INTRODUCTION
Statement of the problem and rationale for the study
In today's globalized world, translation plays a crucial role in facilitating communication across language barriers The complexity of translation is heightened by intricate linguistic patterns, particularly idioms—expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from their individual words As Langlotz notes, "Idioms are peculiar linguistic constructions that have raised many eyebrows in linguistics and often confuse newcomers to a language."
(2006, p 1) Therefore, idioms and the translation strategies of them should be studied so that translators can produce a prime translation
The English language is rich with thousands of idioms, which are prevalent in both formal and informal contexts, as noted by Michael Swan (2005) Understanding a variety of idioms is essential for comprehending English materials, including newspapers and television shows, according to O'Dell and McCarthy (2010) They highlight that idioms are encountered in various forms of communication, making familiarity with them crucial for effective understanding.
Idioms play a significant role even in formal contexts, making it essential for translators to recognize and address them effectively To accurately convey meaning in English, translators must give careful consideration to idioms and the techniques required for their proper interpretation and usage.
Translating English idioms presents significant challenges due to their fixed forms and meanings that cannot be deduced from their individual components This difficulty is particularly pronounced for translation students, who often lack sufficient practice and exposure to idiomatic expressions As a result, when faced with unfamiliar idioms, these students may rely on their personal interpretations, leading to potentially inaccurate translations.
English idioms play a crucial role in the language, posing challenges for translators, particularly students specializing in translation This research aims to explore Baker’s Idiom Translation Strategies in the context of translating English idioms into Vietnamese, using the case study of "To Kill a Mockingbird." The study focuses on the strategies employed by translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh in their Vietnamese translations of the book The ultimate goal is to identify effective strategies that can assist translators and individuals in overcoming challenges in English-Vietnamese idiom translation.
Aims and objectives of the study
This study aims to explore the translation strategies employed by translators of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," focusing specifically on the English idioms present in the text The research seeks to identify which of Mona Baker's (1992) idiom translation strategies are most and least frequently applied in the English-Vietnamese translation Additionally, the study will provide recommendations for effectively translating English idioms into Vietnamese.
To accomplish the above aims, the study tried to address the following research questions:
1 What are English idioms in the novel “To kill a mockingbird”?
2 What strategies have translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh adopted to translate English idioms in the book “To kill a mockingbird” into Vietnamese? Which one is the most and which one is least frequently used by the translators of the Vietnamese translation of
3 To what extent are Baker‟s idiom translation strategies applicable in Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh‟s translation of English idioms in “To kill a mockingbird” into Vietnamese?
Significance of the study
This research significantly enhances translation studies by highlighting effective strategies for overcoming challenges in English-Vietnamese idiom translation Its findings are particularly beneficial for professionals and scholars involved in this field.
Students aspiring to become translators will primarily benefit from studying the challenges of translating English idioms into Vietnamese This awareness equips them to navigate potential obstacles more effectively Additionally, the research offers practical translation strategies that students can apply to overcome these difficulties, enhancing their skills and confidence in the translation process.
Teachers in translation can utilize research findings to refine their teaching programs, ultimately enhancing students' translation competence and improving the effectiveness of their training.
In conclusion, this study serves as a valuable and dependable resource for researchers interested in the translation of idioms, offering insights into the complexities of the subject Its findings provide a wealth of information for further exploration, while its limitations may inspire others to pursue their own research on related topics.
Scope of the study
This study examines idioms and their translation strategies, guided by Mona Baker's framework from 1992 It aims to identify the techniques employed by translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh in their English-Vietnamese translations of idioms The findings are intended to assist translators, particularly inexperienced students, in overcoming common challenges faced during idiom translation.
This research focuses on the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" and its Vietnamese translation by Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh It aims to analyze the idiom translation strategies employed by these esteemed translators, with the goal of identifying the most and least frequently used strategies in their work.
Organisation
The study is organized into 5 chapters as following:
Chapter 1 - Introduction consists of the statement of the research problem, the rationale of the study, the aims and objectives of the study, its significance and organisation
Chapter 2 - Literature review presents the theoretical background of the study, including the theory about definition, types and characteristics of English idioms and the translational theory which focuses on translation definition, idiom translation difficulties and strategies
Chapter 3 - Methodology shows and justifies the research methods, specifically research sampling, data collection and analysis procedures
Chapter 4 - Results and Discussion presents the research findings which respectively answer to the research questions Besides, the implications and the application of the findings are shown as well
Chapter 5 - Conclusion summarizes the key results of the study, points out its limitations and eventually offers suggestions for further research
LITERATURE REVIEW
English idioms
English idioms have been defined by numerous linguistic scholars, who generally agree that idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be inferred by analyzing the individual words This shared understanding highlights the unique nature of idioms in the English language.
Baker (1992) emphasizes that idioms lack flexibility in their structure and transparency in meaning, describing them as "frozen patterns of language" with minimal variation allowed She asserts that altering the word order of idioms is impossible, and neither the removal nor addition of words is feasible Additionally, word replacement is not permitted, and the grammatical structures of idioms remain fixed.
Several years later, some other scholars have framed the concept of idioms, which, in nature, made no difference According to Seidl and McMordie (1988),
Idioms are more than just colloquial expressions; they are found in various forms of language, including formal writing, slang, poetry, and even in the works of Shakespeare and the Bible Defined as a group of words that collectively convey a meaning distinct from their individual definitions, idioms have maintained a consistent concept over time (Seidl & McMordie, 1988).
Until the early 21st century, the discussion surrounding idioms has persisted, with idioms defined as "a group of words that conveys a meaning distinct from the individual meanings of each word" (Cullen, Hands, McGovern & Wright).
2000, p iii) This definition seems to be simpler since it mentions nothing about idioms‟ formal fixedness always stated in the previous concepts
Swan (2005) illustrates the concept of idioms using the example "break even," which means to neither make a profit nor a loss (p 231) He explains that understanding the individual meanings of "break" and "even" is insufficient for grasping the phrase's overall sense, thereby defining such expressions as idioms (Swan, 2005, p 231) This approach mirrors the work of Cullen et al (2000), as Swan emphasizes the semantic aspects of idioms over their grammatical features.
Langlotz (2006) revisits the concept of idioms, defining them as “conventional multi-word units that are semantically opaque and structurally fixed” (p 4) This definition highlights the challenge idioms pose for readers, as their meanings often cannot be derived from the individual words alone The issue of semantic opaqueness underscores the complexity of understanding idiomatic expressions.
The third edition of the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2008) offers a more comprehensive definition of idioms, describing them as "a group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning different from the meanings of each word understood on its own." This definition effectively addresses the limitations of previous definitions regarding formal inflexibility and semantic non-compositionality For example, the idiom "to have bitten off more than you can chew" illustrates this concept, meaning someone has attempted something too challenging.
Lately, among the popular “In Use” series, English Idioms in Use by O‟Dell and McCarthy (2010) has discussed more deeply into the definition of idioms As
According to O'Dell and McCarthy (2010), idioms are linguistic units that should be interpreted as whole entities rather than individual words They define idioms as fixed combinations of words whose meanings are often challenging to deduce from the meanings of the individual words.
Idioms are characterized by a fixed structure, meaning that their words and order cannot be altered (O'Dell & McCarthy, 2010, p 6) This definition underscores key features of idioms, including their formal rigidity, the non-compositional nature of their meanings, and the inherent opaqueness that often accompanies them.
The linguistic phenomenon of idioms continues to intrigue researchers today Over time, the definition of idioms has evolved, but they are fundamentally understood as fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be inferred from their individual components, requiring comprehension as a complete unit.
Andreas Langlotz (2006) highlights the complexity of defining and classifying idioms, noting that their vibrant linguistic diversity poses significant challenges for linguists The ongoing evolution of idiom definitions and classifications has been a long-standing process, reflecting the richness and intricacies of these expressions in language.
English idioms can be classified based on two main criteria: form and meaning According to Seidl and McMordie (1988), there are three distinct types of idioms.
Idioms having irregular form with clear meaning
While idioms may not adhere to strict grammatical rules, their component words are generally straightforward in meaning Examples include phrases like "to give someone to understand," "to do someone proud," and "to do the dirty on someone" (Seidl & McMordie, 1988, p 13).
Idioms having regular form with unclear meaning
This group of idioms features correct grammatical structures, yet their meanings often elude straightforward interpretation For instance, the phrase “John brought the house down during his performance” signifies that John made the audience laugh uproariously, a meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual words Despite their seemingly simple forms, these idioms can be quite perplexing Research by Seidl and McMordie indicates that most English idioms belong to this category, highlighting the complexity of their meanings.
Idioms having irregular form with unclear meaning
According to Seidl and McMordie's classification of idioms (1988), the final category includes idioms that are both unusual and incorrect in their form and meaning An example of this group is the idiom "go great guns" (p 13).
Translation
Translators have long sought to clarify the concept of translation Early definitions, such as that by Hartman and Stock (1972, as cited in Le & Nguyen, 2008, p 4), describe translation as the process of substituting a source language (SL) unit with an equivalent unit in the target language (TL).
According to Dubois (1973, as cited in Le & Nguyen, 2008), translation is defined as the expression of content from a source language into a target language while preserving both semantic and stylistic equivalence This definition emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original meaning and stylistic elegance of the text during the translation process.
Larson, as cited in Le & Nguyen (2008, p 4), also provided a definition of translation which contained three distinguish steps of learning every factors of the
Translation involves understanding the source language (SL) and reconstructing it using target language (TL) words that fit the cultural context while preserving meaning Both Larson and Dubois emphasize the importance of maintaining meaning in translation However, Dubois (1973) focuses on a SL-oriented approach, whereas Larson prioritizes the naturalness of translation, making his method more TL-oriented.
Munday (2001) defines translation as encompassing the subject field, the translated text itself, and the process of translating He emphasizes that the translation process involves transforming an original written text from one language into a written text in another language.
The exploration of the concept of "translation" emphasizes its symbolic representation rather than the specific requirements typically associated with the practice This perspective shifts the focus from traditional definitions, offering a broader understanding of what translation entails.
Translation has been defined in numerous ways, each addressing various aspects of the process A key consensus among these definitions is the necessity to preserve the meaning of the source language (SL) translation unit as accurately as possible Additionally, debates persist regarding whether translation should prioritize the source language (SL) or the target language (TL), as well as the visibility of the translator's personal style Despite these differing perspectives, the ongoing pursuit of equivalence remains a fundamental goal in the field of translation.
Idiom translation
Idioms have never stopped puzzling translators With their own properties, they pose considerable challenges for translators who need to identify, interpret and ultimately translate them properly
Wright (2002) questions the translatability of idioms, concluding that it is often impossible to translate them directly He emphasizes that while some idioms can be translated, most cannot, and translators should avoid word-for-word translations Instead, they should focus on conveying the entire idiomatic meaning, as there may be no equivalent in the target language This challenge arises from cultural discrepancies that affect the understanding of idioms across different languages.
According to Swan (2005), idioms are unique to specific languages and cannot be translated literally They represent a distinct linguistic phenomenon, functioning as cohesive units despite being composed of multiple words As a result, the meaning of an idiom cannot be derived from its individual components.
18 cannot be grasped from the meaning of its constituents, which also means it can never be translated word for word
O'Dell and McCarthy (2010) emphasize the challenges of idioms, stating that they are fixed expressions that cannot be altered They highlight the importance of understanding key components, including small words, articles, prepositions, and word order when working with idioms Additionally, they warn that translating idioms literally can lead to significant issues, a conclusion that aligns with Swan's earlier findings.
Idioms present significant challenges for translators due to their non-compositional nature and semantic opaqueness, as highlighted by Baker (1992) Before translation can occur, it is essential for translators to accurately recognize and understand these idioms Once this understanding is established, various obstacles arise that further complicate the translation process.
Four hindrances to translators in performing their task of translating idioms have been indicated as follows:
(a) An idiom or fixed expression may have no equivalent in the TL
An idiom or fixed expression may have a counterpart in the target language, but its context of use can vary significantly These expressions may carry different connotations or may not be pragmatically transferable, highlighting the complexities of language translation.
An idiom can be employed in the source text (ST) with both its literal and figurative meanings simultaneously If the target language (TL) idiom does not match the source language (SL) idiom in both form and meaning, the nuanced play on words cannot be effectively replicated in the target text (TT).
The usage of idioms in written communication varies significantly between source and target languages, affecting their contexts and frequency of application.
Not just basically claiming that it is unlikely to translate idioms word for word, Baker (1992) has exposed possible challenges translators may face in the process of translating idioms
Translating idioms presents significant challenges due to their unique characteristics, as their meanings cannot be deduced from their individual components, often leading to confusion for translators Additionally, cultural differences can create a lack of linguistic equivalents in the target language, alongside variations in pragmatic functions between idioms and their potential counterparts Consequently, effective translation strategies are essential for successfully conveying idiomatic expressions.
Newmark (1998) has ever offered suggestions of possible ways to translate idioms as below:
Mona Baker (1992) developed a system of translation strategies specifically for idioms, emphasizing that effective translation goes beyond finding a direct equivalent in the target language (TL) Translators must consider various factors, such as the appropriate register and readership, to ensure that the idiomatic expressions resonate with the target audience Additionally, attention must be given to the components of idioms, as there may be significant connections between parts of the idiom and the overall source text that could be lost in translation Recognizing these challenges, Baker proposed various strategies to aid translators in navigating the complexities of idiomatic expressions.
20 overcome the obstacles in idiom translation They are exact equivalence, reduction, paraphrase and omission or compensation
Regarding the first strategy of exact equivalent, it means using an idiom which has the same meaning and similar form
The second strategy is to use an idiom of the same meaning but different form
Paraphrase is the third strategy Baker (1992) suggested Applying that strategy, the translator could explain the SL idiom in non-idiomatic language
The last strategy is to omit an SL idiom because it could not be solved by applying the three other strategies
Comparing the system of translation strategies proposed by Newmark
In their analyses of idiom translation strategies, Baker (1992) and Newmark (1998) present complementary approaches Baker identifies two main strategies for finding equivalent idioms in the target language: translating into idioms that match both form and meaning, or those that retain the same meaning but differ in form She also introduces the option of omission, which Newmark does not acknowledge Instead, Newmark advocates for literal translation, where the idiomatic meaning may not be preserved, but the overall sense derived from the components of the idiom is conveyed This approach addresses the inherent challenges of idiom translation Ultimately, idioms can be translated using either Baker's equivalence strategies or Newmark's literal translation method.
Figure 2.4: Translation strategies of idioms
Idioms play a crucial role in the English language and constitute a significant portion of it The translation of idioms is a highly regarded area within translation studies, attracting considerable international research At the University of Languages and International Studies, studies focusing on the translation of idioms between English and Vietnamese primarily analyze translation methods based on Newmark's model Notably, Nguyen's 2006 research revealed that semantic and communicative translation methods dominate the field, accounting for over 50% of idiom translations in dictionaries, highlighting their effectiveness Additionally, a 2001 study further explored the complexities of idiomatic translation, emphasizing its importance in cross-linguistic communication.
Expressions in Some Vietnamese Short Stories into English done by Nguyen Ba
The study by Truong Giang examines the use of idioms in various Vietnamese short stories, highlighting the translation methods employed to convert these idiomatic expressions into English The analysis revealed that semantic and communicative translation methods are predominantly utilized in this process Additionally, recent research in the field of idiom translation further supports these findings, emphasizing the significance of these methods in conveying meaning effectively.
In 2012, Truong Thi Nga conducted a study exploring the meanings of the word "money" in English idioms, focusing exclusively on its usage within this context The research involved a comparative analysis of idioms containing "money" in both English and Vietnamese The findings revealed that, overall, the meanings associated with "money" in these idioms share common themes across the two languages.
The term "money" in English idioms can convey a range of meanings, including positive, negative, and neutral connotations While various studies have informed the field of idiom translation, there is a noticeable lack of research focused specifically on idiom translation strategies Consequently, the strategies outlined by Mona Baker in her 1992 work on idiom translation have not received the attention they deserve in academic literature.
This chapter explores the definitions and characteristics of idioms, their categorization, and the challenges associated with translating them It emphasizes the importance of Mona Baker's idiom translation strategies, which provide a solid theoretical foundation for understanding idiom translation These elements significantly enhance the study's overall success.
METHODOLOGY
Research subjects
The study focuses on Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," first published in 1960, and its Vietnamese translation "Giết con chim nhại," co-translated by esteemed translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh This novel was selected due to its rich abundance of English idioms, which are central to the research on translation strategies The wealth of idiomatic expressions in the text significantly enhances the study's depth Additionally, the Vietnamese translation has been well-received by readers and has not faced any negative criticism from experts, further underscoring its quality and relevance for this research.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a highly acclaimed American novel that gained immediate recognition upon its release by winning the Pulitzer Prize It is now a staple in the literature curriculum across numerous high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States.
Procedure of data collection
To meet the research objectives, data collection commenced promptly after the research subjects were prepared This extensive process involved gathering essential English idioms along with their Vietnamese translations from the specified books The data collection was carried out in two distinct stages.
Stage 1: Collecting English idioms in “To kill a mockingbird”
In the initial phase of the study, the entire English novel was analyzed to identify and extract English idioms, which were documented in the first column of a three-column table The subsequent columns included their Vietnamese equivalents and the translation strategies utilized by translators, following Mona Baker's framework for idiom translation The goal was to ensure that nearly all English idioms used by the author in the novel were successfully identified and cataloged.
Stage 2: Collecting Vietnamese translations of the English idioms in the translated book “Giết con chim nhại” by Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh
In the second stage of the study, the researcher examined the Vietnamese translations to identify the corresponding translations of each extracted English idiom By carefully reviewing the Vietnamese text, the researcher located and documented the Vietnamese equivalents for each English idiom These translations were then organized in a table alongside their English counterparts, facilitating a comparative analysis of English-Vietnamese translation strategies during the data analysis process.
Following the essential phases of the data collection process, the researcher successfully compiled a comprehensive list of English idioms along with their Vietnamese translations This accomplishment effectively addressed the initial research question regarding the use of English idioms by the writer.
Procedure of data analysis
Textual data analysis will be utilized to examine English idioms alongside their Vietnamese translations A comprehensive table has been created, listing all English idioms and their corresponding translations in Vietnamese.
The analysis of English idioms focused on their form and meaning, resulting in the identification of various groups of idioms present in the novel, while excluding Vietnamese translations from consideration.
The study identifies strategies for translating English idioms into Vietnamese, based on Baker's idiom translation strategies (1992) Each English idiom and its Vietnamese translation were analyzed systematically, followed by a count of the frequency of each translation strategy employed A table was created to display the frequency of these strategies, which were then converted into percentages Additionally, a graph was constructed to visually represent the percentage of each strategy used by translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Findings
“To Kill a Mockingbird” serves as a strong example of the frequent use of English idioms, showcasing a diverse range throughout the narrative The idioms in the novel can be categorized based on the classification system established by O'Dell and McCarthy.
In a study conducted in 2010, it was found that nearly all categories of idioms were represented, except for trinomial idioms, euphemisms, and those derived from other languages The research indicated that various translation strategies were utilized to address these idioms, including exact equivalence, reduction, paraphrase, and literal translation Notably, paraphrase emerged as the most frequently used strategy, while exact equivalence was the least utilized Additionally, omission was the only strategy that the two translators did not employ.
Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh, in their performance of the translation task
Research question 1: What are English idioms in the novel “To kill a mockingbird”?
In the data collection process, the researcher meticulously examined each page of the book, focusing on the semantic and formal characteristics of idioms to identify the English idioms employed by the author This thorough analysis resulted in a compilation of 57 distinct idioms, with the majority following the structure of Verb + Object/Complement (and/or Adverbial).
The study reveals that the novel features a diverse range of English idioms, although certain types, such as idiomatic trinomials and euphemisms, are notably absent.
Idioms often arise from the combination of a verb with an object or adverbial phrase A notable example is the idiom "to get someone's goat," which means "to very much annoy someone," as defined in the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2008) This idiom is illustrated in literature, such as when a character named Uncle Jack mentions his long-standing attempts to irritate Miss Maudie, stating, "He said he was trying to get Miss Maudie’s goat, that he had been trying unsuccessfully for forty years…" (Lee, 1960, p 58).
The article highlights the prevalence of idioms in noun and prepositional phrases, including expressions like "on tenterhooks," "into the limelight," "on the wrong foot," "in state," and "acid tongue." Additionally, it identifies a category of idioms known as binomials, noting five examples: "tooth and nail," "high and mighty," "bound and determined," "born and bred," and "bit by bit."
Being rare but not absent from the novel is simile Lee (1960) has written:
The idiom "as sure as eggs is eggs," meaning "for certain," emphasizes the inevitability of curiosity leading to emergence when left unaddressed As noted on page 110, the phrase suggests that silence can provoke inquiry, highlighting the natural human tendency to seek answers.
(2008) However, the abridged one used in the book better shows the typical structure of a simile
In conclusion, while clichés are not prevalent in the novel, a few instances, such as the exclamation "My stars!", do appear This observation effectively addresses the first question outlined in the study's objectives.
This article explores the translation strategies employed by translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh in rendering English idioms from the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” into Vietnamese It aims to identify the most and least frequently used techniques by these translators in their work.
The study aimed to identify the strategies employed by translators when converting English idioms into Vietnamese, highlighting the most and least frequently used methods.
The study effectively addressed its research problems, revealing that Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh employed various translation strategies, including exact equivalence, reduction, paraphrase, and literal translation, with paraphrase being the most frequently used Notably, exact equivalence was the least utilized strategy, accounting for only 2% The results are clearly illustrated in a table detailing the frequency and percentage of strategies used for translating idioms, and the percentage data has been converted into a graph for a clearer representation of the strategy proportions in English-Vietnamese idiom translation.
Table 4.1: Frequency and percentage of English-Vietnamese translation strategies of idioms in “To kill a mockingbird”
Figure 4: Percentage of each strategy used in translation of idioms appearing in “To kill a mockingbird” from English into Vietnamese
This is the most dominant idiom translation strategy the translators used to render English idioms in the novel “To kill a mockingbird” into Vietnamese Up to
In the analyzed book, 46 out of 57 idioms, accounting for 81% of the translation strategies employed, were paraphrased by the translators This method involved explaining the idiomatic meanings using non-idiomatic phrases The translated idioms span various categories as classified by O'Dell and McCarthy (2010), including noun phrases and verbal phrases A table showcasing examples of idioms translated through this strategy is provided.
Table 4.2: Examples of English idioms translated into Vietnamese with the strategy of paraphrase by Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh
English idiom Type of idiom Vietnamese translation
To walk on eggs Verbal phrase Đi đứng rất cẩn thận
To see the light Verbal phrase Trở nên sùng đạo
To have blind spots Noun phrase Có thành kiến
This strategy focuses on finding an equivalent idiom in the target language, ensuring that both the original and the translated idiom share identical form and meaning After thorough data collection and analysis, it was found that only one out of 57 idioms was translated using this exact equivalence strategy The idiom in question is “born and bred,” as noted by Lee (1960): “He liked Maycomb, he was Maycomb County born and bred…” (p 6) Phạm Viêm Phương translated it as “Bố thích Maycomb, ông sinh ra và lớn lên ở hạt Maycomb,” which successfully fulfills the criteria of maintaining the same form and meaning as the original phrase.
Baker (1992) highlights the reduction strategy as a method for finding equivalents to source language idioms, emphasizing that while the form may differ, the meaning must remain consistent The study revealed that translators frequently employed this strategy when translating various types of idioms.
“In the pitch dark” (p 368) “Tối như hũ nút”(p 469)
“To fight tooth and nail” (p 119) “Chiến đấu sống mái”(p 156)
The prepositional idiomatic phrase "in the pitch dark," signifying extreme darkness, was effectively translated into the Vietnamese equivalent "tối như hũ nút."
31 contains a comparison instead of a preposition like the English idiom The meaning of the Vietnamese idiom also expresses the darkness of a very high degree
Implications
The study highlights the significant challenges in translation, particularly with idioms, emphasizing the need for translators to possess a strong understanding of translation theory and proficiency in foreign languages Additionally, recognizing cultural differences is crucial for effective translation The research also recommends specific strategies to effectively address the complexities of translating idioms.
Translation has evolved into a complex field, presenting various challenges, particularly in translating idioms Idioms are unique linguistic expressions where the meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words To effectively convey messages in the target language, translators must possess a deep understanding of both the idioms in the source language and a comprehensive knowledge of idioms in the target language.
Even native speakers may not know all the idioms in their language, highlighting the importance for translators to deepen their understanding of idioms and translation studies This includes familiarizing themselves with idiom translation strategies, such as literal translation and omission When no better option exists, translators should consider translating literally or omitting idioms, provided it does not create a significant difference between the original and translated texts Understanding these techniques in advance can help translators navigate the challenges of idiom translation more effectively.
Cultural differences play a crucial role in idiom translation, as highlighted by Baker (1992), who notes that equivalent idioms may not exist in the target language, and even when they do, their pragmatic functions can vary significantly This discrepancy can render a translated idiom unsuitable for use despite its availability Idioms are inherently culture-bound, making it essential for translators to understand these cultural nuances to determine the appropriateness of idioms in their translations, ultimately ensuring high quality and stylistic fidelity in their work.
The study's findings suggest that paraphrasing is the preferred method for translating English idioms into Vietnamese Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh successfully employed this idiom translation strategy while translating a classic American modern literature novel Paraphrasing is versatile and suitable for various idiom types; however, omission should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, particularly when literal translation fails.
Translating idioms presents significant challenges, but employing effective strategies, particularly paraphrasing, can enhance the process While finding an exact equivalent idiom is ideal, such instances are infrequent Therefore, it is crucial for translators to continually expand their knowledge and skills in translation to achieve better results.
This article explores 36 theories and idioms in both the source and target languages, emphasizing the significance of cultural context It highlights the importance of selecting appropriate idiom translation strategies to enhance translation effectiveness and ensure accurate communication across languages.
Application
This study holds significant value as it explores English idioms, general translation principles, and specific strategies for translating idioms Focusing on a novel frequently included in U.S school curricula, the findings are expected to be beneficial and widely applicable in educational contexts.
This study serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in English idioms, offering a comprehensive review of various works on the subject It analyzes and synthesizes established theories related to idioms, providing language learners with essential information, including definitions, characteristics, and classifications The inclusion of numerous idiom examples enhances understanding, making it beneficial even for those who may not focus on translation but seek to deepen their knowledge of English idioms.
This study serves as a comprehensive reference for English idioms and translation theories, offering recommended strategies for those struggling with idiomatic expressions The strategies are grounded in established theories from reputable scholars in the translation field It provides an in-depth exploration of the evolution of translation definitions and a comparative analysis of various idiom translation systems Researchers will benefit from this study as it consolidates essential information, reducing the need to consult multiple sources Additionally, students grappling with idiomatic translations may find valuable solutions within its pages.
37 visual charts, which may boost students‟ acquisition of knowledge and translation competence
While not the primary focus of the study, it is important to acknowledge the contribution to appreciating the literary masterpiece "To Kill a Mockingbird." This novel has been recognized as a top recommendation on the list of "books adults should read before they die," according to an article by Michelle Pauli in The Guardian, a respected UK newspaper The idiomatic expressions in the book can pose challenges for readers Therefore, book enthusiasts and literature lovers may find this study useful for clarifying these idioms, enhancing their reading experience.
This study highlights the lack of research on English-Vietnamese idiom translation strategies, particularly those outlined by Baker (1992), suggesting that further exploration of this theory could enhance its value The theoretical framework reviewed in this study can be effectively utilized in university translation training, while the compiled list of idioms can aid in designing activities that strengthen students' linguistic and translation skills.
The study presents findings with broad applicability, serving as a reliable reference for researchers, scholars, lecturers, and students interested in linguistic and translational theories related to idioms Its critical analyses and logical syntheses can enhance activities in research, self-study, teaching, and training.
This chapter presents the study's findings, highlighting the key results related to idioms identified in the research subjects and the strategies used for their translation Additionally, it discusses the implications and applications of these findings in greater detail.
CONCLUSION
Summary of findings
The study explored key theories surrounding idioms, emphasizing their complexity and popularity in the English language Idioms are fixed phrases composed of individual words that convey figurative meanings not deducible from their literal interpretations Various attempts have been made to categorize idioms based on different criteria, resulting in classifications that include verbal phrases, prepositional phrases, proverbs, similes, binomials, and trinomials.
The study developed a set of idiom translation strategies, primarily inspired by Baker's 1992 framework By comparing various idiom translation systems, it identified five key strategies, four of which were derived from Baker's original model.
(1992) They are exact equivalence, reduction, paraphrase, literary translation and omission
The research reveals that "To Kill a Mockingbird" contains 57 idioms, primarily in the form of verbal phrases While proverbs, similes, and clichés are infrequently used, they do appear in the text However, euphemisms, trinomials, and idioms from other languages are notably absent from the novel.
The study reveals the translation strategies employed by Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh for English idioms extracted from the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." It identifies four effective idiom translation strategies: exact equivalence, reduction, paraphrase, and literary translation, while noting that omission was not utilized in their approach.
Translators employed 39 strategies to address English idioms, with paraphrasing being the most common method, utilized in 81% of cases Literary translation followed, applied to 7 out of 57 idioms In contrast, exact equivalence was the least used strategy, accounting for only 2% of the translations, as it was applied to just one idiom Notably, the study revealed that omission was not a strategy selected by the translators.
The research on English idioms and their translation strategies, particularly in the case study of translating idioms in "To Kill a Mockingbird" into Vietnamese, yielded significant findings The novel features a diverse array of idioms, excluding euphemisms, trinomial phrases, and idioms from other languages Translators Pham Viem Phuong and Huynh Kim Oanh employed various strategies outlined in Baker's (1992) idiom translation framework, with the exception of omission They also incorporated literary translation techniques from Newmark's (1998) strategies Notably, exact equivalence was the least utilized strategy, while paraphrasing emerged as the most common approach, highlighting the challenges of idiom translation and suggesting potential solutions.
Limitations
The study faced limitations due to restricted time and resources, which affected its scope These limitations include a narrow focus on specific research subjects, a lack of generalizability for the strategies relevant to different categories of idioms, and the potential oversight of certain idioms during the data collection process.
The study focused exclusively on English idioms found in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," which limited the variety of idioms analyzed Consequently, the research involved a relatively small number of idioms, highlighting the need for broader examination in future studies.
The novel features 57 idioms, and an expanded analysis of additional idioms and their Vietnamese translations would enhance the study's findings and implications.
The study faced limitations in generalizing translation strategies for idioms due to the limited number of examples For instance, the simile category included only one idiom from the novel, making it impossible to determine an effective translation strategy for this group Ideally, the research would have provided more comprehensive insights into translating idioms.
Despite the researcher's thorough effort to identify all idioms in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by meticulously reading the entire text, there remains a chance that some idioms may have been overlooked While she has diligently examined each page, it cannot be guaranteed that the analysis is entirely free of errors.
Suggestions for further research
The field of idiom translation strategies presents a rich area for research, attracting numerous scholars who seek to classify idioms effectively Investigating various classification systems of English idioms offers valuable insights and contributes significantly to the understanding of idiomatic expressions in translation.
Besides Baker‟s motif of translation strategies (1992) and Newmark‟s one
(1998), there must have been some others that have not been researched People who are interested may conduct research on them to help deal with difficulties in translating idioms
The limitations identified in this study offer valuable insights for future research Further investigations could focus on strategies tailored to specific types of idioms Additionally, Baker's motif (1992) could be explored using subjects beyond the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."
This chapter summarizes the key findings of the research, outlines its limitations, and proposes various avenues for future exploration.
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In "Practical English Usage," Swan (2005) provides essential insights into English language nuances, while Truong (2012) explores the various meanings of the word "money" as reflected in English idioms Additionally, Wright (2002) offers a comprehensive organization of idioms categorized by metaphor, topic, and key words, enhancing the understanding of idiomatic expressions in English.
English idioms in “To kill a mockingbird” and their translation
(Fight) tooth and nail Binomial Chiến đấu sống mái với ai Reduction
(He had) seen the light Verb+Complement Trở nên sùng đạo Paraphrase
(Related) by blood Prepositional phrase
Có quan hệ họ hàng Paraphrase
(Starting off) on the wrong foot
Trong chuyện nào em cũng khởi đầu hỏng bét cả
(To drag someone/something) into the limelight
(Lôi ai/cái gì) a trước công chúng Paraphrase
(To have) a slow fuse Noun phrase Là một ngòi nổ chậm
(Traveled) in state Prepositional phrase
(Du lịch) trong tư thế người giàu có và cao sang
Acid tongue in her head Noun phrase Cô có giọng lưỡi cay độc Paraphrase
All of a sudden Cliché Bất ngờ Paraphrase
As sure as eggs Simile Chắc chắn Paraphrase
Bit by bit Binomial Từ từ Paraphrase
Born and bred Binomial Sinh ra và lớn lên Exact equivalence
Bought cotton Verb+Complement Mua bông vải
Bound and determined Binomials Quyết chí và khẳng định Paraphrase
Bowed to the inevitable Verb+Complement
Chấp thuận điều không thể tránh khỏi
Break camp Verb+Complement Dẹp trò chơi này đi Paraphrase
(Don‟t count your chickens before they‟re hatched)
Proverb Đang đếm gà (quá tin chắc vào một truyện chưa xảy ra)
Drew a bead on him Verb+Complement Tôi nhắm kỹ vào nó Paraphrase
Established a line Verb+Complement Tạo dựng một dòng họ Paraphrase
Get Miss Maudie's goat Verb+Complement Đang chọc tức cô
Give up Phrasal verb Bỏ ý định Paraphrase
Had it coming to him Verb+Complement Nếu hắn có ý đó Paraphrase
Have your tail in a crack Verb+Complement Bị kẹt đuôi trong một khe nứt
High and mighty Binomials Cao cấp và quyền hành Paraphrase
Honest day‟s work Compound Lao động một ngày lương thiện Paraphrase
I‟ll tan you Verb+Complement Bố sẽ cho tụi con ăn đòn đó Paraphrase
In a pig‟s ear (you did) Prepositional phrase
(Mày) làm mọi thứ rối tung lên Paraphrase
In the pitch darkness, she remained oblivious to the situation, never realizing the impact of her actions That evening, her antics had us laughing uncontrollably.
Made a pile Verb+Complement Kiếm tiền Paraphrase
Mind his own business Verb+Complement Hãy lo chuyện của mình Paraphrase
Hẳn anh được một ít tiền (trong phi vụ này)
My stars! Cliché Trời đất! Reduction
On tenterhooks Prepositional phrase Lòng bồn chồn Paraphrase
Reduce Dracula to dust Verb+Complement Kể rốt ráo hết phim Dracula Paraphrase Set my teeth permanently on edge Verb+Complement Gây phiền hà cho tôi Paraphrase
Son of a bitch Noun phrase Đồ chó đẻ Literal translation
Stood as much guff about Verb+Complement
Có lẽ đã chịu đựng nhiều lời đồn đại ngốc nghếch về
Take a broad view of the thing Verb+Complement
Có một cái nhìn bao quát về sự việc này
Tell on someone Verb+Complement Mách về ai Paraphrase Till I was blue in the Compound Đã cố hết sức Paraphrase