Rationale
Language plays a vital role in human life, facilitating the exchange of information in social interactions However, the diversity of languages worldwide can hinder communication Translation serves to bridge these linguistic gaps, enabling people to connect and share knowledge across different languages It is a crucial tool for accessing information; without translation, individuals risk being excluded from valuable resources Thus, translation activities are essential for a nation's progress in science and knowledge advancement.
Idiomatic expressions are an integral aspect of language that often pose challenges for foreign language learners Students frequently struggle to identify idioms and grasp their meanings, largely because these expressions are colloquial metaphors that demand a deep understanding of both the target and source languages Additionally, a translator must possess cultural knowledge of both the source and target texts As noted by Langlotz (2006), idioms are defined as conventional multi-word units that are semantically opaque and structurally fixed.
Idioms are crucial in any language, yet their translation poses significant challenges for translators This is because the meaning of an idiomatic expression cannot be deduced from the individual words that compose it Consequently, idiomatic phrases cannot be translated literally into another language, as their meanings often do not align with the sum of their parts.
2 between the SL and the TL
Based the explanation above, it is interested to analyze the translation of idiomatic expressions in novel because idioms appear frequently in it The
The Love Story novel serves as the focal point of this research due to its rich use of idiomatic expressions This study explores the translation strategies employed by the translator in rendering these idioms, as well as the degree of meaning equivalence achieved in both the original and translated versions Additionally, the captivating narrative of the novel, which has also been adapted into a film of the same title, adds to its significance.
For this reason, the minor thesis would like to focus on translating idiomatic expressions in “Love Story” by Erich Segal from English to Vietnamese.
Objectives of the study
The study covers the following aims:
To identify the strategies used in translating idiomatic expression found in Bilingual Novel entitled “Love Story” by Erich Segal” into “Câu chuyện tình yêu” by Trần Anh Kim
To describe the degree of meaning equivalence in the translation of the idiomatic expressions
To successfully achieve the above aims, the thesis seeks to answer the two research questions:
What strategies are used in translating the idiomatic expression in
“Love Story” by Erich Segal into “Câu chuyện tình yêu” by Trần Anh Kim?
What degree is meaning equivalence represented in the translation of the idiomatic expressions?
3 The Scope of the Study
Translation plays a crucial role in converting content from the source language to the target language A significant challenge in this process is the translation of idiomatic expressions, which require specialized knowledge for accurate interpretation This thesis specifically examines the translation of idiomatic phrases found in the novel "Love Story" into "Câu chuyện tình yêu" by Trần Anh Kim.
The researcher wants to give some benefits from this research, not only for the researcher herself, but also for the some related parties The benefits are:
To know about the strategies translating idiomatic expression and get new experience in researching idiomatic expressions
To know the differences of translation used in source language into target language
Be an additional reference for translation of idiomatic expressions for Foreign Language Department students
The benefits are to develop the learners understanding especially the idiom
The researcher hopes that the translator can get an additional reference if he or she conducts his or her process of translation
Thesis organization is a summary of each chapter It is to create a systematic writing and to make it easy to the readers in understanding the content This
4 thesis is organized as follows:
Part I is Introduction It consists of Background of the Study, Objective of the study, Scope of the Study, Significance of the Study, and Thesis Organization
Part II is Development This part consists of three small parts:
Chapter I presents a comprehensive Review of Related Literature, highlighting key concepts in translation and idiomatic expressions It explores various strategies employed in translating idiomatic phrases and assesses the degree of meaning equivalence achieved in these translations.
- Chapter II is Research Method It conveys of Approach, Data type, Source of Data, Data Collection, and Data Analysis
- Chapter III is Findings and Discussions of the Data collected
Part III is Conclusion and Suggestions
This thesis is underpinned by several relevant theories essential for a comprehensive analysis, including Translation, Idioms, Strategies for Translating Idioms, and the Degree of Meaning Equivalence The following sections provide detailed descriptions of these theories, which are directly related to the issues explored in this study.
1 Relationship between Idiomatic translation, language and culture:
The term culture refers to a set of beliefs that control a particular country or group behaviors It is defined by Taylor (cited in Hymes, 1964:
Culture encompasses knowledge, beliefs, customs, and habits acquired by individuals within a society, with language being a fundamental component that forms the essence of culture According to the Longman dictionary, language is described as "the heart within the body of culture." This interplay between culture and language significantly influences the translation process, as the integration of the source text (ST) into the target culture (TC) can vary, potentially leading to challenges for translators Effective translation involves transferring meaning from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL), necessitating a deep understanding of both languages' systems and structures Translators must be attuned to cultural nuances to prevent misunderstandings and ensure accurate communication.
Ivir (1987) emphasized that language is inherently tied to culture, indicating that effective translation requires a deep understanding of both the cultural contexts and the structural nuances of the languages involved.
Newmark (1988) posited that untranslatability is more prevalent when there is a significant cultural overlap between the source language (SL) and the target language (TL), suggesting that translators may struggle to effectively convey meaning across both languages.
Dweik (2000) emphasized that cultural differences can create challenges in both translation and foreign language acquisition He identified that interference issues often stem from insufficient knowledge of the second language or from the first language Additionally, he explored how non-linguistic factors can either hinder or facilitate the process of becoming bilingual.
Baker (1992) highlights that certain words in the source language may represent concepts that are unfamiliar to the target culture, whether they are abstract or concrete, and can relate to religious beliefs, social customs, or types of food She identifies common non-equivalents that translators may encounter during translation Cultural differences pose significant challenges for translators, especially those lacking familiarity with these nuances, making the translation of idiomatic expressions particularly difficult for non-expert translators.
Idiomatic translation involves more than just converting words from one language to another; it requires the integration of cultural context The significant differences in historical backgrounds, traditional customs, and thought processes across countries lead to varied meanings, images, and uses of idioms As a result, translating idioms presents one of the greatest challenges in intercultural communication and language acquisition.
Idiomatic constructions, as described by Langlotz (2006), are complex symbols with distinct formal, semantic, pragmatic, and sociolinguistic features, highlighting the intricate relationship between language and culture Idioms serve as a vital component of language, reflecting cultural nuances and facilitating communication The interplay between language and culture underscores the significance of idioms as they embody the complexities of both linguistic expression and cultural identity.
Idiomatic expressions are rich in cultural significance, reflecting aspects such as nationality, customs, traditions, ceremonies, religion, and geography By studying these expressions, one can gain valuable insights into the underlying cultural patterns and backgrounds Each language uniquely conveys ideas and issues, making idiomatic expressions specific to both language and culture Understanding these nuances enhances our appreciation of diverse cultures.
Language, culture, and idiomatic translation are intrinsically linked, each reinforcing the other Understanding one requires knowledge of the others, as their close relationship shapes our appreciation and comprehension of communication.
Translation can be defined in various ways, but one notable definition comes from esteemed researcher Peter Newmark He describes translation as a craft that involves the effort to convey a written message or statement from one language into another, ensuring that the original meaning is preserved.
Translation is the expression in another language (target language) of what has been expressed in one language (source language), preserving semantic and stylistic equivalencies (By Roger T Bell)
Translation is the replacement of a representation of a text in one language by a representation of an equivalent text in a second language (By Roger T Bell)
Translation is rendering a written text into another language in a way that the author intended the text (By Bui Tien Bao – Hanoi National University)
Translation involves converting written texts from one language to another, encompassing a wide range of materials Translators handle everything from simple documents like birth certificates and driving licenses to more intricate texts, including journal articles, business contracts, and legal documents.
According to Larson (1984), translation is a process that involves both cultural and situational contexts of the source language These contexts can be broken down into expressed text, lexicon, and grammatical structure, all of which contribute to the overall meaning During the translation process, this meaning is carefully analyzed and uncovered before being conveyed into the target language.
Significances of the study
The researcher wants to give some benefits from this research, not only for the researcher herself, but also for the some related parties The benefits are:
To know about the strategies translating idiomatic expression and get new experience in researching idiomatic expressions
To know the differences of translation used in source language into target language
Be an additional reference for translation of idiomatic expressions for Foreign Language Department students
The benefits are to develop the learners understanding especially the idiom
The researcher hopes that the translator can get an additional reference if he or she conducts his or her process of translation.
Thesis organization
Thesis organization is a summary of each chapter It is to create a systematic writing and to make it easy to the readers in understanding the content This
4 thesis is organized as follows:
Part I is Introduction It consists of Background of the Study, Objective of the study, Scope of the Study, Significance of the Study, and Thesis Organization
Part II is Development This part consists of three small parts:
Chapter I presents a Review of Related Literature, highlighting key concepts in translation, the nature of idioms, and the strategies employed for translating idiomatic expressions It also explores the degree of meaning equivalence achieved in the translation of these expressions.
- Chapter II is Research Method It conveys of Approach, Data type, Source of Data, Data Collection, and Data Analysis
- Chapter III is Findings and Discussions of the Data collected
Part III is Conclusion and Suggestions
DEVELOPMENT
RESEARCH METHOD
The researcher wants to give some benefits from this research, not only for the researcher herself, but also for the some related parties The benefits are:
To know about the strategies translating idiomatic expression and get new experience in researching idiomatic expressions
To know the differences of translation used in source language into target language
Be an additional reference for translation of idiomatic expressions for Foreign Language Department students
The benefits are to develop the learners understanding especially the idiom
The researcher hopes that the translator can get an additional reference if he or she conducts his or her process of translation
Thesis organization is a summary of each chapter It is to create a systematic writing and to make it easy to the readers in understanding the content This
4 thesis is organized as follows:
Part I is Introduction It consists of Background of the Study, Objective of the study, Scope of the Study, Significance of the Study, and Thesis Organization
Part II is Development This part consists of three small parts:
Chapter I presents a comprehensive review of related literature, highlighting key concepts in translation and idioms It explores various strategies employed in translating idiomatic expressions and assesses the degree of meaning equivalence achieved in these translations.
- Chapter II is Research Method It conveys of Approach, Data type, Source of Data, Data Collection, and Data Analysis
- Chapter III is Findings and Discussions of the Data collected
Part III is Conclusion and Suggestions
A comprehensive analysis in this thesis is underpinned by several relevant theories, including Translation, Idioms, Strategies for Translating Idioms, and the Degree of Meaning Equivalence The following descriptions elaborate on these theories and their connection to the issues addressed in this study.
1 Relationship between Idiomatic translation, language and culture:
The term culture refers to a set of beliefs that control a particular country or group behaviors It is defined by Taylor (cited in Hymes, 1964:
Culture encompasses the knowledge, beliefs, customs, and acquired habits of individuals within a society, with language being a vital component, often described as "the heart within the body of culture." This cultural dimension significantly influences the translation process, as the integration of the source text (ST) into the target culture (TC) can vary, potentially creating challenges for translators Effective translation involves conveying messages and meanings from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL), necessitating a deep understanding of the linguistic and cultural nuances of both languages to prevent misunderstandings.
Ivir (1987) emphasized that language is inherently linked to culture, highlighting that effective translation requires a deep understanding of both the linguistic structures and cultural nuances of the source and target languages.
Newmark (1988) argued that untranslatability is more prevalent when there is a significant cultural overlap between the source language (SL) and the target language (TL), indicating that translators may struggle to effectively convey meaning across both languages.
Dweik (2000) highlighted that cultural differences can create challenges in both translation and foreign language learning He examined the interference issues stemming from insufficient knowledge of either the target language or the native language Additionally, he addressed how non-linguistic factors can either hinder or facilitate the process of becoming bilingual.
Baker (1992) highlights that words in the source language may convey concepts that are entirely unfamiliar to the target culture, whether they are abstract or concrete, and can pertain to areas such as religious beliefs, social customs, or specific foods She identifies common non-equivalents that translators may encounter during translation Cultural differences pose significant challenges for translators who lack familiarity with these nuances, particularly when it comes to translating idiomatic expressions, which can be particularly difficult for those without expert knowledge.
Idiomatic translation goes beyond mere language conversion; it involves the transplantation of culture Due to the diverse historical and cultural backgrounds, traditional customs, and distinct ways of thinking across countries, idioms vary significantly in their images, meanings, and usage Consequently, translating idioms presents one of the most challenging tasks in intercultural communication and language learning.
Idiomatic constructions are complex symbols with distinct formal, semantic, pragmatic, and sociolinguistic features, highlighting the intricate relationship between language and culture (Langlotz, 2006, p 2) Idioms represent a vital aspect of language, deeply intertwined with cultural nuances, as both elements continuously shape and influence one another Understanding idioms is essential for grasping the complexities of language within its cultural context.
Idiomatic expressions are rich in cultural significance, reflecting various aspects such as nationality, customs, traditions, ceremonies, religion, and geography By studying these expressions, one can gain valuable insights into a culture's unique background and patterns Each language employs distinct methods to convey specific ideas, making idiomatic expressions inherently tied to both language and culture.
Language, culture, and idiomatic translation are intricately interconnected, each reinforcing the others Understanding one aspect requires knowledge of the others, highlighting the inseparable relationship between them.
Translation can be defined in various ways, but one notable definition by researcher Peter Newmark describes it as a craft aimed at replacing a written message or statement in one language with the equivalent in another language (Newmark, 1988a:7).
Translation is the expression in another language (target language) of what has been expressed in one language (source language), preserving semantic and stylistic equivalencies (By Roger T Bell)
Translation is the replacement of a representation of a text in one language by a representation of an equivalent text in a second language (By Roger T Bell)
Translation is rendering a written text into another language in a way that the author intended the text (By Bui Tien Bao – Hanoi National University)
Translation involves converting written texts from one language to another This process encompasses a wide range of materials, from straightforward documents like birth certificates and driving licenses to more intricate texts, including academic articles, business contracts, and legal documents.
Translation is a complex process that involves the analysis and transfer of meaning from a source language, which encompasses cultural and situational contexts According to Larson (1984), these contexts can be broken down into expressed text, lexicon, and grammatical structure, all of which contribute to the overall meaning During the translation process, this meaning is carefully examined and then conveyed into another language.
Translation involves conveying the meaning from the source language to the receptor language The translator re-expresses the original content, adapting the text, vocabulary, and grammatical structure to fit the receptor language This process ensures that the intended message is accurately communicated while maintaining coherence and clarity.
Expressed text Lexicon Grammar Expressed text
Analysis of meaning Re-expression of meaning
Discovery of meaning Transfer of meaning
Figure 1: Translation Process by Larson (1984: 4)
Form and Meaning in Translation
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 1 Findings
From the table above, it can be seen that in the term of non-equivalent meaning, most of the idiomatic expressions are translated into no meaning
No meaning has the occurrence of 2 or 66.67%, and different meaning has the occurrence of 1 or 33.33%
Translation strategies used by translator in translating the Idiomatic Expressions in the English-Vietnamese texts
The analysis of the translation strategies can be seen in the discussion below:
Using strategies of similar meaning and form
This strategy employs an idiom in the target language (TL) that closely matches the meaning of the idiomatic expression in the source language (SL), utilizing equivalent lexical items This approach is observed in six instances, accounting for 42.86% of the total strategies used Below are examples of translation using this idiomatic strategy.
SL Jenny, how can I study when all the time I want to make love to you?
TL Jenny ạ, làm sao mà anh có thể ngồi học được trong khi lúc nào anh cũng muốn làm tình với em
Through Cambridge Dictionaries Online, the idiomatic expression
The phrase "make love" refers to engaging in sexual relations and is comparable to the Vietnamese idiomatic expression "làm tình." Both expressions share similar meanings, where "make" corresponds to "làm" and "love" aligns with "tình." Additionally, they exhibit a similar grammatical structure, consisting of a verb followed by a noun.
SL “But in a strange way you want me.” P23 L19
TL “Nhưng anh muốn em theo cái lối kỳ quặc ấy” P24 L 17
According to Cambridge Dictionaries Online, the idiomatic expression
The phrase "in a way" refers to a specific manner of doing something According to Trần Anh Kim, it shares a similar meaning with the Vietnamese expression "theo cái lối," which also denotes a particular approach Both expressions are idiomatic and take the form of a noun phrase, highlighting their structural similarity.
SL Phil cleaned the flat, again and again P103 L5
TL Phil hết lau lại dọn nhà cửa P104 L5
The idiomatic expression "again and again," as defined by Cambridge Dictionaries Online, signifies the act of repetition, closely aligning with the Vietnamese word "lại," which also conveys the idea of doing something repeatedly Trần Anh Kim interprets "lại" as a term that emphasizes the recurrence of an action Both expressions share equivalent lexical meanings, with "again" being synonymous with "lại." Additionally, they exhibit similar grammatical structures, functioning as noun phrases.
Using strategies of Similar Meaning but Dissimilar Form (IDF)
In translation, it's common to encounter an idiom in the target language (TL) that conveys a similar meaning to the source idiom but uses different words This approach is known as translating with an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form The following examples illustrate this effective translation strategy.
SL After that, I was not looking forward to meeting Jenny‟s father
TL Sau đó tôi cũng chẳng trông chờ mong gặp cha Jenny P58 L1
The idiomatic expression “look forward to,” as defined by Cambridge Dictionaries Online, refers to the pleasurable and eager anticipation of a future event This phrase shares a similar meaning with the Vietnamese expression “chờ mong.”
According to Trần Anh Kim, the Vietnamese expression "chờ mong" translates to "to expect" in English The idiom "look forward to" is structured with a verb, particle, and preposition, while "chờ mong" is classified as a miscellaneous idiom, consisting solely of a verb.
SL “Oliver, he‟s reaching out to you.” P71 L5
TL “Oliver này, ông già đang tìm tới anh đấy” P72 L 5
The idiom "reach out to," as defined by Cambridge Dictionaries Online, means to offer someone assistance, similar to the Vietnamese expression "tìm tới," which conveys the same idea According to Trần Anh Kim, "tìm tới" signifies seeking help or support However, the two idioms differ in form; "reach out to" combines a verb, particle, and preposition, while "tìm tới" consists solely of a verb.
SL Then next morning I woke up and Jenny was there beside me
TL Rồi sáng hôm sau khi tôi tỉnh giấc Jenny vẫn đó, nàng ngay bên cạnh tôi
The idiomatic expression "wake up," as defined by Cambridge Dictionaries Online, means to cause someone to awaken, which is similar to the Vietnamese expression "tỉnh giấc," also meaning to awaken According to Trần Anh Kim, "tỉnh giấc" conveys the same concept However, the two expressions differ in form; "wake up" is a phrasal verb, while "tỉnh giấc" is characterized as a reduplication or falls into the category of miscellaneous idioms.
Sometimes, an idiom may be completely omitted in the target text due to a lack of a close equivalent in the target language, difficulties in paraphrasing its meaning, or stylistic considerations.
SL She wanted to speak to her father, “man to man” P103 L20
TL Nàng muốn nói chuyện với cha P104 L19
The idiomatic expression "man to man" is not translated in the target language (TL), leading to a loss of meaning According to Cambridge Dictionaries Online, "man to man" signifies a serious and honest conversation between two men on equal terms This expression should not be omitted, as it can be effectively translated into Vietnamese as "nghiêm túc." Translators must carefully consider the most suitable translation strategy and assess whether certain expressions carry significant meaning within the context.
SL I told her and was at once deep in my law book again P73 L4
TL Tôi bảo nàng và lại chúi mũi vào cuốn sách luật học của mình
The idiomatic expression "at once," defined by Cambridge Dictionaries Online as meaning "immediately," is left untranslated by the translator due to its unique connotation that is difficult to paraphrase While it could be rendered as "ngay lập tức," the translator believes that retaining the original phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning of the source text in the target language.
The Degree of Meaning Equivalence of the Translation of Idiomatic Expressions in the English-Vietnamese Texts
The findings reveal two types of meaning equivalence: equivalent meaning and non-equivalent meaning Equivalent meaning is further divided into fully equivalent, which represents complete meaning, and partly equivalent, which includes increased and decreased meaning Conversely, non-equivalent meaning can be classified into two categories: different meaning and no meaning at all.
Equivalent meaning poses challenges in translation, as it requires that a linguistic unit in one language conveys the same intended message as its counterpart in another language This concept is particularly evident in fully equivalent or complete meaning, where both units share identical significance and context.
Complete meaning occurs when the meaning in the SL is completely transferred in the TL The examples are presented below
SL Jenny, how can I study when all the time I want to make love to you?
TL Jenny ạ, làm sao mà anh có thể ngồi học được trong khi lúc nào anh cũng muốn làm tình với em
According to Cambridge Dictionaries Online, the idiomatic expression "make love" translates literally to "have sex." Thus, both the original phrase and its translation, "làm tình," convey the same meaning, confirming their equivalence in context.
SL “But I repeated Jenny‟s words from long ago.” P111 L8