RATIONALE
Each nation is defined by its unique geography, lifestyle, history, traditions, and customs, which create distinct cultures Vietnam, situated in a tropical climate with diverse geography, is characterized by its long-standing wet-rice agriculture and historical resistance to foreign invasions These cultural aspects are prominently reflected in the Vietnamese language Translators play a crucial role in bridging the gap between source and target languages, yet they face challenges in overcoming cultural and geographic barriers A significant issue in translation involves conveying culture-specific items that encapsulate the historical, social, and cultural evolution of a country.
Domestication and foreignization are key translation strategies that address cultural and linguistic elements Domestication prioritizes a fluent style to enhance comprehensibility for domestic readers, minimizing the foreign text's strangeness In contrast, foreignization maintains the original text's foreign essence Bhabha (1994) emphasizes that translation, particularly in literature, is crucial for cultural communication, as language serves as a medium for cross-cultural exchange often confronting the challenges of untranslatable cultural elements Supporting this, Venuti highlights that translation entails transferring culture from the original to the target language, where differences in meaning arise Domestication involves reinterpreting foreign elements into familiar terms for readers, resulting in a text that resonates within the context of the domestic language and culture (Venuti, 2000, p 471).
Domestication and foreignization are key translation strategies addressing linguistic and cultural challenges, yet research on their application in Vietnamese-English translation, particularly in literature, remains scarce Furthermore, there is a notable lack of studies examining readers' perceptions of these translations To explore how Vietnamese cultural elements are translated into English and to analyze the roles of domestication and foreignization, along with foreign readers' perceptions, I have chosen the topic "An investigation into domestication and foreignization in the English translation of Vũ Trọng Phụng's Dumb Luck novel and foreign readers' perception."
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This study focuses on the analysis of Vietnamese-English translations of culture-specific items in the novel "So Do" by Vu Trong Phung It aims to enhance foreign readers' understanding of these translated cultural elements, offering effective solutions for making Vietnamese literary masterpieces more accessible to international audiences Ultimately, the study aspires to provide insights into Vietnamese culture, facilitating better communication for foreign readers interacting in Vietnam.
To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives have to be accomplished:
1 To identify culture-specific items in Vũ Trọng Phụng‘s Dumb Luck novel
2 To find out the use of foreignization or domestication in dealing with translated culture-specific items
3 To present foreign readers‘ perception of translated cultural items
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
To achieve the aims and objectives mentioned above, the study seeks the information for the following research questions:
1 Which translation strategy - domestication or foreignization is used more often in translating CSIs in English?
2 What are English readers‘ perceptions about CSIs in Dumb Luck novel?
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study focuses on the translation strategies of domestication and foreignization applied to culture-specific items in Vu Trong Phung's novel "Dumb Luck," first serialized in the Hanoi Newspaper on October 7, 1936 It analyzes various elements such as character names, place names, social classes, fashion, measurement systems, food and drink, addressing systems, and forms of entertainment The novel has been translated into English by Nguyễn Nguyệt Cầm and Peter Zinoman, with an introduction by Zinoman, and is published by the University of Michigan Press.
Vũ Trọng Phụng (1912-1939) was a prominent writer and journalist of the twentieth century, known for his significant contributions to literature despite his early death at the age of twenty-seven His impressive body of work includes seven plays, eight novels, and five nonfiction pieces, with "Dumb Luck" being widely recognized as his most successful masterpiece.
"Dumb Luck," a notable work by the controversial Vietnamese author Vũ Trọng Phụng, was published in Hanoi in 1936 and later translated into English by Nguyễn Nguyệt Cầm and Peter Zinoman This literary masterpiece critiques the colonial society of Vietnam, a theme that resonated with many Vietnamese during the Popular Front victory Peter Zinoman (2003) highlights key concepts in the novel, including "progress," science, social reform, women's rights, the sporting movement, civilization, and modernity.
(tân thời) recall the progressive language dominating the public during the era
The global investigation into readers' comprehension is gaining traction, prompting this study to explore the perceptions of three foreign readers regarding Vu Trong Phung's novel, "Dumb Luck." Reader 1, an English teacher from South Africa, has spent two years in Quang Ngai Reader 2, an Australian English teacher, has lived in Central Vietnam for five years and traveled extensively from the North to the South Lastly, Reader 3, an English teacher from Colombia, has resided in Sai Gon and Quang Ngai for one year.
The research focuses on "Số Đỏ," a novel by Vũ Trọng Phụng published in 2018, and "Dumb Luck," a 2003 English translation from Vietnamese by Nguyễn Nguyệt Cầm and Peter Zinoman The study examines the English adaptation of "Dumb Luck" to explore its themes and cultural significance.
(2003) was named by the Los Angeles Times as the best book of 2003; therefore, it is quite popular in the international book market.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study investigates the translation of cultural items from Vietnamese to English and addresses communication misunderstandings between Vietnamese individuals and foreigners due to cultural barriers The findings offer valuable insights for translators, English learners, and educators regarding the tendencies of domestication and foreignization in literary translation Ultimately, this research aims to enhance foreign readers' understanding of Vietnamese culture.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
The study is presented in the following parts:
The introduction chapter introduces background and rationale of this study, and summarizes research questions and outline of this paper
Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Background
Chapter 2 is theoretical background which clarifies some important concepts in the study In this chapter, some of the previous research on weather forecasts were presented
Methodology of this study is introduced in chapter 3, which describes data collection and data analysis in detail
Chapter 4 focuses on the results and discussion In this chapter, answers to research questions raised in the Introduction section are provided though quantitative analysis
Conclusions are drawn to general findings of this study, limitations of this study stated and suggestions put forward for the future research
Chapter Two THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter provides an overview of existing research on domestication and foreignization, aiming to assess the current state of this field and identify areas for further investigation It is structured into three sections: 2.1 Literature Review, 2.2 Theoretical Background, and 2.3 Summary.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Recent research highlights the increasing popularity of foreignization in translation, although domestication remains the dominant strategy, with a ratio of seven to three according to Ebrahim Davoudi, Sharifabad, Mojde Yaqubi, and Tengku Sepora Tengku Mahadi (2013) Both strategies inevitably lead to losses in the translation process, underscoring the complexities involved in achieving accurate and culturally relevant translations.
Firstly, according to Esmail Zare-Behtash and Sepideh Firoozkoohi (2009, p
1582), domestication is regarded as the principal method applied in the Persian translations of six books of Hemingway These language theorists also claim that
From the 1950s to the 2000s, domestication emerged as the dominant cultural translation strategy However, over the past sixty years, there has been a noticeable shift between domestication and foreignization in translation practices.
MSc Eriola Qafzezi (2013) explores the translation of children's literature into Albanian, focusing on the visibility of original authors and cultures compared to translators, as well as the tendencies of domesticating versus foreignizing translations Utilizing Vladimir Ivir's translational strategies—such as substitution, omission, lexical creation, borrowing, literal translation, definition, and addition—Qafzezi examines foreignization and domestication in "Gulliver's Travels" and four Albanian versions of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," finding minimal variation among them The study highlights a dominant foreignization tendency in the translation of cultural-specific items (CSIs) in "Gulliver's Travels" (Qafzezi, 2013, p 572) Furthermore, it notes that both "Outlaws of the Marsh," translated by Sidney Shapiro, and "All Men Are Brothers," translated by Pearl S Buck, employ these methods, with the former leaning towards domestication and the latter towards foreignization (Ling Yan, 2013, p 35).
In his 2016 study, Awadh G Baawaidhan explored translational strategies in the context of cultural and linguistic adaptations The findings revealed that foreignization was commonly employed in translating episode titles and popular proverbs, whereas domestication was preferred for religious and cultural expressions.
Australian university students struggle to understand the English translations of eight Chinese political slogans, as noted by Libin Wang (2012, p 46-47) Despite their studies in Chinese, including those in advanced classes, participants report significant challenges in comprehending these slogans.
Some participants focused on commenting about the slogans rather than providing in-depth interpretations Their limited understanding of Chinese culture led to a partial grasp of several slogans, particularly those containing culture-specific elements.
Chesnokova et al (2017) investigated the reactions to a canonical romantic poem in English, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian among readers from Brazil and Ukraine, finding that both cultural backgrounds influence how readers respond to Poe's poetry Their research highlights the need for further exploration of cross-cultural reader responses to original and translated poetry Despite the growing interest in readers' reactions to translations, there is a notable lack of studies on Vietnamese-English translations This study aims to examine English readers' responses to the English translation of "Dumb Luck."
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Translation and Culture
Translation is deeply intertwined with culture, as emphasized by numerous translation theorists Researchers often struggle to separate cultural meanings from their contexts Bassnett and Trivedi assert that translation exists in a "continuum," highlighting that it is not an isolated process but rather a series of interconnected elements This underscores the notion that translation is part of an ongoing cultural dialogue.
―intercultural transfer‖ Besides translation covers a significantly dominant activity that includes all types of ―stages that process of transfer across linguistic and cultural boundary.‖ (Bassnett & Trivedi, 1999, p 2)
Understanding the definition of culture is essential for exploring its implications in translation, as it reveals the customs, lifestyles, and values of a specific society Scholars offer various interpretations of culture; for instance, Larson (1984) describes it as a "complex of beliefs, attitudes, values, and rules shared by a group" (p 430) Similarly, Schmitt (1999) views culture as "everything a person must know, feel, and do to behave appropriately in a given environment" (as cited in Gambier, Shlesinger, & Stolze, 2007, p 33) Newmark (1988) also contributes to this understanding of culture.
―the way of life and its manifestations that are peculiar to a community that uses a particular language as its means of expression‖ (p 94)
Aixelá (1996) defines the culture-specific item as: (indented)
Translation challenges arise when specific items in a source text lack direct equivalents or possess different cultural significance in the target audience's context These issues highlight the complexities of conveying meaning accurately across languages and cultures, necessitating careful consideration during the translation process.
Translation is a complex process involving two languages that embody unique cultural characteristics, making it not only a linguistic transfer but also a form of communication between different cultures (Li & Xia, 2010) Additionally, Leppihalme (1997) emphasizes that the target language does not completely align with the source language, highlighting the nuances of cultural interpretation in translation.
Texts are embedded in specific cultural and situational contexts, each serving unique functions and audiences Modern translation scholars and translators adopt a broader perspective, examining texts from a high-level view—first understanding the cultural backdrop, then the situational dynamics, and finally focusing on the text itself (Leppihalme, 1997, p 3).
Nida emphasizes that a translator should bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, enabling audiences to grasp the essence of the original message clearly (Nida and Waard, 1986, p 14) This role is crucial for effective communication across different languages and cultures (Nida, 2001, p 14).
82) claims that ―for truly successful translation, biculturalism is even more important than bilingualism,‖ because without the function of specific-culture items, words are unlikely to express their meanings Nord (2001, p 34) also points out that
Translating involves a deep comparison of cultures, as culture-specific items are intricately linked to both the source and target languages These items reflect the material and intellectual aspects of the culture from which the source language derives, presenting unique challenges for translators In contrast, names serve universal functions, complicating the translation process further (Willems, 1996, p 2000).
Newmark (1988) identifies five categories of cultural items: ecology (flora, fauna, and climate), material culture (artifacts, food, clothing, housing, and transportation), social culture (work and leisure activities), organizations and customs (political, social, legal, religious, and artistic aspects), and gestures and habits Similarly, Vlahov and Florin (1980) categorize realia into geographical elements (unique geographic formations and local flora and fauna), ethnographic items (food, clothing, housing, and tools), art and culture (music, dance, rituals, and games), ethnic identifiers (names and nicknames), and socio-political aspects (administrative units and military ranks).
Domestication and Foreignization
The debate surrounding domestication versus foreignization represents a political and cultural discussion rather than merely a linguistic one, highlighting the ongoing controversy between free translation and literal translation (Wang Dongfeng, 2002, p 24).
Domestication in translation aims to create a fluent and easily understandable text by minimizing foreign elements, making it more accessible to the target audience In contrast, foreignization preserves the unique qualities of the source text, introducing an element of strangeness that challenges conventional expectations According to Shuttleworth and Cowie (1997), domestication seeks to align the cultural values of the source language with those of the target language Linguistic theorist Eugene Nida advocates for domestication as it enhances the naturalness of expressions in translation, ensuring that the essence of the original message is effectively conveyed.
―dynamic equivalence‖ Therefore, ―the message has to be tailored to the receptors‘ linguistic needs and cultural expectations‖ (Munday, 2001, p 42)
Foreignization in translation aims to preserve the uniqueness of the original text, as highlighted by Shuttleworth and Cowie (1997) Eugene Nida advocates for domesticating translation, while Italian scholar Lawrence Venuti champions foreignizing translation According to Venuti (1995), prioritizing foreign elements is essential to accurately convey the cultural and linguistic diversity of the source language.
―Domestication and foreignization are two basic translation strategies which provide both linguistic and cultural guidance‖ (Yang, 2010, p 1) for translators in transferring culture-specific source texts into parallel target texts
Macro and micro factors significantly influence the processes of foreignization and domestication in translation Macro factors, which include cultural asymmetry, historical context, language realities, political influences, ideology, aesthetic stereotypes, and reader needs, draw translators' attention to the broader social and historical background In contrast, micro factors are more closely tied to the translation's purpose, the translator's orientation, and their cultural perspective As Nida (1964) emphasized, the translator plays a central role in the translation process, and personal involvement is unavoidable, highlighting the importance of the translator's individual approach in shaping the translation outcome.
According to Yang (2010), readers can grasp translated materials effectively through domesticating translation, while the foreignization strategy preserves the source text's formal characteristics This approach helps readers understand the source language culture; however, the inclusion of unfamiliar cultural elements and linguistic features may lead to information overload for the audience.
Translation Procedures
Translation strategies for Cultural-Specific Items (CSIs) have been proposed by scholars such as Aixela (1996), Ivir (1987), and Davies (2003) Aixela (1996) categorizes these strategies into two main groups: substitution and conservation Substitution strategies encompass synonymy, limited universalization, absolute universalization, naturalization, deletion, and autonomous creation, while conservation strategies include repetition, orthographic adaptation, and linguistic preservation.
Translation of cultural-specific items (CSIs) can be approached through various strategies, as highlighted by scholars like Davies (2003) and Vladimir Ivir (1987) Davies recommends seven strategies, including preservation, addition, omission, globalization, localization, transformations, and creation Meanwhile, Ivir details his own seven approaches, which encompass borrowing, definition, literal translation, substitution, lexical creation, omission, and addition Ivir emphasizes the importance of combining different translation methods to effectively convey cultural characteristics and bridge cultural gaps in translation.
Borrowing involves incorporating loanwords from a source language into a target language to address cultural gaps, serving as an effective strategy for enhancing communication However, excessive use of borrowed terms can hinder understanding, making it crucial for translators to ensure that readers are familiar with these loanwords The successful integration of borrowed expressions relies on their repetition and acceptance within the target language, where they can blend seamlessly into phonology and morphology This process often works in conjunction with substitution or definition, and a general familiarity with the loanword among the audience fosters its acceptance Ultimately, the audience's attitude towards both the source language and their native tongue significantly influences the success of the translation and the translator's effectiveness.
Ivir notes ―definition‖ as ―a procedure that relies on what members of the target culture know in an attempt to make them aware of what they do not know‖
Definition is a translation strategy where a translator clarifies a new term or concept by detailing its meaning This process relies on the translator's understanding of both cultures to bridge the gap between the unknown and the known Ivir emphasizes that effective translation depends on the shared experiential background of individuals for successful intercultural communication Definitions may appear within the main text or as footnotes, which can enhance the text or lead to over-translation Consequently, translators should focus on accurately explaining the relevant content.
Literal translation has long been a prevalent strategy among modern scholars, characterized by a word-for-word approach that maintains fidelity to the original terms This method effectively addresses lexical and cultural gaps, making it an ideal tool for translation Additionally, it provides transparency in the target language According to Ivir (1987), literal translation is the most common method for cultural transference and the dissemination of influence between cultures.
Translators should avoid excessive literal translation, as it can lead to grammatical issues and violate the syntactic rules of the target language Additionally, maintaining the natural expressions of the target language is crucial for effective communication.
Ivir (1987, p 42) defines "substitution" as a translation strategy where a cultural element from the source language is replaced with a similar, though not identical, element from the target culture This approach allows translators to leverage similarities between the two cultures, making decisions based on how closely related the elements are By using substitution, translators can effectively minimize the foreignness of cultural expressions, particularly when the intercultural terms share common features, thus enhancing the readability and relatability of the translated text.
This strategy involves the translator inventing new terms or "non-lexicalized words" to express cultural specific items (CSIs) in the target language However, as noted by Ivir, this approach demands significant creativity from the translator and a strong understanding from the readers for effective comprehension, leading to its less frequent use compared to other translation methods.
According to Ivir, "omission" serves both unnecessary and pragmatic purposes in translation By excluding a culturally specific item (CSI) that does not require preservation, this technique is utilized to enhance communication effectiveness.
Addition is a key translational strategy employed when literal translations fail to convey the full cultural meaning of the source language, resulting in unexpressed information This technique involves incorporating implicit cultural details into the target language, utilizing methods such as borrowing, substitution, or lexical creation By adding relevant information, translators enhance readers' understanding of the author's intent and align the content more closely with the target audience's perception.
Ivir (2003) asserts that various procedures can be employed to translate a Communicative Situational Indicator (CSI), emphasizing that a combination of these procedures may be necessary depending on the specific communicative context.
Based on Ivir's taxonomy of translation strategies (1987), the author categorizes these strategies into two main types: foreignization and domestication Foreignization encompasses literal translation, borrowing, and definition, whereas domestication includes substitution, omission, addition, and lexical creation, as illustrated in the accompanying table.
Table 2.1 Procedures that can be applied in Foreignization and Domestication strategies
Readers‘ Perception
Readers' perception significantly influences their understanding of the source language message in translation A successful translation allows readers to grasp the original message despite language differences As Nida (1995) states, "the readers of a translated text should be able to understand and appreciate it in essentially the same manner as the original readers did" (p 118).
Reader reactions are vital to the success of translated works, serving as an objective measure of translation quality As noted by Li and He (2012, as cited in Libin Wang, 2012), while translators' opinions may be subjective, the responses from readers provide essential insight into the effectiveness of a translation Consequently, understanding reader reactions is crucial for achieving functional equivalence, making the audience's perspective the most important factor in the translation process.
Miall and Kuiken (as cited in Anna Chesnokova et al., 2017) asserted:
Miall and Kuiken advocate for a shift in reader response studies, emphasizing the need to focus on genuine readers' emotional reactions to poetry rather than idealized readers This approach aims to enhance our understanding of the evaluative process and provide evidence-based insights into the universality or cultural specificity of real readers' responses While Miall and Kuiken acknowledge the significance of readers' backgrounds, their research does not explore cross-cultural comparisons among readers engaging with poetry in a foreign language This study addresses that gap by examining such dynamics.
Schleiermacher presents two translation methods: the domesticating method, which simplifies foreign cultural values to make them more relatable to the target audience, and the foreignization method, which emphasizes the original cultural and linguistic differences, inviting readers to engage with the foreign text.
The effect of the two cultural translation strategies to readers as illustrated fallows:
SUMMARY
Research on domestication and foreignization in Vietnamese literature is limited, particularly regarding the comprehensibility of foreign readers, which is essential for the success of translated works This study explores the application of domestication and foreignization in the translations of cultural specific items (CSIs) in Vũ Trọng Phụng's novel "Dumb Luck," while also surveying readers' perceptions of the English translations The findings aim to enhance the understanding of Vietnamese literature in English and promote Vietnamese culture to an international audience.
This chapter outlines the research design aimed at examining domestication and foreignization in the English translation of culture-specific items from Vu Trọng Phụng's "Dumb Luck" and the readers' perceptions It is structured into four key sections: 3.1 Research Design, 3.2 Research Methods, 3.3 Procedures, and 3.4 Reliability and Validity, culminating in a summary.
RESEARCH DESIGN
This thesis design was based on the combination descriptive; qualitative and quantitative techniques
- The descriptive method was used to recognize and identify the CSIs as the appropriate samples
- The qualitative technique was applied in categorizing CSIs, the translational strategy as well as readers‘ perception
- The quantitative technique was used to calculate the frequency of kinds of CSIs found in the collected data
The study explores key methods of foreignization and domestication in translating cultural-specific items (CSIs) in the English version of "Dumb Luck." It offers translation strategies for literary works and provides valuable recommendations for translators, educators, students, linguists, and sociologists.
RESEARCH METHODS
This qualitative study explores the translation of Vietnamese cultural-specific items (CSIs) through the lens of domestication and foreignization Utilizing translation procedures as its theoretical framework, the research incorporates evidence to substantiate the analysis and emphasize the qualitative insights derived from a contrastive examination.
PROCEDURES
Data Collection
The analysis utilized data from Vũ Trọng Phụng's novel "Dumb Luck," examining character names, place names, social classes, fashion, measurement systems, food and drink, addressing systems, entertainment, and expressions in both Vietnamese and English The study focused on classifying cultural-specific items (CSIs) as either domesticated or foreignized, detailing their translational processes Significant efforts were made to highlight dominant cultural translation strategies and assess readers' perceptions Below are typical examples of these cultural-specific items.
Foreignization Domestication Procedure source source
1 Xuân Tóc Đỏ Red-Hair + literal
2 chị hàng mía a sugar cane + literal
Foreignization Domestication Procedure source source
1 phố Hàng Hàng Buồm + borrowing
2 Chùa Hương The Perfume + literal
The following steps to collect data will be involved:
- Collecting culture-specific items in Vũ Trọng Phụng‘s Dumb Luck novel, translated by Nguyễn Nguyệt Cầm and Peter Zinoman
- Analysing the translation strategies adopted in the English translation of CSIs
- Pointing out the dominant translation strategy - domestication or foreignization - in the English translation of ―Dumb Luck‖ novel and readers‘ comprehension about CSIs in the English translation of ―Dumb Luck‖.
A survey was conducted to explore the perceptions of three foreign readers regarding Vũ Trọng Phụng's novel "Dumb Luck," utilizing a multiple-choice questionnaire based on its English translation The survey included 20 Cultural Specific Items (CSIs), divided into 10 reflecting a foreignizing strategy and 10 representing a domesticating strategy The participants included Reader 1, an English teacher from South Africa with two years of experience in Quang Ngai; Reader 2, an Australian English teacher who has lived in Central Vietnam for five years and traveled extensively throughout the country; and Reader 3, a Colombian English teacher who has spent one year in both Sai Gon and Quang Ngai.
- Analyzing and discussing the results
Table 3.1 The Division of the CSIs and translation procedure
Data Analysis
Data analysis is focused on identifying the tendency to use foreinization and domestication and English readers‘ comprehension of cultural items in the English translation
RQ1: Which translation strategy - domestication or foreignization is used more often in translating CSIs in English?
To address the research question, we analyzed cultural-specific items (CSIs) by examining the concepts of foreignization and domestication, comparing the original text with its translation This analysis aimed to identify the prevalent strategy—either domestication or foreignization—by utilizing statistical data derived from the examination of CSIs.
RQ2: What are English readers’ perceptions about CSIs in Dumb Luck novel?
This study addresses the research question by analyzing 20 questions related to detected Cultural-Specific Items (CSIs) to determine the percentage of foreignized versus domesticated CSIs understood by readers within the context of the original text's culture Additionally, the survey explored the challenges faced in translation and gathered suggestions for improvement.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
In this study, every attempt to obtain the reliability and validity has been administered
As a Vietnamese, I found it valuable to compare the cultural significance indicators (CSIs) in the translation of "Dumb Luck" with the original novel This study was grounded in the theoretical frameworks established by experienced linguists, as detailed in Chapter 2, ensuring the reliability of the research procedures and the consistency of the results The findings of this thesis are based on thorough analysis, evidence, statistics, and frequency data, which further confirm the validity of the study.
SUMMARY
This chapter outlines the research methodology, focusing on data collection techniques, sampling methods, and the procedures involved It also addresses the reliability and validity of the thesis Detailed methods for data collection and analysis are provided, with results to be discussed in the subsequent chapter.
Chapter Four FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents a comparative analysis of evidence from English and Vietnamese corpora, focusing on total numbers, frequency, and usage characteristics in both languages It is structured into three sections: Section 4.1 examines domestication and foreignization, Section 4.2 explores readers' perceptions, and Section 4.3 offers a summary of the findings.
Section 4.1 will present culture-specific items (CSIs) in Vũ Trọng Phụng‘s Dumb Luck novel and the translation strategy of foreignization or domestication in translated culture-specific items.
DOMESTICATION AND FOREIGNIZATION IN CSIs
Character names
Table 4.1 The Translational Strategies Of Character Names
Chart 4.1 Domestication and Foreignization of Place Names
These results show that the dominant method in using ―character names‖ is the use of ―literal translation‖ (80.64%), and we can note a little use of
―borrowing‖ (9.68%), ―definition‖ (6.45%) and the use of ―lexical creation‖ (2.23%) Other strategies do not occur As a result, ―foreignization‖ accounts for mainly in ―place names‖ with 96.77%
Literal translation, as defined by Ivir (1987), involves a word-for-word approach that remains faithful to the original terms, particularly when the concepts are unfamiliar in the target language This method is often employed for translating lexical phrases directly In the novel "Dumb Luck," Vu Trong Phung effectively develops distinctive characters, such as Red-Hair Xuân and Mrs Deputy Customs Office, showcasing the impact of this translation technique.
―literal translation‖, the translators remain character names to convey their hidden cultural meanings in the original text, which not any reader may understand the author‘s all intentions
In "Số Đỏ," Vu Trong Phung uses characters as symbols of social classes, illustrating the clash between tradition and modernity in colonial Vietnam The protagonist, "Red-Hair Xuân," is portrayed as a sneaky and ridiculous figure, reflecting societal critiques of the time Orphaned and later expelled by his uncle due to his bad mood, Xuân becomes homeless and uneducated, surviving by selling roasted peanuts and newspapers His reddish hair, a result of sun exposure, symbolizes his association with Westernization Xuân's crude speech and mischievous nature are evident in his interactions, such as his flirtation with a sugar cane girl and his banter with a fortune-teller Despite his absurdity, he evolves into an idol, admired by those around him, earning titles like "Dr Xuân" and "Me sừ Xuân."
In the narrative, the character "Red-Haired Xuân" evolves from an uneducated boy into a wealthy yet superficial figure, representing the theme of westernization Despite his cunning nature and reliance on tricks for social advancement, he retains a humorous persona His public speeches, where he expresses affection for the people while urging them to return to their routines, resonate with the crowd, who enthusiastically support him This character embodies the complexities of societal roles and the hidden meanings within language, highlighting the interplay between humor and social critique.
Mrs Deputy Customs Office, Bà Phó Đoan, regarded as the embodiment of the Annamese nation, became a widow at a young age Her name, derived from the French word "douane," reflects her husband's position as a deputy customs officer, symbolizing elegance and respect Despite her complete and strong personality, Đoan was married twice and chose not to remarry, demonstrating her loyalty and dedication to her late husbands While she opposed any inappropriate relationships, she intriguingly requested Xuân to "ruin" her, leading him to recommend that Mrs Deputy Customs Office be awarded for her unique character and resilience.
The "Medal of Siamese Virtue" symbolizes the honor bestowed upon women for their marital fidelity in Vietnamese culture In the event of their husband's early passing, these women are expected to honor their husbands by remaining unmarried for life However, Vu Trong Phung portrays the character of the Deputy Customs Office's wife as an immoral "Me Tây," depicting her as a lustful and greedy individual.
Mr Civilization, known as Ông Văn Minh, married a wealthy woman and incorporated her name, Văn (literature), into his own, transforming it into Văn Minh (literature and light) This act of placing his wife's name before his own symbolizes respect and acknowledgment of her influence in his life.
―gallantry‖ His name means civilization but his behaviors are completely ignorant
After studying in France for six or seven years without obtaining a foreign diploma, he returned to Vietnam with a strong disdain for certificates Embracing modern ideas, he arranged for Great Grandpa Hồng to have a legal death and a dignified funeral procession Mr Van Minh found interest in a testament, valuing its practicality over mere theory Meanwhile, High School Graduate Tân was thrilled to showcase his photographic skills.
Mrs Civilization eagerly anticipated a contemporary funeral to showcase her stylish outfits from a European tailor, and her wish finally came true Miss Snow seized the opportunity to flaunt her figure in a sheer mourning attire, capturing attention in public.
In "Dumb Luck," Vu Trong Phung crafts characters with satirical implications, such as Mrs Deputy Customs Office, whose name suggests seriousness and decency, starkly contrasting her true nature Characters like Mr Civilization and Mr ILL promote a facade of modernization and civilization, yet their actions reveal a conflict with scientific principles and morality Officer Min Đơ, described as "a policeman of the fourth rank," and Officer Min Toa, hailed as "the glory of the Hanoi Police and a great hope of Indochina," further illustrate the ironic portrayal of authority figures in the narrative.
Vietnamese herbalists are traditional healers who create herbal medicines and utilize unique treatment methods passed down through generations Dr Sleep and Dr Lung, noted for their medical expertise, often engage in public disputes, undermining each other's reputations and sparking local gossip Additionally, these herbalists express criticism towards conventional medicine, particularly targeting practitioners who lack formal qualifications.
However, there are cases of ―borrowing‖ translational strategy such as
―Joseph Thiết‖ (p 75), Grandpa Hồng (p 75), a part of reasons is that ―Thiết‖ and
The term "Hồng" in Vietnamese symbolizes happiness and beauty, while "thiết" signifies strength, drawing from the concept of iron as a hard metal The practice of "borrowing" involves using loanwords to bridge cultural gaps, serving as an effective tool for translation For instance, "TYPN, nghĩa là: Tôi yêu phụ nữ!" translates to "Mr ILL – it stands for 'I Love Ladies!'" through a method of lexical creation, where new terms are coined to express culturally specific ideas The character "Mr ILL" embodies a contradiction, producing fashionable items to attract women while criticizing his wife for adopting modern styles, highlighting the moral dilemmas within a rapidly changing society Vu Trong Phung's "So Do" critiques the chaotic urbanization and shifting moral standards of his time, with character names reflecting their contrasting personalities The trend of foreignisation is prevalent in the translation of names, emphasizing the cultural nuances involved.
Place names
The following table represents the number of the translational strategies of place names
Table 4.2 The Translational Strategies Of Place Names
The translator effectively employs the foreignization technique in place names, preserving the original local characteristics in the target language This approach utilizes strategies such as literal translation and borrowing to maintain authenticity.
Chart 4.2 Domestication and Foreignization of Place Names
The analysis of translation strategies reveals that translators predominantly employed "borrowing" (42.11%) and literal translation (57.89%) for place names, with no other strategies identified Notably, there was a 100% foreignization rate in the English translation of 19 items, including names like "Old Fish Road," "White Bamboo Lake," "Restored Sword Lake," "Perfume Pagoda," and "West Lake," all of which were translated literally This approach highlights the Vietnamese cultural context, as exemplified by Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, or the Restored Sword Lake, which is tied to a legendary tale and symbolizes Hanoi, where King Lê Lợi returned the sword to the Golden Turtle Additionally, the Turtle Tower, located on a small island in the lake's center, signifies the end of war and reflects the nation's economic development and commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
Some place names are repeated in the target language with the translational strategy of borrowing including ―Hàng Cỏ street, the Lady Banh Pagoda, Triều
Châu Hotel, located on Hàng Buồm Street near the Hàng Đậu Police Station, is part of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, known for its 36 streets These streets, including Hàng Cỏ, Hàng Buồm, and Hàng Đậu, have been vibrant marketplaces for artisans and traders for centuries, with names derived from the goods they traditionally sold, such as silk, bamboo, and silver.
Social classes
Table 4.3 The Translational Strategies of Social Classes
Chart 4.3 Domestication and Foreignization of Social Classes
In the analysis of social class translations, foreignization predominates, comprising 81.82% (9 CSIs), whereas domestication constitutes only 18.18% (2 CSIs) The primary translation strategy employed is literal translation, while other methods such as substitution, borrowing, and definition account for the remaining 18.18% (2 CSIs).
Table 4.4 Examples of Definition Applied in Translating CSIs of Social Classes
As the anger of a genuine Western mother began to fade, Xuan picked up his racket and headed towards the court.
After two years, she remarried a young official who, unfortunately, passed away under similar circumstances shortly thereafter.
The duty of a salesperson is crucial in our modern society Each time a new outfit is purchased, it signifies the emergence of another progressive individual in our country This highlights the important role that salespeople play in fostering growth and modernization.
[1], nghĩa là người bán hàng (p 63)
The work of a skilled artisan, like myself, is a sacred duty that I alone can fulfill It is a task that demands trust and dedication, and I take pride in being the sole individual responsible for this important craft This is my unique calling, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
The translation of terms like "Me Tây" and "một ông phán trẻ" illustrates the cultural nuances embedded in Vietnamese language "Me Tây," slang for "wife of a Westerner," and "một ông phán trẻ," meaning "young official," reflect the social hierarchy during the French colonial period The translator enhances understanding by providing context in footnotes, clarifying the significance of these terms Similarly, terms such as "tay ơ" and "văng đơ," which translate to "tailor" and "salesperson," respectively, showcase the blend of French and Vietnamese linguistic elements This unique translation approach maintains the phonetic characteristics of both languages, allowing readers to appreciate the cultural richness while grasping the lexical meanings.
Fashion
Table 4.5 The Translational Strategies of Fashion
The translational strategy of literal translation still is used mainly in fashion CSIs, the second rank is substitution However, foreignization is still a dominant solution with 73% in total
Chart 4.4 Domestication and Foreignization of Fashion
Mr TYPN is renowned for his stunning women's clothing designs and is hailed as a pioneer of the fashion revolution He believes that clothing should enhance a person's natural beauty rather than conceal it His collections feature unique names like Lưỡng lự, Lời hứa, Nữ quyền, and Ngây thơ, employing "literal translation" to evoke a sense of novelty and highlight the Vietnamese artistic movements of the time Additionally, he effectively uses the strategy of "Substitution" in translating cultural-specific items (CSIs) in fashion, simplifying complex concepts for a broader audience's understanding His modern designs also incorporate Western styles, exemplified by terms like "quần đùi."
―quần ngủ‖, ―quần ra phố‖, ―quần ở nhà‖ (p.146) are translated generally into
―slips‖, ―underwear‖, ―trousers‖, ―pajama bottoms‖ (p
To cater to the diverse needs of Western users, translators adapted Vietnamese terms, such as replacing "quần ra phố" with "trousers" to reflect the action of going out Additionally, traditional Vietnamese clothing was substituted due to cultural differences, highlighting the challenges of cultural equivalence in translation.
Table 4.6 Examples of Substitution Applied in Translating CSIs of Fashion
In the distance, a young man approached, dressed in traditional attire that included a long tunic, a turban, and a floor-length silk gown, complemented by a pair of old-fashioned shoes His brisk pace was notable as he ran toward the viewer.
The traditional Vietnamese "áo dài" is a long tunic, typically worn by men, featuring side slits and paired with loose pants for special occasions like festivals and weddings In contrast, a gown serves as the official attire for certain professionals and scholars, including university students, officers, barristers, and judges Additionally, the term "gown" refers to a woman's everyday outer garment, such as a calio or silk gown, and can also describe a loose piece of clothing worn before or after bathing or over sleepwear.
Table 4.7 Examples of Definition Applied in Translating CSIs of Fashion
Ba ―hình nhân‖ tạc bằng gỗ, chính Three wooden ma nơ + là của Tây phương gửi sang canh [2] imported from
The translator tends to retain borrowed words from French, such as "ma nơ canh," highlighting a trend of Europeanization in the Vietnamese language This practice suggests that the purity of the Vietnamese mother tongue is not being preserved.
―Ma nơ canh‖ is provided with the note as ―mannequins‖ in the footnote.
Measuring system
Table 4.8 The Translational Strategies of Measuring System
Numbers and the 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 percentage (40%) (%) (%) (%) (60%) (%) (%) of CSIs
Chart 4.5 Domestication and Foreignization of Measuring System
Foreignizating strategy is found in every translation of measuring system The Vietnamese currency at the French colonial stage - French Indochina is called
The term "piastre" in French and "piaster" in English refers to the currency used during the era of French Indochina, which included Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia In this context, piaster serves as a substitute for the Vietnamese "đồng" or "bạc," demonstrating a process of domestication in translation The translator skillfully incorporates a variety of borrowed words, enriching the text with both French and Vietnamese linguistic elements Additionally, the measuring units "xu" and "hào" exemplify foreignization, as they retain their original spelling and pronunciation when translated into English The table below further illustrates these concepts.
Table 4.9 Examples of Substitution and Borrowing Applied in Translating CSIs of
Despite the entrance fee being only three piasters, the following day saw attendance soar to over three thousand people.
(p 251) spectators showed up that morning to attend the tournament (p 178)
This year, An Nam faced penalties, as the station struggled to collect 5,000 piasters from a predominantly low-income population, which included mostly Annamese servants, cooks, rickshaw pullers, and street vendors, with the majority being French The challenge of imposing fines on such a vulnerable group raised questions about the feasibility of meeting the financial target.
3 Bán một xu nào (p 14) Give me a xu's worth of Foreignization sugarcane (p 34)
Last night, I spent three coins on foreignization, being careful with my expenses I paid two coins for tickets to the nightclub and one for two bowls of noodle soup with extra rare beef.
Food and drink
Table 4.10 The Translational Strategies of Food and Drink
Chart 4.6 Domestication and Foreignization of Food and Drink
Generally, domesticating and foreignizating strategies have the approximate percentages Domestication accounts for 57.14% (4 CSIs) while the rate of foreignization is 43.86% (3 CSIs) respectively
Table 4.11 Examples of Substitution Applied in Translating CSIs of Food and Drink
In the vibrant atmosphere of the nightclub, patrons enjoy the lively entertainment while savoring delicious dishes, including two bowls of noodle soup topped with extra-rare beef This combination of nightlife and culinary delights creates a unique experience for visitors.
Inside the cell, there was a beggar accompanied by his wife and child, a vagabond, and a female peddler who had two baskets of stale noodles and rancid barbecue pork.
3 Cụ tổ ngồi trong mâm ăn một bát Great-Grandpa was + cháo yến (p 185) slurping down a bowl of swallow's nest porridge
Phở tái is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring a flavorful broth accompanied by white rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced rare beef However, the phrase "noodle soup with extra-rare beef" in the translation inaccurately represents the original dish, as it suggests a different preparation and ingredient composition, where noodles are made from flour and combined with rare beef.
Noodle soup with extra-rare beef, known as "phở," is a beloved dish in Vietnam, particularly in the north Another popular dish is "bún chả," featuring grilled pork meatballs served over white rice vermicelli and accompanied by fresh herbs and a flavorful dipping sauce These traditional Vietnamese dishes offer a unique taste and preparation that distinctly set them apart from Western cuisine Additionally, "cháo," a Vietnamese rice porridge, showcases the diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam.
Cháo yến, a traditional dish, is a thick rice porridge that is meticulously cooked until the rice disintegrates, creating a smooth texture This savory soup is often enhanced with the delicate addition of salanganes' nests, making it a unique and nutritious meal enjoyed with various ingredients.
In the translated text, the term "swallow's nest porridge" is used, showcasing the translator's strategy of substitution For instance, "phở tái" is described as "noodle soup with extra-rare beef," while "bún chả" is translated as "noodles and barbecue pork." This approach highlights the translator's effort to convey the essence of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a way that is accessible to English-speaking audiences.
―swallow‘s nest porridge‖ so that foreigners are able to easily imagine the ingredients of the Vietnamese dishes
Table 4.12 Examples of Literal Applied in Translating CSIs of Food and Drink
In a vibrant night out, two tickets are purchased for the nightclub, accompanied by two bowls of noodle soup featuring extra-rare beef.
In the cell, there was a beggar with his wife and child, accompanied by a vagabond and a female peddler carrying two baskets of stale noodles and rancid barbecue pork.
3 Cụ tổ ngồi trong mâm ăn một bát Great-Grandpa was slurping + cháo yến (p 185) down a bowl of swallow's nest porridge (p 139)
The phrase "Cơm Tây, cơm Tầu, nem chả đủ cả" is translated using a domesticating method as "French and Chinese cuisine and served all manner of rare and expensive delicacies." However, this translation does not fully capture the essence of "nem chả," as it is not explicitly defined in the target text Instead of conveying the true meaning of "nem chả đủ cả," the original text opts for a broader description of "rare and expensive delicacies," which overlooks the specific cultural significance of this dish Various interpretations exist, highlighting the richness of the original phrase.
In Vietnam, the term "nem" varies significantly between regions, with distinct recipes reflecting local culinary traditions In the north, "nem" typically refers to a variety of rice paper rolls filled with meat, known as "nem cuốn," often called "salad rolls" in Western restaurants Conversely, southerners use "nem" specifically to describe ground meat dishes, such as "nem nướng," which features minced pork sausage seasoned with garlic and fish sauce, then grilled Additionally, the term "chả" encompasses a wide range of meat preparations, including pork variations like "chả lụa," deep-fried pork ("chả chiên"), cinnamon-flavored pork sausage ("chả quế"), as well as options like ground beef ("chả bò"), fish ("chả cá"), vegetarian versions ("chả chay"), and steamed pork loaf topped with egg yolks ("chả trứng hấp").
Table 4.13 Examples of Literal Translation Applied in Translating CSIs of Food and Drink
1 Xuân Tóc Đỏ đưa lo nước ruộng Red-Haired Xuan handed + và mấy cái thài lài ra (p 99) over the field water and several daisy leaves
Dr Lung examined the vial of water under the electric light, exclaiming in surprise, "What is this strange water?"
The unique drinks at "So Do" reflect Vietnam's tropical agricultural heritage, particularly its reliance on rice cultivation However, terms like "field water" and "pond water" highlight serious health risks; "field water" is unsafe for consumption or cooking, while "pond water," often contaminated from fish farming and vegetable irrigation, poses significant dangers Drinking "pond water" as a form of physical therapy is not only unscientific but can also be life-threatening.
Addressing system
The total amount of the translation procedures of addressing system used are presented in the following table:
Table 4.14 The Translational Strategies of Addressing System
The analysis indicates that the foreignizing strategy predominantly employs "definition" and "literal translation," with the latter being significantly less frequent Specifically, the data shows that literal translation accounts for only 28.57% of the instances, while the definition approach is utilized 71.43% of the time, highlighting a clear preference for the latter in translation practices.
Table 4.15 Examples of Definition Applied in Translating Addressing system
He embraced his son's foreign mannerisms and expressions, adopting various Western and Eastern gestures, including the use of the pronouns "toa" and "moa."
It may be time to seek a medical doctor so that the elderly can benefit from some French scientific advancements before their passing.
3 Xuân Tóc Ðỏ bèn lên giọng trịch ―I am Me sừ Xuân [7],‖ he + thượng: said, adopting a tone of
- Me sừ Xuân, nguyên sinh viên superiority (p 132) trường thuốc, giáo sư quần vợt, giám đốc hiệuÂu Hoá, phụ nữ tân thời! (p 174)
4 Bị ma men ám ảnh, Xuân Tóc Đỏ ―What have we here!‖ + liền chớt nhả mà rằng: slurred Xuan drunkenly
- Ô kìa! A mi [1] ơi! Đi đâu một ―My a mi [1]! Where mình, bạn ơi! are you off to all by your
Definition serves as a crucial strategy in translation, allowing the translator to clarify new terms or concepts in detail According to Ivir (1987), this approach is grounded in the shared experiential background of humanity, facilitating intercultural communication Definitions can be integrated directly into the text or presented as footnotes, which may lead to text expansion or over-translation For instance, terms like "Toi" and "Moa," as well as "mi" and "Me sừ," are phonetically transcribed from French into Vietnamese, reflecting the influence of foreign elements and the modernization trends among the upper classes during that era.
―Dumb Luck‖, these CSIs‘ meanings are encoded in the footnote to provide background information for readers Toi and Moa are explained as ―you and I‖,
The term "old via" translates to "old man," while "Me-sừ" signifies a person's upper social class, akin to the French "Monsieur." Additionally, the intimate term "a mi" is translated as "girlfriend" in the footnote, highlighting its affectionate use.
Table 4.16 Examples of Literal Translation Applied in Translating Addressing system
1 Những người đã được tôi gới ―I think you‘ve met them + thiệu cho dì và muốn lại đây đáp before, Auntie They plan lễ… (p 78) to make a courtesy call.‖
2 À, thế ông via và bà cụ ở nhà thế How is the health of your + nào? (p 128) via and the old woman of your house? (p 105)
“Auntie” and “the old woman” are translated literally, which are quite close to the meaning in the target language and does not have many cultural gaps
Chart 4.7 Domestication and Foreignization of Addressing System
The frequencies obtained reveal that foreignization accounts for 100% in the translational process of addressing system.
Entertainment forms
Table 4.17 The Translational Strategies of Entertainment Forms
Numbers and the 3 0 1 1 4 2 0 percentage (27.27%) (0%) (9.09%) (9.09%) (36.36%) (18.18%) (0%) of CSIs
The analysis reveals that the predominant strategies employed in translating entertainment forms are borrowing (36.36%), substitution (27.27%), and literal translation (18.18%) Additionally, the use of addition and lexical creation is minimal, each accounting for 9.09%, while omission is notably absent from the translation strategies.
Chart 4.8 Domestication and Foreignization of Entertainment Forms
The translator introduces the term "southern opera" to capture the essence of "cải lương," demonstrating a lexical creation strategy Cải lương is a contemporary folk opera from Vietnam that fuses southern Vietnamese folk songs, classical music, and modern spoken drama Footnotes are used sparingly, only for references needing detailed explanations that exceed the text's scope.
―Séc‖ in the French means ―set‖ in English to mention ―play of a séc‖ of tennis The translator uses the borrowed word to support Vietnamese Europeanization.
Expressions
Table 4.18 The Translational Strategies of Expressions
Strategy Substitution Omission Lexical Addition Borrowing Literal Definition creation translation
Numbers 4 5 0 2 0 8 0 and the 21.05(%) (26.31%) (0%) (10.53%) (0%) (42.11%) (0%) percentage of CSIs
Chart 4.9 Domestication and Foreignization of Expressions
Translators employ various strategies when translating expressions into English, with domestication being particularly effective for phrases that have equivalent pragmatic effects in the target culture By utilizing comparable expressions from the target language's culture, translators aim to convey similar meanings or concepts to the target audience The following table illustrates the application of domestication in translation.
Table 4.19 Examples of Substitution Applied in Translating Expressions
1 Ông Phán đứng phắt dậy như bị The senior clerk sprang to + một cái lò so đẩy lên (p.107) his feet (p.92)
Victor Ban, filled with dread, bowed his head low and shook hands with Xuân Tóc Đỏ, only to stand frozen in place like a wooden statue afterward.
The phrase "sprang to his feet" conveys a quick and sudden movement towards a specific location Both "cái lò xo" and "spring" refer to a piece of curved metal that compresses under pressure but returns to its original form Notably, the concept of "feet" is absent from the original source.
The phrase "stood frozen in a place" translates to "đứng ngây mặt ra," but it does not fully capture the sense of being immobilized by cold, as "frozen" implies a state akin to ice When someone or a part of their body is described as frozen, it indicates an extreme coldness.
Table 4.20 Examples of Literal Translation Applied in Translating Expressions
Ồ! Thế ra bạn chưa ưng Tuyết à? Tôi không thể tin rằng một người đẹp, con nhà giàu và hiện đại như cô ấy lại có thể từ chối Một người như Miss Snow, thanh niên trí thức và tân thời, thật đáng để có được.
Vietnamese English Foreignization Nam ai cũng ca tụng bạn về cái and from a rich family? tài đào mỏ! (p.181) Were you to marry Miss
Snow, every well-educated young man in our country of Nam would praise your prospecting skills!‖‖
Newspapers from all three regions denounced the Vietnamese people as barbarians while simultaneously praising their rich cultural heritage, claiming that they are descendants of the mythical dragon and fairy, with a civilization that has thrived for thousands of years.
Vietnamese-describing them as the children of dragons and the grandchildren of fairies whose culture and literature stretched back thousands of years (p.165)
3 ―Mày nuôi ong tay áo‖ (p.157) ―you let the bee up your + sleeve!‖ (p.121)
4 Có chọi mới gọi là chọi trâu A water buffalo is only a +
(p.124) true water buffalo when it eats and fights (p.102)
5 Thế mà nó cứ để con cái tôi But the kids are as well + ngoan như bụt (p 30) behaved as little Buddhas,
As for expressions which do not have comparable phrases in English, foreignization strategy is applied to deal with unequal notions between two cultures
Literal translation allows readers of the target language to access expressions from the original language, such as "Tài đảo mỏ," which refers to individuals seeking marriage solely for wealth The term "prospecting skills" literally denotes the search for valuable resources like gold or oil, lacking the deeper meaning found in Vietnamese, thus representing a domesticating strategy Additionally, the phrase "the children of dragons and the grandchildren of fairies" symbolizes the unity of the Vietnamese people, highlighting their shared origin and heritage.
The expression "Mày nuôi ong tay áo," translated literally as "you let the bee live up your sleeve," retains its original cultural significance while incorporating foreign elements like "ong" (bee) and "tay áo" (sleeve) in the target language This idiom highlights the concept of harboring a traitor who harms the homeowner, paralleling English phrases such as "to let the wolf into the fold" and "to set a fox to mind the geese." Similarly, the Vietnamese idiom "có chọi mới gọi là chọi trâu" conveys that one's position is validated through demonstrated talent and ability However, the translation "a water buffalo is only a true water buffalo when it eats and fights" only provides a superficial understanding of the water buffalo's nature, as "chọi" means "fight" and "trâu" is significant in the context of rice agriculture in tropical Asia Thus, this phrase exemplifies the foreignizing approach in translation.
―Bụt‖, Sanskrit phoneme of India, originates from the ―Buddha‖ word,
―Buddha‖ is considered as the enlightened according to Buddhism However, since
In Vietnamese folk belief, "bụt" represents a gentle figure imbued with miraculous powers, closely connected to the common people Often seen as a listener and resolver of the wishes of the poor and disadvantaged, "bụt" addresses injustices in ancient society, punishing the wicked to restore peace and happiness to the kind-hearted The phrase "ngoan như bụt," meaning "as well behaved as little Buddha," reflects a strategy of foreignization, preserving the image of "Buddha." In Western culture, God is viewed as the ultimate power, and the equivalent expression "as innocent as a lamb" highlights a cultural contrast, affirming that "as well behaved as little Buddha" is rooted in foreignization.
Table 4.21 Examples of Omission Applied in Translating Expressions
1 Nhai nhãi nói như cái chão rách rattled on (p.116) +
2 Mày bôi gio trát trấu vào cái You‘ve sullied the + thanh danh nhà tao (p 157) family‘s honor (p 121)
3 Lại còn khen phò mã áo tốt You only praise what +
Omission in translation involves leaving out certain information from the original text while incorporating the translator's interpretations For instance, the phrase “lại còn khen phò mã áo tốt” suggests that praising the king's son-in-law's attributes is unnecessary, as it implies that compliments are superfluous In translation, this expression is omitted and simplified to “you only praise what everyone has already,” reflecting domestication, which aims to make the text more accessible to the target audience According to Shuttleworth and Cowie (1997), domestication minimizes foreign elements for better comprehension Additionally, phrases like “mày bôi gio trát trấu vào cái thanh danh nhà tao” are condensed to “you’ve sullied the family’s honor,” losing cultural specifics such as “tro” (ash) and “trấu” (rice husks), further exemplifying domestication Similarly, “nhai nhãi nói như cái chão rách” is adapted to “rattled on,” omitting the cultural reference to “cái chão,” a strong rope, to cater to the target readers.
The total amount of translational strategies are presented in the following table:
Table 4.22 The Translational Strategies of CSIs
The following chart represents the total percentage of CSIs used
Chart 4.10 Domestication and Foreignization of CSIs
Summary
According obtained results, both foreignization and domestication strategies were used to overcome language and cultural barriers in the English translation of
In the novel "Dumb Luck," foreignization emerges as the predominant cultural strategy, accounting for 76.30% of the 135 cultural-specific items (CSIs) identified Among the translational strategies employed, literal translation is the most significant, comprising 51.11% with 69 CSIs, followed by borrowing, which represents 17.04% with 23 CSIs Overall, the analysis reveals that foreignization is more prevalent than domestication, highlighting the emphasis on retaining cultural elements throughout the translation process.
