RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
Translation is crucial in the maritime industry, serving as a vital bridge for effective communication across borders Companies that prioritize efficient translation can significantly enhance internal productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall performance Miscommunication can disrupt the entire workflow, prompting businesses to seek ways to enhance translation efficiency While addressing this challenge is complex, implementing appropriate strategies focused on timely and clear communication can lead to improved translation outcomes My internship at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd highlighted the importance of an effective translation process, inspiring me to explore this topic further.
“A REVISION OF THE METHODS AND PROCEDURES OF
TRANSLATION IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY AT THORESEN -
VINAMA CO., LTD” as my graduate thesis title.
AIM OF THE STUDY
- To provide the knowledge and information on translation activities at Thorasen-
- To understand the situation of translation activities at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd
- To identify and assess the causes of the deficiencies of Thorasen-Vinama Ltd ‘s translation department
- To suggest main methods to improve and strengthen the efficiency of translation during work.
METHODS OF THE STUDY
Based on knowledge at the academy, books, and self-accumulation and to achieve these above objectives, several methods of studying the thesis are used as follows:
- Figure collection: from websites of Thorasen-Vinama Ltd, books, the internet, and internal information of the corporation.
- Translation assessment methods – Document evaluation, judgment, and conclusion
- Method of analyzing, summarizing, and synthesizing materials and books from the theoretical background.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study is performed at Logistics Department at Thorasen-Vinama TVA Hai
The study focuses on the translation of legal documents and emails at the Phong branch, located in ROOM 432 of the Thanh Dat 1 Building, No 3 Le Thanh Tong Street, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong, Vietnam Data for this research is sourced from the Logistics Department of the company.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
Besides the Contents, Introduction, Conclusion, and References, the thesis consists of 3 chapters
Chapter 1: This chapter provides a general overview of translation theory and the importance of improving the quality of translation.
Chapter 2: The main part of the thesis It gives an overview of the translating process of Thorasen-Vinama Ltd and uses different methods to assess it
Chapter 3: This chapter gives the directions for the future development of
Thorasen-Vinama Ltd and provides some practical resolutions to enhance the efficiency of translating in this company.
THEORETICAL BASIS OF TRANSLATION
Overview of the theory of translation
Linguistics is the study of language, focusing on its structure and function Languages are formed by combining various elements, including sounds, which can be altered to create diverse meanings Additionally, the arrangement of words and modifications to their beginnings and endings play a crucial role in conveying meaning The speaker's awareness of the listener's understanding, along with word order, significantly influences interpretation.
Linguistics encompasses several sub-fields, including phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, with many professional linguists specializing in one or more of these areas Phonology and phonetics focus on the sound systems of language and the physical properties of the vocal tract used to produce speech sounds Morphology and syntax examine the internal structure of words and sentences, while semantics seeks to understand the meanings of words and their combinations Additionally, pragmatics analyzes how contextual information influences the meanings of different combinations of words.
The study of language encompasses various aspects, including sound, grammar, and meaning, while also exploring the history of language families It investigates how both children and adults acquire languages, examines the cognitive processes involved in language use, and analyzes the connections between race, gender, and linguistic expression.
Linguistics is deeply interconnected with various fields such as anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, biology, computer science, health sciences, education, and literature, highlighting its significance across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Translation is the process of converting the meaning of a text from one language to another while preserving the author's original intent Although it may seem straightforward, effective translation requires a delicate balance between conveying the essence and beauty of the original text and ensuring the target version is clear and impactful As renowned novelist Günter Grass noted, “Translation is that which transforms everything so that nothing changes.”
The Globalization & Localization Association defines translation as the process of transferring meaning from a source language to a target language This definition, while phrased differently, aligns with traditional translation theory, emphasizing the core concept of conveying meaning across languages.
Translation is the process of transforming a message from a source language into a target language, enabling understanding for readers of the latter It involves conveying the original writer's meaning accurately According to an encyclopedia definition, translation encompasses interpreting the meaning of a source text and producing an equivalent target text in another language.
Translation is a process that transforms a written source text into a target text that is as comparable as possible, requiring the translator to grasp the original text's syntactic, semantic, stylistic, and pragmatic elements (Wills in Choliludin, 2007) Additionally, Nida and Taber emphasize the importance of understanding these components for effective translation.
Translation involves recreating the meaning of a source language (SL) message into a target or receptor language (TL or RL), prioritizing both accuracy of meaning and stylistic fidelity This process necessitates proficiency in both languages, ensuring that the essence of the original text is effectively conveyed in the translated version.
Translation, as defined by Catford (1965), involves replacing the equivalent textual content of a source language (SL) with that of a target language (TL) Similarly, Larson (1984) emphasizes that translation is the process of conveying the meaning from the source language to the receptor language.
The transition from one language to another is achieved through a semantic structure that preserves meaning while altering the form This process ensures that the essence of the content remains intact, focusing solely on the visual transformation.
Translation is the process of communicating information from one text to another, aiming to convey the equivalent meaning of the source language in the target language Maintaining meaning is essential in translation, regardless of the circumstances When translating a literary work, it involves creating a new piece in the target language that captures the essence of the original text For instance, a translated novel uses a different language while evoking the same emotional response from readers in both languages.
The definition of Vietnamese-English translation was clarified by Su (2003),
Vietnamese-English translation can be stated as an accurate rendering of
Translating Vietnamese into English requires adapting the content to meet the specific purpose of the documents This process involves not only converting the text but also ensuring semantic and stylistic equivalence Ultimately, it is about replacing the original Vietnamese text with an equivalent English version that maintains the intended meaning and tone.
During translation, the structure of the source language is transformed into the structure of the target language The primary objective of translation is to accurately convey the meaning of the original text.
Translation involves converting the source language (SL) into the target language (TL) while maintaining the original meaning This process utilizes semantic structures to shift from the form of the first language to that of the second language It is essential that the conveyed meaning remains intact, with only the appearance changing Additionally, effective translation requires an understanding of both the overall message and the cultural context of the communication.
B Translation as a process and a products
THE STUDY
Term construction for maritime logistics
A single term is a technical expression defined by its specific meaning It can be formed from a noun or a verb, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram Additionally, single terminology can also be created using suffixes and prefixes, particularly in noun form.
Maritime terminologies in the form of nouns with suffixes and prefixes like "ment,"
"er," "inter," "age," "tion," and "ness." The table below contains a list of nouns that correspond to this category.
An agreement is made by an ocean carrier to provide cargo space on a vessel at a specified time and for a specified price to accommodate an exporter or importer.
Việc thuê tàu Người thuê tàu hoặc chủ hàng (Affreighter/
Chủ hàng có nhu cầu chuyên chở sẽ thương thảo và ký kết hợp đồng thuê tàu với người chở thuê hoặc chủ tàu Theo hợp đồng này, người chở thuê cam kết vận chuyển hàng hóa và cung cấp diện tích hoặc toàn bộ tàu cho người thuê sử dụng trong một khoảng thời gian nhất định Đổi lại, người thuê phải thanh toán số tiền cước đã được thỏa thuận.
A shipment of goods to a consignee.
Gửi hàng Việc vận chuyển hàng hoá đến người nhận hàng.
Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage,
A freight carrier, whether by rail, road, sea, air, or inland waterway, is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods This includes managing or facilitating the movement of cargo through various modes of transport.
Freight tendered to a carrier by one consignor at one place at one time for delivery to one consignee at one place on one bill of lading.
Việc gửi hàng Việc gửi hàng hoá đến người vận chuyện trên một vận đơn đường biển.
Consolidation involves grouping multiple individual items into a single large shipping unit to facilitate easier handling This process, known as unitization, enhances the efficiency of loading and unloading by standardizing the size of cargo, typically through the use of pallets or containers The unitization of loose cargo has revolutionized shipping methods, leading to more effective transportation solutions.
The fitness of a vessel for its intended use.
Chỉ tàu đủ điều kiện để ra khơi.
A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car, or stacked in a container depot.
Xe tải là một công cụ vận tải hàng hóa có sức chứa lớn, dễ dàng di chuyển trên nhiều phương tiện như tàu thủy và tàu hỏa.
As the following examples show, single terminologies in the form of verbs are commonly employed in marine logistics communication.
Stow (v) Chất hàng hoá d Eponyms in maritime logistics
Eponyms are proper nouns that are frequently used to refer to a concept, which is usually a person, place, or thing.
A set of international rules for the international carriage of goods by sea.
Là quy tắc luật pháp dựa trên công ước quốc tế chi phối vận chuyển hàng đường biển.
Malaccamax The largest ships that can pass through the Strait of Malacca
Tiêu chuẩn Malaccamax Tàu có kích thước lớn có thể đi qua eo biển Malacca.
Suezmax Named after the famous Suez Canal
They are mid-sized vessels, designed to pass through the Suez canal.
Là tiêu chuẩn sử dụng để miêu tả các tàu có kích cỡ lớn nhất có thể đi qua kênh đào Suez.
The law of general average is a maritime principle that mandates all parties involved in a sea venture to proportionately share losses incurred from sacrifices made to save the remaining cargo This codification ensures fairness and accountability among stakeholders during maritime operations.
Quy tắc tính thiệt hại tổn thất chung yêu cầu các bên liên quan, bao gồm chủ tàu và chủ hàng, phải cùng nhau chia sẻ trách nhiệm khi sự cố xảy ra, nhằm bảo vệ lợi ích của tất cả.
Acronyms play a crucial role in maritime logistics, serving as abbreviated forms of words commonly found in documentation, contracts, and communications They are created by taking the initial components of a term or name, streamlining communication within the industry.
DWT Deadweight tonnage Đơn vị đo năng lực vận tải của tàu tính bằng tấn
FAS Free Alongside Ship Giao dọc mạn tàu
Maritime Conference Công hội Hàng hải Quốc tế và vùng Bantic A.B.S American Bureau of shipping Tổ chức đăng kiểm tàu Hoa
Chart 1: General hierarchy of THORESEN - VINAMA CO., LTD
Mr Sigmund Stroemme serves as the Executive Chairman of THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd., overseeing all company activities The organizational structure of the company is illustrated in the accompanying diagram, highlighting its current hierarchy.
Executive chairman is in the highest position in the company under the control of
Mr Sigmund Stroemme who has full authority to perform the rights and obligations on behalf of the company Under his position is the general director-Mr La Nhat
THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd is structured into four key departments: Forwarding, Chartering, Agency, and Management Each department is led by a manager or team leader responsible for overseeing professional tasks, providing clear guidance, and ensuring timely completion of activities.
The Agency Department is essential to the company's operations and development, overseeing logistics management It is led by five leaders, each responsible for specific sectors: TVA Hai Phong, tankers/steel/dry, project cargo, TVA Vau Tau, and port D/A-marine logistics.
2.2 The current situation of translation of documents at THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd
2.2.1 Overview of service of THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd
THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd receives approximately 10-11 documents daily, each requiring careful preparation before being sent to the harbor During this preparation phase, various departments handle specific tasks The TVA Hai Phong Department is responsible for creating legal documents, infographics, and logistics related to the upcoming shipments, including details on timing, location, and cargo content, in both Vietnamese and English.
THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd prioritizes clear communication by providing detailed information about shipments to their customers The company not only updates shipment details on their worksheets but also receives real-time updates from harbors regarding arrival times and other relevant information This proactive approach ensures that customers are promptly informed about their cargo status Additionally, the meticulous preparation of legal documents, emails, and reports is crucial for the efficiency of their logistical operations.
2.2.2 The current translation quality of documents at
2.2.2.1 Factors influencing the translation quality
Translation quality is influenced by several factors, with the quality of the source text being paramount According to staff responsible for document translation, the authenticity of the translation relies heavily on the accuracy and clarity of the original document A translation can only achieve high standards when all mistakes, omissions, and flaws in the source text are addressed Fortunately, the source documents are prepared by skilled personnel in the Logistics department, ensuring a solid foundation for effective translation.
Our team consists of professionals with expertise in this field, ensuring that the source texts contain minimal errors This proficiency streamlines the translation process, resulting in high-quality final translations.
SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TRANSLATION IN THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd
Solutions for translator
3.1.1 Solutions for linguistic problems when translating documents
Improving the translators’ knowledge of the field
Translators in the Logistics Department should enhance their understanding of the maritime field to improve their translation accuracy Expanding their vocabulary related to maritime terminology is crucial, as it enables them to choose the most appropriate words during the translation process Additionally, studying specialized maritime terminology is highly recommended to ensure that documents are translated accurately and are easily understood by partners By increasing their familiarity with this specialized area, translators can produce coherent and precise translations, even without prior expertise in the maritime sector.
To achieve the highest quality in document translation, translators must grasp the appropriate wording and structure for each context Integrating translation apps and programs into their workflow enhances efficiency, allowing translators to better understand correct phrasing and sentence construction Additionally, these tools can facilitate the development of essential skills, such as strong writing, accurate style and tone transfer, and cultural sensitivity By implementing comprehensive translation programs, organizations can provide translators with more opportunities to refine their skills, ultimately leading to superior translation outcomes.
Finding a reliable source of equivalent idioms, proverbs, and sayings
Translating idioms, proverbs, and sayings presents a significant challenge for translators, as it requires finding credible sources for accurate translation While mandatory management documents may primarily feature English expressions, it is essential to explore various recommended sources for idioms and proverbs to enhance translation quality Translators often encounter these linguistic elements in their work, making the identification of reliable references crucial for effective communication.
Dictionary of Idioms is a dictionary of over 1000 common idioms in English for
English learners The idioms are explained in depth in the dictionary, along with notes on their origins This book can help you improve your English vocabulary
When it comes to translation, the saying "practice makes perfect" is always true
Translators should dedicate their free time to expanding their vocabulary and honing their translation skills, as increased document translation leads to greater progress By actively seeking analogous words and phrases in the target language while consuming media, such as newspapers or online content, they can enhance their linguistic proficiency This consistent practice not only builds confidence but also minimizes the risk of costly errors in translation.
Translation is a demanding career that needs significant effort, perseverance, and a deep interest in languages and studies
Conveying the meaning naturally and accurately despite linguistic obstacles
The most important thing for any translator to remember is that all translation versions should be communicated in a natural, correct, and suitable manner
Translators often face challenges that can hinder the accuracy of their translations To enhance translation quality, it is essential to create a glossary of nautical and logistics terminology in both Vietnamese and English, or maintain a notebook for difficult words and phrases This practice not only saves time during revisions but also boosts overall productivity Additionally, translators should focus on conveying the core meaning of phrases rather than relying on literal translations.
3.1.2 Solutions for non-linguistic problems when translating documents
Carelessness undermines the professionalism of a translator's work It is essential to thoroughly review the translated text upon completion Seeking help from more experienced translators can provide valuable insights for identifying linguistic, spelling, and grammatical errors Additionally, having a standard Vietnamese reader assess the translation can ensure that it adheres to the language's nuances and maintains clarity.
Vietnamese-style texts translated into English benefit from the insights of average readers, who provide valuable feedback on interpretation and translation styles Novice translators can significantly enhance their skills by collaborating with experienced peers, particularly for topics they find challenging Consulting competent translators is highly recommended to ensure accuracy and coherence in their work Additionally, hiring seasoned translators to review final documents can help minimize complications and ensure the quality of the translation.
Being careful with online resources
The rapid growth of the Internet has provided translators with numerous reference sources, including online dictionaries and forums for advice However, not all online resources are reliable, so it's crucial for translators to critically evaluate suggestions before incorporating them into their translations When faced with multiple solutions to a question, selecting the most suitable option is essential For complex sentences, translators should utilize tools like Google Translate judiciously.
Working hard, translating well, and never giving up
Translation is a challenging profession that demands considerable effort, practice, and perseverance Amateur translators often face difficulties without clear guidelines to navigate translation issues However, with daily experience and dedication, they can improve their skills and provide high-quality translations more efficiently The key to overcoming translation challenges lies in staying calm, working diligently, and striving to find the most accurate representation of the original text.
Thorasen-Vinama Ltd future plans
During 29 years of operation and development, Thorasen-Vinama Ltd has now created an expert image within the eyes of partners, customers, and partners alike within the next following years, Thorasen-Vinama Ltd continues to create this professional image to skyrocket its success level of the corporate to assist the corporate to succeed in this target, one of the foremost crucial factors is the high translation quality of documents which may attract the eye not only of the company’s customers and partners but also of the community In the future,
Thorasen-Vinama Ltd will focus more on the interpretation quality of documents, increasing the amount of accuracy, naturalness, clarity, and consistency between the
ST and also the TT per Mr Giang– The Manager of Thorasen-Vinama TVA Hai
The Phong branch has significantly improved the quality of its translated documents over the past few years; however, the Logistics Department staff, particularly the translators, are still not encouraged to be subjective It is essential for them to focus diligently on these documents to enhance their accessibility to the community, as well as to the company’s customers and partners.
Thorasen-Vinama Ltd is dedicated to enhancing relationships with both domestic and international partners while establishing a strong global presence in the industry The company prioritizes every aspect of its shipments, particularly the translation of legal documents and communications, ensuring that partners and customers receive comprehensive and accurate information High-quality translations are crucial to the company’s success, as they aim to improve translation standards, enhance clarity, and attract potential clients, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the business.
In the era of globalization, the importance of translation has surged, particularly as English becomes a dominant global language Vietnam recognizes the critical need for effective translation between Vietnamese and English to facilitate growth and integration among nations Thorasen-Vinama Ltd, a leading logistics company in Vietnam, has prioritized enhancing the quality of its translated documents to better serve its international clientele Despite positive feedback from management and staff regarding translation quality, challenges and limitations in the translation process persist My research focuses on the translation of maritime and legal documents within the Logistics Department of Thorasen-Vinama Ltd, analyzing the current translation quality and identifying strengths and weaknesses I propose several strategies to enhance translation efficiency, acknowledging that some aspects of the process require further development and that errors may arise from time constraints and a lack of expertise I welcome constructive feedback from my adviser to refine my work and express my gratitude to Ms Bui Thi for her support.
Tuyet Mai, as well as the managers and personnel at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd, for assisting me throughout my internship and thesis completion
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PRACTICE – Pham Thi Lan Phuong and Bui Tuyet Mai
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Question 1: In general, how do you assess the translation quality of documents at
Thorasen-Vinama Ltd? (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Question 2: In your opinion, which criteria can be used to assess the translation quality of these documents?
Question 3: At which level do you assess these criteria for the translation quality of documents at the company? (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Question 4: Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to increase the quality of translating documents at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd? Participants in the survey are expected to respond to this question in a variety of ways.