STRATEGIES APPLIED IN THE TRANSLATION OF IDIOMS IN TWO ENGLISH VERSIONS OF “TRUYỆN KIỀU” BY HUỲNH SANH THÔNG AND MICHAEL COUNSELL

INTRODUCTION

Statement of the research problem and rationale for the study

Translation has long been a vital profession, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and bridging cultural and linguistic divides worldwide As Landers (2001) notes, literary translation uniquely allows translators to engage creatively with texts, experiencing the aesthetic pleasures of great literature This creative aspect of literary translation has garnered significant interest from scholars and practitioners alike, leading to its growing popularity and notable accomplishments in the field.

Truyện Kiều, composed by the renowned Vietnamese author Nguyễn Du in the late 18th century, is celebrated as the pinnacle of Vietnamese medieval literature This monumental work, containing 32 million words, is revered for its exquisite language, often described as “every word is jade, every line is brocade.” Its profound cultural significance has led to extensive research by scholars, literary critics, and linguists alike The tale has been translated into over 20 languages, gaining recognition from international audiences Notably, more than 10 English translations of Truyện Kiều exist, with the most recent translation completed by Dương in 2013.

Tường and was first published in July 2020 The others were respectively translated by Lê Xuân Thuỷ, Huỳnh Sanh Thông, Michael Counsell, Charles Beroit,

1 “Lời lời châu ngọc, hàng hàng gấm thêu” This is the 1315 th verse in the Vietnamese version of Truyện

Kiều and was also verbatim quoted by the researcher.

Vladislav Zhukov and his team of translators have skillfully brought the rich heritage of Vietnamese traditional literature to a global audience, enhancing its international reputation Their success is rooted in a complex and demanding translation process that goes beyond mere language transfer, incorporating various linguistic elements Among these, idioms stand out as a key component of Truyện Kiều, alongside proverbs, Sino-Vietnamese terms, and dialectal expressions, showcasing the translators' dedication and expertise.

Despite extensive research on various aspects of this literary legacy, significant studies focusing on idioms remain scarce The researcher recognized the high quality of English translations by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell, prompting a deeper exploration of their work, particularly regarding idiom translation Vietnamese idioms exhibit distinct characteristics compared to their English counterparts, presenting challenges for translators Nonetheless, both translators successfully navigated these complexities, demonstrating impressive skill in their handling of idiomatic expressions.

Lạ gì bỉ sắc tư phong Trời xanh quen thói má hồng đánh ghen is translated by Huỳnh Sanh Thông as:

Is it so strange that losses balance gains?

Blue Heaven’s wont to strike a rose from spite or in the translation by Michael Counsell, it is:

“Rich in good looks” appear

To mean poor luck and tears of woe; which may sound strange, I know, but is not really so, I swear,

3 since Heaven everywhere seems jealous of the fair of face.

Objectives and research questions

This study aims to identify Vietnamese idioms used in the literary masterpiece "Truyện Kiều" by Nguyễn Du and to analyze the translation strategies employed by translators Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell in rendering these idioms into English Additionally, the research seeks to assess the impact of these translations on overall translation quality and to develop a framework for future translations of Vietnamese idioms and 6-8 couplet poems The study will also offer recommendations for further research in this area.

In order to fulfill all the objectives above, this research was carried out to conform to the following research questions:

1) What strategies are adopted by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell to translate Vietnamese idioms into English in two English versions of

2) To what extent do the translations reflect the level of faithfulness, naturalness and aesthetics as compared to the original Vietnamese version?

Significance of the study

The researcher chose two versions by these translators in order to obtain knowledge about how Truyện Kiều was translated in the perspectives of a

The researcher aims to develop a synthesis of effective strategies for translating Vietnamese idioms, which will serve as a valuable reference for both Vietnamese and foreign translators in their future translation endeavors.

The researcher aims to enhance the global recognition of the esteemed Truyện Kiều, encouraging further studies on this literary masterpiece This paper serves as a valuable resource for translators, inspiring them to delve deeper into translation strategies and effectively navigate challenges By doing so, it seeks to foster the creation of impactful translations of Vietnamese literature, showcasing its rich diversity and captivating essence to an international audience.

Methods of the study

The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods For qualitative analysis, document examination served as a key instrument to address the first research question Conversely, quantitative methods were employed to analyze data gathered from questionnaires, which facilitated conclusions for the second research question.

Chapter 1: Introduction comprises of rationale for choosing the topic, objectives, scopes, significance, methodology and organization of the study

Chapter 2: Literature review is the theoretical framework of idiom, translation strategies and translation quality assessment

Chapter 3: Methodology includes the setting, participants and research instruments

Chapter 4: Findings and Discussions provides a summary of major findings and further discussion

Chapter 5: Conclusion summarizes major findings of the study and presents the limitations of the study as well as puts forward some recommendations for further research.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Idiom

The definition of idiom varies pursuant to each author

According to Moon (1998, p 3), idiom is “an ambiguous term used in conflicting way” Meanwhile, Baker (1992, p 63) provides a definition of idiom as

“frozen patterns of language which allow little or no variation in form and often carry meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual components”

Larson also presents a way to define idiom He states that idiom was “a string of words” with the meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual word conveys (1984, p 20)

An idiom is generally understood as a group of words that conveys a figurative meaning, rather than a literal interpretation of the individual words While there is no precise definition, this common characteristic is central to various theories surrounding idiomatic expressions.

2.1.2 The differences between idioms and collocations

Baker (1992) highlights the need to differentiate between idioms and collocations based on their meaning transparency and pattern flexibility While collocations, such as "chết nhăn răng" and "tốt mã giẻ cùi," can be modified into forms like "nhăn răng" and "tốt mã," idioms are characterized as "frozen patterns of language" that do not permit such variations.

Idioms typically allow little to no variation in form and often convey meanings that cannot be inferred from their individual components Changes such as word order adjustments, word deletions, additions, replacements, or alterations in grammatical structure are not applicable to idioms For example, the Vietnamese idiom "nghiêng nước nghiêng thành" cannot be reversed or modified with additional words.

There is a miscellaneous assortment of idioms based on the purposes of each study The most popular way of classifying idioms is proposed by Fernando (1996)

He divides idioms into three typologies: pure idioms, semi-idioms and literal idioms, with the sub-constituents as follows:

(v) Culture-Free and Loaded Idioms

Vietnamese idioms in Truyện Kiều exhibit unique features that set them apart from standard English idioms These idioms are predominantly characterized by their rich figurative and metaphorical meanings, showcasing the depth of Vietnamese culture and language.

(1978) classifies Vietnamese idioms into seven sub-categories below:

(i) Idioms with three single words or more

(ii) Idioms with a single word and a compound word

(iii) Idioms with two compound words

(iv) Idioms as simple sentences

(v) Idioms with alliterations or compound words

(vi) Idioms with symmetrical comparisons

(vii) Idioms with summery comparisons

According to Cù (1976), Vietnamese idioms are categorized into three main types: symmetric idioms, similes, and regular idioms This classification provides a structured understanding of the diverse forms of idiomatic expressions in the Vietnamese language.

Figure 1.1: Cù’s classification of Vietnamese idioms

Symmetric idioms are defined by the correspondence among their constituents, with a significant focus on the rules of even and uneven tones (quy luật bằng – trắc) in Vietnamese idioms These tonal rules highlight the unique characteristics of symmetric idioms, as outlined by Bùi (1981).

(i) even – even – uneven – uneven (e.g quê cha đất tổ 2 )

(ii) uneven – uneven – even – even (e.g gạn đục khơi trong 3 )

(iii) uneven – even – even – uneven (e.g mặt chai mày đá 4 )

(iv) even – uneven – uneven – even (e.g xôi hỏng bỏng không 5 )

2 A Vietnamese idiom means “motherland” but is expressed in a figurative and phonic way

3 “To maintain the good points and eliminate the bad points”

Symmetric idioms Similes Regular idioms

Similes are explicit comparisons and always contain the words “như”, “tựa”,

In Vietnamese, the term “tựa như” functions similarly to “as” and “like” in English, serving as a tool for making comparisons According to Hoàng (1991, p 12), similes represent stable word combinations that arise from comparisons with specific denotative meanings, such as “khỏe như voi” (strong as an ox) and “vắng như chùa bà đanh” (empty as a deserted temple).

Regular idioms represent the most common type of idioms in any language, typically structured as complete sentences featuring subjects, verbs, and objects For example, the idiom "chó ngáp phải ruồi 8" illustrates this structure The meanings of these idioms are often rooted in historical and cultural contexts, making them challenging to articulate in simple terms.

Translation

In "A Textbook of Translation," Newmark (1988, p 5) defines translation as the process of conveying the meaning of a text into another language while preserving the author's original intent This definition highlights the importance of maintaining the author's intentions, emphasizing that translators must ensure that the message conveyed in the source text is accurately reflected in the target text.

According to Dubois (1973, p 22), translation is referred to as “the expression in another language (or target language) of what has been expressed in

5 A Vietnamese idiom that is equivalent to the English idiom “to lose lock, stock and barrel”

8 The idiom means “to be very lucky” but it connotes a sarcastic meaning

According to Dubois, translators must maintain both the accuracy and aesthetic qualities of the original text when performing translations, ensuring that the semantic and stylistic elements are preserved.

Translation, as defined by Brislin (1976), encompasses the process of conveying thoughts and ideas from a source language to a target language, applicable to both written and spoken forms This definition includes languages with established orthographies as well as those without standardization, and it also encompasses sign languages used by the deaf.

In another study, translation is mentioned as the act of “transferring messages from one language to another, while preserving the underlying cultural and discoursal ideas and values” (Azabdaftary, 1996, p 8)

While definitions of translation vary among linguists, they all share a fundamental concept: translators must effectively convey the messages of the source language (SL) in their translations.

TL regardless of cultural, linguistic and discoursal differences Thereby, a mutual comprehension between SL authors and TL readers can be produced

Though mentioned in a great deal of research concerning Translation studies,

Translation strategy lacks a universally accepted definition Lürscher (1991, p 8) defines it as a conscious approach to solving problems encountered while translating text segments between languages Vietnamese idioms, in particular, present significant challenges for translators due to their unique characteristics Fernando and Flavell (1981) suggest that these complexities necessitate effective translation strategies.

“strong unconscious urge in most translators to search hard for an idiom in the receptor language, however inappropriate it may be” (1981, p 82) Thus, it is

11 exceptionally necessary to adopt appropriate translation strategies to transfer the values of idioms in literary works from SL into TT

Gottlieb (1997, as cited in Trosborg, 1997, p 317) asserts that the primary responsibility of translators is to effectively convey the text to the reader He proposes two strategies for achieving this: first, by concentrating on the meaning of the original text, and second, by considering the intended impact on the reader When prioritizing the original meaning, the translator maintains stylistic loyalty, aiming to recreate the verbal atmosphere of the source material.

In the second case, the translator opts for conceptual loyalty, aiming at adapting the original text to a new communicative situation

Lefevere (1992) introduces the following categories of translation strategies :

According to Baker (2001), translators face two primary challenges: accurately recognizing and interpreting idioms, and effectively conveying the multiple layers of meaning that these expressions hold in the target language To address these challenges, Baker outlines several idiom translation strategies, including the use of an idiom that has both a similar meaning and form, as well as one that shares a similar meaning but differs in form.

Translation by paraphrase; (iv) Translation by omission; and (v) Translation by reduction

The researcher evaluated various translation strategies proposed by linguists and chose Mona Baker’s taxonomy as the theoretical framework for the study While different linguists offer varying perspectives on idiom translation strategies, Gottlieb’s framework is viewed as overly general, and Lefevere’s is seen as more suited for poetry than idioms Consequently, Baker’s framework is recognized as the most explicit and serves as the foundational theory throughout the research.

Translation quality assessment

Translation Quality Assessment is the crucial final step in the translation process, focusing on verifying and ensuring the highest quality of target language texts Various models have been developed to effectively evaluate translations.

According to Larson (1984), there are six effective methods for evaluating translation quality: first, comparing the translation with the source language; second, conducting a back translation; third, implementing comprehension tests; fourth, performing naturalness tests; fifth, applying readability tests; and sixth, executing consistency checks.

Others including Goff-Kfouri (2005) and Steven and Levi (2004) make considerable effort to develop a set of criteria for translation assessment Those criteria include validity, reliability, and objectivity

Farahzad (1992) presents a comprehensive rubric for assessing translation quality, which includes three key criteria: Accuracy, where the translation must accurately reflect the information in the source text (ST); Appropriateness, ensuring that sentences are fluent, native-sounding, and structurally correct; and Naturalness, which emphasizes the importance of the translation feeling organic and authentic in the target language.

Effective translation requires several key elements: first, it must sound natural to native speakers; second, it should maintain cohesion through the use of appropriate linkages, pronouns, and transitional tools; and finally, attention must be paid to the style of discourse and word choice, ensuring that the selected words and grammatical structures are suitable for the context.

Although the classifying methods are different, all the aforementioned linguists highly emphasize the readability and naturalness of a translation Therefore, these criteria are indispensable in any translation testing process

The researcher aimed to evaluate the translation of idiomatic expressions in two English versions of Truyện Kiều by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell, utilizing Farahzad’s framework The assessment focused on three key aspects: faithfulness, naturalness, and aesthetics To measure faithfulness, the criterion of accuracy was employed, while naturalness was evaluated through the criteria of naturalness and appropriateness, aligning with the research question.

The last criteria cohesion and style of discourse/word choice were chosen for the assessment of aesthetics level of the translation.

Reviews of related studies

Truyện Kiều is a celebrated gem of Vietnamese literature, inspiring numerous scholars to delve into its rich narrative This has led to extensive research on Truyện Kiều and its translations into multiple languages Notably, Đinh (2018) explored the translation of "The Tale of Kieu" by Mạc Phi Hoàng, focusing on the antitheses present in Nguyễn Du's original work Her study analyzed the translation equivalence of these antitheses, examining the syntactical and semantic losses and gains during the translation process.

14 research focused more on exploring linguistic aspects than translation methods or strategies

Nguyễn (2013) conducted research on translating sentences with parallelism, while Hoàng (2011) focused on hyperbole translation in Truyện Kiều Both studies primarily analyzed linguistic components in English translations, indicating a preference for linguistic aspects over translation methods, procedures, and issues of untranslatability.

It was not until the research on the translation of metaphors and similes (Lê,

In 2011, Hoàng Văn Vân utilized Newmark’s translation procedures framework to determine the most frequently used methods in translation and their appropriateness in the process Additionally, Lê (2011) highlighted the strong connection between culture and translation, proposing two new procedures—deletion and the translation of similes by metaphors—to enhance Newmark’s framework.

Overall, notwithstanding countless research on various English versions of

The study of idioms in the national treasure "Truyện Kiều" has been limited, prompting this research to identify idiomatic expressions and analyze the translation strategies used in two English versions by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell This investigation aims to enrich the current literature on the subject.

Chapter summary

This chapter presents a theoretical framework for translation strategies and idioms, along with a review of studies related to the English translation of Truyện Kiều by Nguyễn Du, highlighting the researcher's insights.

15 justification for the present study The methodology and the findings of the study will be described in detail in the next chapters

METHODOLOGY

Setting of the study

The research took place at the Faculty of English Language and Teacher Education (FELTE) at the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), part of Vietnam National University in Hanoi ULIS is highly esteemed for its training programs in teaching, translation, interpretation, and linguistics Notably, the Translation major has gained significant popularity, enhancing ULIS's reputation in the field.

Students majoring in Translation must complete essential courses such as Translation Practice, Translation Theory, Advanced Translation, and Specialized Translation to gain the necessary skills for a competitive market These courses require students to translate various texts across multiple genres and fields, ensuring they develop a broad understanding of translation Additionally, achieving language proficiency at the C1-C2 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is crucial for success in these courses By the time they reach their fourth year, students are expected to possess the skills and knowledge needed to translate effectively and evaluate translations critically.

In a nutshell, ULIS is a prestigious address for the researcher to seek referential documents, consultants and participants for the data collecting process.

Subjects of the study

3.2.1 Truyện Kiều and its English versions

The study focused on collating Vietnamese idioms in the original version of

Truyện Kiều and with two corresponding English versions translated by Huỳnh

Huỳnh Sanh Thông was a Vietnamese scholar and translator who dedicated most of his life to Yale University in the USA, while Michael Counsell, an Anglican priest, journalist, and translator from the UK, spent three years in Sài Gòn, Vietnam During his time there, Counsell became acquainted with Truyện Kiều and committed himself to translating this renowned Vietnamese tale.

For 25 years, the dedication of these two authors in translating the remarkable work, Truyện Kiều, has inspired the researcher to delve into the study and uncover the captivating essence of each word within the text.

"Truyện Kiều is a significant medieval literary masterpiece consisting of 3,254 verses and 1,627 couplets, featuring approximately 445 idioms, as noted by Dao (1974) and Phan (1986) Due to its extensive complexity, this work is often considered beyond the scope of a typical graduation paper."

The first part of the book features 1,000 verses, comprising 500 couplets, carefully selected to ensure the accuracy of idiom usage The researcher referenced Đào Duy Anh's 1974 work, "A Dictionary of Truyện Kiều," to identify idioms within the text Ultimately, 37 idioms were identified and analyzed for their significance and context.

Overall, twenty participants were inquired to complete the questionnaire and present their perspectives of the translations

Two of the 20 participants in this study are experienced Vietnamese translators with a minimum of five years in the field They were anticipated to possess a solid foundation in translation professionalism prior to their practice, along with a thorough understanding of Truyện Kiều To confirm their comprehension, the researcher engaged in discussions about the content of Truyện Kiều across three different versions through online meetings with these participants.

18 accessed to the original version as well as the English versions before taking part in the study Correspondingly, they could produce profound evaluation and significant results

The researcher invited three participants from English-speaking countries to evaluate the naturalness of two translated versions of a text One version was translated by a Vietnamese professor, while the other was done by a native translator Each translation reflects unique cultural perspectives and writing styles, which non-native speakers may struggle to fully appreciate Consequently, it is more suitable for native speakers to assess the authenticity and fluidity of the translations.

Fifteen fourth-year students from the Fast-track Division of FELTE, ULIS, who have completed courses in Translation Theory, Translation Practice, Advanced Translation, and Specialized Translation, participated in the study Their demonstrated competence in both English (Target Language) and Vietnamese (Source Language) positions them to significantly enhance the research's validity, thanks to their specialized knowledge and skills in the field of translation.

Feedback from Vietnamese readers was utilized to assess the faithfulness and aesthetics of the two English versions of Truyện Kiều, while insights from native participants provided valuable data for evaluating the naturalness of these translations.

Data collection methods

The researcher analyzed the idioms found in the Từ điển Truyện Kiều, creating a comprehensive list of Vietnamese idioms These idioms were categorized according to Cù’s classification method and provided with two English translations This list served as essential material for the advancement of the study.

Utilizing a framework provided by Mona Baker, the research examined the strategies employed by two translators in their English translations of idioms, along with offering general observations on their approaches.

Questionnaires serve as an effective tool for collecting data from a large population In this study, we developed and administered questionnaires to obtain insights related to the second research question, involving 17 participants proficient in both the source language (SL) and target language (TL), as well as three native English speakers.

The cluster sampling method, as defined by Panneerselvam (2004), involves dividing a population into distinct subgroups or clusters, where members within each cluster differ in their attributes, while clusters themselves are similar Henry (1990) further characterizes this technique by stating that every population member belongs to a cluster, and samples are formed by randomly selecting entire clusters, including all their members This approach was utilized to conduct questionnaires, ensuring the generation of reliable results.

The questionnaires, designed in accordance with the theoretical framework for translation quality assessment, included both close-ended and open-ended questions to address the objectives of the second research question.

The researcher began by presenting the name, objectives, and a brief overview of the questionnaire The first page provided participants with space to include their personal information, such as names and optional email addresses, alongside a thank-you note at the conclusion of the questionnaire Additionally, the document featured a table with four columns, showcasing the original text, two translated versions, and the meanings of idioms from ten selected verses.

20 from the list of idioms was also enclosed along with the questionnaire paper so that participants could keep track of the contents

The study utilized two distinct questionnaires: one for Vietnamese participants and another for foreign participants The Vietnamese questionnaire featured two main sections: Section A focused on evaluating faithfulness with two items assessing the accuracy of two translated versions, where participants rated each verse on a scale of one to five and provided their opinions on specific aspects of the translations Section B included one item to evaluate rhythm and three items to gather feedback on discoursal elements such as word choice and cohesion The foreign questionnaire comprised two items; the first assessed participants' perspectives on the naturalness of the translations through simultaneous reading and evaluation, while the second item solicited detailed explanations and examples to clarify their choices.

Data collection procedures

The researcher underwent three steps to collect data from the questionnaires

Firstly, the researcher developed the questionnaires and submitted to the supervisor and received some feedback After that, the commented version was corrected and formatted

The questionnaire was piloted with voluntary participants to assess the clarity and practicality of its items, gather feedback, and revise the draft based on their comments.

The revised questionnaire was distributed to participants in both direct and online formats to accommodate their preferences To assist the three foreign participants, the questionnaire was made available entirely online Given the larger participant pool, the assessment of faithfulness and naturalness was conducted prior to distributing the main questionnaire.

Finally, after collecting the completed questionnaire papers from respondents, the researcher began classifying and picking out valid papers for the study and prepared for the data analysis process.

Data analysis methods

Qualitative analysis is an effective method for gaining a deep understanding of research problems, as it involves reducing and interpreting qualitative data to uncover core consistencies and meanings (Patton, 2001) This strategy was employed to analyze data from document analysis, aiming to yield clear results for the initial research question.

Quantitative analysis focuses on examining numerical data rather than textual information, playing a crucial role in calculations, measurements, and performance evaluations It primarily consists of two types: descriptive statistics, which identify patterns and differences among variables through methods like cross-tabulations and sub-category analyses, and inferential statistics, which delve into more complex data structures to uncover underlying patterns The latter is utilized in specific situations that demand a deeper understanding of the data's complexities and typically requires professional expertise.

This study employs descriptive statistics to analyze data gathered from questionnaires and document analysis, as it effectively aligns with the research objectives and provides meaningful findings.

Data analysis procedures

3.6.1 Data analysis procedures for the document analysis

Step 1: The researcher read the literature review, two English versions and original idioms carefully and rechecked the results from the document analysis to ensure the level of accuracy

Step 2: Once the data were prepared properly, the researcher employed qualitative method to analyze on the basis of the research question and the purposes of the study

Step 3: On completing the analysis, the researcher drew some conclusions, reported the findings and proceeded to discussion part

3.6.2 Data analysis procedures for the questionnaire

Step 1: All the questionnaire papers were gathered and sorted based on groups of participants

Step 2: On receiving back the questionnaire papers, the researcher verified whether (a) all the items were fulfilled (b) the answers for open-ended questions were relevant to the questions; and (c) the answers were comprehensible and valid Only those which satisfied three requirements above were chosen for the next step

Step 3: In the next step, the statistics were calculated and then reported to make comparisons between two versions Some tables and figures were also drawn to provide more visualized reference for the findings

This chapter outlines the research methodology, highlighting the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis The researcher employed document analysis and questionnaires as key instruments for data collection Additionally, the chapter details the procedures followed for gathering and analyzing the data.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Research question 1: What strategies are adopted by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell to translate Vietnamese idioms into

Thông and Michael Counsell to translate Vietnamese idioms into English in two English versions of “Truyện Kiều”?

The researcher focused on the first 1,000 verses of Truyện Kiều, identifying a total of thirty-seven idioms within this selection This collection includes twenty-eight symmetric idioms, one simile, and eight regular idioms.

4.1.1 The application of Baker’s strategies in the translation of symmetric idioms

Approximately 80% of the 37 idioms analyzed were symmetric Both English translations by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell employed all strategies from Baker’s taxonomy to translate these symmetric idioms The frequency of each strategy used is detailed in the accompanying table and figure.

Strategies Frequency of strategy usage (times)

Using an idiom of similar meaning and similar form 1 0

Using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form 4 2

Table 4.1: Strategies used to translate symmetric idioms in two English translations of “Truyện Kiều”

Figure 4.1: Percentage of frequency of Baker’s translation strategies used in two English translations of symmetric idioms in “Truyện Kiều”

In Figure 4.1, it is evident that paraphrasing was the predominant translation strategy employed by both translators, with Huỳnh utilizing it more frequently than Counsell Both translators transformed the original idioms through transliteration, altering the lexicon and syntax, and ultimately did not retain the idioms in their original forms Despite their shared strategy, each translator exhibited a distinct style in transliterating the source text, highlighting their individual approaches to paraphrasing.

Using an idiom of similar meaning and similar form

Using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form

Perc ent ag e o f o cc ure nce o f trans lati o n strate gi es us ed (% )

In their translations of the Vietnamese idiom “nhả ngọc phun châu,” Huỳnh and Counsell employed different strategies, with Huỳnh rendering it as “your magic conjures gems and pearls!” and Counsell opting for “precious pearls and jade.” While Huỳnh provided a detailed explanation by altering the syntax to form a complete sentence, Counsell condensed the expression into a noun phrase, preserving the essence of the original Both translators exhibited similarities in their approaches, notably in their translation of the idiom “trâm gãy bình rơi,” which Huỳnh translated as “the pin had snapped, the vase had crashed,” and Counsell as “the hook had broken and the vase crashed down.” Although both terms, “pin” and “hook,” can reflect the original meaning of “trâm,” they fail to capture its nuanced connotations Additionally, both translators transformed the original idiom from a phrase into a compound sentence, showcasing their stylistic choices.

Translation by reduction was the second most frequently used strategy, with Huỳnh employing it three times and Counsell six times This approach involves omitting components from the source text (ST) or using more generalized terms in the target text (TT) For example, Huỳnh translated “nghiêng nước nghiêng thành” (toppling kingdom or toppling defensive walls) as “kingdoms rocked,” omitting “thành” (defensive walls) and retaining only “nước” (kingdoms) Similarly, Counsell condensed the phrase “phượng chạ loan chung” (a male phoenix and a female one live together without any recognition) into the single word “woo.”

Both translators employed an idiom with a similar meaning but a different form, though less frequently Huỳnh specifically used this strategy to transliterate four symmetric idioms, including “gió táp mưa sa,” which translates to “moved like a lashing storm,” and “ăn xổi ở thì.”

The article discusses various idioms and their translations, highlighting phrases such as "snatch the moment" and "pluck the fruit," which convey the urgency of seizing opportunities It also mentions the Vietnamese idiom "chắp cánh liền cành" (wing to wing and limb to limb) and "chân mây cuối trời" (at the world’s ends), illustrating the richness of cultural expressions Additionally, Counsell's approach is noted for translating only two idioms: "một hội một thuyền" (two of a kind) and "mạt cưa mướp đắng" (rotten eggs), reflecting a selective strategy in idiomatic translation.

Translation by omission was selected to translate symmetric idioms by

Counsell solely Huỳnh did not use this strategy in any translation out of 28 symmetric idioms On using the strategy, the translator omitted the idioms in the

Translating idioms can be challenging due to their unique meanings and stylistic nuances, as seen with phrases like “lá thắm chỉ hồng,” “hồng diệp xích thằng,” and “đầu mày cuối mắt.” Despite the difficulty in finding direct equivalents in the target language (TL), translator Huỳnh successfully conveyed these idioms using alternative strategies.

In contrast, the idiomatic translation strategy was exclusively utilized by Huỳnh, who applied it once to translate the phrase “đổi trắng thay đen” (turning black to white) This approach was the least common due to its requirement for the target text to not only convey a similar meaning but also to include equivalent lexical items, making its occurrence quite rare.

Document analysis revealed that literal translation emerged alongside the strategies outlined in Baker's taxonomy Lefevere's (1992) strategy is particularly relevant for idiom translation, especially when source language (SL) idioms closely resemble target language (TT) idioms in word choice, collocation, and social meaning Among 28 symmetric idioms, Huỳnh employed literal translation for two, while Counsell used it for three idioms In Counsell’s translation, the idioms “đổi trắng thay đen,” “nghiêng nước nghiêng thành,” and “cửa đóng then cài” were translated as “change white into black,” “cities and empires to revolt,” and “closed, barred doors,” respectively Huỳnh also rendered two idioms literally.

28 cưa mướp đắng” and “hồng diệp xích thằng” into “sawdust and bitter melon” and

“the red leaf, the crimson thread” in succession

Huỳnh and Counsell employed a variety of flexible strategies in their English translations of symmetric idioms, with paraphrasing being the primary approach Additionally, they used literal translation as a supplementary method, demonstrating their creativity and willingness to explore effective ways to convey the source text's meaning rather than strictly following conventional frameworks.

The findings revealed that Huỳnh diligently conveyed the deeper scholarly meanings behind each idiom through detailed explanations, while Counsell prioritized preserving the poem's rhymes and overall spirit.

4.1.2 The application of Baker’s strategies in the translation of similes

“Phận sao phận bạc như vôi Đã đành nước chảy hoa trôi lỡ làng”

Among thirty seven idioms analyzed, there was only one simile, which is

The Vietnamese idiom "bạc như vôi" likens one's fate to lime, symbolizing ill fortune In Vietnamese culture, the grey color of lime represents misfortune, as "grey" translates to "bạc." This term originates from "bạc bẽo," meaning unblessed Therefore, in this context, "bạc" serves as a figurative adjective rather than a noun denoting color.

In the English version, Huỳnh employed the strategy using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form to transfer the simile into “as grey as dirt” in

The translation maintained a similar meaning to the source text, although "vôi" was substituted with "dirt." Despite the slight variation in word choice, the overall denotative meaning remained intact.

Regarding Counsell’s translation, “bạc như vôi” was transliterated into

The phrase "Why is my fate so cruel?" employs a rhetorical question to express deep emotional turmoil This transformation from a simile to a question enhances the impact of the sentiment Additionally, the choice of the adjective "cruel" replaces the original term "bạc," adding a layer of intensity to the expression of suffering.

Research question 2: To what extent do the translations reflect

of faithfulness, naturalness and aesthetics compared to the original Vietnamese version?

Seventeen survey papers were distributed to assess the faithfulness of two translations, with 16 confirmed to meet all requirements The results from these validated surveys were analyzed to derive research findings, while the remaining paper was excluded due to unanswered open-ended questions.

Due to the time limitation, only ten idioms were included in the questionnaire Ten idioms were listed in the table below:

Idiom 1 bỉ sắc tư phong Idiom 2 mười phân vẹn mười Idiom 3 nghiêng nước nghiêng thành Idiom 4 tài tử giai nhân

Idiom 5 trâm gãy bình rơi Idiom 6 thỏ lặn ác tà

Idiom 7 phượng chạ loan chung Idiom 8 trộm dấu thầm yêu Idiom 9 một hội một thuyền Idiom 10 cửa đóng then cài

Table 4.3: List of examined idioms in the Questionnaire

In order to assess the faithfulness of two English translations, the researcher calculated the total scores that 16 respondents gave the translation of each idiom by

Huỳnh and Counsell respectively based on the marking scale from one to five, following the formula below:

S: total score; A: the given score (from 1 to 5);

B: the number of respondents giving the score A

The marking scale from one to five (points) represented the corresponding degree of assessment as followed:

5 – Excellent 4 – Very good 3 – Good 2 – Average 1 – Bad

The results were then recapitulated in the following figures

Figure 4.2: The scores given by respondents for the translation of each idiom by Huỳnh Sanh Thông

Excellent Very good Good Average Bad

Figure 4.3: The scores given by respondents for the translation of each idiom by Michael Counsell

According to Figures 4.2 and 4.3, Huỳnh's translations received five and four more points from readers compared to Counsell's translations, while Counsell's translations garnered a higher number of points in the three and two categories.

The analysis indicates that Huỳnh's translations were generally rated as more faithful compared to Counsell's While some of Counsell's translations received high scores, most were rated as good, with a few deemed very good or average in terms of faithfulness Overall, both translators met the faithfulness criterion, but Huỳnh's work garnered higher appreciation A notable example of Huỳnh's faithful translation is the phrase "một hội một thuyền" from the couplet: "Âu đành kiếp quả nhân duyên, Cũng người một hội một thuyền đâu xa," which showcases his skill in capturing the original meaning.

We both reap what we sowed in our past lives: of the same League, we ride the selfsame boat

Excellent Very good Good Average Bad

Another example to name was:

Mấy lần cửa đóng then cài Dãy thềm hoa rụng biết người ở đâu?

, which was translated by Huỳnh as:

All doors were shut, all bolts were locked in place

A threshold strewn with flowers – where was she?

Counsell’s most faithfully translated couplet was supposed to be:

Now for the worst prepare; your fate already is defined; we are two of a kind

, transliterated from the original verses: Âu đành kiếp quả nhân duyên Cũng người một hội một thuyền đâu xa

Both student and expert participants agreed that Huỳnh Sanh Thông’s English translation of Truyện Kiều is superior to that of Michael Counsell This difference in translation styles can be attributed to the distinct purposes behind each translation and the cultural backgrounds of the authors Huỳnh Sanh Thông, a Vietnamese native who spent half his life in the US, possesses a strong command of both Vietnamese and English, enabling him to capture the original text's nuanced meanings His translation aimed to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the poetic imagery that defines the work, emphasizing the beauty of language through onomatopoeias, metaphors, idioms, and other artistic elements.

Counsell focused on creating a clear and poetic translation of the 37 devices primarily sourced from Semplice Life To enhance the readability and artistic quality, he made adjustments to vocabulary and expressions, which occasionally led to compromises in strict fidelity to the original text.

In the realm of aesthetics, respondents noted that Huỳnh employed a broader array of figurative language, while Counsell favored a more concise style with vocabulary that captured the essence of the source text However, in terms of cohesion, Counsell's translation was deemed more cohesive, as he consistently used the characters' proper names, such as Kiều, Kim Trọng, and Thúc Sinh, rather than relying solely on generic pronouns, as Huỳnh did.

Một hai nghiêng nước nghiêng thành Sắc đành đòi một tài đành họa hai

Counsell supplemented some details which did not exist in the ST into the

TT is essential for linking details and enhancing comprehension for readers, particularly for those unfamiliar with the poem This importance is illustrated through the translation of the couplet.

One glance of Kieu’s could stir cities or empires to revolt !

Her beauty had no fault nor in her mind was any flaw

Huỳnh exclusively used "her" and "she" to refer to the character, which may pose challenges for foreign readers in following the storyline and identifying the specific characters.

Huỳnh’s translation for this couplet was:

A glance or two from her, and kingdoms rocked !

Supreme in looks, she had few peers in gifts

Couplet 271-272 also exemplified these characteristics of two translations

Mấy lần cửa đóng then cài Dãy thềm hoa rụng biết người ở đâu?

Counsell still conformed to his style and turned the ST into the TL as:

The closed, barred door for bad him pass

Dead flowers bestrewed the grass – Where could Kim find his true love, Kieu

The translator's choice to specify "người" as "Kiều" and "Kim" in the source text highlights a direct observation of the narrative, enhancing the emotional connection through the use of proper names Despite this personal touch, Huỳnh maintained his conservative style by translating "người" simply as "she."

All doors were shut, all bolts were locked in place

A threshold strewn with flowers – where was she?

In conclusion, the second version of the poem, translated by Counsell, is deemed more cohesive due to its effective repetition of words, phrases, and character names In contrast, Huỳnh's translation resembles a narrative composed of several short statements, lacking the same level of fluidity.

Counsell's translation of Truyện Kiều embodies a poetic essence, reflecting the unique 6-8 poem structure of Vietnamese literature, which he prioritized over strict fidelity to the original text As a foreign translator, he focused on enhancing the aesthetic quality of the work, making significant efforts to preserve the rhyme characteristic of 6-8 poetry Consequently, Counsell's rendition is often regarded as more aesthetically pleasing compared to Huỳnh Sanh Thông's translation, despite the latter's varied word choices.

Figure 4.4: Percentage of natural idiom translations in the English versions by Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell

Counsell’s translation, though less faithful, was praised for its naturalness and modern style, making it more accessible In contrast, Huỳnh’s translation was influenced by an archaic form of English, featuring detailed and symbolic language that could be difficult for those unfamiliar with the culture to comprehend This difference in approach highlights Counsell's ability to convey the message in a simpler manner, as exemplified in couplets 5-6.

Lạ gì bỉ sắc tư phong Trời xanh quen thói má hồng đánh ghen was translated by Huỳnh as:

It is so strange that losses balance gains ?

Blue Heaven’s wont to strike a rose from spite.

, and Counsell also provided a translation as:

The phrase "rich in good looks" often suggests that beauty comes with its own burdens, as it can lead to misfortune and sorrow This paradox may seem odd, yet it reflects a belief that even Heaven appears envious of those who are exceptionally attractive.

Most respondents found the latter version of the translation to be more natural than the former The grammar and word choice were both native and familiar to the readers However, Huỳnh's translation resembled explanatory statements rather than poetry, and all three participants noted that its structure was unusual.

Huỳnh's translation has been noted for its peculiar and unnatural expressions, as highlighted by various examples Additionally, one of the three respondents offered suggestions for improving these verses.

Where are they now who shared in her embrace ?

Where are they now who lusted for her charms?

CONCLUSION

Summary of the findings

The researcher underwent various steps to investigate the strategies employed by two translators Huỳnh Sanh Thông and Michael Counsell to translate

Truyện Kiều into English Along with this target, the level of faithfulness, naturalness and aesthetics that the translations reflect were also figured out

The study analyzed a total of thirty-seven idioms, successfully addressing the two research questions outlined in the introduction through this comprehensive analysis.

The study revealed that paraphrasing was the predominant strategy employed by both translators for translating symmetric, simile, and regular idioms This approach allowed for the creation of descriptive and comprehensible translations while preserving the idioms' denotative meanings and original nuances Additionally, Counsell uniquely utilized translation by omission, selectively removing elements that lacked equivalents or could not be accurately conveyed in the target language, in order to maintain the poem's rhyme.

In contrast, since Huỳnh attached considerable importance to the content, he tried not to omit any verses in the ST

In addition to the five strategies outlined by Baker, the study identified the use of literal translation in two instances Lefevere's proposed strategy demonstrated that literal translation is an indispensable component of any translation process Consequently, the inclusion of this supplementary strategy was unavoidable in the research findings.

In terms of faithfulness, Huỳnh's translation was found to surpass Counsell's, although both versions were considered to meet this standard However, when evaluating aesthetics and naturalness, Counsell's translation was favored.

To surpass Huỳnh in meeting two specific criteria, he employed numerous archaic words and an old writing style in his translation This approach closely aligned with the original text, as Truyện Kiều is a piece of medieval literature characterized by its archaic language.

The language in the source text was rich in imagery and metaphor, allowing Huỳnh Sanh Thông's explanatory style to effectively convey the nuances of the idioms In contrast, Counsell adopted a simpler, rhythmic approach for his translation, successfully maintaining the rhyme of 6-8 couplet poems, a significant challenge for translators While Huỳnh’s translation was noted for its faithfulness, Counsell's version was praised for its artistic quality As a native English speaker with a deep understanding of culture, Counsell prioritized naturalness to create a translation that was clear and concise Feedback indicated that readers preferred Counsell’s translation for everyday reading, whereas Huỳnh’s work was seen as essential for those studying Vietnamese literature.

Limitations of the study

Despite satisfying most of the requirements, the study still confronted some shortcomings

Due to time constraints, the researcher examined only 37 idioms from the first 1,000 verses of Truyện Kiều, despite the entire work containing over 400 idioms Consequently, the findings reflect only a partial understanding of these 37 idioms' characteristics Additional research is necessary to provide more comprehensive and reliable insights.

A significant limitation arose from the questionnaire participants, as the idioms in Truyện Kiều are highly metaphorical, making it challenging for both Vietnamese and foreign readers to fully understand their deeper meanings.

The study aimed to recruit participants with strong competencies in both source language (SL) and target language (TL), as well as extensive knowledge of world literature However, the researcher was only able to find individuals who met two out of the three criteria Despite this limitation, the participants demonstrated a willingness to engage with the materials, which allowed them to acquire the necessary background knowledge and successfully complete the questionnaire Nonetheless, this limitation significantly impacted the validity of the study.

Recommendations for further studies

This study on idioms in Truyện Kiều aims to enhance the translation of Vietnamese literature and Oriental literature as a whole The researcher hopes that the findings will inspire translators to create high-quality translations into languages beyond English, showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese literature to a global audience.

Given the limitations identified in this study, there is a need for more comprehensive research Consequently, this thesis serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the topic further.

In conclusion, due to constraints in time and knowledge, some shortcomings are inevitable; therefore, any constructive feedback from interested parties is greatly valued.

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