation involves the transfer of information from one language to another, with the original language referred to as the source language (SL) and the resulting language as the target language (TL) Various authors have defined translation differently, reflecting their perspectives on language Foster (1958) describes translation as a mental activity that conveys the meaning of a discourse from one language to another This process entails not only the physical transfer of linguistic elements but also a thoughtful consideration of related components, highlighting that translation is a complex interplay of both mental and linguistic transformations.
Peter Newmark (1988) defines translation as a craft that involves replacing a written message in one language with the same message in another The term "craft" implies not only the act of translation but also carries deeper connotations In his work "A Textbook of Translation," Newmark emphasizes that translation is both a science and a skill that requires knowledge The translation process is characterized by creativity, intuition, inspiration, and personal taste.
Translation, according to Catford (1995), involves replacing text in one language with equivalent text in another, focusing on types and shifts as key concepts He identifies three types of translation: full translation, total translation, and rank-bound translation, along with unbounded translation Shifts denote the changes occurring during the translation process However, Catford's approach is primarily rooted in linguistic theory and overlooks the importance of cultural, situational, and historical factors, which Snell-Hornby (1988) argues should also be considered in translation studies.
Hatim and Munday (2004: 6) describe translation as the process of transferring a written text from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) While they focus on the text itself, they do not explicitly state that the primary element being transferred is the meaning or message.
Ghazala (1995) goes further with the translation which is partly more concrete
Translation encompasses the processes and methods used to convey the meaning of a source language into a target language Central to this practice are two key elements: the meaning, which is crucial for accurate translation, and the methods employed to transfer that meaning effectively Understanding the source text's meaning and selecting the appropriate methods are vital for achieving equivalence in the target text Meaning in translation involves aspects such as lexicon, grammar, culture, and situational communication, while methods serve to address the differences related to these elements.
Nida and Taber (1982) emphasize that translation involves transforming the source language's meaning into the target language while maintaining the nearest natural equivalent in both meaning and style Similarly, Larson (1984) underscores the necessity for the target text to adhere closely to the semantic structure of the source text, ensuring that the original meaning remains intact and unaltered He highlights the importance of preserving the essence of the original message, even when linguistic forms change during the translation process.
In the realm of translation, Catford (1995) and Hatim and Munday (2004) focus solely on the text itself, neglecting the importance of meaning, language features, culture, and situational contexts In contrast, other scholars emphasize the concept of equivalence in translation Peter Newmark (1988) characterizes translation as a blend of knowledge, art, science, and skill, highlighting the necessity for translators to bridge gaps between texts Foster (1958) further asserts that translation transcends mere word substitution, requiring a mental transfer of linguistic entities into their equivalents, with careful consideration of relevant elements Ghazala (1995), along with Nida and Taber, supports this comprehensive approach to translation.
In the realm of translation, various scholars emphasize the significance of meaning Ghazala (1995) advocates for the concept of "appropriate equivalent" in translation, while Nida and Taber (1982) highlight the necessity of achieving the "nearest equivalent" in both meaning and style Additionally, Larson (1984) underscores the importance of preserving the original meaning, even when the form undergoes changes.
Equivalence is a fundamental concept in translation, highlighting the complexities involved when transitioning between source and target languages Each language possesses unique linguistic features and cultural contexts, which can lead to challenges in achieving true equivalence While literal translation may seem straightforward, it often fails to capture the original essence of the source text due to significant linguistic and cultural differences A proficient translator must decode the underlying meanings and nuances of words, requiring an in-depth understanding of both languages and their respective cultures As emphasized by Peter Newmark, meaning is a complex network of relationships that must be carefully considered at multiple levels during the translation process Therefore, achieving effective equivalence necessitates more than mere word substitution; it demands a grasp of idiomatic expressions and cultural significance to maintain the original spirit of the text.
Translation equivalence is a fundamental concept in translation theory, particularly since the latter half of the twentieth century It presents a significant challenge for translators, as they strive to find equivalent expressions in the target language According to Catford (1965), the primary issue in translation practice is identifying these equivalents, making it a central focus of translation theory This concept has been extensively discussed by various prominent theorists in the field.
Nida (1964) identifies two key approaches to translation: formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence Formal equivalence emphasizes maintaining the original message's form and content, ensuring that the target text closely aligns with the source text's elements In contrast, dynamic equivalence focuses on achieving a natural expression in the target language, prioritizing the relevance of the message to the receptor's cultural context rather than a direct correlation with the source message.
Baker (1992) presents a comprehensive exploration of equivalence in translation, examining its implications at various linguistic levels She emphasizes that equivalence can occur at both word and above-word levels, highlighting that a single word may carry different meanings across languages, necessitating consideration of factors such as number, gender, and tense by translators Furthermore, she identifies textual equivalence as crucial, noting that the target audience, translation purpose, and text type significantly influence a translator's choices to ensure coherence and cohesion in the target context Baker also addresses grammatical equivalence, pointing out the challenges posed by differing grammatical structures among languages, which can lead to alterations in meaning and potential deviations from the original intent due to the absence of specific grammatical elements in the target language Lastly, she introduces pragmatic equivalence, stressing the importance of implicature in translation, where implied meanings must be uncovered to convey the source message effectively Ultimately, translators are tasked with faithfully reproducing the author's intent across linguistic and cultural boundaries to ensure clarity for the target audience.
Bell (1991) discusses the concept of equivalent translation across various levels, including semantics, grammar, lexis, and context He asserts that texts in different languages can achieve full or partial equivalence at different ranks, such as words, phrases, and sentences Occasionally, the source language text may lack meaning in the target text; however, equivalence can be established when both texts share a common communicative situation and purpose.
House (1997) emphasizes that the original text and its translation must align in function, highlighting the significance of functional equivalence in translation quality A translation is deemed adequate only if it reflects the textual profile and function of the source material House distinguishes between two types of translation: overt and covert In overt translation, the translator does not disguise the fact that it is a translation, making it clear to readers Conversely, covert translation aims to make the target audience feel as though they are reading an original text, as it incorporates implicit information from the source language into the target language to enhance cultural relevance and understanding.
Newmark's perspective on equivalence in translation is detailed in his works, "Approaches to Translation" (1981) and "A Textbook of Translation" (1988) Unlike Nida, who uses the terms formal and dynamic equivalence, Newmark distinguishes between semantic and communicative translation Semantic translation prioritizes meaning, while communicative translation emphasizes the needs and effects on the audience He advocates for communicative translation to enhance readability and smoothness in the target text Newmark strongly believes that literal translation is optimal for both semantic and communicative purposes, although he suggests that communicative translation should be preferred when conflicts arise between the two approaches.
Larson’s Translation strategies
Larson clarifies the concepts with respect to what he interprets in his translation strategies
In translation, form refers to the visible and audible components of language, such as words, phrases, clauses, and sentences, which represent the surface structure Conversely, meaning encompasses the deep structure, consisting of the information and content that must be conveyed from the source language to the target language This meaning is shaped by the lexical and grammatical elements, the communication context, and the cultural nuances of the source text Therefore, a translator must carefully analyze these components to accurately interpret and transfer the intended meaning.
Implicit and explicit meanings are essential components of a text's overall meaning Implicit meaning refers to ideas that are not directly stated in the source language, while explicit meaning encompasses those that are clearly articulated To fully grasp the complete meaning of the source text, translators must take into account both explicit and implicit information.
Referential meaning pertains to the information conveyed in a communication, forming the semantic structure of the source text Organizational meaning builds upon this referential meaning, helping to arrange the information into a coherent narrative Translators often derive meaning based on the communication context, which contributes to the formation of organizational meaning and is essential for text comprehension Situational meaning is influenced by various factors, including the time and place of communication, the age, gender, and social status of both the speaker and listener, as well as their cultural backgrounds.
The relationship between form and meaning can manifest in various ways, leading to primary, secondary, and figurative meanings Primary meaning is characterized by a direct one-to-one correlation between form and meaning In contrast, secondary and figurative meanings arise from the "skewing" phenomenon, where this correlation is disrupted Each language exhibits a unique degree of this skewing, reflecting the diversity in how meaning is represented through distinct forms Larson (1984) emphasizes that these variations in form and meaning representation differ significantly across languages.
Skewing is essential for preventing literal translations that can distort meaning, as different languages express the same concepts in various ways For instance, one language may emphasize nouns while another focuses on verbs Thus, it is crucial to consider the differences between grammatical and semantic structures to uncover the true meaning Ultimately, meaning should always take precedence over form in translation.
The concept of lexical equivalence highlights the challenges in translation between languages spoken by different cultures, as their lexical items often do not align This term is vital for ensuring faithfulness and naturalness in translation According to Larson (1984), there are three key considerations in selecting appropriate lexical equivalents: concepts with shared knowledge, concepts without shared knowledge, and specific key terms requiring special attention He emphasizes the complexity of lexical equivalence, noting that even shared concepts can be expressed differently in each language Furthermore, variations in meaning components and their combinations can lead to mismatches, particularly regarding secondary and figurative senses of words, where a term may carry a figurative meaning in one language and a literal one in another, or possess positive connotations in one culture while being negative in another.
Communication situations, as outlined by Larson (1984), encompass several key elements: the author, the purpose of writing, the audience, and the relationship between the author and the audience Additionally, cultural context, shared knowledge between the source language readers and the target readership, and the broader social context play significant roles The author’s attitude toward the audience is crucial, as they write with their readers in mind Furthermore, culture is essential in communication, since language is inherently tied to cultural nuances Larson emphasizes that effective translation requires a deep understanding of both the languages involved and their respective cultures.
Mildred Larson asserts that a translator relies on the source language text to uncover its meaning and then conveys that meaning in the target language Throughout the translation process, translators utilize various tools such as dictionaries, lexicons, and cultural descriptions from both languages Larson emphasizes that it is the translator's responsibility to maintain the meaning in the target text, even if the form of the source language changes Distortion of meaning is unacceptable in translation Consequently, translators must consider different types of meaning—primary, secondary, and figurative—as well as the communication context, including historical and cultural settings and the author's intention, to ensure accurate and effective translation.
Figure 1: Translation process by Larson (1984: 4)
Text to be translated Translation
MEANING Discover the meaning Re-express the meaning
Translation involves not only linguistic aspects but also the context of communication, including referential and structural meaning, which are essential for understanding the author's cultural background According to Larson (1984), there are two primary types of translation: form-based and meaning-based Form-based translation, or literal translation, adheres closely to the source language structure, while meaning-based translation, known as idiomatic translation, prioritizes conveying the original meaning in a natural manner within the target language The goal is to produce a text that feels authentic in the target language without becoming overly free or losing the essence of the original message.
Figure 2: Translation as a continuum by Larson (1984: 17)
Larson (1984) emphasizes that idiomatic translations utilize the natural structures and vocabulary of the target language, creating a text that feels original to its readers An effective translation often blends literal and idiomatic elements, existing on a spectrum from very literal to idiomatic forms In my thesis, I categorize translations into two main types: literal and idiomatic, drawing on Larson's translation strategies and the data I have gathered.
Larson (1984: 58) emphasizes the importance of understanding the discrepancies between grammar and semantic categories in translation to uncover the underlying meaning Translators must recognize that the same form can serve different grammatical functions in the source language, making it essential to acknowledge that a noun in one language may not always correspond to a noun in another Variations in language structures can lead to one language favoring nouns while another may express the same idea using verbal forms By being aware of these inherent linguistic differences, translators can enhance both the fidelity and clarity of their translations, as the skewing between semantic classes and parts of speech is a common occurrence.
According to Larson (1984), languages may share certain concepts, but their expressions can vary significantly, leading to different combinations and groupings of meaning components There is often a complete mismatch between secondary and figurative senses of lexical items across languages, making it challenging for translators to find the best lexical equivalents A single word in the source language may require one or more words in the target language, and vice versa, depending on context A complete match occurs only when the same primary sense is used in both languages Translators must also recognize the distinct lexical structures of each language, sometimes unpacking meaning components from the source language and using phrases or clauses in the target language Adjustments are often necessary for figurative senses, and at times, a nonfigurative equivalent may be required in the receptor language.
Mismatch of situational and cultural context:
According to Larson, the selection of lexical items should be considered within the situational context, as it plays a crucial role in accurately interpreting the information in the source text Factors such as the author's identity, writing purpose, audience relationship, cultural background, and shared knowledge between source and target audiences significantly influence meaning Translators must be attuned to these situational factors—such as social context, age, and cultural ideals—to ensure appropriate lexical choices By understanding the spirit of the text, translators can effectively unpack meanings and select the most suitable terms in the receptor language The concepts of referential, organizational, and situational meanings provide valuable strategies for addressing cultural and contextual mismatches, leading to translations that resonate naturally with the target audience The discussion also highlights the concerns of Trump's inner circle as they navigated his presidency, illustrating the challenges posed by differing political systems and cultural contexts, which can result in untranslatable elements and idiomatic equivalents tailored to the target readership.
Noun phrase
Noun phrases, along with other phrases, are crucial components of any language They play a vital role in identifying agents, patients, and recipients, making their presence in communication indispensable A single word often fails to convey our thoughts effectively, highlighting the necessity of noun phrases for clear expression.
Traditionally, noun phrases are phrases whose head word is a noun which acts like a noun as a whole There are often a group of words in a noun phrase
Noun phrase, as defined by Quick, R and other Grammarians (1972: 127), is the element in the sentence which typically functions as subject, object and complement
A noun phrase consists of a head noun, which is the essential component, along with optional modifiers The modifiers can be categorized into two parts: pre-modification, which appears before the head noun, and post-modification, which follows it This complex structure allows for a variety of descriptive elements to enhance the meaning of the noun phrase.
(1) A beautiful girl is standing near the door
(2) The beautiful standing near the door is my sister
(3) The girl in the corner is my classmate
When describing a noun phrase like those cited above, it is essential that we have to distinguish three parts which help to construct a noun phrase
Pre-modification consists of five key elements: an identifier, such as "the book" or "my pen"; a numeral or quantifier, like "some orange juice" or "three tables"; an adjective, for example, "a red hat" or "a handsome boy"; a noun modifier, such as "schoolboys"; and a proper noun, like "Harvard University."
New York Times…), past participle (a retired general, elected president …), present participle (falling star, the frightening robber…)
The head of a noun is typically a noun itself, serving as the central element of a noun phrase It is supported by various components that enhance its meaning and contribute to the overall information conveyed by the phrase Additionally, these components must align with the rest of the sentence for grammatical coherence.
(c): Post-modification: All the items including: relative clause, non-finite clause, prepositional phrase, adjective can be located behind a head noun for the role of post-modification
(1) The pupil, who I met yesterday, is my friend’s son
(2): The teacher teaching us English this semester is my aunt
(3) He takes a move to leave (Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff)
(4) The book on the table is mine
(5) Jerry would pay a call on the president elect (Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff)
Post modifiers can serve both restrictive and non-restrictive functions Restrictive post-modification allows the identification of the head noun solely through the modifier, while non-restrictive post-modification presents the head noun as independently identifiable within the sentence structure.
In certain instances, omitting the subject can enhance understanding, as the surrounding context aids readers or listeners in grasping the intended meaning For example, the phrase "A small of well-wisher" from Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury" illustrates how context can clarify ambiguous expressions.
In Vietnamese, nouns often serve specific functions within sentences and are typically combined with other elements to create a noun phrase, where the noun acts as the central component or head of the phrase.
In a phrase, the head is centrally positioned, with modifications extending on both sides The elements that come before the head are referred to as pre-modification, while those that follow are known as post-modification.
Table 1: Vietnamese Grammar by Nguyễn Tài Cẩn (1998: 203)
Phần đầu Phần trung tâm Phần cuối pre-modification head post-modification
Tất cả những chủ trương em học sinh quả cam chính xác đó kia trong rổ a) Pre-modification:
Cases where there is pre-modification only:
Cases where there is post- modification only:
- Bạn gái này! → This girl
Cases where there is pre-modification and post-modification only, the head is skipped:
- Ba tái, hai chín, một gầu! → Hanoi Pho – three bowls of rare beef, two bowls of cooked beef, one bowl of beef brisket
In certain communication contexts, the head noun "bowl" may be omitted in Vietnamese when both the speaker and listener share the necessary knowledge, allowing for effective communication without it This phenomenon highlights the significance of post-modification in conveying meaning.
- Post-modification is constituted by one word or phrase
Một cuốn sách hay - an interesting book
Một cuốn sách rất hay – a very interesting book Một quãng đường dài – a long distance
Một quãng đường khá dài – a rather long distance
- A clause can function as post-modification
Căn nhà bố tôi vừa mua năm ngoái – the house my father bought last year
Bông hoa người yêu tôi mới tặng – the flower my boyfriend has just given me
- Nouns and noun phrases are also used as post-modification
Nhà phố - Street house Bàn gỗ - Wooden table Vườn nho - grape garden
- A demonstrative word functions as post-modification
Sáng nay - this morning Con tàu ấy - the ship
- Adjectives and adjective phrases used as post-modification
An elephant big → a big elephant
- Verbs used as post-modification
Cô ca sĩ hát sáng nay
The singer who sang this morning
Research question
In order to fulfill the aims of the study, the researcher attempted to address the two following research questions:
1/ What are the typical mismatches in translating noun phrases in the book “Fire and Fury”?
2/ How does the translator deal with these mismatches to achieve equivalents?
Research approach
This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach to analyze the translation of noun phrases, aiming to provide practical insights for translators and students, particularly in English teaching and learning By examining typical examples of mismatches, the researcher explores both the surface and deep structures of noun phrases in the source and target texts The analysis utilizes lexical items and situational and cultural contexts to uncover the meanings in the original text and evaluate the quality of the translation.
The study assesses the mismatches between source and target language texts by examining language features, cultural contexts, and communication situations, supported by relevant theories Utilizing an inductive method, it analyzes typical English noun phrases from "Fire and Fury," focusing on aspects such as figurative language, grammatical structure, and collocation, while considering situational and cultural differences This evaluation employs translation equivalence theories and Larson's translation strategies, ultimately providing valuable insights and guidelines for translators and English learners.
ST: background of a mortal war of wills – with the media
TT: Bối cảnh một cuộc chiến tranh sống mái giữa các ý chí – với truyền thông ST: the bare – bones transition team
TT: Nhóm chuyển giao hết sức đơn giản
The article highlights the challenges of translation equivalence, particularly in conveying deep meanings between languages The author assesses how translators navigate these differences, focusing on the term "mortal war," which signifies a life-threatening conflict where participants confront death In Vietnamese, the phrase "sống mái" can serve as an effective equivalent, reflecting both the original meaning and cultural nuances Additionally, the article emphasizes that some words possess figurative or metaphorical significance, necessitating adjustments by the translator to preserve the essence of the source text while ensuring it resonates with the target audience's linguistic context.
Cases of literal translation manifest the importance of notion of equivalence in translation as well as the higher priority of deep meaning than surface meaning in Larson‟s translation strategies
Washington insiders and aspiring insiders will need to seek an audience with him.
The phrase "những kẻ sắp nhập cuộc" translates to "those who are about to join the fray," but it may not sound natural in the target language, resulting in a text that lacks smoothness and coherence It is essential to ensure that translations maintain fluency and readability to effectively convey the intended meaning.
ST: the president –elect‟s lack of immediate focus on a White House structure that could serve and protect him
TT: Việc tân tổng thống thiếu sự tập trung ngay lập tức vào cấu trúc Nhà
Trắng để phụng sự và bảo vệ mình
The structure of a house encompasses its design and the materials used for construction, including elements like floors, rooms, halls, and stairs The term "White House Structure" typically evokes thoughts of the architectural design of the iconic building; however, in this context, it refers to the organizational framework of the new Trump Administration This highlights a significant distinction between the literal meaning of "structure" in the source language and its deeper implications in the target language, despite surface similarities The translated meaning emphasizes the immediate need for the new president to focus on the organizational structure of the White House for effective governance and self-preservation.
Translators should recognize the inevitable mismatches and related concepts in their work, as this awareness is crucial for achieving successful translations that meet the standards of faithfulness, readability, and naturalness.
Research method
This study examines the discrepancies in language features, situational contexts, and cultural nuances between English and Vietnamese, using the political prose text "Fire and Fury" by Michael Wolff The research is grounded in the theories of translation equivalence and Larson's meaning-based translation strategies (1984), focusing specifically on the assessment of noun phrases Chapter II of the book was selected for data collection, resulting in the compilation of 550 noun phrases along with their Vietnamese translations by Tran Trong Hai Minh The analysis addresses the linguistic mismatches and seeks to fill gaps in translation to achieve equivalence, drawing on Larson's theoretical framework to enhance understanding of meaning and lexical choices in the translation process.
Data collection
Data selection criteria: The source text is a text of political prose written by
Michael Wolff, an acclaimed author and regular commentator, has garnered numerous awards for his literary contributions In Chapter II of his work, he explores the mixed emotions of surprise and concern experienced by Donald Trump's inner circle as they navigated his new role as President of the United States The translator, Tran Trong Hai Minh, is a renowned journalist and translator known for his notable works such as "Trậm Điều" and "Sợi dây thừng nghiệt ngã." The analysis focuses on noun phrases and their translations, highlighting significant discrepancies between the two languages in terms of lexicon, grammatical structure, and cultural context.
To gather essential data, the researcher utilized traditional grammar and the concept of noun phrases to identify them in the source text, resulting in a collection of 550 noun phrases Among these, 267 included post-modifiers, while 285 contained only pre-modifiers The data collection methods involved compiling, reading, and writing techniques After thoroughly reviewing the noun phrases and their translations, the researcher identified 105 that met the study's criteria; however, only 28 were selected for contrastive analysis due to thesis length constraints The selected data were categorized into various types of mismatches, including lexicon, grammatical structure, culture, and situational context The representative data were then analyzed in detail to explore how the translator addressed these mismatches, aiming for idiomatic translations that ensured faithfulness, readability, and naturalness in the target language.
Data analysis
Following the data collection phase, the researcher engaged in careful and comprehensive reading to categorize the raw data into relevant categories aligned with the study's objectives This process involved identifying mismatches related to language features and cultural communication contexts Utilizing Larson's translation strategies and other pertinent theories, the researcher systematically categorized the data, uncovering how translators address linguistic differences to achieve equivalence in translation.
Data classification involved a thorough understanding of the theories and concepts of Meaning-Based Translation as outlined by Larson (1984) This process highlighted mismatches in language features, communication situations, and cultural contexts between the source and target languages Language feature mismatches were categorized based on lexicon—encompassing implicit and explicit meanings, organizational and referential meanings, and figurative meanings—as well as grammatical structures, which included breaches of language systems and collocation clashes Cultural and communication mismatches stemmed from differing realities, political systems, and cultural perspectives, classified into three levels: first, when the source and target cultures do not share the same reality; second, when they do share a reality but the translation favors the target culture for faithfulness and naturalness; and third, when the translation remains unchanged due to untranslatable situations Additionally, instances of literal translation were identified to support idiomatic translation examples.
This study identifies various types of mismatches in noun phrase translations by categorizing them based on relevant theories and concepts Statistical data on these mismatches is presented in tables to enhance clarity regarding the translation process The research emphasizes the interpretation of data in relation to theoretical frameworks and conducts a contrastive analysis at the phrase and lexical levels, highlighting differences in lexicon, grammatical structures, and cultural contexts between the two languages Through a detailed examination of noun phrases in both the source and target texts, the thesis focuses on their expressions in Vietnamese Key aspects such as implicit and explicit information, omitted words, figurative meanings, and structural changes are discussed as strategies employed by translators to achieve equivalent translations Additionally, the analysis addresses instances of literal translation, reinforcing the notion that idiomatic translation is often more effective than literal approaches, with translation equivalence being the ultimate goal for translators.
To ensure unbiased data collection, categorization, and analysis, the researcher adhered strictly to the study's aims and objectives, as well as relevant theories and concepts, including translation equivalence and meaning-based translation strategies A comprehensive understanding of the inherent differences between the two languages—encompassing lexical items, figurative meanings, implicit and explicit meanings, as well as communication and cultural contexts—is essential for thorough analysis This includes considerations of culture, situational context, world realities, and grammatical structures.
Typical examples showing the principles in collecting, categorizing data and analyzing data
+ Difference of figurative sense of meaning:
ST: A chief of staff with history in Washington and federal government
TT: Một chánh văn phòng có kinh nghiệm về Washington và chính quyền liên bang
Words can be translated in various ways depending on their context, as noted by Larson (1984: 147) Different translations can convey distinct meanings The figurative or secondary meanings of the same lexical item can vary between languages, reflecting each language's unique approach to lexicon interpretation For example, while the term "history" may be understood as "experience" in English, the Vietnamese term "lịch sử" is seldom equated with "kinh nghiệm."
+ Implicit information in the source language is made explicit in the target language:
ST: A small of well – wisher
TT: nhóm nhỏ đến chúc mừng
The translator based on the situational context and pragmatic equivalence to add more words and made the information explicit in the target language
ST: A working-class kid originally from New Jersey and then Wisconsin, at thirty two he made first and last run for elective office
Sinh ra trong một gia đình lao động tại New Jersey và sau đó chuyển đến Wisconsin, ông đã tham gia vào cuộc bầu cử đầu tiên và cũng là lần cuối cùng của mình khi đã 32 tuổi.
- Mismatches of cultural and situational context:
+ Difference in term of culture:
ST: his view of a man who, for more than a generation, had been at best a clown prince among the rich and famous
TT: Quan điểm của mình về một người mà, trong suốt hơn một thế hệ, nhiều nhất cũng chỉ là gã hề trong triều đình của giới giàu có
The term "triều đình" highlights a cultural mismatch, lacking a direct equivalent in the source text The translator supplemented the translation with additional words to ensure it resonates with the target culture This creative approach maintains the text's integrity while establishing an effective equivalent.
+ Difference in term of situational context
ST: The speaker of the House
TT: Chủ tịch Hạ viện
The term "House" in American politics refers to a key legislative body, distinct from its Vietnamese counterpart and cannot be directly translated as "nhà." This difference often leads to challenges, as the source text may include concepts unfamiliar to the target audience.
Data analysis
As mentioned above in my methodology part, I have chosen a text - book
In my master’s thesis, I conducted a translation quality assessment of noun phrases in the political prose "Fire and Fury." Due to the text's length, I focused on Chapter II for my research, meticulously analyzing the entire chapter to collect data I identified a total of 550 noun phrases, with 267 cases featuring post-modifiers and 285 cases containing only pre-modifiers The post-modifiers varied in complexity, ranging from phrases to finite, non-finite, and verbless clauses.
I have observed that previous theses have explored the challenges of translating noun phrases due to structural differences between English and Vietnamese Consequently, I have chosen to implement translation strategies grounded in Larson's meaning-based method.
In the analysis of noun phrase equivalence in "Fire and Fury," Larson's (1984) Meaning-Based Translation provides essential theoretical concepts for addressing translation strategies This approach considers linguistic mismatches between languages, focusing on language features, communication contexts, and cultural nuances Filling these gaps is crucial to achieving accurate equivalents and ensuring effective translation.
Translation involves transferring language elements from a source language to their equivalents in a target language, with translators relying on the surface structure—comprising words, phrases, and sentences—to unpack meaning and convey it accurately Larson (1984) highlights that the surface structure includes grammatical, lexical, and phonological elements, while the deep structure represents the essential meaning that must be equivalently transferred Although languages share some features, significant differences in lexicon, grammar, and cultural context can create challenges in translation This thesis analyzes mismatches in lexicon, grammatical structure, and situational and cultural context using data from "Fire and Fury." The findings aim to identify translation strategies that enable translators to address these mismatches and produce a target text that is faithful, natural, and fluent.
Translation between languages that are not closely related often results in a lack of formal correspondence between the source and target texts Each language possesses unique forms with secondary and figurative meanings, complicating the translation process Differences in communication styles and historical contexts further challenge translators, as not every word or meaning in the source text can be directly translated into the target language When translators are more fluent in their native tongue, they may omit words or phrases due to semantic, syntactic, or cultural mismatches, aiming instead for a translation that is faithful, intelligible, and smooth This often leads to idiomatic translations, where discrepancies in lexicon are unavoidable Implicit information in the source text may need to be made explicit in the target text, and vice versa, to maintain clarity Translators frequently employ idiomatic methods to achieve natural grammatical and lexical forms in the receptor language, sometimes adding extra words to avoid the feel of a direct translation For example, in the English-Vietnamese translation of "Fire and Fury," the translator made necessary adjustments to bridge gaps in language features, communication contexts, and cultural nuances, resulting in lexicon mismatches between the two versions.
ST: When some of the guests made a move to leave, Trump cajoled them to say a little longer
TT: Khi một số khách bắt đầu tỏ ý muốn ra về, Trump phỉnh phở để họ ở lại thêm một chút
The translation effectively maintains readability and faithfulness despite differences in surface structure between the source and target texts The translator skillfully addresses situational context and lexical choices in their native language, resulting in a successful target text that resonates with readers In the narrative, Trump invites his friend Rupert Murdoch to a party, but Murdoch arrives late, disappointing guests eager to meet him The implicit use of the word "move" illustrates the necessity of dynamic equivalence in translation, emphasizing the writer's intent rather than adhering strictly to the original wording This approach allows for a richer understanding, as a single form can convey various meanings, transforming a noun that literally refers to an event into one that captures a stative feeling in the target text.
ST: Murdoch, who, with his then wife, Wendi, had often socialized with
Jared and Ivanka, in the past made little effort to hind his lack of interest in Trump
TT: Murdoch, cùng vợ trước của ông, Wendi thường giao du với Jack và
Ivanka, trước đây không hề che đậy việc ông chẳng chú ý gì tới Trump
The translation reflects a slight discrepancy in meaning compared to the source text, particularly regarding the author's expression of low interest in Trump, which is misrepresented as complete disinterest Despite this surface-level skew, the overall deep meaning remains consistent between both versions The translator demonstrates an understanding of the communication context, recognizing the author's intent, which allows for an idiomatic translation that captures the essence of the original message, such as "a little effort" translating to "không hề che đậy" and "his lack of interest" to "chẳng chú ý tới."
A strong chief of staff is more effective than a weak one, as their leadership significantly impacts the overall performance of the organization A capable chief of staff can enhance decision-making processes and drive strategic initiatives, leading to improved outcomes In contrast, a weaker chief of staff may hinder progress and create inefficiencies Therefore, investing in strong leadership at the chief of staff level is crucial for organizational success.
ST: a weaker sort of figure
TT: Một nhân vật có phần yếu ớt
In both instances, the translator overlooked the comparative expression, possibly believing it should be implicit in the target language to enhance readability and avoid verbosity, while still preserving the communicative essence Each language possesses unique grammatical structures that adhere to distinct rules, which can vary significantly between languages Certain elements may be mandatory in one language but optional in another, with the morpheme "er" serving as a prime example of this phenomenon.
ST: A chief of staff with history in Washington and federal government TT: Một chánh văn phòng có kinh nghiệm về Washington và chính quyền liên bang
In translation, a word can be interpreted in various ways depending on its context, leading to no complete concordance between the source and target languages (Larson, 1984: 147) For instance, the term "history" can be translated as "experience" in Vietnamese, highlighting the differences in lexical meanings across languages While "history" appears nine times in Chapter Two of the book, it is only translated as "experience" in this specific context The translator's choice reflects an understanding of situational context, ensuring that the translation is both intelligible to the target audience and maintains equivalent meaning.
ST: the president –elect‟s lack of immediate focus on a White House structure that could serve and protect him
TT: Việc tân tổng thống thiếu sự tập trung ngay lập tức vào cấu trúc Nhà
Trắng để phụng sự và bảo vệ mình
The structure of a house encompasses its design and the materials required for construction, including elements like floors, rooms, halls, and stairs When discussing the "White House Structure," it prompts readers to consider the architectural design of this iconic building However, in this context, the term "structure" refers to the organizational framework of the new Trump administration rather than its physical form This highlights a significant difference in meaning between the original and translated texts, despite their similar surface-level vocabulary The translation emphasizes the immediate need for the new president to focus on the organizational structure of the White House for effective governance and self-protection.
Case 1: ST: The flames of his intention to disregard rules regarding conflicts of interest
TT: Nhấn mạnh thêm ý dịnh sẽ bất chất những luật lệ liên quan tới xung đột lợi ích
Case 2: ST: a bit of theater
TT: Một khoảnh khắc đậm chất sân khấu
Case 3: ST: the bare –bones transition team
TT: Nhóm chuyển giao hết sức đơn giản
Translating texts often reveals clear discrepancies in surface meaning between versions Certain words possess figurative or metaphorical significance, which adds a layer of symbolism This necessitates adjustments by the translator to effectively convey the original essence of the source text while ensuring that the expressions align with the linguistic characteristics of the target audience, making the content easily accessible and engaging.
Case 1: The flame is figuratively translated into “nhấn mạnh” not literally “thổi bùng” The figurative meaning of the word flame is the translator‟s justifiable lexicon choice to pursue the thin thread throughout his work
Case 2: Literally, the phrase is not clear and its meaning rather ambiguous, the writing is abstract and the translator made an initiative analysis in term of text level and linguistic level then produced additional information from level of reality and the fact of matter so that an faithful and intelligible translation is reached (a bit of theatre – một khoảnh khắc đậm chất sân khấu)
Case 3: The attribute in the source text is very different from that of source text in term of modified content Bare –bones refers to the barest essentials while the attribute đơn giản refers to the sense of simple
ST: A political background, Policy background, Legislative background TT: xuất thân là giới chính trị, người làm chính sách, xuất thân là dân lập pháp
ST: the only significant Silicon Valley
TT: Là tiếng nói quan trọng duy nhất ở thung lũng Silicon
Cases of literal translation
ST: As the great and good and ambitious, as well as angry protesters and the curious hoi polloi, began beating a path to next president‟s door……
Khi những người biểu tình đầy nhiệt huyết và tham vọng, cùng với đám đông tò mò, bắt đầu tiến vào khu vực của Tổng thống, không khí trở nên căng thẳng và phức tạp.
A successful translation goes beyond mere word-for-word conversion; it requires an understanding of the situational context and the overall meaning of the original text The translator must interpret the referential meaning and restructure the content to create a clear and coherent expression in the target language This approach ensures that the translated text is both accurate and meaningful.
Washington insiders and aspiring insiders must seek an audience with him.
The phrase "những kẻ sắp nhập cuộc" translates to "those who are about to join the fray." This translation may sound unnatural in the receptor language, resulting in a target text that lacks fluidity and coherence To ensure a smoother reading experience, it is essential to adapt the phrase in a way that resonates well with the target audience.
ST: All of whom invariably suffered from their own management defects –
Trump did not have a career‟s worth of political and government contacts to call on
Tất cả mọi người đều phải đối mặt với những sai sót trong quản trị ở mức độ khác nhau; Trump thiếu các mối liên hệ chính trị và sự nghiệp trong chính quyền, điều này làm giảm khả năng dựa vào ông.
The translation fails to capture the deep meaning of the original text, leading to discomfort and confusion for the target audience The surface-level interpretation lacks clarity and does not convey the original spirit effectively A more idiomatic translation would be: "Everyone must endure varying degrees of errors in their governance – Trump has no political connections or a government that could support his career."
ST: This was Trump‟s instant and convenient solution to the unforeseen circumstance of suddenly being President
TT: Đó là giải pháp ngay lập tức và thuận tiện của Trump cho tình thế không lường trước là bỗng nhiên trở thành tổng thống
The translation should be more idiomatic and natural to align with the target language's nuances, reflecting an immediate and reasonable solution.
Trump đưa ra cho tình huống ông bất ngờ đắc cử ghế Tổng Thống”
ST: a crude blackmail scheme involving prostitutes and videotaped sexual acts pushing new boundaries of deviance
Một âm mưu hăm dọa thô thiển đã được phơi bày, với sự tham gia của gái điếm và các cảnh quan hệ tình dục được ghi hình, vượt qua những ranh giới về sự bậy bạ.
The translator's fidelity to the original text is measured by how well the audience grasps its meaning (House, 1997: 9) A successful translation should be as clear and comprehensible as the original However, instances of literal translation reveal that the translator did not achieve a balance in comprehension between the source and target texts By relying too heavily on the original's surface structure, the translator neglected to convey the deeper meaning in a natural and idiomatic manner, resulting in a translation that is often unintelligible and fails to capture the essence of the original for the target audience.
Discussion
In Chapter Two of "Fire and Fury," an analysis of noun phrases reveals significant discrepancies in translation, with 67 instances of lexicon mismatch and 18 cases of grammatical structure mismatch, highlighting the challenges of achieving equivalent translations through meaning-based strategies.
In translation, achieving absolute communication is challenging due to situational and cultural mismatches, as well as literal translations According to Nida (1975), obtaining natural standard equivalence is essential Lexical and grammatical discrepancies often arise to satisfy the demands of natural equivalence, reflecting the distinct features of different languages and the cultural contexts they represent.
Lexical mismatches in translation arise from various aspects, including implicit and explicit meaning, figurative meaning, referential meaning, organizational meaning, and situational meaning Translators often make implicit referential meanings explicit in the target language to ensure clarity and naturalness for the readership, while maintaining the integrity of the original message During the translation process, information is organized to reflect the book's structure, and the translator selects words that faithfully convey the original flavor while aligning with the target language's characteristics This may lead to the omission or addition of certain meanings, resulting in surface structure mismatches Additionally, the relationships and social dynamics among figures, such as President Trump and his inner circle, are considered to enhance the phatic aspect of the translation, ensuring it resonates with the target audience By unpacking the layers of meaning, the translator aims to capture the author's intent and contextual nuances, facilitating an equivalent translation that is both content-rich and linguistically accessible Ultimately, while the same source domain may exist in different languages, the translation process acknowledges the unique ways each language conveys meaning, leading to inevitable lexical mismatches.
Grammatical structure mismatch is an unavoidable aspect of translation, arising from the distinct systems of different languages This occurs when one language favors verbs while another leans towards nouns The thesis illustrates instances where noun phrases are transformed into clauses or verb phrases in the target language, enhancing clarity and engagement for the target audience while achieving a natural equivalent These examples of grammatical structure mismatch highlight the translator's necessary adjustments to align the translation with the characteristics of the target language.
Cultural and situational mismatches highlight that languages reflect distinct social realities, with each culture possessing unique customs, political systems, and concepts This diversity means that people, events, and objects vary significantly across cultures, influencing the selection of textual elements in communication Understanding the situational context is crucial, as it reveals the causes of events and dictates appropriate behaviors In the political realm, these mismatches often arise from specific terms and contexts tied to different political systems Translators navigate these challenges by either retaining original terms, adapting cultural markers to align with the source culture, or modifying them to fit the target culture, ensuring effective communication across linguistic boundaries.
The findings and implication
Translation strategies proposed by Larson (1984) play a crucial role in addressing mismatches identified during the investigation Larson emphasizes the importance of translating the original text idiomatically to achieve the closest equivalent translation.
Table 2: The summary of findings for mismatches are shown as the table below
Mismatches of situational and cultural context
The analysis of noun phrase translations reveals significant differences between English and Vietnamese in terms of figurative meaning, word collocation, and grammatical structures Given that language serves as a means of communication, the political prose being translated is influenced by distinct political systems and cultures, affecting both the translator and the target audience While some knowledge is shared between the two languages, much of it is not, leading to challenges in achieving a one-to-one correspondence in words and ideas To create a faithful translation that aligns with the target language's features, the translator must navigate complex linguistic situations, taking into account cultural and contextual differences This involves recognizing how meaning components are uniquely combined and adjusting the translation by adding or omitting words as necessary The translator carefully balances loss and gain throughout the process, understanding when to adapt surface structures and expressions to ensure clarity and coherence in the target language.
In Chapter II of "Fire and Fury," 550 noun phrases were identified, with 67 instances of lexicon mismatches noted in terms of surface structure These mismatches are linked to implicit meanings in the source language (SL) versus explicit meanings in the target language (TL), as well as figurative language, cultural differences, and variations in situational and organizational contexts Notably, one deep structure mismatch was identified regarding the term "White House," where the context highlighted in example 27 illustrates the translator's failure to convey the original nuance, suggesting that "cơ cấu tổ chức Nhà Trắng" would be a clearer translation to avoid ambiguity for the target audience Changes in deep meaning can lead to distortions of the original information.
The analysis identifies 16 instances of mismatch, comprising four cultural mismatches and eleven situational mismatches The translator demonstrated a flexible approach, making appropriate adjustments as needed This is evident in three cases that remained unchanged, three cases adapted to the target culture, and nine cases that retained the style of the source culture.
The presence of 18 cases of grammatical structure mismatches highlights the differences between English and Vietnamese language systems English prioritizes noun phrases, while Vietnamese emphasizes verbal expressions Consequently, the meaning encapsulated in English noun phrases requires clear, natural, and faithful interpretation in the target language, making changes in grammatical structure unavoidable.
Larson's translation strategies define translation as a spectrum ranging from very literal to unduly free, yet the analysis of collected data reveals only two main categories: literal and idiomatic translations The findings include six instances of literal translation and 99 instances of idiomatic translation, which encompass 67 cases of lexical mismatches, 16 cases related to situational and cultural context, and 18 cases of grammatical structure mismatches.
The translator's inability to consistently apply idiomatic and natural translation strategies results in occasional instances of literal translation, which can hinder the target readership's ability to fully grasp the original content's intended meaning and nuance.
The research is useful for not only translators and translation students but also teachers and learners of English
The study highlights significant differences in language features between English and Vietnamese, particularly regarding figurative meaning, situational context, and cultural norms Understanding translation equivalence is crucial for translators, teachers, and English learners to preserve the original essence of the source text, especially in noun phrases and overall content.
The study emphasizes that significant gaps between two languages manifest in their linguistic features, cultural contexts, and situational nuances, particularly affecting the translation of noun phrases To achieve equivalence and ensure readability for the target audience, it is essential to modify surface structures, addressing the challenges posed by differing language systems and cultural norms.
Larson's (1984) theoretical concepts in translation strategies, including implicit and explicit meaning, figurative senses of lexical items, and the importance of context and culture, provide valuable insights for translators, educators, and English learners By addressing complex linguistic situations and employing strategies such as grouping and contrast, these concepts enhance understanding and application in translation practices.
English is a native language in countries with distinct cultures, political systems, and linguistic features compared to Vietnam It is essential for English teachers, learners, and translators to recognize these differences to overcome challenges and achieve their desired outcomes.
To effectively navigate cultural and contextual differences in translation, strategies must be adaptable, allowing translators to balance the influences of both source and target cultures This flexibility enables translators to prioritize one culture over the other based on specific circumstances, including instances where certain terms may remain untranslated, known as untranslatable cases Additionally, it is crucial to recognize that the original author wrote with a specific audience in mind, who possesses an understanding of the source culture that may not be shared by the target audience Therefore, information that is implicit in the source text often needs to be made explicit in the translation to ensure that target readers grasp the intended meaning fully.
The two languages exhibit distinct approaches to language structure and lexical item interpretation To accurately convey figurative meanings and retain the original essence, translators, teachers, and learners of English must consider the original situational context Additionally, due to differences in parts of speech, where English favors noun phrases and Vietnamese emphasizes verbs, discrepancies in language systems during translation are unavoidable.
