RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
Translation is vital in the maritime industry, serving as a bridge for effective communication between companies across borders Businesses that prioritize and utilize translation effectively enhance internal efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance Miscommunication can disrupt the workflow, making it essential for enterprises to explore methods to enhance translation efficiency This complex challenge requires companies to implement appropriate strategies that ensure timely, high-quality translations while maintaining clear communication My internship at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd has deepened my understanding of the critical role of translation, inspiring me to focus on improving the translation process.
“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 within the company, utilizing data provided by the Logistics Department It is conducted 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.
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 building blocks, including sounds that can be altered to create diverse effects Additionally, the arrangement of words and modifications to their beginnings and endings can change meanings The speaker's awareness of the listener's understanding and the specific order of words also play a crucial role in conveying meaning.
Linguistics encompasses several sub-fields, including phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, with many professional linguists specializing in one or more areas Phonology and phonetics focus on the sound systems of language, analyzing how the vocal tract's physical properties, such as the lips and tongue, create different linguistic 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 explores how contextual information influences the meanings of various combinations of words.
The study of language encompasses various aspects, including the analysis of sound, grammar, and meaning, as well as the historical development of language families It also explores how both children and adults acquire languages, the cognitive processes involved in language use, and the connections between race, gender, and language practices.
Linguistics intersects with various fields such as anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, biology, computer science, health sciences, education, and literature, highlighting its essential connections to 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 maintaining the essence and beauty of the original work and ensuring clarity in the target language As novelist Günter Grass aptly stated, "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 While the phrasing may vary slightly from other definitions, it fundamentally captures the essence of translation theory.
Translation is the process of transforming a message from a source language into a target language, ensuring that the meaning conveyed by the original writer is accurately communicated As defined by Frédéric Houbert (2014), it involves interpreting the meaning of a source text and creating an equivalent target text in another language This process is essential for effective cross-linguistic communication and understanding.
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) Nida and Taber further emphasize the importance of this comprehensive understanding in the translation process.
Translation involves creating the most natural equivalent of a source language (SL) message in a target language (TL), focusing first on meaning and then on style This process highlights the necessity of understanding both languages to effectively convey the original text's intent and nuances in the translated version.
Translation, as defined by Catford (1965), involves replacing equivalent textual content in the source language (SL) with corresponding material in the 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 process involves utilizing semantic structure to shift from the form of the first language to that of the second language It is essential to preserve the meaning during this transition, as only the surface appearance undergoes change.
Translation is the process of conveying information from one text to another, aiming to maintain the equivalent meaning of the source language in the target language The preservation of meaning is essential in translation, regardless of the context When translating literary works, it involves crafting a new piece in the target language that captures the essence of the original text For instance, a translated novel utilizes a different language while evoking similar responses 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 involves adapting the content to meet the specific purpose of the documents This process ensures that the translation maintains both semantic and stylistic equivalence, effectively replacing the original Vietnamese text with an appropriate English counterpart.
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 from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) involves transforming the semantic structure while preserving the original meaning The focus is on maintaining the essence of the message, even as its appearance shifts Additionally, effective translation requires a deep understanding of both the overall meaning of the communication and the cultural context in which it exists.
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 meaning It can be constructed from a noun or a verb, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram Additionally, single terminology can be created using suffixes and prefixes, particularly in the form of nouns.
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 sẽ thương thảo và ký kết hợp đồng thuê tàu với người chở thuê hoặc chủ tàu, trong đó người chở thuê cam kết vận chuyển hàng hóa và cung cấp diện tích hoặc toàn bộ tàu cho người thuê sử dụng trong thời gian quy định Đổi lại, người thuê sẽ 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 is responsible for executing or arranging the transportation of goods via various modes, including rail, road, sea, air, and inland waterways, or through a combination of these methods.
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.
Unitization involves consolidating multiple individual items into a single, larger shipping unit to facilitate easier handling and transportation This process includes loading one or more large cargo items onto equipment like pallets, which enhances the efficiency of loading and unloading The practice of unitizing smaller shipments has led to the development of pallet transport and container shipping methods.
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 chuyển hàng hóa có sức chứa lớn và 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 equally share any losses incurred from sacrifices made to protect the remaining cargo This codification ensures that the financial burden is distributed fairly among all stakeholders, promoting cooperation and accountability in maritime operations.
Quy tắc tính thiệt hại tổn thất chung yêu cầu các bên liên quan, bao gồm chủ tàu và chủ hàng, cùng nhau chia sẻ gánh nặng tổn thất khi xảy ra sự cố.
Acronyms play a crucial role in maritime logistics, serving as abbreviated forms of words commonly found in documentation, contracts, and communications These terms are created by taking the initial components of longer phrases, 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, overseeing the overall operations of THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd The accompanying diagram illustrates the company's current organizational structure, highlighting its hierarchical framework.
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 organized 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 that all activities are executed efficiently and meet deadlines.
The Agency Department is vital to the company's operations and growth, overseeing logistics responsibilities It is led by five managers, each specializing in different areas: TVA Hai Phong, tankers/steel/dry sector, 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 Various departments handle specific tasks during this preparation period The TVA Hai Phong Department is tasked with preparing 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 with customers by providing detailed information about shipments The company updates its worksheet regularly and receives constant updates from harbors regarding shipment arrivals This efficient system ensures that customers are quickly informed about their cargo status The meticulous preparation of legal documents, emails, and reports is essential for the success of logistical operations.
2.2.2 The current translation quality of documents at
2.2.2.1 Factors influencing the translation quality
Several factors influence translation quality, with the quality of the source text being paramount To gain insights into these factors, I consulted staff responsible for document translation They emphasized that the translation's effectiveness is closely tied to the authenticity of the source document A translation can only achieve high quality if the source text is free from mistakes, omissions, or flaws Fortunately, the source documents are prepared by other skilled staff within the Logistics department, ensuring a solid foundation for accurate translations.
Professionals in this department ensure that source texts contain minimal errors, facilitating a smooth translation process and 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 need to enhance their understanding of the maritime field to improve their translation quality Expanding their vocabulary related to maritime terminology is crucial, as it allows them to select the most appropriate words during the translation process Additionally, studying specialized terminology in this sector will enable translators to produce accurate and easily comprehensible documents for our partners By increasing their familiarity with maritime concepts, translators can deliver coherent and precise translations, despite their current lack of specialization in the field.
To achieve high-quality document translations, 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 facilitate the development of essential skills, such as effective writing, accurate style and tone transfer, and cultural nuance awareness By implementing comprehensive translation programs, organizations can provide translators with more opportunities for skill enhancement, ultimately leading to superior translation outcomes.
Finding a reliable source of equivalent idioms, proverbs, and sayings
Translating idioms, proverbs, and sayings poses significant challenges for translators, particularly when sourcing credible references While mandatory management documents primarily feature English expressions, it is essential to explore various recommended sources for translating these linguistic elements, as translators often encounter them in their work.
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 maximize their free time to learn new terminology and enhance their translation skills, as consistent practice leads to improved confidence and reduced errors By actively seeking analogous words or phrases in the target language while engaging with newspapers or online content, translators can make significant progress in their craft.
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 bilingual glossary of nautical and logistics terms, which can streamline the revision process and boost productivity Additionally, translators should focus on conveying the core meaning of phrases rather than relying on literal translations, ensuring a more accurate and coherent final product.
3.1.2 Solutions for non-linguistic problems when translating documents
Carelessness can undermine a translator's professionalism, making it essential to thoroughly review the translated text after completion Seeking help from more experienced translators is advisable to catch any linguistic, spelling, or grammatical errors Additionally, having a standard Vietnamese reader assess the translation can ensure it aligns well with the target audience's expectations.
Vietnamese-style texts translated into English benefit significantly from feedback provided by average readers, which enhances interpretation and translation quality Novice translators are encouraged to seek guidance from experienced colleagues to navigate uncertainties in their work Collaborating with seasoned translators can help minimize potential issues, ensuring that the final translated documents are accurate, coherent, and unified before submission.
Being careful with online resources
The rapid growth of the Internet has provided translators with access to various reference sources, including online dictionaries, chat rooms, and forums for advice However, not all online resources are reliable, so translators must exercise caution and critically evaluate suggestions before incorporating them into their translations When faced with multiple solutions to a single issue, it is advisable for translators to select the most suitable option Additionally, for complex sentences, using Google Translate judiciously can be beneficial.
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, as there are no guaranteed methods to navigate all translation challenges However, with daily experience and dedication, translators can enhance their skills and deliver high-quality translations more efficiently The key to overcoming translation obstacles lies in staying calm, working diligently, and striving to find the most accurate representation of the source language.
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 made significant improvements in the quality of translated documents over the past few years; however, the Logistics Department staff, particularly the translators, must remain objective They should focus on enhancing the documents as much as possible to better serve not only the company’s customers and partners but also the wider community.
Thorasen-Vinama Ltd is dedicated to strengthening 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 vital information is accurately conveyed to partners and customers High-quality translations are essential to the company's success, as they enhance the clarity and appeal of the documents, ultimately attracting more clients and contributing to overall corporate achievement.
In the era of globalization, the importance of translation, particularly between Vietnamese and English, has surged, reflecting its vital role in the growth and integration of countries Thorasen-Vinama Ltd, a leading logistics company in Vietnam, has prioritized enhancing the quality of its translated documents to effectively communicate with its international clientele Despite positive feedback from management and staff regarding translation quality, there remain notable flaws and limitations in the translation process that need addressing My research focuses on the translation of maritime and legal documents within the Logistics Department, analyzing the current quality, strengths, and challenges faced I propose several strategies for Thorasen-Vinama Ltd to enhance translation efficiency, acknowledging that some aspects of the process are lacking, and that errors can occur due to time constraints and limited expertise in translation and maritime fields I welcome constructive feedback from my advisor 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
TRANSLATION PRACTICE COURSEBOOK FROM CONCEPTS TO
PRACTICE – Pham Thi Lan Phuong and Bui Tuyet Mai
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Frédéric, H (2014) Translation as a communication process
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Douglas Robinson (2003) Becoming a Translator: An Introduction to the
Theory and Practice of Translation
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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.