OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
RATIONALE
Currently, Vietnam’s economy has strongly integrated into global, there is a large number of policies which is carrying out to develop Vietnam’s economy.
Globalization is driving companies to expand internationally, with a JPMorgan Chase study revealing that 61% of medium-market companies were engaging in international markets in 2013, up from 58% in 2012 and 43% in 2011 As businesses increasingly interact with customers, colleagues, suppliers, and partners across borders, the ability to communicate effectively in different languages becomes crucial In this context, proficiency in international languages, particularly English, is essential, as it serves as the common language for global transactions.
Mastering English skills is crucial for securing valuable opportunities in both the workplace and trade negotiations Proficient English communication enables businesses to explore new markets and connect with potential partners or customers effectively.
Language is an abstract and expansive field, with each industry utilizing its own specialized vocabulary, making it impossible for anyone to master all terms This is where translators come in as crucial intermediaries, facilitating communication between parties who do not share a common language Both interpretation and interpreters are vital for the advancement of the global economy and fostering international cooperation To fulfill this essential role, translators must possess a deep understanding of languages and develop complex translation skills.
Technical translation is widely regarded as one of the most challenging fields in the translation industry, accounting for approximately 90% of the global translation output annually This prevalence highlights the critical need for technical information to be accessible in multiple languages, driven by the internationalization of businesses and growing collaboration in scientific and technological sectors Consequently, technical translation plays a vital role in the employment of translators worldwide.
Translating machine names poses significant challenges for translators due to the need for precise translation of specialized terms, many of which are derived from Latin loanwords This complexity is particularly relevant in contracts related to machine transactions, where accurate translation is essential For employees in companies engaged in foreign transactions, especially in the machinery sector, understanding and translating these terms is crucial Therefore, this study on machine translation in contracts aims to simplify the process for non-technical individuals, making it easier for them to comprehend and translate these specialized terms effectively.
PREVIOUS STUDY
Research on technical translation, particularly concerning texts related to heavy industrial machinery, is limited, with most studies focusing on general translation features rather than specialized types This indicates that the field is still developing A significant challenge for translators is finding equivalent translations for newly coined technical terms in English Studies highlight the ineffectiveness of specialized dictionaries and the inadequacy of commonly suggested translation strategies in addressing this issue.
On the problems of translating specialized terms from English, Homaidan
In his 2004 study, "Problems in Translating Some Specialized Computer Terms," Homaidan highlights various translational challenges stemming from polysemy and synonymy, which often result in ambiguity and mistranslation To address these issues, he recommends employing strategies such as using loanwords from the source language, providing in-text paraphrasing or glossary explanations, and creating new terms in the target language.
The traditional view of the translation process, as outlined by Vinay and Darbelnet in their 1995 work, introduces various strategies for text transfer; however, their approach is limited for two main reasons Firstly, they only acknowledge a 'drafting' phase, neglecting the crucial start-up and revision stages Secondly, their framework focuses solely on the transfer from source to target language without considering the influence of the target text Their hierarchical categorization of translation methods, ranging from 'borrowing' to 'adaptation', fails to account for the shifts in translators' strategies that occur during different phases of the process This study aims to explore a broader scope of the translation transfer process, encompassing all stages involved.
Masaru Yamada's study, “A study of the translation process through translators' interim products,” highlights that the translation process is not a uniform activity as suggested by the Interpretive model, but rather follows the Monitor model, progressing segment by segment according to the source language's syntactic structure This results in initial drafts resembling literal translations, while the revision phase shifts the translator's focus to broader discourse elements, leading to a more 'free' translation that is less constrained by the original text The study acknowledges variations in behavioral patterns based on text type, such as literary works requiring more time during the pre-drafting phase Advances in screen recording technology enable detailed observation of these translation dynamics, although the underlying reasons for these behaviors remain unexplored Yamada emphasizes the need for further research to understand these behaviors and notes the growing influence of computer-aided translation tools and translation memory systems on the translation process, which warrants additional investigation.
The quality of translation is influenced by various factors, as highlighted by Mohamed Ali Elsiddig and the research conducted by Ibrahim and Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahman Mansor Their study emphasizes that while some factors are beyond a translator's control, three main elements significantly impact translation quality: the translator's competence, their personal experiences, and the material circumstances related to their position The research aims to explore these factors in detail, posing critical questions to investigate how they affect the evaluation of translation quality.
“Translator must have knowledge of the language and the culture of the people under study and fluency in the language”, too.
In the research "Technical Translation Challenges" by Kugai K B from Kiev National University of Technology and Design, translation difficulties are categorized into internal and external challenges Internal challenges stem from issues within the translation studies community, including the evolution of translation study that often overlooks technical translation Additionally, these challenges arise from how researchers define and model their work Conversely, external challenges originate from factors and constraints in the broader context of technical translation, which are not inherent to the translation process itself.
Technical translation faces numerous professional and technical challenges due to evolving work practices, emerging technologies, and legal regulations that shape the translation environment Insights from fields like technical communication and psychology enhance our understanding of technical translation and challenge traditional perceptions of the translator's role This article will explore both internal and external challenges in technical translation and outline their implications for the industry.
In her research "The Problems of Technical Translation," Imankulova Radha Nuriddinovna categorizes translation challenges into three main groups: issues in translating technical terms, difficulties with the source text, and language-related problems Within the translation process, specific challenges include ambiguity and a lack of familiarity with technical vocabulary, along with grammatical complexities that can lead to confusion about proper representation and applicable rules Common words often pose significant translation difficulties, as their meanings are context-dependent, and some terms may be untranslatable while trying to maintain grammatical consistency The second group highlights issues with the source text, including illegibility, spelling errors, and incorrect printing Lastly, translators face challenges with neologisms, unresolved acronyms, abbreviations, and the proper names of individuals, organizations, and locations.
Pham Thanh Binh (2010) conducted an insightful study on word-level equivalence between English and Vietnamese, highlighting significant differences in their conceptual and lexical semantic fields He identified six key reasons for the non-equivalence at the word level between the two languages, emphasizing the complexities involved in translation.
- No equivalent words between 2 languages, especially culture- specific concepts The source language word expresses a concept totally unknown in target language.
-Concepts are known but no equivalent words in TL The source language concept is not lexicalized in the target language
-The target language lacks a superordinate It may have a specific word but no general word-The target language lacks a hyponym-Differences in expressive meaning-Differences in physical and interpersonal perspective
Moreover he suggested some strategies can be used to handle cases of non- equivalence at word level based on Baker theory (1992, p 26-42).
The study in question lacks practical application, focusing primarily on theoretical aspects According to Ilyas (1989), successful translation assessment hinges on the reader's understanding of the translated term's function, meaning that effective communication of the intended information is key to translation success Méndez-Cendón (as cited in Byrne 2009) emphasizes that merely presenting information in a technical text is inadequate; the text must be well-structured and coherent to enhance readability Additionally, Byrne (2006) advocates for defining and explaining acronyms and abbreviations, particularly in technical translations, to ensure clarity, especially when terms like RAM and USB are not widely recognized in their abbreviated forms.
AIMS OF THE STUDY
-Collecting and presenting some commonly machine names in import contracts at company
-Identifying difficulties in translating machine names in contract -Giving some suggestions in translating machine names in import contracts
RESEARCH SUBJECTS
Lac Hong Joint Stock Company is chosen as the focus of this research due to its unique characteristics Established by experienced professionals, the company specializes in providing technical services for the maintenance and repair of blasting drilling equipment, as well as mining, construction, and industrial equipment.
On 9 th of September, 2010 Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment issued an official Certificate of business registration No 0104906487 about approval for establishment of Lac Hong Equipment Joint Stock Company
Lac Hong Equipment Joint Stock Company is an enterprise with fully separate legal status, property and rights with a management system and an accounting system prescribed by law.
Lac Hong Equipment JSC mainly Supplies mining and construction machinery such as:
+Multipurpose wheel loaders +Probe boring machines +Rock hammer drills +Rock breaker mounted on excavator +Hield machines, rake machines +Self propeling boring machines +Hydraulic rock boring machines +Tunnel trucks
-Moreover, the company provides after sales service such as: installing,repairing
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study focuses on the import contracts at Lac Hong JSC, specifically examining the machine names included in these contracts from 2011 to 2014 Due to time constraints and limited knowledge, the research does not encompass all relevant documents but zeroes in on this particular aspect.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This thesis employs descriptive and analytical methods to examine translations of texts in the heavy industrial machinery sector To address the research problem and identify potential solutions, the researcher utilized a specific data collection method The resulting thesis is concise and focused, characterized by its limited scope and specialized subject matter.
This article analyzes ten import contracts from Lac Hong Joint Stock Company between 2011 and 2014, focusing on the challenges in translating machine names using qualitative descriptive analysis Traditional descriptive analysis employs expert assessors to quantify sensory properties through a detailed lexicon and rating scale, while qualitative descriptive analysis aims to summarize sensory characteristics in everyday terms without manipulating variables or adhering to a specific theoretical framework Despite some overlap with other qualitative methods, qualitative descriptive studies maintain a commitment to naturalistic inquiry and do not generate theories from the data, distinguishing them from grounded theory approaches.
In qualitative descriptive research, researchers can employ various purposeful sampling techniques to gather data-rich cases that enhance information saturation It is essential for researchers to justify their sampling strategies to align with the objectives of their studies, ensuring the validity and relevance of their findings.
Due to the unique characteristics of the qualitative descriptive method, the researcher has chosen it as the primary methodology for this study This approach is particularly well-suited for analyzing samples derived from the company's contracts, with the aim of identifying challenges in translating machine names The researcher will examine ten import contracts to uncover the difficulties that may arise in this translation process.
Then some subjective solutions will be suggested in order to solve that difficulties above
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
My research is divided into four chapters, in which the third and the fourth are the most important chapters
CHAPTER I is overview of the study in which rationale, previous study, purposes, methods, scope are presented
CHAPTER II is background theories which focuses on definitions, methods, procedures of translation in general and technical translation in particular
CHAPTER III is an investigation on translation of machine names in the import contracts at Lac Hong JSC and some recommendation to solve the difficulties when translate machine names analysed before
LITERATURE REVIEW
WHAT IS TRANSLATION?
Translation is traditionally viewed as a transformation of surface structures from a source language (SL) to a target language (TL) Catford (1965) defines translation as "the replacement of textual material (SL) by equivalent textual material in another (TL)," focusing primarily on formal language rules and grammar However, he emphasizes the uniqueness of each language, highlighting the importance of understanding the context and pragmatics involved in the translation process.
—generis, and formal correspondence is, at best, a rough approximation it is clear that the formal meaning of SL items can rarely be the same" (Catford, 1965,36)
Translation serves as a means of conveying meaning from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) According to Nida (1969), effective translation involves reproducing the closest natural equivalent of the SL message, focusing on both meaning and style This highlights the importance of achieving semantic and stylistic equivalence, allowing the TL reader to experience a similar response as the original audience Tytler (1793) further emphasizes that a successful translation should encapsulate the essence of the original work, enabling native speakers of the TL to appreciate it as fully as those who understand the original language.
Translation encompasses various definitions, often focusing on the objectives of the process Some definitions provide guidelines for translation, while others outline key factors to consider Mounin (1976) emphasizes that effective translation goes beyond merely preserving the structural or linguistic meaning of a text; it also involves capturing the overall message, which includes contextual elements such as the environment, time period, and cultural nuances.
In brief, it seems that definitions differ from one another in certain aspects.
Translation can be viewed from various perspectives, including its purpose, the translator's role as a mediator, and the broader concept of interlingual transfer This study focuses specifically on the translation process, emphasizing it as a form of mediation and a complex transfer between languages Rather than attempting to establish a new definition, we acknowledge that existing definitions are inherently limited, reflecting the intricate nature of translation and the challenges in achieving a unified understanding of it.
TRANSLATION METHODS
As stated by Peter Newmark (1988), there are eight methods of translation and they are put in a V-diagram as below
Word-for-word translation Adaptation
Faithful translation Idiomatic translation Semantic translation Communicative translation
Word-for-word translation, often illustrated through interlinear translation, involves placing the target language (TL) directly beneath the source language (SL) words while maintaining the original word order Each word is translated individually using its most common meaning, often without context, and cultural terms are translated literally This method is primarily used to grasp the mechanics of the source language or to interpret challenging texts as a preliminary step in translation For instance, the phrase "What is your name?" translates into Vietnamese as "Cái gì là tên bạn?" This approach results in translations that can appear awkward and nonsensical, highlighting the limitations of direct translation methods.
Literal translation involves converting the grammatical structures of the source language (SL) into their closest equivalents in the target language (TL), while translating individual lexical words in isolation, without considering their context This approach highlights the challenges that need to be addressed during the translation process.
For example: “Học, học nữa, học mãi” is translated into English as “ Study, study more, study forever”
A faithful translation aims to accurately convey the original's contextual meaning while adhering to the grammatical structures of the target language It effectively transfers cultural terms and maintains the level of grammatical and lexical deviation from the source language norms This approach seeks to remain entirely true to the author's intentions and the realization of the text.
In the translation of the phrase “They were as much alike as two balls of cotton,” the faithful rendering into Vietnamese is “Hai anh em cùng giống nhau như hai bành bông vải,” which successfully maintains the original grammar and structure of the verse.
The phrase "as two balls of cotton" translates more accurately to "như hai bành bông vải" in Vietnamese, as the comparison "as two cotton cloth" sounds odd and is hard to grasp in the target language.
Semantic translation prioritizes the aesthetic qualities of the source text, focusing on its beauty and natural sound, in contrast to "faithful translation," which emphasizes a more literal and accurate rendering This approach recognizes the importance of preserving the artistic essence of the original language while still conveying its meaning.
Semantic translation is characterized by its rigid adherence to the original text, while its counterpart embraces flexibility, allowing for creative deviations from strict fidelity This approach fosters a deeper intuitive connection between the translator and the source material, enhancing the overall translation quality.
"I never encounter the name 'Yarmouth' without recalling a particular Saturday spent on the beach."
Adaptation represents a highly flexible approach to translation, predominantly utilized in plays and poetry This method retains the essential themes, characters, and plots while transforming the source culture to resonate with the target audience For instance, one might describe a scene as, "Outside, the immense sea is a deep blue, and in the shade of green coconut trees, the buildings resemble a desert oasis."
Mặt biển xanh mướt, mang màu sắc thẳm sâu của đại dương bền bỉ qua hàng triệu năm, trong khi những khối nhà ẩn mình dưới tán dừa xanh, tạo nên khung cảnh mơ màng dưới ánh nắng.
In the given example, the translation significantly exceeds the length of the original text Additional adjectives like "smooth" and "dreamy" have been incorporated, enhancing the translation's fluidity and flexibility.
Free translation focuses on conveying the meaning of the original text without preserving its style or form This approach often results in a paraphrase that is significantly longer than the original, resembling an "intra-lingual translation" rather than a true translation.
For example: Business is business Việc nào ra việc nấy
Idiomatic translation captures the essence of the original message while intentionally altering its nuances by favoring colloquial expressions and idioms that may not exist in the source text For instance, the phrase "Man proposes, God disposes" translates to "Mưu sự tại nhân, hành sự tại thiên," showcasing how idiomatic expressions can shift the original meaning while still conveying a similar sentiment.
-Communicative attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a way that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership
Example: Keep off the grass into: Không giẫm lên cỏ
TRANSLATION STRATEGIES
The following strategies have been suggested by translators, commissioners of translations, and others involved in translating as ways to approach difficulties in translation from English to Vietnamese
1.3.1 How to deal with non equivalence at word level
When translating English words into Vietnamese, it's common to encounter situations where direct equivalents do not exist To effectively address these instances of non-equivalence, various strategies can be employed.
Translators often face the challenge of selecting the most appropriate Vietnamese word from multiple options that correspond to a general English term For instance, the English word "rice" can be translated into various Vietnamese terms depending on the context, such as planting, harvesting, cooking, or eating Therefore, understanding the English context is crucial for making accurate translations Similarly, the word "wear" can be translated differently based on its usage; in the phrase "The optician advised me not to wear contact lenses for too long," it is rendered as “đeo,” while in "The color of the gown she is wearing really matches her eyes," it translates to “mặc.”
In certain situations, using a broader term is suitable for translating English words that lack a precise Vietnamese counterpart For example, while Vietnamese differentiates between various types of bamboo such as tre, nứa, trúc, mai, and vầu, English simplifies this by using the single term "bamboo."
Cultural substitution in translation involves replacing a culture-specific term with one that conveys a similar impact in the target language However, many Vietnamese translators prioritize direct translation out of respect for the original text, even when it may not be suitable For instance, the term "Don Juan," which denotes a man with a strong attraction to women in Western culture, is translated into Vietnamese as "sở khanh," a term that implies infidelity and promiscuity This highlights the challenges of accurately conveying cultural nuances in translation.
The concept of translation using a loan word combined with explanation faces some resistance in Vietnam, as many translators favor inventing new Vietnamese terms instead of adopting English words Nonetheless, this approach proves beneficial for translating new concepts, culturally specific items, and well-known proper names of diseases or medicines A notable example is "ODA," which stands for Official Development Assistance and is a widely recognized form of foreign investment; thus, it is commonly retained in its original English form in Vietnam.
Paraphrasing is a valuable translation strategy used when an English word or concept lacks a direct equivalent in Vietnamese or when the Vietnamese term fails to capture the full range of meanings conveyed by the English term For instance, the phrase "Diana Holmund found the Beanie Babies on e-Bay" cannot be accurately translated as "Diana Holmund đã tìm được" without losing essential context.
Diana Holmund discovered a Beanie Babies toy on the online auction site eBay.
Translation by omission can enhance clarity by excluding non-essential words or phrases This technique is particularly useful for avoiding lengthy explanations or awkward paraphrases that disrupt the text's flow For example, in translating "She is reliable and trustworthy," omitting unnecessary details maintains the sentence's impact and keeps the reader focused on the core message.
“reliable” and “trustworthy” in Vietnamese are the same So, when translating, one of the two words can be omitted to prevent the sentence becoming awkward
1.3.2 How to deal with idioms and fixed expressions:
Idioms and fixed expressions can be dealt in ways based on meaning and form
While it can occasionally be found that a Vietnamese idiom mirrors the meaning and structure of an English idiom, such instances are rare Typically, alternative strategies are required to effectively translate or interpret idioms and fixed expressions across languages.
Idioms often have direct translations between languages, such as “As white as snow,” which is expressed in Vietnamese as “Trắng như tuyết,” and “As heavy as lead,” translated as “Nặng như chì.” These expressions illustrate the shared use of vivid imagery in both English and Vietnamese.
Utilizing a Vietnamese idiom that conveys a similar meaning to an English expression can often enhance the translation process This approach not only maintains the original text's flow but also preserves its impact For instance, replacing an English idiom with a corresponding Vietnamese one can result in a more coherent and culturally relevant translation.
“beggars can not be choosers” to “ăn mày còn đòi ăn xôi gấc”
-Translation by paraphrase: when Vietnamese equivalents cannot be found, paraphrasing may be the best way to deal with an idiom or fixed expression.
Translating certain phrases can be challenging, particularly when seeking an accurate equivalent in Vietnamese For instance, a phrase that summarizes a problem merely by a number fails to capture its true significance and impact Similarly, the expression "to slip into easy usage" does not translate well directly into Vietnamese, necessitating a paraphrase for clarity An example of a more straightforward translation is "I have a sweet tooth," which becomes "Tôi là người mê đồ ngọt."
Translation by omission involves leaving out non-essential phrases or words that do not significantly alter the meaning or impact of the text This technique is useful for avoiding lengthy explanations, awkward paraphrases, or unnatural translations It is particularly applicable when a phrase has multiple meanings, allowing the translator to prioritize one meaning over another For instance, the phrase “She came home safe and sound” can be translated simply as “Cô ấy đã về nhà an toàn,” omitting the idiomatic meaning of “safe and sound” as “bình yên,” which does not fit the context.
1.3.3 How to deal with voice, number and person
The passive voice is commonly used in English, which can create challenges when translating into Vietnamese There are several methods to translate passive constructions from English to Vietnamese effectively.
A to be done (by B) A được + động từ + (bởi B)
In Vietnamese, the passive voice is often constructed using the pattern "A bị + verb (by B)" or "Người ta + verb." For example, the sentence "The illegal immigrants were squeezed into a truck and taken away to the closely-monitored camp" translates to "Những người nhập cư bất hợp pháp bị nhồi lên xe và bị đưa tới trại tị nạn được kiểm soát gắt gao." This construction conveys a negative connotation, as seen in the phrases "bị nhồi vào" and "bị đưa đến."
ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE (ESP)
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has gained global recognition, but it emerged as a relatively new field in Vietnam in the late 20th century Initially, ESP instruction focused mainly on teaching specialized vocabulary and translating texts, which led to low motivation and poor student engagement However, with the advent of the new millennium and the rise of student-centered learning approaches, there has been a significant shift towards designing ESP courses that equip students for effective professional communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
As for broader definition of ESP, Hutchinson and Waters (1987) theorize
“ESP is an approach to language teaching in which all decisions as to content and method are based on the learners’ reason for learning”
In the “Tree of ESP” (Hutchinson and Waters, 1987) ESP is broken down into three branches
-English for Science and Technology (EST) -English for Business and Economics (EBE) -English for Social Studies (ESS)
The subject areas of English language learning are categorized into two main branches: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) For instance, within the English for Specific Purposes (EST) category, "English for Technicians" serves as an example of EOP, while "English for Medical Studies" exemplifies EAP.
Hutchinson and Waters emphasize that the boundary between English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) is not clearly defined They argue that individuals often balance work and study, and the language skills acquired in an academic setting are frequently applied in professional contexts later on.
Sofer (1991) distinguishes between literary and technical translation, noting that literal translation encompasses fiction, poetry, drama, and the humanities, typically performed by writers or translators with a literary background in the target language In contrast, technical translation is a broader field, undertaken by a larger number of practitioners, and continues to grow, offering numerous opportunities for professionals in this area.
Peter NewMark (1981) differentiates between technical translation and institutional translation, stating that technical translation is a subset of specialized translation, while institutional translation encompasses fields such as politics, commerce, finance, and government He suggests that technical translation is inherently non-cultural and universal, as the advantages of technology transcend individual speech communities.
In technical translation, it is essential to translate specific terms, while in institutional translation, cultural context takes precedence, often leading to the transfer of terms unless they relate to international organizations Despite their differing methodologies, both authors recognize technical translation as a form of specialized translation, emphasizing the importance of specialized terminology.
According to Peter NewMark, a term represents a variation of language within a specific context, and he identifies new terminology as a primary challenge in translation The central issue often lies in terms from the source text that are context-dependent and appear infrequently, making them relatively content-free To grasp these terms effectively, it is essential to gradually eliminate less likely interpretations based on their contextual usage.
There is distinction between technical and descriptive terms The original source language writer may use a descriptive term for a technical object for three reasons:
-The objective is new and not yet has a name -The descriptive term is being used as a familiar alternative to avoid repetition
When translating, it's essential to differentiate between descriptive and technical terms, as using one in place of the other can undermine the original meaning Typically, translators should stick to translating descriptive terms with their counterparts to maintain the linguistic integrity of the source language However, exceptions arise when the source language's descriptive term reflects the writer's lack of knowledge or when a suitable technical term is absent In cases where the source language refers to an unfamiliar object that is well-known in the target language culture, employing a technical term for translation becomes justified.
Terminology constitutes about 5-10% of any text, while the majority comprises a natural language style An authoritative text aims for this elegant and fluid expression; if it falls short, it should be refined to achieve a more natural and sophisticated tone.
Technical translation is a specialized form of translation focused on documents created by technical writers, such as owner’s manuals and user guides, that pertain to technological fields or the practical application of scientific knowledge While specialized terminology is a hallmark of technical texts, it is not the sole criterion for defining a text as "technical," as many non-technical disciplines also utilize specialized language This type of translation encompasses various specialized texts and demands a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as proficiency in the relevant terminology and writing conventions.
Consistent terminology is crucial in technical translation, particularly in patents, due to the repetitive and formulaic nature of technical writing This makes the use of computer-assisted translation tools, like translation memories and terminology databases, highly effective Jody Byrne, in his book “Technical Translation,” emphasizes the connection between technical translation and technical communication, suggesting that insights from usability and cognitive psychology can enhance the translation process.
In addition to making texts with technical jargon accessible for a wider ranging audience, technical translation also involves linguistic features of translating technological texts from one language to another.
Translation is a harmonious blend of art and science, shaped by theoretical insights and practical application A comprehensive understanding of both linguistic and aesthetic elements is essential for success in technical translation.
In the realm of translation, technical translators serve as more than mere conveyors of information; they actively construct procedural discourse and generate new knowledge through meaning Research indicates that these professionals do not simply repackage existing information but create new insights, highlighting their crucial role in meaning-making Whether translating in a single language or across multiple languages, technical translators significantly contribute to the field by enhancing understanding and communication.
Much like professionals in the field of technical communication, the technical translator must have a cross-curricular and multifaceted background.
Successful technical translators must not only understand theoretical and linguistic aspects of translation but also have knowledge in cognitive psychology, usability engineering, and technical communication They typically specialize in fields like medical or legal translation, emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary background Furthermore, gaining familiarity with professional translation practices through training is essential for their development.
Technical translation necessitates a strong understanding of technological skills, especially when using computer-assisted translation (CAT) or machine translation (MT) While some translators prefer to work without these tools for more creative documents, CAT and MT are commonly employed for translating technical texts in fields like mechanics and engineering, where repetitive phrases and concepts are prevalent.
RESEARCH FINDINGS AND SUGESSTION
RECOMMENDATIONS
When translating machine names in contracts, it's crucial to include the specific machine model numbers, such as "Model Robex 320LC-7," "Model K1-B-1900ST," or "MT 62." These designations should remain unchanged in the Vietnamese translation, as they serve solely as identifiers for the machines.
However, we absolutely must not remove this component because it is a special mark to identify the product.
When addressing the manufacturer's name in contracts, it's essential to consider the terms between the buyer and seller If the seller is also the manufacturer, this information may be deprioritized However, in cases where the manufacturer operates multiple subsidiaries, it becomes crucial to retain the manufacturer's name for clarity on the production location Therefore, if the original text includes the manufacturer's name, it should be preserved in English rather than translated into Vietnamese.
When discussing machine names, it's essential to consider the generic noun associated with them, which can often be found in online dictionaries To accurately define a machine, it is crucial to append additional descriptive words to this noun Specific details, typically found in the product description, encompass the machine's intended purpose, key features, and the type of fuel it utilizes.
The grammatical structure is crucial when translating from English to Vietnamese In English, modifiers precede the main noun, while in Vietnamese, the order is reversed Thus, when translating, the first word is placed at the beginning, followed by the main noun, with all additional information following it.
It is worth noting that when translating, we should use the free translation method to be closer to the Vietnamese because this translation will be used byVietnamese users.
This thesis explores the challenges faced by translators in translating machine names within import contracts, specifically analyzing eight contracts from Lac Hong JSC The study identifies common difficulties, outlines frequently employed translation strategies, and offers recommendations for effectively translating machine terminology from English to Vietnamese.
Translators often face challenges in determining whether to include or omit information about a product during the translation process, which can be influenced by their knowledge background To enhance the technical expertise of translators, establishing a comprehensive reference database is crucial Additionally, the research highlights several common translation strategies, with the free translation method being the most frequently employed approach.
Research on the translation of machine names in import contracts faces challenges due to limited knowledge and resource access Future studies are expected to address these shortcomings and enhance the translation process.
Homaidan, M (2004) Problems in translating some specialized computer terms
The unpublished Master’s thesis from Yarmouk University, Jordan, explores various factors influencing translation quality, authored by Dr Mohamed Ali Elsiddig Ibrahim and Dr Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahman Mansor, both Assistant Professors in the Department of English Language at AL-Baha University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia For further insights, the thesis can be accessed through various academic links including [DIVA Portal](http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:431449/FULLTEXT07.pdf), [Hanu](http://web.hanu.vn/dec/file.php/1/Non-equivalent-Binh.pdf), and [Rusnauka](http://www.rusnauka.com/14_NPRT_2010/Pedagogica/66850.doc.htm).
Qualitative Descriptive Research: An Acceptable Design, Vickie A.
Lambert, Clinton E Lambert, Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research
Technical translation is a specialized field focused on translating documents produced by technical writers, such as user guides and manuals, that relate to technological subjects This type of translation requires a deep understanding of the relevant terminology and writing conventions, as well as consistent terminology usage, especially in patents Jody Byrne emphasizes that technical translation is closely linked to technical communication and can benefit from research in usability and cognitive psychology While technical translation constitutes a significant portion of professional translation output, it has evolved from a focus on source language to prioritizing the purpose of the translation and the intended audience Technical translators must possess interdisciplinary knowledge, including cognitive psychology and usability engineering, to effectively convey meaning across languages while maintaining clarity and accessibility for a broader audience.
Pinchuk, I (1977) Scientific and technical translation London: André Deutsch.
Nida, A & Taber R (1982) The Theory and Practice of Translation (2nd ed.).
Newmark, P (1988) A Textbook of translation London: Prentice Hall.