OVERVIEW OF STUDY
Rationale
Since primitive time, labor gradually appeared; our ancestors had to invent ways to understand each other, to unite and co-ordinate for the common goal of hunting and collecting.
As time passed, little by little, human brains has grown exponentially, people have increased higher demands; communication ways also develop to meet the needs.
The unique development of language within isolated communities fosters distinct voices and reflects national identities, leading to rich diversity in language, culture, and communication methods.
As societies evolved and collaboration increased across countries and continents, the need for effective communication became essential for understanding and cooperation This necessity led to the emergence of translation, serving as a vital bridge connecting nations worldwide.
Over the years, as global conflicts arose and naval advancements progressed, the British Empire expanded its reach by annexing, invading, and ruling numerous countries worldwide This expansion significantly impacted the cultural and linguistic landscapes of these regions, leaving a lasting influence that persists to this day.
Since the 1980s, the advent of the Internet has significantly accelerated the global dissemination of the English language, permeating various aspects of daily life Currently, it is estimated that more than 50% of online content is produced in English, highlighting its dominance in the digital realm.
Cultural products, particularly Hollywood blockbusters and popular English-language music, significantly influence global audiences, especially among youth and art enthusiasts This widespread appeal has established English as the most widely spoken language worldwide.
In today's world, proficiency in English opens doors to enhanced educational and career opportunities Learning English enables individuals to connect with a vast global network and access an unlimited wealth of information.
While English is widely spoken, many individuals around the globe do not possess fluency in the language The variations in cultural nuances and linguistic expressions necessitate that interpreters accurately convey the intended meaning of sentences during translation.
Mastering translation while maintaining grammatical accuracy and original style poses a significant challenge for learners This article highlights the obstacles faced in the translation process and offers practical solutions to aid in achieving proficiency in this essential skill.
Previous study
Translation, as a branch of applied linguistics, garners significant interest from researchers worldwide A wealth of studies and publications exist, offering valuable insights into translation theory and equipping translators with the knowledge necessary to enhance their skills.
"In Other Words," authored by Mona Baker and published in 2011, focuses on the equivalence of grammar, word level, and pragmatics in translation The book is well-structured, beginning with fundamental translation theories and progressing to more complex topics It serves as a valuable resource for trainee translators, offering a solid foundation for key decision-making Each chapter explains essential concepts, highlights potential translation challenges, and presents strategies for overcoming these issues Additionally, the book includes authentic examples of translated texts from various languages, along with practical exercises and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter.
However, this book is will be perfect for a university student or if you have previously studied translation theory in other settings.
"Translation: A Very Short Introduction," authored by Mathew Reynolds and published in 2016, presents a comprehensive overview of the translation field, exploring its historical evolution and significance The book features intriguing examples from various languages and introduces innovative perspectives on the importance of translation, particularly in the context of the digital age.
In "Teaching and Researching Translation," Basil A Hatim offers a comprehensive and critical exploration of key concepts, debates, and both resolved and unresolved issues within the field of Translation Studies.
This book offers a comprehensive and current overview of translation studies, highlighting the key challenges faced by practitioners and researchers Basil Hatim equips readers with essential tools for conducting their own practice-related research in this rapidly evolving field However, it falls short in addressing the underlying reasons for mistakes in the translation process.
Next, “Dịch thuật: Những tri thức cần thiết” written by Nguyễn Thượng Hùng
The book published in 2014 focuses on equipping translators with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective translation practice It emphasizes the importance of understanding translation principles to enhance translation quality Key topics discussed include the translator's native and foreign language abilities, comprehension, writing skills, and communicative competence Additionally, it covers translation methods, procedures, and the importance of cultural considerations when interpreting texts between languages The concepts and solutions presented are accessible and supported by examples from literature, though the book lacks clear guidance for addressing common translation errors.
In addition, translation is being taught at universities so many studies were carried out by students of nationwide universities.
Firstly, “Common mistakes in learning translation subject by the second-year
The B.A thesis by Duong Thi Thuy Hang and Nguyen Thi Cam Xuyen (2010) at Dong Thap University explores the challenges and expectations faced by English majors in written translation The study aims to identify these difficulties to provide suggestions that can assist students in overcoming obstacles in their coursework Additionally, it seeks to offer valuable recommendations for adjusting teaching and learning methods to enhance the overall effectiveness of the educational process.
However, this study also has some shortcoming because of the lack of explaining translation theory and listing citations which make it less countable.
Secondly, “Common translation errors (Vietnamese - English) committed by the third-year English majored A case at Dongnai technology University”, Tran Thi Hoai
In 2014, Nam conducted research aimed at identifying common errors in English to Vietnamese translation and exploring potential causes for these mistakes However, the study did not comprehensively address all identified errors, nor did it provide detailed explanations for the underlying issues contributing to these translation challenges.
Finally, “An investigation into common errors in Vietnamese – English translation made by third –year English majored student at Thu Dau Mot University”,
Nguyen Ngoc Tran's 2016 study examines the common errors made by students in Vietnamese-English translation and explores the underlying causes of these mistakes However, the organization and clarity of the content present challenges for readers in comprehending the key messages.
Aims of the study
Learning a language is difficult, translating that language into your own language is even harder because of the difference about grammar, word use,etc between two languages.
This thesis addresses the common challenges faced by translation learners, specifically aimed at guiding second-year students at Thuongmai University The research provides valuable recommendations to assist students in overcoming the difficulties encountered during their translation studies.
This article highlights common translation errors between English and Vietnamese, aiming to help translators recognize and avoid these basic mistakes for improved translation quality.
Research subject
This thesis focuses on difficulties students at Thuongmai university encounter in process of learing tranlation and suggests some recommendation to improve their ability to finish the fnal translation test.
Scope of the study
This research will focus on errors made by student during translating process.
Based on that, it points out difficulties when learning this subject and suggests some possible recommendations
Research methodology
The methodology of this research include research questions, research participants, data collection instruments and research procedure.
In order to find out main difficulties above, students have to answer the following question:
- What is the main difficulties you have to cope with when learning translation?
- What is more difficult for you? Translate English to Vietnamese or Translate Vietnamese to English Why?
- What are your expectation when learning translation?
- The researcher of this thesis is Tran Thi Tai – a fourth year student of English faculty, Thuongmai university.
The focus of this thesis is on second-year English major students at Thuongmai University, who are experiencing their first semester studying written translation These students attend two translation classes each week, marking a significant step in their academic journey.
The research at Thuongmai University was completed in approximately 1.5 months, beginning with the selection and approval of the topic by the supervisor The researcher then gathered previous studies, relevant information from online sources, and insights from the supervisor to develop a comprehensive outline.
In late March, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to second-year English major students to gather data for the study Additionally, structured interview questions were created and conducted to enhance the statistical analysis of the collected information.
Finally, I aggregated all data and started writing this thesis to point out common difficulties in learning translation and suggested some recommendations.
- The questionaire: A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions (or other types of prompts) for the purpose of gathering information from respondents.
This research consists of 15 questions written in English.
10 first question to find out the difficulties in learning English and 5 question later to give some reasonable solutions.
The questions and answers are reported in chapter 3.
A translation test will be administered to 50 students, requiring them to translate texts between English and Vietnamese This assessment will help evaluate their proficiency and identify specific challenges they face in translation Additionally, I aim to uncover the strategies they employ to overcome these difficulties.
The statistics will be listed in chapter 3.
Organization of the study
The study consists of 4 main parts:
Chapter 1: Overview of the studyChapter 2: Literature reviewChapter 3: Research findingsChapter 4: Recommendations and suggestions.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition of translation
Translation is a well-known concept for both English learners and non-learners alike, yet it lacks a universally accepted definition At its core, translation involves converting words or text from one language to another However, individual linguists often have their own interpretations of what translation entails.
Translation is a cognitive process that involves converting the meaning of a given text from one language to another This act entails transferring linguistic elements from the source language (SL) to their corresponding equivalents in the target language (TL) Essentially, translation facilitates the transfer of content from the source to the target language, ensuring that the original message is accurately conveyed (Foster, 1958).
Translation encompasses the processes and methods employed to convey the meaning from the source language to the target language, as defined by Ghazala (1995) Central to this definition is the importance of understanding the source text's meaning, which is crucial for finding the appropriate equivalent in the target text Therefore, translation involves not only the transfer of meaning but also considers grammar, style, and sound in the process.
Translation serves as both a process and a product Catford (1995) defines translation as "the replacement of textual material in one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in another language (TL)" (p 20) This definition highlights translation as an activity carried out by individuals over time, involving the simplification of expressions within the same language through rewording and paraphrasing, as well as the conversion of text from one language to another.
“Translation is, on the other hand, a product since it provides us with other different cultures, to ancient societies and civilization life when the translated texts reach us”
E.A Nida, 1969 “The Theory and Practice of Translation” states that:
Translation involves conveying the closest natural equivalent of a source language message in the receptor language, prioritizing meaning followed by style According to Newmark, translation is the process of interpreting a text's meaning into another language while preserving the author's original intent.
Translation relies on the concept of "equivalence," ensuring that the meaning and context of the source language are accurately reproduced in the target language It is essential that both the message and style remain equivalent to avoid confusion for readers who are only familiar with the target language Any influence from the source language can lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clarity and naturalness in translation.
Effective translation requires a clear transfer of meaning from the source language to the target language For readers to fully grasp the content, the translation must be easily readable High readability in the target language enhances comprehension, allowing readers to engage with the text effortlessly Conversely, a poorly translated text can hinder understanding, making it challenging for readers to appreciate the intended message.
Translation is the process of conveying thoughts and messages from a source language to a target language, whether in written or spoken form.
Importance of translation
In today's interconnected world, translation serves as a vital bridge between cultures, making it one of the most essential professions in modern society With the increasing sharing of information and advancements in communication, the demand for translating ideas from one language to another has reached unprecedented levels.
Translation has evolved beyond merely converting words; it now involves transforming meaning and intent This shift highlights the critical role of translation in effective communication across languages and cultures, emphasizing its importance in conveying messages accurately and preserving the original context.
Translation plays a crucial role in our lives, as highlighted by Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo in 1913, when he stated, "An idea does not pass from one language into another without change." This emphasizes that the process of translation inherently alters the original message, underlining the significance of effective communication across languages.
Translation serves as a vital cultural interchange, facilitating global understanding of diverse regions and their lifestyles, as noted by Brill (1964) The translation of various art forms, including music, films, and literature, plays a crucial role in highlighting significant issues such as the plight of Palestine refugees, poverty in Brazilian streets, the vibrant life in Spanish cities, and the rich myths of ancient India This process not only enhances the visibility of these narratives but also boosts the global film industry through translated and subtitled films, generating increased revenue Additionally, translated music and literature contribute to artists' royalties, while gaining international recognition and fame further enriches their careers.
Translation plays a crucial role in the accurate dissemination of news, as it ensures that information from local bodies and regional centers is conveyed correctly to news agencies Without proper translation, news can become ambiguous and unreliable A notable instance of this occurred when the Chinese government restricted international news agencies from reporting on significant local issues Despite these restrictions, vital information was still relayed to the global audience through insiders, who translated and shared the news effectively.
Experts emphasize the crucial role of translation in fostering a global village, as it enables effective communication and promotes global citizenship through sharing and caring To connect with others worldwide, individuals must express their ideas clearly and without ambiguity While many people prefer using their native languages for online activities, they often translate their thoughts into English to ensure understanding among a broader audience.
Types of translation
According to the purpose, translation can be divided into four types: pragmatic, aesthetic-poetic, ethnographic, and linguistic translation (Brislin, 1976: 3-4)
Pragmatic translation focuses on accurately conveying the intended message in the target language This type of translation is particularly important for technical information, such as repair instructions, ensuring that the essential details are communicated effectively.
Pragmatics, as defined by George Keith in 1997, focuses on the implicit meanings that arise from the interplay of vocabulary, grammar, and phonology It highlights that meanings are often suggested rather than explicitly stated, with the governing rules being unspoken and unwritten.
- Aesthetic-poetic: The second type is aesthetic-poetic translation that does not only focus on the information, but also the emotion, feeling, beauty involved in the original writing.
- The third is ethnographic translation that explicates the cultural context of the source and second language versions.
Linguistic translation focuses on achieving equivalent meanings of morphemes and maintaining grammatical structure in the target language In this context, translating literary works should prioritize an aesthetic and poetic approach to capture the essence of the original text.
Otherwise, Jakobson (1969) in Venuti (2000:114) states that the kind of translation is divided into three differently labeled:
- Intralingua translation or rewording is an interpretation of verbal signs by means of other signs of the same language.
- Interlingua translation or translation proper is an interpretation of verbal signs by means of some other language.
- Inter semiotic translation or transmutation is an interpretation of verbal signs by means of signs of nonverbal sign systems.
Translation can be categorized into two primary types: form-based and meaning-based Form-based translation, also known as literal translation, strives to adhere closely to the structure of the source language In contrast, meaning-based translation, or idiomatic translation, focuses on conveying the intended meaning of the source text using natural expressions in the target language.
Idiomatic translations prioritize the natural structures and vocabulary of the target language, ensuring that the final product feels original rather than translated A high-quality translation seamlessly integrates into the receptor language, making it sound as if it was originally composed in that language Consequently, skilled translators strive to achieve idiomatic accuracy in their work.
Some useful techniques for translation
According to various translation professionals, there are effective techniques that can enhance a translator's skills A list derived from the translation course book at Thuongmai University (Coursebook, 2011) highlights the key aspects that are essential for achieving high-quality translations.
The addition technique in translation involves incorporating extra words not present in the source text, enhancing the fluidity and clarity of the translated content This method helps create a more coherent and easily understandable translation, ensuring that the message resonates well with the target audience.
Omission in translation involves removing redundant words that do not alter the original meaning According to Hung (1986:15), omissions serve as a counterbalance to additions, enhancing text compression by eliminating unnecessary redundancy, allowing for a more concise and clear translation that retains essential context.
When translating a text, it is essential for translators to understand two key linguistic units: word forms and parts of speech These elements significantly impact the grammatical transformations that occur between the source language and the target language.
Translators must ensure that when translating proverbs, they identify equivalent expressions or phrases in the target language that convey the same meaning as those in the source language.
The factors influencing translation process
Translation variation is influenced by numerous factors, collectively known as the manipulation phenomenon Dongfeng Wong and Dan Shen (1999) explore the impact of intercultural elements and other factors on the translation process, highlighting how these influences shape translation activities.
While various cultures inhabit the same planet and share similar material environments, each language uniquely articulates its understanding of the world through specific expressions related to nature and family Over time, these cultures evolve distinct perspectives, shaping their individual worldviews.
Language serves as a vital carrier of culture, making cultural understanding essential for successful translations Familiarity with both cultures often outweighs mere proficiency in the languages involved, as words derive their significance from their cultural contexts A translator who neglects this cultural aspect risks making errors, as cultural gaps can disrupt logical reasoning and influence linguistic choices during the translation process.
Every society possesses an ethical framework that influences individual behavior and moral values When translating, a translator might substitute a source language (SL) term with a target language (TL) equivalent that conveys different cultural meanings This misinterpretation can alter the original author's intent and create cultural misunderstandings for TL readers.
Firstly, ideology has affected on the selection of text in the process of translation.
Translators often select texts for translation based on the ideology of the target language It is essential that the information presented in the original text aligns with the ideological requirements of the target language to ensure effective communication.
Ideology significantly influences the interpretation of original texts during translation Translators, acting as readers, must first comprehend the source language before selecting translation materials This interpretative process is inherently shaped by the translators' ideological perspectives and cultural identities.
In summary, several factors significantly impact the translation process Primarily, cultural differences play a crucial role, encompassing variations in thinking models, religions and beliefs, customs, as well as myths, legends, and classic literature Additionally, ideology affects text selection, comprehension of the original material, and the translation strategies employed.
Common errors in written translation
The order of words in a sentence also has a great influence on its meaning The different order will lead to the very different meaning of a sentence.
Grammar errors frequently occur in translated texts, often involving issues with tenses, word forms, and sentence structures These mistakes typically arise from the incorrect use of verb forms, relative pronouns, and parts of speech.
Beginner translators frequently misuse vocabulary by applying words in incorrect contexts Certain terms are untranslatable due to their deep ties to specific cultural and religious practices, making it impossible to accurately interpret them within the framework of different religions.
Spelling errors in translation are as prevalent as those in writing, often occurring when individuals rush to translate Vietnamese texts into English without sufficient time for review This haste can lead to carelessness, particularly with words that haven't been used recently Additionally, confusion between similar-looking words can contribute to these errors While spell-check tools can help reduce mistakes for translators using computers, those who write on paper may not benefit from such technology.
The misunderstanding about culture can lead to many errors in translation because each culture has their own way to express things or feelings.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Results
3.1.1 Results collected from the questionnaire
A questionnaire was conducted to identify the common challenges faced by English-majored students at Thuongmai University in learning translation and to explore potential solutions A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed, and the responses were collected and analyzed by the researcher.
- The effect of translation on English skills
Table 1: The effects of translation on English skills
Question 1: Do you think that translation affect to your English skills?
B It affect but not much 12%
According to the survey, 85% of students believe that translation enhances their English skills, such as reading and listening, due to exposure to varied vocabulary and standard grammar Approximately 12% acknowledged that translation has some influence on their English abilities, albeit minimal Meanwhile, 3% expressed interest in gaining broader knowledge about their country and the world through translation studies, although they noted that it does not significantly impact their English skills.
- Length of time that student want to learn translation at class
Table 2: Length of time for student to study at class
Question 2: How much time do you want to learn translation at class per week?
A recent survey revealed that 37% of students are satisfied with the number of translation lessons offered in schools However, 5% believe that increasing the number of lessons would better equip students to tackle challenging phrases and idioms Additionally, 40% of students suggest that a flexible learning schedule with six translation lessons strikes the right balance, providing adequate time for learning while minimizing stress.
- Main difficulties that student encountered when learning translation Question 3: What kind of text is more difficult to translate?
Kind of translation text hard for students to translate
The study revealed that students struggled more with translating from Vietnamese to English than the reverse This difficulty stems from the fact that Vietnamese is their native language, allowing them to select contextually appropriate words with ease Conversely, when translating from English to Vietnamese, they can employ a broader range of vocabulary and infer meanings to incorporate suitable terms, even when faced with unfamiliar words However, their limited English vocabulary hampers their ability to translate from Vietnamese to English effectively, often leading to the selection of irrelevant words that do not align with the topic.
- The most difficult factor when learning translation Question 4: What is the most difficult factor when learning translation?
Vocabulary Grammar Background knowledge Context
Figure 2: Difficult factors when learning translation
According to Figure 2, 45% of students expressed a fear of vocabulary, as encountering new words often disrupts their translation process This confusion leads to difficulties in expression and ultimately diminishes their confidence.
A significant 34% of students identified grammar as the most challenging aspect of learning translation, primarily due to the difficulties in effectively applying English structure to Vietnamese The complexity of Vietnamese sentences, which often include multiple verbs and frequently omit the subject, can lead to common grammatical errors.
According to a survey, 22% of students believe that background knowledge significantly impacts the quality of translated texts Effective translation requires a deep understanding of the social and cultural context of the source material, as well as proficiency in utilizing dictionaries, reference books, and online resources This expertise enables translators to select the most appropriate words for their translations, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of their work.
Only 4% of the students supposed that context is the reason why it’s difficult to perfect a translation text.
- Grammar mistakes students encountered when learning translation
Figure 3: Grammar mistakes students encountered
As mentioned in last part, grammar is a huge problem for any student who is trying to master translation skills So what kind of grammar mistake did they encounter most?
Question 5: What kind of grammar mistakes do you make when learning translation?
English comprises 12 distinct tenses, each utilized in various contexts, which often leads to misunderstandings among students regarding their correct usage This confusion frequently results in common errors when translating sentences from Vietnamese to English.
Many individuals, despite their familiarity with grammatical structures, often overlook the necessity of adding suffixes to verbs Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the tenses employed in a sentence align correctly with its intended meaning, necessitating the proper use of all verb tenses.
A survey revealed that 25% of students struggle with prepositional phrases, which are groups of words that include a preposition, its object, and any modifiers The abundance of prepositions often leaves students uncertain about which ones to pair with verbs to convey the intended meaning in their sentences.
Twenty percent of students found mastering the passive voice challenging, often making errors in word order when constructing passive sentences This confusion typically arose when converting active sentences into their passive forms.
A significant challenge for 3% of students lies in mastering direct and indirect speech, while 17% struggle with various grammar issues, including subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and word quantity.
- The most difficult aspect of vocabulary for students Question 6: What is the most difficult aspect of vocabulary that you have to deal with?
Figure 4: Difficult aspects of vocabulary
Many students find idioms to be the most challenging aspect of vocabulary due to cultural differences Vietnamese idioms often lack direct translations in English, making them difficult to convey accurately.
According to a survey, 16% of students find phrasal verbs to be the most challenging part of vocabulary A phrasal verb consists of a verb paired with a preposition, which can alter the verb's meaning or enhance its emphasis Consequently, varying the preposition can change the meaning of the phrasal verb, leading to confusion for students when translating from English to Vietnamese.
15% claimed that they cannot translate Vietnam organization’s to English It’s also hard because of the difference from politics between two countries.
Other opinions about difficult aspect of vocabulary such as fixed word collocation, proverbs, etc take 4%.
- Effect of background knowledge and mother tongue to translation text’s quality.
Table 3: Effect of background knowledge and mother tongue to quality to translation Question 7: How do the background knowledge affect to quality of translation text?
Question 8: Do you think that mother tongue affect to your translation?
Table 3 reveals that 79% of respondents believe that adequate preparation on a topic significantly enhances their translation quality Having knowledge of the subject matter allows translators to select and utilize the most appropriate vocabulary, leading to more accurate and effective translations.
On the contrary, 21% thought that they just need to have good vocabulary and grammar then they could perpect the translation text.
Discussion
Based on the findings from the questionnaire, interview, and test paper, students face numerous challenges in learning translation, with vocabulary and grammar identified as the most significant obstacles for the majority.
While students can engage in self-study for vocabulary and grammar at home, they still require guidance from teachers Many students express a desire for more vocabulary and diverse grammar structures during translation exercises Questionnaire results indicate that most students wish for additional class hours dedicated to translation practice Furthermore, students hope to receive topics related to their interests, with materials tailored to their skill levels.
Working with a supportive and sociable instructor allows students to learn translation comfortably, fostering their interest in the subject Through questionnaires and interviews, researchers gathered valuable insights into the challenges and expectations students face in translation learning Building on these findings, the researchers aim to enhance their study by offering practical suggestions for both teachers and students to facilitate progress in teaching and learning translation.
RECOMMENDATION AND SUGGESTION
Suggestion in general on improving translation skills
In today's globalized world, the significance of translation cannot be overstated Mastering translation skills not only enhances your understanding of English but also plays a crucial role in advancing your career prospects in the future.
A survey conducted in Chapter 3 revealed that students at Thuongmai University face significant challenges in studying compilations, primarily related to grammar and vocabulary The most challenging type of translation for these students is converting text from Vietnamese to English.
First, grammar Two difficult factors for students are the use of tenses and preposition.
To enhance your language skills, it's essential to explore various resources tailored to your needs Engaging with a diverse array of books, films, and popular American sitcoms can significantly improve your understanding of grammar This exposure will help you apply different grammatical structures effectively, resulting in smoother and more natural writing.
Always check again after translating to make sure the verb is used in the correct format.
Prepositional phrases play a crucial role in sentences by functioning as adjectives or adverbs When used as adjectives, they answer the question "Which one?" It's important to note that prepositional phrases do not include the subject of the sentence Keeping these tips in mind can help you avoid common errors related to prepositional phrases.
There are 3 main difficulties that Thuongmai University’s students have to face with which is idioms, phrasal verb and proper name.
Idioms are culturally specific expressions that are used in various linguistic contexts, making them challenging for learners, users, and translators alike Their infrequent usage compared to other words complicates the translation process, often presenting significant difficulties Certain idioms, particularly those found in literary works, are frequently deemed untranslatable, posing a substantial challenge for translators who serve as cultural ambassadors.
Translating idioms into another language involves various factors beyond merely seeking idioms with similar meanings It requires an understanding of the specific lexical components of the idiom, their frequency of use, contextual relevance, and the appropriate register While finding a direct equivalent in the target language may seem ideal, it is not always feasible.
Questions of style, register, and rhetorical effect must also be taken into consideration.
Fernando and Flavell (1981; 82) caution translators about the strong unconscious tendency to seek out idiomatic expressions in the target language, even when they may not be suitable This highlights the challenge of finding an appropriate idiom for translation To address this difficulty, I would like to offer some recommendations for tackling such complex translation issues effectively.
One effective strategy for translating idioms is to use a target language (TL) idiom that has a similar meaning and structure to the source language (SL) idiom This approach ensures that the translated idiom not only conveys the same message but also utilizes equivalent lexical items, maintaining the original essence of the expression.
While such matches are not always feasible, they often arise from idioms that share a common origin, stemming from myths, literature, similar traditions, or cultural exchanges over time.
We can utilize an idiom that conveys a similar meaning but is expressed in a different form Often, there exists an idiom or fixed expression in the target language that shares the same meaning as the source idiom but uses distinct lexical items.
Paraphrasing is a translation strategy employed when an equivalent cannot be located in the target language (TL) or when using idiomatic expressions in the TL appears unsuitable due to the contrasting stylistic preferences between the source language (SL) and the TL.
The next difficulty is phrasal verbs English phrasal verbs have semantic and structural features which make translation into other languages a difficult task.
Translating phrasal verbs into Vietnamese poses challenges for students due to the non-compositional nature of their meanings The semantics of a phrasal verb cannot be understood by simply analyzing its individual components in isolation, making it difficult to grasp the overall meaning as a unit.
To effectively address the semantic challenges of phrasal verbs in translation, it is essential to grasp the overall context of the text or sentence before attempting to translate Translation focuses on conveying the message and meaning rather than merely substituting words Students must first comprehend the core message before translating it into another language To tackle the syntactic issues associated with phrasal verbs, finding equivalent expressions in the target language is crucial Phrasal verbs should be viewed as cohesive units, and attention must be paid to the surrounding words and context of their usage Due to their non-compositional and non-analyzable nature, phrasal verbs resist direct word-for-word translation.
Final problem of vocabulary is proper name Lincoln Fernandes (2006) lists a set of ten procedures in the translation of personal names as follows:
Rendition: When the in the ST is enmeshed in the TL, the meaning is rendered in the TL.
Copy: As a matter of fact, in this case, the name of the ST is exactly replicated in the TT—without any orthographic adjustment.
Transcription is the process of converting a name into equivalent characters of the target language (TL) To enhance the readability of the translated text (TT), this method may involve adjustments, such as adding or repositioning letters.
Re-creation: A newly-created name in the ST is recreated in the TT so that it reproduces the similar effects in the TL.
Substitution: A TL name replaces the SL name, although they are formally and/or semantically unrelated.
Deletion: In this type of strategy, the name in the ST is, partially or totally, omitted in the TT.
Addition involves incorporating supplementary information into the source language (SL) name to enhance its clarity and appeal to the target audience This approach can also effectively eliminate ambiguities present in the target text (TT).