Statement of the problem and the rationale of the study
In Vietnam, museums serve as vital institutions for preserving and showcasing cultural values, enhancing public understanding of history The Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures, established in 1960 in Thai Nguyen City, is dedicated to exhibiting and conserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups Visitors, including many foreigners, scientists, and students, find both enjoyment and educational opportunities at the museum To facilitate a better understanding of Vietnamese culture, all exhibit labels are provided in Vietnamese, with translations available in English and French.
Translating exhibit labels poses significant challenges due to the absence of direct English equivalents for many Vietnamese cultural concepts To ensure visitor comprehension, translators must employ various strategies While translation studies have garnered attention, research specifically focused on Vietnamese-English exhibit label translation remains limited Thus, a thorough investigation into the prevalent translation strategies, procedures, and methods used in this context is essential This minor thesis aims to explore these aspects and provide 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 provides a theoretical foundation for future studies in this area This investigation not only enhances understanding but also sparks interest among researchers to examine the Vietnamese-English translations of exhibit labels in other 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 used 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 includes a title and a description detailing 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 exhibit labels from Vietnamese into English? What are their benefits and 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 information, available in Vietnamese, English, and French The English translations were completed by a team of four qualified translators from 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 approximately 300 selected labels, which primarily consist of two to four words The chosen exhibits include working tools, everyday items, clothing, and religious artifacts, while documents and descriptions are not included in the research.
Research methods
This research employs qualitative methods, including observation and document analysis, to examine the translation strategies, procedures, and techniques utilized in translating exhibit labels from Vietnamese to 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 concludes the study by summarizing key insights, highlighting implications and limitations, and offering recommendations for future research.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Previous studies
Translation has garnered significant interest among researchers, as evidenced by various studies Nguyen (2005) explored the Vietnamese-English translation of exhibit labels at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnography, identifying strategies and challenges faced by translators, but did not evaluate the pros and cons of these strategies Bach (2007) examined equivalence in Vietnamese cultural terms in "Wandering Through Vietnamese Culture" by Huu Ngoc, focusing on types of equivalence in translation More recently, Nguyen (2011) analyzed the translation of cultural words in "Hanoi's Ancient Features" by Tran Manh Thuong, highlighting common equivalence types and translation methods While these studies contribute to understanding Vietnamese-English translation of cultural words, they leave gaps for further exploration of strategies and methods in translating 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 process that has intrigued theorists for many years, leading to various definitions Catford's classical definition describes translation as "the replacement of textual material in one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in another language (TL)" (Catford, 1965: 20) This theory emphasizes that the target text should maintain equivalence with the source text in both form and content, although it primarily addresses written texts.
According to Bell (1991), translation involves expressing the ideas conveyed in a source language into another 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 closest natural equivalent in the target language that conveys the meaning and style of the original message.
In his book "On Linguistic Aspects of Translation," Roman Jakobson (1959) proposes 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 essential intertextual relationship that distinguishes translations, defined as the connection between a source text and its target text This relationship enables the target text to be recognized as a translation of the source text Consequently, equivalence is often accepted as a fundamental prescriptive criterion in translation studies, as noted by Koller (1995:196).
Translation is the process of transforming a text from a source language (L1) into a target language (L2) This activity creates a new text that maintains a relationship of equivalence with the original source text.
The key inquiry regarding translation is not whether two texts are equivalent, but rather the type and degree of translation equivalence they demonstrate Equivalence can be defined as "any relation characterizing translation under a specified set of circumstances." Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that equivalence pertains to the relationship between two texts in different languages, rather than the languages themselves.
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 occurs when the target language (TL) maintains the connotations of the source language (SL) through careful word choice, considering factors such as style, social context, and geographical nuances Achieving this equivalence is one of the most challenging aspects of translation and is rarely perfect (Koller, 1979)
Text-normative equivalence focuses on translating texts while adhering to the specific norms of both the source language (SL) and target language (TL) to maintain the original communicative effect In simpler terms, this type of equivalence is achieved when words in the SL and TL are utilized in comparable contexts within their respective languages.
Pragmatic equivalence focuses on aligning the source language (SL) and target language (TL) to evoke the same response from their respective audiences This approach emphasizes the importance of tailoring translations to meet the expectations and understanding of a specific readership, ensuring that the intended effect is preserved across languages.
Formal equivalence in translation aims to create a parallel structure in the target language (TL) text, maintaining the original form and aesthetic qualities of the source language (SL) text This approach emphasizes the preservation of elements such as wordplay, metalinguistic features, and unique stylistic characteristics.
In her 1992 work, Baker presents an intriguing exploration of the concept of equivalence, providing a comprehensive list of conditions that help define it She makes a clear distinction between various aspects of equivalence, enhancing our understanding of this complex notion.
When translating between languages, equivalence can occur at both the word level and beyond, requiring translators to consider various factors like number, gender, and tense for each word.
Textual equivalence involves the relationship between a source language (SL) text and a target language (TL) text, focusing on information and cohesion The translator plays a crucial role in determining whether to preserve cohesive ties and coherence from the SL text This decision is influenced by three key factors: the target audience, the translation's purpose, 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 The translator prioritizes a literal, word-for-word translation, aiming to faithfully represent the SL text's content and structure This approach emphasizes consistency in grammatical units, word usage, and meanings within the context of the source material.
Dynamic equivalence in translation occurs when the source language (SL) and target language (TL) evoke the same response in their respective audiences This approach focuses on achieving the "closest natural equivalent" of the SL text, emphasizing the importance of equivalent effect Translators strive to convey meaning in a manner that impacts the target audience similarly to how it affects the source audience To create a "natural" translation, translators must consider three crucial 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 term can convey a concept that is unfamiliar to the target culture, whether it is abstract or concrete This may pertain to religious beliefs, social customs, or specific types of food These concepts are commonly identified as cultural references that require careful consideration in translation.
The term "ông mãnh" in Vietnamese refers to a man who dies young, illustrating a culture-specific concept that may be unfamiliar to those outside of Vietnamese culture Understanding such terms requires knowledge of the cultural context, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness in language comprehension.
(b) The SL concept is not lexicalised in the TL
The term "quân tử" embodies a concept recognized in the target culture but lacks a direct lexical equivalent in English It describes a talented and straightforward individual who possesses numerous admirable qualities aligned with Confucian philosophy While there may not be a precise translation, the essence of "quân tử" reflects a person of virtue and integrity.
“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 use to address specific challenges during the translation process According to Krings (1986), these strategies help solve concrete translation problems, while Seguinot (1989) identifies three main global strategies: continuous translation without interruptions, immediate correction of surface errors, and deferring the revision of qualitative or stylistic errors Loescher (1991) further emphasizes that translation strategies are conscious procedures for addressing problems in translating text segments The importance of consciousness in distinguishing strategic approaches from non-strategic processes is highlighted by Cohen (1998), who notes that this element is crucial for recognizing effective translation strategies.
Translation strategies, as defined by Venuti (1998), encompass the selection of a foreign text and the method of translating it, utilizing the concepts of domesticating and foreignizing Jaaskelainen (1999) views strategy as a series of competencies and processes that enhance the acquisition and use of information He emphasizes that these strategies are heuristic and adaptable, reflecting decisions 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 is successful because the hierarchical organization of semantic fields transcends language boundaries.
(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 had the option to use a Japanese phrase that conveys the meaning of "behind the times," which would align more closely with the propositional and expressive meanings of "archaic." However, this choice would have been deemed too direct and openly disapproving by Japanese cultural standards Consequently, the expressive nuance of "archaic" is diminished in the translation.
This strategy entails substituting a culture-specific item or expression with a target-language equivalent that may not convey the same exact meaning but resonates similarly with the target audience The primary benefit of this approach is that it provides readers with a relatable concept, enhancing familiarity and appeal.
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" is a traditional afternoon meal featuring tea served alongside scones topped with jam and clotted cream, and may also include sandwiches and cakes This unique culinary experience has no direct equivalent in other cultures; for instance, Italians often 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 after introducing a loanword enhances comprehension, especially when the term appears multiple times in the text Once clarified, the loanword can be used independently, 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 setting of the conservatory The use of loan words in the Japanese text reflects a modern and sophisticated appeal, enhancing the overall experience.
(e) Translation by paraphrase using a related word
This strategy is employed when the concept from the source text is lexically represented in the target language (TL) but in a different manner It is particularly useful 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 are not directly represented in the target language, paraphrasing can still be effective This approach may involve using a broader term or elaborating on the meaning of the original item, especially when dealing with semantically intricate concepts.
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 precisely conveying propositional meaning However, it lacks the status of a lexical item, which limits its ability to express associated or evoked 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 a strategic choice in translation, especially when their meaning is not crucial to the text's overall development In such cases, translators may choose to leave these items untranslated to avoid distracting the reader with extensive 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 illustrated It is particularly beneficial in situations with space constraints, ensuring the text remains short, 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 employed when the term is formally transparent or adequately explained within its 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 diverse contexts where formal equivalence may lack clarity In specialized texts, including the original source language (SL) term can enhance understanding and reduce ambiguity for the reader.
Translation method
Newmark (1988:81) distinguishes between translation methods and translation procedures, noting that translation methods apply to entire texts, whereas translation procedures focus on 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 This method disregards context and translates each word using its most common meaning An example of this approach is the phrase "love at first sight."
At first sight, my sister excelled in her studies during her childhood, demonstrating her intelligence and dedication She was an obedient girl, always eager to learn and follow guidance.
The process of literal translation involves converting source language grammatical structures into their closest equivalents in the target language while translating individual lexical items in isolation, without considering the surrounding context For instance, the phrase "He is a big liar" would be translated as "Anh ta là một kẻ nói dối lớn," demonstrating how this method focuses on word-for-word translation rather than capturing the overall meaning.
Milky Way Anh ấy nhìn lên vào con đường màu sữa
Faithful translation aims to accurately convey the original's contextual meaning while adhering to the grammatical structures of the target language This approach 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" translates to "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, allowing for compromises on meaning to enhance elements like assonance, wordplay, or repetition This approach often results in the use of culturally neutral terms for less significant cultural references instead of direct cultural equivalents, making it particularly suitable for expressive texts For instance, the phrase "We hope you will enjoy your staying 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 themes, characters, and plots of the original work while transforming the source culture into the target culture This approach is commonly applied in translating poems, stories, songs, and plays, allowing for a more culturally resonant interpretation of the text.
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 of the original text rather than its style or form Translators frequently create new versions by paraphrasing, which can result in longer translations It is commonly applied in informative translations and internal publications For instance, the phrase "To reduce the fertility rate from the current 3.7 children per woman to a replacement level of 2" can be translated as "Tỉ lệ sinh hiện tại của phụ nữ giảm từ 3,7 xuống còn 2 trẻ."
Idiomatic translation captures the essence of the original message while often modifying nuances by incorporating colloquialisms and idioms that may not exist in the source text This approach is particularly effective 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" illustrates how the original meaning can be conveyed using local expressions.
Communicative translation focuses on conveying the precise contextual meaning of the original text while ensuring that the audience easily comprehends both the content and language This approach is particularly effective for informative texts For instance, the Vietnamese phrase "Bác đi đâu đấy ạ!" translates to "Good morning!" in English, illustrating how the essence of the original message is maintained for clarity and understanding.
Among the eight translation methods, communicative and semantic translations are predominantly utilized to achieve accuracy and economy Semantic translation is characterized by its personal approach, aligning closely with the author's thought processes, often resulting in over-translation to capture the nuances of the source language In contrast, communicative translation emphasizes the social aspect, focusing on the core message of the text, and tends to under-translate for simplicity, clarity, and brevity.
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 transforming poems and poetic dramas into prose format In this process, stanzas are converted into paragraphs, and prose punctuation is applied The translation retains original metaphors and cultural elements from the source language, while sound effects are not reproduced.
(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
The methods proposed by New Mark align with his categorization and the translation procedures outlined by Vinay and Darbelnet, emphasizing the goal of achieving equivalence between the source and target languages Despite variations in terminology and classification among scholars, their philosophies consistently focus on the strategies for creating equivalence across different 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 with limited 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 These terms refer to distinct types of flutes in Vietnamese that lack direct equivalents in English, prompting translators to adopt “flute” as a general term to convey the meaning.
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 cloth materials It serves as the overarching category for "túi nải," which refers to a specific type of cloth bag.
A wooden rake, known as "bàn trang thóc," is a garden tool featuring a long handle and a row of metal points designed for gathering fallen leaves and smoothing soil This specific type of rake is primarily used for drying and smoothing paddy, making it an essential tool in agricultural practices.
The term "Ống bương," referring to a bamboo internode historically used by the Vietnamese for water storage, translates to "water container" in English This translation effectively conveys its meaning to a foreign audience, highlighting the traditional method of water containment prior to modern solutions.
More examples are: Giỏ đựng: basket; Giỏ đeo: carrying basket; Thúng: bamboo basket; Sọt: basket; Ống bương: water container
Using general terms in translation is a common strategy for creating equivalent words 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, making the content more accessible However, it can also hinder foreign visitors' understanding of the nuances between similar objects, especially when a superordinate term encompasses multiple specific items, 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 term "spade," which refers to a garden tool featuring a broad metal blade and a long handle used for digging, may not have a direct counterpart in the target language, as seen with the Vietnamese words "mai" and "thuổng."
“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 used to cover or surround objects, differing significantly from the English word "mat," which typically denotes a small piece of thick carpet for flooring While translating "cót" as "the bamboo mat" accurately describes its material, it may cause confusion regarding its actual uses and functions.
The "Múa kỳ lân," or lion dance, features the kỳ lân, a mythical creature in Vietnamese culture characterized by a lion's head, a horse's body, a deer's horn, and an ox's tail In translations, the term "lion" is used as a neutral equivalent for the original 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 source language words lack exact equivalents in the target language However, employing this approach may cause readers to misinterpret certain nuances of meaning present in 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 the translation of musical instruments from Vietnamese ethnic groups, which are often unique For instance, the Vietnamese instruments đàn tam and đàn nguyệt are translated as "three-stringed zither" and "two-stringed zither," respectively The term "zither" refers to a flat wooden instrument with multiple strings, typically played with fingers and a plectrum in Central Europe While "zither" does not hold the same propositional meaning as đàn tam and đàn nguyệt, translators provide clarity by specifying the number of strings, ensuring accurate representation of these culturally significant instruments.
The article highlights various traditional Vietnamese musical instruments and cultural elements, including the Nhị "líu" (two-stringed fiddle), Trống trò (tomtom), Nhị (three-stringed fiddle), Đàn ba dây (three-stringed zither), Cò chỉ (two-stringed fiddle), Nhạc sóc (small bell chain), and Thầy cúng (shaman) These examples showcase the rich diversity of Vietnamese music and its cultural significance.
2.1.4 Translation using a loan word or loan word plus explanation
This strategy is frequently employed in the translation of specific items, modern concepts, and buzzwords When translating exhibit labels, translators often encounter concepts without direct equivalents, leading them to transfer these terms directly into the translation while providing explanations for any ambiguity.
In Vietnamese water puppetry, characters like "Ba Thạo" and "Chú Tễu" embody traits of laziness and cunning, respectively These iconic puppets represent cultural nuances unique to Vietnam, making direct translations challenging as they lack English equivalents Consequently, translators often retain the original names to preserve their cultural significance and meaning.
The "xòe" dance and "còn" game are integral to the cultural heritage of the Thai ethnic group, showcasing their unique traditions that lack direct English equivalents The "xòe" dance is a vibrant expression of community and celebration, while the "còn" game is a traditional activity often featured in festivals To fully appreciate these terms, it is essential to understand their significance in the context of Thai culture and festivities.
The "Long Tong" festival, also known as the rice field festival, is an important cultural event that celebrates agricultural traditions Translators effectively incorporate the term "long tong" in their translations, providing explanations that enhance foreign visitors' understanding of this unique concept.
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 to incorporate terms that lack direct equivalents in English, thereby preserving local color and stylistic nuances This approach not only adds uniqueness to the translations but also enhances their appeal to readers However, the use of loanwords can render translations perplexing for those unfamiliar with Vietnamese culture For instance, the term “Áo bà ba” translates to “Ba ba clothes,” which can confuse readers due to its polysemic nature; it may refer to a woman's blouse named Ba or to a traditional blouse worn by women in Southern Vietnam Consequently, this translation method can hinder comprehension for individuals lacking prior knowledge of such cultural items 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.”
“xoe” dance; đèn dầu dọc: “doc” oil lamp”
Literal translation is employed 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 in Chinese and East Asian cultures, is translated as "hell money." This approach allows translators to introduce culturally specific terms to readers, enhancing understanding Other examples include "Cổng làng của người Kinh" translated as "The village gate of the Kinh," "Áo dài truyền thống của phụ nữ Huế" as "Traditional long dress of Hue’s women," and various puppet types like "Rối vịt" for "duck puppets" and "Rối rồng" for "dragon puppets."
Explore the vibrant world of traditional Vietnamese performances featuring "Tortoise" puppets, a captivating art form Experience the unique skill of walking on stilts, known as "Đi cà kheo," which adds an exciting dimension to cultural events Discover the rhythmic sounds of beating musical instruments and the lively melodies produced by shaking instruments that enhance the performances Enjoy the enchanting "Múa cầu mưa," a dance aimed at invoking rain, reflecting the deep connection between culture and nature Finally, admire the craftsmanship of bamboo boxes, such as the hòm đựng tư trang for holding jewels and the bồ đựng muối for containing salts, showcasing the intricate artistry of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
This procedure is valuable for translating exhibit labels as it maintains the literal meaning of the original words However, effective literal translation relies on the existence of a referent and pragmatic connection between the source language and the target language.
Translating exhibit labels requires careful consideration of 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) is transformed into the noun "container." Similarly, "Cối giã gạo" becomes "rice mortar," with "giã" (to grind) replaced by "mortar." A literal translation of "Sàng nhử cá" as "an instrument used for enticing fish" would be awkward; hence, it is simplified to "an instrument for fishing." Other examples include "Bộ đồ nhuộm răng" as "tools for tooth dyeing" and "Bộ chõ đồ xôi" as "rice steaming pot," illustrating the necessity of transposition for clarity and familiarity in English.
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 an equivalent cultural term in the target language For example, the Vietnamese term "Thầy cúng," referring to a person with the special ability to communicate with spirits, is translated as "shaman," a term used in Western cultures to describe someone who has access to and influence over the spirit world Another instance of this procedure is the translation of "Múa kỳ lân" to "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
In the translation process, source language terms are clarified and paraphrased through descriptive explanations This method proves effective for translating labels of objects from Vietnamese ethnic minorities For example, the term “hái” is rendered as “the sickle used for cutting wet paddy.” In Vietnamese, “hái” has dual meanings: it refers to a verb meaning “to pick, to pluck, and to collect,” as well as a tool resembling a sickle utilized by ethnic groups in Southern Vietnam By providing a detailed description of “hái,” the translation enhances visitors' understanding of its meaning and function.
“Nhị: three- stringed fiddle” “điếu bát: the tera- cotta pipe put in a bow
Translating cultural concepts often leads to meaning inadequacy, as seen with the Vietnamese term "cây nêu," which translates to "the bamboo pole." In Vietnamese culture, "cây nêu" serves as a symbol used to ward off evil spirits during the Tet holiday and indicates areas where farming activities are taking place While the translation provides a basic understanding of the term's physical characteristics, it fails to convey the rich cultural significance associated with "cây nêu," limiting the reader's appreciation of its deeper meaning.
The translation of exhibit labels, such as "bẫy gà rừng" to "the snare" and "lồng nhử gà" to "the chicken cage," often results in the use of more general terms in the target language While this approach simplifies the translation, it can lead to a loss of the specific meaning of the original terms For instance, "lồng nhử gà" may not fully convey the precise concept intended in 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 "a bamboo box used for warming tea pots") Other combinations include transference with literal translation (e.g., "Hội lồng tồng" translates to "long tong festival") and reduction with descriptive equivalents Each translation procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages, and by integrating various methods, translators can leverage the strengths of each to produce the most accurate equivalents in the target language This approach not only preserves the unique characteristics of the source language but also enhances readers' understanding of the concepts presented.
Some suggestions for translating cultural words
Translation and culture are inherently linked, as translating cultural terms requires the translator to convey not only the literal meaning but also the underlying cultural values and ideologies After analyzing the data, the author presents suggestions for effectively translating cultural items found in exhibit labels.
A translator must possess a deep understanding of ethnography and the cultures associated with both the source and target languages While universally recognized terms pose little challenge, culturally specific words can lead to significant translation issues if the translator lacks the necessary cultural insight For instance, the term "chợ phiên" is translated as "a market day," but this translation fails to capture the full meaning and nuance of "phiên," which also indicates the frequency of the market.
Translators must be strategic and thoughtful when selecting translation methods, especially when dealing with cultural terms It's essential to employ multiple strategies simultaneously if needed For example, the term “cây nêu” was translated as “bamboo pole,” but this translation fails to convey its cultural significance Therefore, adding an explanation alongside the term is crucial for better understanding Similarly, when translating “quả còn dùng trong lễ hội” as “con” for festival, providing additional context after the target text enhances reader comprehension.
This concluding chapter summarizes the research findings, highlights its contributions, addresses key limitations, and offers practical suggestions for future studies It is organized into four main sections: the first 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 presents a significant challenge for many translators This study, based on analyzed data, identifies six prevalent translation strategies for translating exhibit labels, following Baker's classification.
In 1992, various translation methods were identified, including translation by a general word, translation by a neutral term, and translation through cultural substitution Additionally, techniques such as paraphrasing with related words, omitting certain elements, and employing loan words with explanations were also highlighted.
As mentioned in the previous part, using each strategy brings the both the effectiveness and drawback to the translation
Translation using general terms aids foreigners in understanding the usage of objects by providing their basic names in the target language However, this approach can create confusion for readers when distinguishing between two or more items that share the same overarching term.
Using neutral words for translation can be effective when there is a lack of equivalent or superordinate terms in the target language However, this approach may hinder readers' comprehensive understanding of the original terms, as it relies on less expressive language in the translation process.
Translation by cultural substitution offers readers familiar and engaging concepts, yet its application is limited On the other hand, translation by omission delivers a concise message in the target language, but it is effective only when the 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, the loan plus explanation method stands out as the most effective for translating exhibit labels This approach not only maintains the ethnic flavor and style of the original terms but also enhances readers' comprehension by providing detailed explanations alongside the loan words.
The study identifies the most commonly used procedures 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 methods 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 translating exhibit labels, despite its familiar and conventional nature This is primarily due to the challenge of finding English nouns that correspond directly to Vietnamese verbs.
- 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 comprehension through detailed explanations of concepts, they can lead to meaning inadequacy when the source language contains cultural terms that must retain 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 couplet procedure is the most commonly utilized method for translating exhibit labels, and it is often considered the best choice for several reasons Firstly, this approach combines two or more translation techniques, maximizing the benefits of each to enhance translation accuracy Secondly, it helps maintain the cultural nuances and stylistic elements while ensuring that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts in the target language.
The study highlights key recommendations for translators handling cultural terms, indicating potential challenges in translating exhibit labels These challenges often stem from translators' limited understanding of ethnography and the cultural nuances between the two languages involved.