INTRODUCTION
Statement of the problem and rationale for the study
Communication has long been recognized as a fundamental human need, essential for the exchange of ideas and thoughts between individuals This inherent desire to connect with others has significantly contributed to the emergence and evolution of language.
Translation serves as a vital tool for fostering mutual understanding and relationships at both individual and collective levels However, the presence of diverse languages and cultural frameworks can hinder effective communication, creating barriers between people As a result, translation has become essential for individuals from various backgrounds to overcome language obstacles and engage in meaningful interactions.
In today's globalized world, translation is increasingly recognized as a vital profession and area of study, facilitating effective communication among diverse languages and cultures It transcends mere word-for-word conversion, requiring a deep understanding of the socio-cultural and pragmatic nuances of both source and target languages Among the many challenges faced by linguistic professionals, translating idiomatic expressions stands out as particularly complex, highlighting the need for extensive knowledge of linguistic elements.
Idioms possess meanings that cannot be inferred from their literal definitions, as they are rigid language patterns with limited variation According to Baker (1992), these expressions often convey meanings that are not deducible from their individual words Therefore, the translation of idioms warrants deeper exploration, significantly enriching the field of translation studies.
Translating idioms presents a significant challenge for translators due to their unique meanings that differ from the individual words used An idiom, defined as "a string of words whose meaning is different from the meaning conveyed by the individual words" (Larson, 1984), exemplifies this with phrases like "to have a bee in one’s bonnet," which refers to persistently discussing something deemed important (Walter, 1999) The translation process requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as idioms often cannot be translated literally and are deeply rooted in cultural contexts (Baker, 1992) Consequently, finding equivalent idioms across languages can be problematic, prompting translators to adapt the form and convey the intended message based on the idiomatic expressions.
This research focuses on the strategies employed in the English-Vietnamese translation of idioms in "The Great Gatsby," translated by Trịnh Lữ It aims to identify the most commonly used strategies by the translator, providing valuable insights for translators, students, and anyone interested in effectively translating English-Vietnamese idioms The study utilizes "Đại gia Gatsby" as a case study to highlight the challenges faced in idiomatic translation and offers practical suggestions for overcoming these difficulties.
Trịnh Lữ's translation of "The Great Gatsby" has gained significant attention, amassing over three million ratings on Goodreads, which underscores its importance in literature (Churchwell, 2013) Despite previous research focusing on the domestication and foreignization aspects of this translation (La, 2015), there has been a lack of clarity regarding the strategies employed to translate English idioms within the novel Therefore, the researcher aims to explore and highlight Trịnh Lữ’s idiom translation strategies in "Đại gia Gatsby."
Aims and objectives of the study
This research focused on how translator Trịnh Lữ approached idioms in "The Great Gatsby" and evaluated the applicability of Mona Baker's translation theory (1992) to English-Vietnamese idiom translations Through a detailed analysis, the study identified the predominant idiom translation strategies employed by Baker Ultimately, the findings provide valuable recommendations for translators on effective strategies for translating English idioms into Vietnamese.
In order to attain the previously-mentioned objectives, the research focused on the following questions:
The research focuses on the strategies employed by translator Trịnh Lữ in translating English idioms from "The Great Gatsby" into Vietnamese It aims to identify the most prevalent translation strategy used by Trịnh Lữ, highlighting how these approaches affect the overall understanding and cultural adaptation of the novel's idiomatic expressions.
This study investigates the impact of specific translation strategies on the accuracy and naturalness of Vietnamese translations of English idioms found in "The Great Gatsby," as perceived by target language readers The focus is on understanding how these strategies influence the readers' comprehension and appreciation of the translated text.
Significance of the study
This research aims to serve as a valuable reference for translators and translation students, focusing on commonly used strategies for translating English-Vietnamese idioms.
The researcher aims to analyze idiom translation strategies in "The Great Gatsby" using Baker's (1992) framework and assess Trịnh Lữ's idiom translations based on Larson's (1984) theory This analysis will provide valuable insights into the application of Baker's strategies in English-Vietnamese literary translation By examining this case, translators and students will better understand the challenges faced in idiom translation, enabling them to select the most effective strategies for converting English idioms into Vietnamese.
The researcher aims for the study's findings to contribute significantly to translation studies, encouraging other scholars interested in idiom translation to pursue further research and explore related topics in greater depth.
Scope of the study
This study focuses on the translation strategies of idioms in F Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel "The Great Gatsby," specifically analyzing the Vietnamese translation by Trịnh Lữ Due to time constraints, previous research only partially addressed idiom translation strategies; therefore, this research aims to explore the methods used to translate English idioms into Vietnamese The study evaluates whether Baker’s (1992) system of idiom translation strategies is reflected in Trịnh Lữ’s work and employs Larson’s (1984) theory of translation assessment to assess the quality of the English-Vietnamese idiom translations.
Organization
The study consists of 5 chapters as below:
Chapter 1 - Introduction gives the statement of the research problem, the rationale of the study, the aims of the study, its significance, and organization
Chapter 2 - Literature review contains the theoretical background of the study
Chapter 3 - Methodology includes research subjects, procedures of data collection, and procedures of data analysis
Chapter 4 - Results and discussion present the findings of the study, their implications, and application
Chapter 5 - Conclusion restates the key results of the study and gives suggestions for further research
LITERATURE REVIEW
English idioms
English is rich in idioms, adding vibrancy to both spoken and written forms of the language However, idioms pose significant challenges for learners, prompting extensive research by linguists and enthusiasts alike A key focus in academic studies is defining what constitutes an idiom To understand this better, it's essential to explore the origins of idioms, as simplified by Dadyan.
The term "idiom" originates from the Middle French word "idiome," which was borrowed in the 16th century, tracing back to the Greek word "idioma," meaning a unique phrase or peculiarity The Greek root "idios" translates to personal or private, while in classical Latin, "idioma" referred to a special term or phrase used by a specific individual or group By the post-classical Latin period, the definition evolved to encompass meanings such as language, peculiarity, special property, dialect, or a spoken form of language, as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary.
Many English dictionaries serve as trustworthy resources for understanding idioms When recognizing an idiom as a countable noun, these dictionaries provide essential clarifications on the term Notably, the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary offers valuable insights into this classification.
Dictionary, the idiom is by definition a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words (Hornby, 1948) It is manifested in the
The idiom "to have a change of heart" illustrates how certain phrases can convey meanings that differ significantly from the literal definitions of their individual words This expression signifies a shift in opinion or a decision to abandon a previously intended action, rather than a physical change in the heart itself According to Noah Webster (1843), idioms are unique expressions within a language that possess meanings not derived from the combined definitions of their components Similarly, the Longman English Dictionary defines an idiom as a group of words with a special meaning distinct from the ordinary meanings of each word These definitions highlight the inherent discrepancy between the literal meanings of idiomatic expressions and their figurative interpretations.
Over time, numerous linguists and scholars have proposed various definitions of idioms, highlighting their common challenges and characteristics These perspectives provide a deeper understanding of idioms, with some explanations echoing previous theories while introducing new dimensions to the concept.
Adkins (1968) defines idioms as unique expressions or phrases specific to a language, which are seldom translated literally and often elude dictionary definitions (p 149) He emphasizes that idioms possess inferred meanings rather than the standard meanings derived from their grammatical structure.
Moreover, there is another noteworthy identification of idioms given out by Seidl and McMordie (1988) In the fifth edition of English Idioms and How to Use
Idioms, often misunderstood as mere colloquial expressions, encompass a variety of forms in formal language, slang, and poetry Defined as combinations of words that convey meanings distinct from their individual interpretations, idioms highlight the contrast between literal and figurative language, as noted by Adkins (1968) Furthermore, Seidl and McMordie (1988) emphasize the diverse structures of idioms, which can complicate learners' understanding of their appropriate usage in different contexts, including recognizing when an idiom is natural or fitting.
Idioms are defined as multi-word phraseological units whose meanings cannot be predicted from their individual components (Fraser, 1970) This concept extends to all words in a language's lexicon, where even single morphemic words, such as "sing," "throw," and "book," exemplify idiomatic expressions Hockett (1958) similarly asserts that any grammatical form whose meaning is not deducible from its structure qualifies as an idiom, emphasizing that many composite forms in any language fall under this category Makkai (1966) further reinforces this idea by describing idioms as a term encompassing specific lexicographic and syntactic phenomena, highlighting that their meanings are not derived from their composition.
In the realm of Linguistics and Phonetics, an idiom is defined as a sequence of words that is both semantically and syntactically restricted, functioning as a cohesive unit, according to Crystal (2008).
To make this definition more detailed, he also explained as below:
Idiomatic expressions cannot be understood by simply summing the meanings of their individual words, as their meanings are often distinct from the literal interpretations Additionally, these phrases exhibit limited syntactic flexibility, as demonstrated by the impossibility of variations like "it's raining a cat and a dog" instead of the standard "it's raining cats and dogs." Due to their lack of internal variability, some linguists categorize idioms as a unique linguistic phenomenon.
‘ready-made utterances’ An alternative terminology refers to idioms as ‘habitual collocations’ (Crystal, 2008)
Furthermore, it is stated that there is no definition of idiom, which is understood fully clear-cut (Langlotz, 2006) Based on the preliminary definition of idiom,
According to Langlotz (2006, p.18), an idiom is defined as an established phrase or semi-clause made up of two or more words, often characterized by unique structural features Examples of such idiomatic expressions include "red herring," "buy the farm," "take the bull by the horns," and "fall flat." This definition is explored further in his book, "Idiomatic Creativity."
Idioms are unique linguistic expressions that often perplex newcomers to a language, while also presenting challenges for linguists trying to define and explain their grammatical behavior (Langlotz, 2006).
Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be derived from the individual words that compose them This article will utilize this widely accepted definition to analyze English idioms found in "The Great Gatsby."
Linguists have long regarded idioms as "dead" and "frozen" metaphors, as noted by Mọntylọ (2004) In this context, "dead" signifies idioms that possess arbitrary meanings with a metaphorical essence, while "frozen" describes the rigid structure of these expressions Mọntylọ argues that the concept of rigor mortis applies to both the meanings and forms of idioms, highlighting their fixed and unchanging nature.
Many peculiar characteristics of a language are included in idioms that show
Linguists analyze idioms by focusing on their unique cultural and linguistic characteristics, as well as the specific idiosyncrasies of each language (Brădeanu, 2012) According to Langlotz (2006), defining idioms involves examining their distinct features across three dimensions: form, meaning, and grammatical status.
Table 1.1 Parameters for the definition of idioms
Degree of conventionalization or familiarity institutionalization
FORM Formal complexity of construction: multi-word unit Lexicogrammatical behaviour: restricted syntactic, morphosyntactic and lexical variability compositeness frozenness
MEANING Meaning cannot be derived from constituent words but is extended/figurative non-compositionality
Translation
Translation is commonly understood as the process of conveying the meaning of a text from one language to another, while preserving the author's original intent (Newmark, 1988) Various theorists have contributed numerous definitions and interpretations of translation, highlighting its complexity and the nuances involved in accurately representing the source material.
In his work "A Textbook of Translation," the author emphasizes that effective translation starts with a thorough analysis of the source text, considering factors such as the text's purpose, the translator's intentions, the target audience, and the overall tone This foundational understanding is crucial for producing an accurate and meaningful translation.
Translation serves as a dual-purpose tool that not only assesses a learner's proficiency in a foreign language but also fosters their cognitive development (Newmark, 1988) Furthermore, Newmark emphasizes that translation transcends mere cultural transmission, acting as a vital mechanism for conveying truth and driving progress.
With regard to specific linguistic theory, Catford (1965) believes that translation is concerned with a relation between languages In his book A linguistic
Theory of Translation, translation is basically “the replacement of textual material in one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in another language (TL)” (Catford,
Translation is fundamentally the process of replacing a text in one language with a corresponding text in another language Key concepts in this definition include "textual material," which refers to specific parts of the source text, and "equivalent," indicating that the source language text is not fully translated but instead substituted with target language equivalents.
Translation equivalence, a concept introduced by Catford (1965), categorizes translation into distinct types based on extent, levels, and ranks In terms of extent, translations can be classified as full or partial A full translation involves the complete transformation of the source language (SL) text, where every element is replaced by corresponding target language (TL) material.
Partial translation involves leaving certain segments of the source language (SL) text untranslated and incorporating them into the target language (TL) text In contrast, total translation entails replacing SL grammar and vocabulary with equivalent TL elements, resulting in a shift in SL phonology and graphology to non-equivalent TL forms Restricted translation focuses on substituting SL textual material with equivalent TL content at a singular level Additionally, translation can be categorized as free, literal, or word-for-word; word-for-word translation adheres strictly to the original text at the word level, while literal translation occupies a middle ground between these two approaches.
17 these extremes; it may start, as it were, from a word-for-word translation, but make changes in conformity with TL grammar [ ]
Larson (1984) defines translation as the process of transferring meaning from the source language to the receptor language, emphasizing that this involves changes in the surface structure of the languages The source language is the original form, while the receptor language is the translated form To accurately convey the original meaning, Larson highlights the importance of understanding the lexicon, grammatical structure, communication context, and cultural nuances of the source text This comprehensive approach ensures that the translated text retains a similar meaning within the appropriate context.
Display 1.1 OVERVIEW OF TRANSLATION TASK
In her work "The Translation Studies," Bassnett (1994) argues that translation extends beyond mere linguistic activity, serving as a vital means of intra-cultural and inter-cultural communication (Jixing, 2013) She highlights that translation involves cross-cultural transfer, where achieving full equivalence or sameness is impossible, making untranslatability an inherent aspect of the process.
Text to be translated Translation on
Discover the meaning Re-express the meaning
18 process of transferring a text from SL to TL, there are some parts gained while something is lost (Bassnett, 1994)
Translators strive to provide high-quality translations, and to assess their success, Larson (1998) identifies three key criteria: accuracy, clarity, and naturalness These criteria are essential features of any translation, as emphasized in Larson's earlier work (1984) Accuracy ensures that all information from the source language (SL) is accurately represented in the target language (TL) without any omissions or additions Clarity involves making the SL message easily understandable during the translation process, which requires a deep comprehension of the original text Lastly, naturalness is achieved when the TL text is well-organized and presents the SL message in an engaging manner, with coherent paragraphs that enhance readability.
This study focused on evaluating target language translations based on two key criteria: accuracy and naturalness To assess these elements, Larson (1984) outlined methods for testing translation quality One primary method involves comparing the translated text with the original source language, analyzing both form and meaning This comparison aims to ensure the equivalence between the translations and their source texts.
To ensure that no information is omitted or altered during translation, it is crucial for translators to compare the target language (TL) texts with the source language (SL) texts This comparison serves as a self-check for accuracy, allowing translators to verify that all information is accurately represented Additionally, Larson (1984) emphasizes the importance of naturalness in translation, suggesting that translators conduct naturalness tests to evaluate the style and flow of the TL texts This involves reading through the entire translation to assess its coherence and overall meaning, and reading the translated texts aloud can further enhance the assessment of natural flow.
(1984), sometimes, this way can well work for further checking clarity and accuracy
To evaluate the translation quality of Trịnh Lữ’s rendition of idioms in “Đại gia Gatsby,” Larson's (1984) methods will be utilized, focusing on two key approaches: comparison with the source language and naturalness testing These methods effectively assess the essential elements of accuracy and naturalness in translation This evaluation will provide valuable insights into the application of Baker's (1992) idiom translation strategies within the context of “Đại gia Gatsby.”
Idiom translation
Translating idioms poses a significant challenge for translators, as understanding their meaning often requires more than just knowing the literal definitions of their individual components According to Gottlieb (1997), "an idiom is difficult to decode correctly for someone who only knows the normal meanings of its constituent elements" (p.260) Consequently, translators may struggle to grasp the true meaning of idioms if they rely solely on a literal interpretation of the words or phrases involved.
In her work "In Other Words," Baker (1992) discusses common challenges faced by translators, particularly the difficulty in recognizing idiomatic expressions, which are often not immediately apparent For instance, Gatsby's remark to Daisy that "her voice is full of money" illustrates how idioms can convey deeper meanings related to social status rather than their literal interpretation, potentially leading to misunderstandings and mistranslations Additionally, Baker notes that some idioms lack equivalents in the target language, as different languages encapsulate unique concepts and realities This discrepancy highlights the complexities of translation, where the same idea may be articulated in various ways across languages (Adelnia, 2011) Furthermore, idioms containing culture-specific references may pose significant challenges for translators, rendering them untranslatable.
Understanding idioms often requires in-depth knowledge of cultural contexts, which can complicate their translation A prime example is the idiom "Bob's your uncle," originating from the appointment of Arthur Balfour, the nephew of British Prime Minister Robert Cecil (nicknamed Bob), to a prominent position This phrase suggests that a task is straightforward or simple, implying that everything is taken care of by "Uncle Bob."
In the realm of idiom translation, understanding the concept of strategy is essential, as it varies significantly across different contexts The Cambridge Dictionary defines a strategy as "a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business, industry, or sport," highlighting the importance of planning in various scenarios Many researchers argue that the term strategy in translation closely aligns with related concepts such as method and model, emphasizing its critical role in effective translation practices.
21 procedure, technique, tactic, and approach, which refer to the process of translation
Translation strategies, as defined by Newmark (1988), Bell (1991), and Baker (1992), serve as essential tools for translators to address challenges encountered during the translation process These strategies are critical for solving translation problems, which leads to their classification (Sun, 2013) Specifically, a translation strategy is described as a method for converting specific linguistic units from one language to another (igi-Global, n.d) It is important to distinguish between strategy and method; while strategies focus on translating sentences and language units, methods encompass the translation of entire texts Additionally, translation methods may overlap with strategies, techniques, and procedures (Sun, 2013).
Scholars have developed various idiom translation strategies that can effectively address translation challenges According to Mona Baker (1992), the translation of idioms is influenced by factors such as the availability of equivalent idioms in the target language and the importance of the specific words that constitute the idiom Baker also provides several recommended strategies for idiom translation.
Using an idiom of similar meaning and form
This strategy focuses on utilizing idioms in the target language (TL) that convey a similar meaning and structure to those in the source language (SL) Essentially, TL idioms should mirror both the meaning and lexical items of SL idioms For instance, Vietnamese idioms can be equivalent to English idioms in terms of meaning and structure A clear example of this is the idiom "head over heels," which means being completely in love with someone.
22 applying this strategy, translators have to ensure the same meaning and form of the above idiom It can be translated into the Vietnamese equivalent chết mê chết mệt
(rung.vn, n.d) or say (mê) như điếu đổ (the researcher translated)
Using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form
Finding an idiom or fixed expression in the target language that conveys a similar meaning to the source idiom often involves different lexical items For example, the English idiom "by fits and starts," which indicates irregular activity, is akin to the Vietnamese expression "sáng nắng chiều mưa." This Vietnamese translation captures the same meaning as the original while presenting a distinct form, highlighting the nuances of language translation.
When an equivalent cannot be found in the target language or using idiomatic expressions seems inappropriate due to stylistic differences, translation by paraphrase is often the preferred strategy for translating idioms (Baker, 1992) For example, the English idiom "to take something in stride," which means to deal with a problem calmly without letting it affect one's actions (Cambridge Online Dictionary, Walter, 1999), can be translated into Vietnamese as "vượt qua dễ dàng" or "bình thản cho qua dễ dàng" (tratu.vn, n.d) This approach allows Vietnamese translators to effectively reword or rephrase the original expression while maintaining a closely matching meaning.
In translation, idioms may occasionally be omitted from the target text when there is no direct equivalent in the target language This can occur due to the absence of a close match, the difficulty in paraphrasing the idiom's meaning, or for stylistic considerations.
It is deemed that the use of the omission strategy is acceptable with such an aim to eliminate the lengthy explanation or rambling in the target language
SL: Now Rachel was absentmindedly rubbing her index finger back and forth over her upper lip, her brow slightly furrowed (“Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan, p 45)
TL: Lúc này, Rachel đang vô thức xoa ngón trỏ qua đôi môi trên của cô, lông mày của cô hơi nhíu lại (The researcher’s translation)
Newmark (1988) proposes that literal translation is an effective strategy for overcoming challenges in translating idioms, particularly those that are less context-dependent He emphasizes that this approach is essential for maintaining both referential and pragmatic equivalence with the source language.
SL: Now he was a sturdy, straw haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner (“The Great Gatsby” by F Scott Fitzgerald, p 9)
Giờ đây, nhân vật đã trở thành một người đàn ông ba mươi tuổi vạm vỡ, với mái tóc màu rơm và nét mặt có phần khắc nghiệt, cùng với dáng vẻ khinh bạc.
2.3.3 Review of the previous studies
Idioms play a significant role in both written and spoken English, enriching communication with cultural and historical nuances (Sharsheeva, n.d) Extensive research has been conducted on idiom translation across various languages, highlighting the complexities involved Notable studies include Nguyen's (2013) examination of English-Vietnamese translations of animal-related idioms and proverbs, focusing on cultural connotations Vuong's (2013) analysis of idiom translation strategies in "To Kill a Mockingbird" reveals that paraphrase is the most preferred method among translators Additionally, La's (2015) research on Trịnh Lữ’s translation of "The Great Gatsby" explores domestication and foreignization, indicating a trend towards domestication in idiom translation Collectively, these studies contribute valuable insights into the translation of idioms and their cultural significance.
Despite the extensive research in translation studies, there is a notable lack of focus on the strategies for translating idioms in literary works This gap has motivated the researcher to undertake this study, aiming to provide more objective insights into the translation of idioms.
METHODOLOGY
Research design
The research was conducted as an objective-descriptive translation study, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze data For Research Question 1, English idioms and their Vietnamese translations were compiled from the source and target language texts, applying Mona Baker's idiom translation theory and the framework by O’Dell and McCarthy The data were categorized and analyzed to identify the most frequently-used idiom translation strategies in "Đại gia Gatsby." In addressing Research Question 2, the findings were presented through calculated figures derived from questionnaires assessing TL readers' evaluations of Trịnh Lữ’s English-Vietnamese idiom translations.
Research subjects
The subjects of the study were the English novel “The Great Gatsby” written by F Scott Fitzgerald, a well-known American writer and first published on April 4,
In 1925, F Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," translated into Vietnamese as "Đại gia Gatsby" by Trịnh Lữ, was chosen for research due to its rich use of idioms This abundance of idiomatic expressions provides a valuable source of data for analyzing idiom translation strategies Additionally, "The Great Gatsby" is celebrated as one of the most significant literary works of the American twentieth century, further justifying its selection for study.
The Jazz Age literature, particularly F Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," captivates readers with its "waves of literary brilliance" and rich symbolism, making it a favorite among novels This book is widely included in the literary curricula of schools and universities globally, enhancing its persuasive academic value The latest Vietnamese translation, "Đại gia Gatsby," published in 2015 by renowned translator Trịnh Lữ, has sparked significant discussions among translators and readers alike Esteemed translator Dương Tường, known for his adaptations of classics like "Lolita" and "Gone with the Wind," praised Trịnh Lữ's work, further highlighting the translation's impact on the literary community.
“He is a talented person in a family of intellectuals - a talented Hanoi artist” (goodreads, n.d)
A comprehensive assessment of Vietnamese translations highlighted the significance of Trịnh Lữ’s work, prompting feedback from TL readers The researcher selected five participants due to time constraints and limited networking, as well as the participants' busy schedules which made completing lengthy questionnaires challenging All participants were native Vietnamese speakers with advanced English proficiency (at least C1 level) and were senior students majoring in Translation and Interpretation, who had recently completed a course on Translation Theory, ensuring they possessed a solid understanding of Translation Testing.
3.4.1 Data collection instrument for Research question 1
In addressing Research Question 1, the researcher utilized document analysis to identify English idioms in "The Great Gatsby" and their Vietnamese counterparts in "Đại gia Gatsby." By referencing the idioms outlined by O’Dell and McCarthy (2010), the researcher systematically categorized the English idioms and discovered their equivalents in the Vietnamese translation.
3.4.2 Data collection instrument for Research question 2
To gather feedback on Vietnamese translations of idioms, the researcher utilized online questionnaires comprising two key sections: participants' background information and their evaluations of the Vietnamese translations using rating scales Participants carefully reviewed the meanings of English idioms alongside their Vietnamese counterparts, then rated the translations for accuracy on a scale from 1 (Very inaccurate) to 5 (Very accurate) and for naturalness from 1 (Very unnatural) to 5 (Very natural).
Questionnaires were distributed to participants through email and Google Forms, allowing the researcher to gather well-organized data that could be easily converted into percentages and visually represented in charts and tables.
Languages in questionnaires were both English and Vietnamese, which helped participants understand requirements more detailed and give their more precise appraisals
3.5.1 Procedure of data collection for Research question 1
Step 1: Collecting English idioms in “The Great Gatsby”
In this phase, the English text was carefully analyzed to identify all idiomatic expressions The identified idioms were then organized according to the classification system proposed by O’Dell and McCarthy (2010) A table was created featuring two columns: one listing the English idioms and the other detailing their respective categories.
Step 2: Collecting Vietnamese equivalent translations of the English idioms in “Đại gia Gatsby” translated by Trịnh Lữ
During the analysis of the Vietnamese translation of "The Great Gatsby" by Trịnh Lữ, corresponding Vietnamese translations of English idioms were systematically organized These translations were documented in a table alongside strategies for idiom translation, following the framework established by Mona Baker in 1992.
3.5.2 Procedure of data collection for Research question 2
Before distributing the questionnaires to participants through email or Google Forms, they were piloted with acquaintances and my supervisor This preliminary testing helped identify any unclear requirements, instructions, or items, minimizing potential errors and practical issues As a result, the piloting process enhanced the reliability of the survey results.
To ensure comprehensive responses, questionnaires were distributed to a targeted group of participants through email and Google Forms To prevent any omissions regarding Translation Testing, Larson's (1984) theory of translation assessment, as outlined in Translation Theory, was included with the questionnaires This approach helped participants solidify their understanding of the topic prior to evaluating Trịnh Lữ’s Vietnamese translations from the readers' perspectives.
Within 1-2 weeks, five participants provided timely evaluations of the translations, enabling the researcher to complete data collection as scheduled Subsequently, the researcher compiled the ratings and presented the results using charts and tables for clarity.
3.6.1 Data analysis procedure for Research question 1
In the data collection process, the researcher created a table to quantify the various types of idioms and track their frequency of use in “The Great Gatsby.” This analysis included calculating how often each idiom type appeared, which was then visually represented in a pie chart to illustrate their distribution as percentages Through this method, the researcher was able to determine the most frequently used English idiom types in the novel.
The study meticulously analyzed idiom translation strategies, quantifying their application and converting these counts into percentages This analysis facilitated the creation of a pie chart illustrating the prevalence of each translation strategy The findings enabled the researcher to identify the most dominant strategies, which were a key objective of the study.
3.6.2 Data analysis procedure for Research question 2
The researcher evaluated the accuracy and naturalness of Vietnamese translations provided by Trịnh Lữ Initially, the participants' ratings were systematically reorganized and categorized, with the data converted into percentages displayed in tables and charts for easy identification of key items Subsequently, a detailed analysis of these criteria was included in the research findings.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Findings
In the data collection process for the novel "The Great Gatsby," English idioms were meticulously tracked and counted on each page, ensuring the accuracy of the investigation's results After systematically collecting and analyzing the idioms, the researcher identified their various forms and usages throughout the text.
The analysis reveals that the use of Verb + Object/Complement structures significantly surpasses other forms in the text Additionally, Compound/Noun phrases and Prepositional phrases are predominant, while Proverbs, Binomials, and Similes are utilized the least Trinomials and Euphemisms are notably absent from the novel In terms of idiom translation strategies, Paraphrase is the most frequently employed, followed by Literal translation and Omission However, the strategy of using an idiom with similar meaning and form is not utilized, and the application of idioms with similar meanings but different forms is generally limited.
After categorizing the English idioms, the result revealed that idioms with
In the analysis of language usage within the novel, Verb+Object/Complement structures, along with Adverbials, emerged as the most prevalent forms In contrast, Proverbs, Binomials, and Similes appeared significantly less frequently, with some being used only once or twice The frequency of each type was quantified in percentages, which are illustrated in the charts below.
Table 1 Frequency of each type of English idioms in “The Great Gatsby”
Types of idioms Frequency Percentage
Verb + Object/Complement (and/or Adverbials) 56 61%
Figure 1 Percentage of each type of English idioms in “The Great Gatsby” Verb + Object/Complement (and/or Adverbials)
In the novel, English idioms predominantly consist of verbs combined with objects, complements, or adverbials, representing 56 out of 92 idioms analyzed Notably, the Verb + Object structure emerged as a common form among these idioms.
Verb + Object/Complement (and/or Adverbial)
Prepositional phrase Compound/Noun phrase Proverbs
33 cases including “hate one’s gut; lick one’s shoe; pull one’s leg; hold one’s tongue; get one’s majority; hold one’s breath” Some idioms were ascertained in the form of
In English, verb phrases often combine with objects and adverbials to convey specific actions and meanings For instance, expressions like "talk it over" suggest discussing a matter thoroughly, while "talk one's breath away" indicates something remarkably impressive Phrases such as "keep one's hands off" and "keep one's eyes off" imply restraint from physical or visual engagement, respectively To "give way upon" means to yield or allow something to happen, whereas "wash one's hands of something" denotes disassociating from a situation When someone says they "laid eyes on someone," it refers to the moment they first noticed another person The phrase "took the heart out of something" suggests diminishing its importance or vitality, while "count someone out" means to exclude them from consideration Finally, "throw someone over" indicates abandoning a relationship or commitment These combinations enrich the English language, enhancing expression and clarity.
Idioms often consist of a combination of prepositions such as "in," "on," and "at" paired with nouns In this study, the researcher identified 20 idioms, including expressions like "under the name of," "in the wake of," "in arms," "on the tip of my tongue," "on speaking terms," "on the verge of tears," and "in the course of."
Idioms, often formed as compound phrases, combine various elements like prepositions, nouns, verbs, and adjectives In this study, the researcher identified 12 specific idioms, including "well-to-do," "a matter of chance," "a little heart to heart talk," "ill-at-ease," "out-of-the-way," "a decent stroke of work," "a forlorn hope," "way off," "hard up," "a hard mouth," "easy money," and "bona fide."
Among the idiomatic expressions analyzed, Proverbs, Binomials, and Similes were the least represented, with only one instance of a Proverb, one Binomial, and two Similes The Proverb "drunk as a monkey" and the Binomial "black and blue" were noted, along with the Similes "went like moths" and "act as brakes."
Research question 1: Which strategies are adopted by the translator Trịnh
Lữ to translate English idioms in the novel “The Great Gatsby” into Vietnamese? What is the most common strategy used by the translator Trịnh Lữ?
34 a Application of translation strategies in general
The Vietnamese translations of English idioms in "The Great Gatsby," as provided by Trịnh Lữ, were carefully compared to their original versions to ensure fidelity to the source material Among the idiom translation strategies employed, paraphrasing was the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 61%, while literal translation and omission were less frequently used The researcher compiled the data and calculated the percentages of each strategy, which are presented in the accompanying table.
Table 2 Frequency and Percentage of English-Vietnamese translation strategies in “Đại gia Gatsby” given by Trịnh Lữ
English-Vietnamese translation strategies Frequency Percentage
Using an idiom of the similar meaning and form 0 0%
Using an idiom of the similar meaning but dissimilar form 1 1%
The above numbers would be performed in the following chart:
Figure 2 Percentage of English-Vietnamese translation strategies in “Đại gia
Gatsby” given by Trịnh Lữ
Using an idiom of the similar meaning but the dissimilar form
In TL text, another idiom or expression with different lexical items is used for translation of an idiom in SL text, and this process is the aforementioned strategy In
“Đại gia Gatsby”, this strategy is applied once as follows
Half an hour before the bridal dinner, I entered her room to find her lying on the bed, looking beautiful in her floral dress, yet quite intoxicated.
Trước bữa tiệc cưới, tôi vào phòng chị ấy và thấy chị đang nằm trên giường trong bộ váy hoa, trông thật đáng yêu như đêm tháng Sáu, nhưng lại say khướt.
The Vietnamese idiom "say khướt cò bợ," which translates to "drunk as a monkey," highlights a fascinating linguistic contrast Despite the lexical differences between the two phrases, they convey a similar meaning related to intoxication This showcases the richness of idiomatic expressions across languages, illustrating how cultural nuances shape language.
15.2% Using an idiomof the similar meaning and form
Using an idiomof the similar meaning but dissimilar form Paraphrase
36 the meaning that “someone is drunk or has drunk so much alcohol and they cannot speak clearly or behave sensibly” (Reverso Dictionary, n.d)
When an exact equivalent for words or phrases in the source language (SL) cannot be found, translators should seek the most suitable alternative for rewording or restructuring the translation During the investigation, 71 out of 92 strategies were identified as Paraphrase, making it the most commonly used approach for translating idioms from English to Vietnamese in "Đại gia Gatsby." Trịnh Lữ employed the Paraphrase strategy by conveying the non-idiomatic meanings of the English idioms in the Vietnamese translation.
ST: “There was a touch of paternal contempt in it, even toward people he liked—and there were men at New Haven who had hated his guts” (p 9)
Giọng nói của anh mang đậm sự khinh bỉ, tựa như anh là bậc cha chú, ngay cả với những người mà anh quý mến Từ thời ở New Haven, nhiều người đã không ưa tính cách bạt mạng của anh.
For the above example, to hate one’s guts was discovered as an English idiom and it is explained to hate or dislike someone very much (according to Merriam
Webster) It is translated into Vietnamese ghét cái tính bạt mạng của anh, which Trịnh
Lữ kept the same meaning but used different words in line with the mentioned context
Literal translation is often regarded as the initial phase of the translation process, where the source language (SL) text is directly converted to the target language (TL) text However, this method can lead to a loss of contextual meaning In the study of "The Great Gatsby," various English idioms were translated literally, highlighting the challenges of maintaining the original intent and nuance in translation.
37 word as there was no close alternative in the TL text This strategy is detected in the following sentence
ST: “I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn’t fit to lick my shoe.”
TT: “Cứ ngỡ người ấy cũng phải biết thế nào là tông với giống, nào ngờ lại là một kẻ có liếm giày cho tôi cũng không đáng.”
Implication
The study reveals key insights into idiom translation, focusing specifically on strategies for translating idioms from English to Vietnamese in "The Great Gatsby."
Translating idioms in literary works presents significant challenges for translators, as the meanings of these expressions cannot be derived from the individual words that make them up Therefore, translators must possess a deep understanding of the idioms' characteristics and meanings to effectively convey the intended message in another language.
5-Very natural 4-Natural 3-Fairly natural 2-Unnatural 1-Very unnatural
Translators must grasp the essence of idioms and their contextual usage to effectively convey their meanings in the target language By understanding the nuances of these expressions, they can ensure that the intended message is delivered naturally and accurately.
The study highlights the importance of effective strategies for translating English-Vietnamese idioms in literary works Paraphrasing is highly recommended as a versatile approach for translating various idioms The strategy of using an idiom with the same meaning and form is often ineffective, as exact equivalents in Vietnamese are rarely found, which is evident in Trịnh Lữ’s translations Similarly, the strategy of using an idiom with the same meaning but a different form is also infrequently employed due to challenges in maintaining equivalent forms Furthermore, while omission and literal translation can diminish the idiomatic meaning, they are still utilized when no other options are available, particularly when translators aim to emphasize the literal meanings of expressions.
Application
Research typically seeks to uncover significant insights, and this is also true for the case study on idiom translation strategies in "The Great Gatsby."
This research serves as a theoretical reference by examining various theories on idioms and translation tasks put forth by linguists and scholars Language learners can enhance their understanding of idioms and translation through synthesized concepts, definitions, characterizations, and classifications drawn from numerous articles and studies.
The analysis of the study helps Vietnamese readers grasp the message of "The Great Gatsby" by F Scott Fitzgerald While elements like similes and metaphors enrich the text, idiomatic expressions can hinder understanding of the author's deeper implications Therefore, readers interested in the Vietnamese version "Đại gia Gatsby" can benefit from the researcher’s clarification of Trịnh Lữ’s idiom translations, enhancing their enjoyment of the novel.
The study highlights the significance of idiom translation strategies, particularly the applicability of Baker (1992)’s framework in translating English-Vietnamese idioms within "The Great Gatsby." These findings offer valuable solutions to challenges faced in literary translation, benefiting students, translators, and enthusiasts in the field Additionally, the research statistics serve as a credible resource for academic writing, self-study materials, and teaching activities.