INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
As an English major at Duy Tan University, I continually explore various sources of knowledge on translation, including books, magazines, and online resources I believe that translation serves as the most effective means of sharing information and understanding across different cultures and societies.
In "The Culture Code" (2018), bestselling author Daniel Coyle explores the inner workings of highly effective organizations, uncovering the secrets to their success He identifies essential elements that foster team cohesion across various settings, analyzing both verbal and physical cues that unite individuals Coyle presents specific strategies to promote collaboration and build trust while highlighting cautionary examples of toxic cultures and offering guidance for reform Ultimately, he illustrates the remarkable outcomes that arise when effective cooperation is prioritized.
I am deeply interested in understanding group dynamics, which led me to explore "The Culture Code," a transformative study on how successful teams function This work combines advanced research, real-world insights, and actionable strategies, reshaping our approach to collaboration I aim to leverage my knowledge and skills to provide a comprehensive analysis that receives high acclaim.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This graduation paper is aimed at:
- Improving my translating skills and analyzing ability.
- Dealing with problems and difficulties with translation, vocabulary, and structure.
- Recommending the book to Vietnamese readers who are interested in studying how the group work
This graduation paper is carried out in order to:
After completing my graduation paper, I acquired the following targets:
- Summing up the knowledge I learned in the past.
- Providing readers with useful information about how to improve your own behaviour, the behaviour of your team, and of your organization, to build a great culture.
- Removing the language barrier for Vietnamese readers who are interested in this subject.
- Giving some implications and solutions for teaching and learning English, especially translation.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The book explores the dynamics of both large and small groups, formal and informal, to enhance your understanding of group interactions and improve collaborative relationships Due to time constraints and the paper's scope, I have chosen to focus on Chapter 13, titled "Three Hundred and Eleven Words," which contains 4,646 words for translation and analysis.
TEXT FEATURES
The book “The Culture Code” is a work of Daniel Coyle shows how an organizational culture built on the fabric of relationships can lead to phenomenal success.
"The Culture Code is an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike, emphasizing that culture is an active process rather than a static identity This insightful book empowers readers to understand the principles of cultural chemistry, enabling individuals to collaborate effectively and achieve remarkable results as cohesive teams Additionally, it features specialized terminology that is rarely found in standard dictionaries, enriching the reader's vocabulary."
In Chapter 13, "Three Hundred and Eleven Words," the focus is on fostering a positive organizational culture This section provides actionable strategies for enhancing individual behavior, team dynamics, and overall organizational practices to cultivate a thriving workplace culture.
TEXT LENGTH
The book includes 17 chapters, but the time is limited so I have translated only chapter 13 with 4,646 words in length.
TEXT SOURCE
The text is a part of the book “The Culture Code” edited by Daniel Coyle.This book is available at the library of Duy Tan University.
THEORICAL BACKGROUND
Definitions of Translation
Translation has been defined in many ways by some well-known linguistic experts as follows
Translation involves converting a message from one language to another while preserving the author's original intent This process entails transforming a text from its original form into a different language, ensuring that the meaning remains intact.
Translation as the process of conveying a message across linguistic and cultural barriers is an eminently communicative activity [ CITATION Alass \l
Translation is referring to all the process and methods used to convey the meaning of the source language (SL) into the target language (TL).
In conclusion, translation serves as a vital bridge that overcomes language barriers, fostering greater understanding of diverse religions and cultures worldwide Its unique nature leads to varying interpretations and perspectives on its significance and role in communication.
Classification
There are some types of categories of translation defined in terms of extent, levels, and ranks of translation.
The distinction in translation involves the extent of the translation process J.C Carford (1965) defines a full translation as one where the entire source language (SL) text is transformed, meaning every element of the SL is replaced with target language (TL) text.
In a partial translation, some part or parts of the SL text are left untranslated: they are simply transferred to and incorporated in the TL text.
This container of Global Trailer Rentals (GTR, CH Ireland) was leased to Ronan Hughes on October 15 Ronan (40) and brother Christopher
British police are seeking two main suspects in Armagh, Northern Ireland, who are charged with manslaughter and facilitating illegal immigration linked to the tragic deaths of 39 victims.
→ Chiếc container này của Hãng Global Trailer Rentals (GTR, CH Ireland) cho Ronan Hughes thuê vào ngày 15.10 Ronan (40 tuổi) và em trai Christopher
Hai nghi phạm chính, 34 tuổi, ở Armagh, Bắc Ireland, đang bị cảnh sát Anh truy nã với cáo buộc ngộ sát và đưa người nhập cư trái phép, liên quan đến cái chết của 39 nạn nhân.
In terms of levels, translation is divided into two types by J.C Catford: total translation and restricted translation.
Total translation involves substituting the grammar and vocabulary of the source language (SL) with corresponding grammar and vocabulary in the target language (TL) This process also leads to a change in the phonology and graphology of the SL, resulting in the adoption of distinct phonological and graphical elements in the TL.
Examples: Every day there are hundreds of babies born in the hospital.
Mỗi ngày có hàng trăm đứa trẻ được sinh ra trong bệnh viện.
Restricted translation is replacement of SL textual by equivalent TL textual material at only one level.
Example: At the time to be your daughter-in-law, I was afraid of you, father!
“Khi mơi bươc chân về lam dâu, con sơ thầy lăm !”
In this translation, the main thing is source language phonology which is replaced with equivalent target language one, but there are hardly other important replacements.
Phonological translation belongs to restricted translation, but in the phonological translation, the SL phonology of text is replaced by equivalent
In TL phonology, the translation process typically retains the grammar and lexis of the source language (SL) text, with only minor grammatical or lexical deviations occurring However, in some cases, these changes may happen unintentionally during the phonological translation.
Example: Taxi => Tắc – xi Hamburger
In graphological translation, SL graphology is replaced with equivalent target on without other considerable replacements, also noted by Nguyen Manh Quang, M.A.
In the process of transliteration, source language (SL) graphological units are substituted with their corresponding phonological units These SL phonological units are then translated into equivalent target language (TL) phonological units Finally, the TL phonological units are converted into their respective graphological units in the target language.
Example: Singapore => Sing-ga-po
2.2.6 Free, Literal, and Word-for-word Translation
A "free" translation offers flexibility, while a "word-for-word" translation adheres closely to the original text "Literal" translation strikes a balance between these two approaches, beginning with a "word-for-word" format but adapting to the target language's grammar by incorporating additional words and altering structures This process can result in translations that maintain the essence of the original while ensuring grammatical coherence.
Free translation: Love at first sight.
Word-for-word translation: All worldly things may change with time, but the impression of the first love will remain a vivid as ever.
Tất cả mọi vật trên thế gian có thể thay đổi với thời gian, nhưng ấn tượng về̀ mối tình đầu sẽ tồn tại mãi mãi.
Literal translation: I tried for a moment to see the situation through her eyes.
Tôi đã thử một lần cố nhìn nhận tình huống theo cách nhìn của cô ta
Methods and Principles of Translation
There are many translation methods When translating, we should use flexibly each other to exactly convey what SL express.
Interlinear translation displays the target language (TL) directly beneath the source language (SL) words This method maintains the original word order of the SL, translating each word individually based on its most common meaning, regardless of context.
Example: There are 39 people in a container.
=> Có 39 người trong một chiếc container.
The SL grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest TL equivalents, but the lexical words are again translated singly out of context.
As a pre-translation process, this indicates the problem to be solved.
Example: The library is funded by government.
=> Thư viện này được tài trợ bởi chính phủ.
A faithful translation aims to accurately convey the original meaning within the grammatical structures of the target language (TL) It effectively transfers cultural terms while maintaining the original text's grammatical and lexical nuances The goal is to remain true to the intentions and stylistic choices of the source language (SL) writer.
Example: Fed is trying to lose a few pounds He goes jogging for an hour every evening but when he comes home, he eats like a horse.
=> Fed đang cố gắng giảm vài kí-lô-gram Mỗi đêm anh ta chạy bộ khoảng một tiếng nhưng khi về̀ nhà anh ta ăn như trâu.
This approach prioritizes the aesthetic quality of the source language (SL) text, focusing on achieving a beautiful and natural sound while sacrificing some meaning to avoid jarring elements like assonance, wordplay, or repetition Additionally, it may opt for culturally neutral terms instead of direct cultural equivalents for less significant words, making minor adjustments to enhance readability for the audience.
Example: Beauty is the first present nature gives to women and the first take away.
=> Sắc đẹp là tặng phẩm mà tạo hóa ban cho người đàn bà, cũng là thứ đầu tiên mà tạo hóa cướp đi.
This translation method is the most flexible, primarily applied to plays and poetry It maintains the original themes, characters, and plots while adapting the source language culture to that of the target language, resulting in a rewritten text.
Example: You can see the words “l love you”
In a father’s boyish eyes When he runs home, all excited, With a poorly wrapped surprise.
Tình yêu kín đáo của cha
Nằm trong ánh mắt nhăn nheo dịu dàng Trong dáng cha tất tả chạy về̀ nhà Trong tay cầm một món quà tặng con.
This produces the “message” of the original again but tends to distort the nuances of meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms where these do not exist in the original.
Example: A sow is no match for a goose.
Đũa mốc mà chòi mâm son.
This approach aims to convey the original's contextual meaning clearly and understandably for the audience, ensuring both content and language are accessible Such translations are commonly found in radio broadcasts and newspapers, where communicative and semantic translation often align.
Example: This Sunday, all students at Duy Tan University will be taken off.
Chủ nhật này, tất cả sinh viên trường Đại học Duy Tân được nghỉ.
The translation should reflect accurately the meaning of the original text. Nothing should be arbitrarily added or moved, though occasionally part of the meaning can be “transpose”
Example: Although job is hard, her salary is low.
Mặc dù công việc vất vả, nhưng lương của cô ấy lại thấp.
The translation should closely mirror the original order of words and phrases, maintaining the same structure When uncertain, underline the key words in the original text that carry the main stress In English, emphasis can be achieved by altering word order and employing various structures.
Example: No sooner had they completed the work than they damanded the wages.
Ngay sau khi họ hoàn thành công việc, họ đòi tiề̀n công.
Languages often differ greatly in their levels of formality in a given context To resolve these differences, the translator must distinguish between formal and fixed expression.
Example: Please don’t drive so fast.
Xin vui lòng không lái xe quá nhanh.
One of the most prevalent issues in translation is that it often lacks a natural flow, primarily due to the translator's thoughts and word choices being overly influenced by the original text.
The translator had better set the text aside and translate a few sentences aloud from memory to get the natural patterns.
Example: She has had her computer fixed.
Cô ấy đã nhờ sửa chữa máy tính của cô ấy.
Idiomatic expressions, including similes, metaphors, proverbs, and sayings, cannot be directly translated Instead, translators should aim to preserve the original phrase in inverted commas, provide a literal explanation in brackets, utilize close equivalents, or opt for a non-idiomatic, plain prose translation.
Example: A superior comes to visit his inferior.
The style of the original should not be changed However, if the text is sloppily written or tediously repeated, the translator may correct the defects.
Example: Let’s have our human fellows.
Hãy biết thương, biết yêu lấy đồng loại của mình.
Situational context encompasses the various factors and circumstances that affect the interpretation of a text, which can be more challenging to identify than linguistic elements These factors include micro-level details such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, as well as broader influences like the social, political, and economic environment and the overarching culture Additionally, conventions and value systems vary significantly across different cultures and societies, impacting how meaning is constructed and understood.
SUGGESTED TRANSLATION
Three Hundred and Ba trăm mười một từ
In 1975, James Burke, the president of J&J, gathered thirty-five senior managers for an unusual meeting that deviated from typical business discussions Instead of focusing on strategy, marketing, or planning, the purpose of the meeting was to review a thirty-two-year-old, one-page document known as the Credo.
P2 The Credo had been written in P2 Credo được viết vào năm 1943
In 1943, Robert Wood Johnson, the former chairman and a founding family member of the company, played a pivotal role in its establishment.
We believe that our primary responsibility is to doctors, nurses, and patients, including mothers, fathers, and all individuals who utilize our products and services To effectively meet their needs, it is essential that everything we offer is of the highest quality.
We must consistently aim for high quality while effectively reducing costs to maintain reasonable prices Additionally, it is essential to ensure that customer orders are serviced promptly and accurately.
Bài viết mô tả mối quan hệ với các nhóm bên liên quan trong bốn đoạn văn, ưu tiên cho từng nhóm như sau: (1) khách hàng, (2) nhân viên, (3) cộng đồng.
(2) employees, (3) community, và (4) cổ đông công ty Như những and (4) company stockholders lời phát biểu về giá trị diễn ra, đó là
The Credo of Johnson & Johnson is a clear and forthright value statement that resonates with the gravitas of the Old Testament It is prominently displayed at all J&J businesses and is intricately carved into a granite wall at the company's headquarters in New Jersey This Credo, which appears twenty-one times throughout the organization, serves as a guiding principle for the company’s operations and reflects its commitment to integrity and responsibility.
Theo Burke, vấn đề chính là Credo dường như không quan trọng đối với nhiều nhân viên, và điều này càng làm cho tình hình trở nên nghiêm trọng hơn.
Burke sensed a shift within the company, noting that many young employees at J&J were indifferent to the Credo, perceiving it as merely a public relations gimmick rather than a unifying document He observed this subtle vibe while interacting with staff, realizing that the changing times had led to a disconnect between the company's foundational principles and the newer generation's values.
Burke proposed holding a meeting to evaluate the future role of the company’s Credo, but many Johnson & Johnson leaders outright rejected the idea They viewed questioning such a foundational document as a waste of time Dick Sellars, the chairman of the board, dismissed the notion as "ridiculous," comparing the challenge to that of a Catholic questioning the authority of the Pope.
P6 Burke, a gravel-voiced Burke, một người Vermont bày tỏ
Vermonter who’d commanded a sự vẻ vang, người đã chỉ huy tàu đổ landing craft during World War bộ trong Chiến tranh thế giới thứ
"I refuse to back down Every day when I wake up, I challenge the pope At times, I think my religion seems irrational."
Everyone confronts their values, and that's an essential part of engaging with the Credo It is crucial to challenge and question these beliefs, as this process leads to personal growth and understanding Ultimately, embracing this challenge allows individuals to prevail and strengthen their convictions.
The meeting took place in a spacious banquet room where the managers gathered Burke emphasized the importance of their task, stating, “You are in a position to challenge this document, which is the soul of the corporation.” He urged them to adhere to its principles, suggesting that if they couldn't, it would be better to remove it from the walls, as leaving it there would be a mere act of pretension Burke encouraged open dialogue, inviting them to share how they believe it should be changed if they feel modifications are necessary.
The conversation commenced with a manager expressing, "I believe the Credo should be absolute."
You can't deceive yourself; the purpose of a business is to generate profit.
Another manager spoke up Một người quản lý khác đã lên
We should prioritize what is best for the business by adhering to ethical standards and fulfilling societal needs By following our Credo, we can ensure that our actions are not only morally correct but also contribute to improved outcomes for both the business and the community This approach allows us to operate in a more decent and humane manner.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
Vocabulary
In the translation process, utilizing a dictionary is essential; however, certain English words or phrases may lack direct equivalents in Vietnamese Consequently, it becomes crucial to select meanings based on context to ensure accuracy and relevance Additionally, employing a free translation method may be necessary to find the closest equivalent in the target language Below are some challenging types of words and phrases encountered during translation.
Multi-meaning words possess multiple definitions in the dictionary, and their meanings can vary significantly depending on the context in which they are used This ambiguity can lead to translation errors if translators lack a comprehensive understanding of these words and the surrounding context of the original text.
In this section on translation, I have compiled a list of words that convey multiple meanings To ensure accuracy, I often revisit the original text to determine the most appropriate interpretation.
Burke sensed a subtle discontent among employees as he observed their interactions and work habits throughout the company, indicating an underlying issue with the Credo rather than an outright revolt.
In Cambridge Dictionary, there are five meanings of “against”.
• disagreeing with a plan or activity
• next to and touching or being supported by (something)
• in the opposite direction to
• as a protection or defence from the bad effects of
• next to and touching or being supported by something
The term "against" encompasses multiple meanings In translating the text into Vietnamese, I utilized the fourth definition to ensure the translation aligns best with the context of the sentence, conveying the meaning of "chống lại."
Suggested version: Không phải là có một cuộc nổi loạn mở ra chống lại
Burke đã trải nghiệm một sự rung động tinh tế khi anh đi quanh công ty, quan sát cách mọi người làm việc và tương tác với nhau.
Example 2: I think at times my religion is nuts (Line 7, P6, page 25)
In Cambridge Dictionary, there are six meanings of “nut”.
• the dry fruit of particular trees that grows in a hard shell and can often be eaten
• a small piece of metal with a hole in it through which you put a bolt
• a person who is mentally ill
• the amount of money necessary to operate a business or cover your costs
• a person who behaves in a very silly, stupid, or strange way
The term "nut" has multiple definitions in the dictionary, but its most relevant meaning in this context is as a noun For the Vietnamese translation, I selected the fifth definition, which conveys the meaning of "điên rồ," or "crazy."
Suggested version: Tôi nghĩ rằng đôi khi tôn giáo của tôi là một thứ điên rồ.
Example 3: Take a few seconds and picture the obstacles between you and that goal as vividly as possible (Line 1, P32, page 43)
In Cambridge Dictionary, there are six meanings of “picture”.
• an image seen on a television or cinema screen
• something you produce in your mind, by using your imagination or memory.
• a situation described in a particular way
The term "picture" has multiple meanings, but in this context, it functions as a noun Therefore, the fourth definition from the Cambridge Dictionary, which translates to "hình dung" in Vietnamese, is the most appropriate interpretation.
Suggested version : Dành vài giây và hình dung những chướng ngại vật giữa bạn và mục tiêu đó một cách sinh động nhất có thể.
Example 4: Spend a few seconds reflecting on that goal and imagining that it’s come true (Line 17, P31, page 39)
In Oxford Dictionary, there are four meanings of “reflect”.
• to show the image of somebody/something on the surface of something such as a mirror, water or glass
• to throw back light, heat, sound, etc from a surface
• to show or be a sign of the nature of something or of somebody’s attitude or feeling
• to think carefully and deeply about something
There are three meanings of this verb “reflect” However, based on the context, I think the final meaning is the best It means in Vietnamese as “suy ngẫm”.
Suggested version: Hãy dành vài giây để suy ngẫm về̀ mục tiêu đó và tưởng tượng rằng mục tiêu đó trở thành sự thật.
After plummeting to zero following the attacks, Tylenol's market share gradually rebounded and continued to rise, with one commentator famously describing it as "the greatest comeback since Lazarus."
In Oxford Dictionary, there are four meanings of “pundit”
• a Hindu priest or wise man
• a person who knows a lot about a particular subject and who often talks about it in public
• a musician with a lot of skill
There are four meanings of this noun “pundit” However, based on the context, I think the second meaning is the best It means in Vietnamese as
Thị phần của Tylenol, sau khi trải qua sự sụt giảm nghiêm trọng, đã bắt đầu phục hồi từ mức 0 và tiếp tục tăng trưởng, được một nhà học giả mô tả là "sự trở lại vĩ đại nhất kể từ khi La-xa-rơ sống lại".
Example 6: When he proposed his idea, many J&J leaders rejected it outright (Line 5, P5, page 24)
In Cambridge Dictionary, there are three meanings of “outright”
• directly and plainly, or immediately instead of in stages
In Vietnamese, the term "outright" is defined by the TFlat Dictionary as "thẳng, công khai, dứt khoát." However, based on the context and the nuances of the word, a more flexible translation is warranted to capture its intended meaning.
Suggested version: Khi ông đề̀ xuất ý tưởng của mình, nhiề̀u nhà lãnh đạo của J&J đã từ chối thẳng thừng.
Idioms are phrases whose meanings cannot be understood from the individual words, often conveying a figurative expression that differs from their literal interpretation Similarly, phrasal verbs consist of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb, creating a unique meaning distinct from the original verb Both idioms and phrasal verbs present challenges during the translation process.
If you cannot adhere to its principles, we should remove it from display, as retaining it would be disingenuous If you believe it needs alteration, please specify the necessary changes.
The idiom "tear it off," defined by Oxford Dictionaries as something that can be removed by tearing, particularly refers to a section of paper For a more contextually appropriate translation, I have adapted it to "tháo bỏ."
Nếu bạn không thể tuân theo các nguyên tắc của nó, hãy xem xét việc gỡ bỏ nó khỏi các bức tường, vì việc giữ nó lại chỉ là sự khuyến khích Nếu bạn muốn thay đổi nội dung, hãy cho chúng tôi biết cách thức thay đổi mà bạn mong muốn.
Example 9: “We had to make hundreds of decisions on the fly; hundreds of people made thousands of decisions,” Burke said afterward (Line 10, P21, page 32)
Structures
The structure of a sentence significantly influences its meaning Analyzing the grammatical components of sentences within a paragraph is essential for understanding their meaning To fully comprehend a document, one must consider both the words and structures of each sentence Therefore, translators need a deep understanding of grammatical structures in the source language to effectively convey the text's meaning in the target language.
Example 13: Boy Scout troops went door to door to alert elderly people who might have missed the warnings (Line 12, P12, page 28)
Boy Scout troops/ went/ door to door to alert/ elderly people
S V C O who might have missed the warnings. relative clauseStructure: S V C O + relative clause
Suggested version: Đội quân Hướng đạo sinh đi từng nhà để cảnh báo những người cao tuổi có thể đã bỏ lỡ các cảnh báo.
Example 14: In ensuing years, Tylenol’s response has become the gold standard for handling corporate crisis (Line 6, P20, page 32)
In ensuing years,/ Tylenol’s response/ has become/ the gold standard
Suggested version: Trong những năm tiếp theo, câu trả lời của Tylenol đã trở thành tiêu chuẩn vàng để xử lý khủng hoảng doanh nghiệp.
Example 15: This idea helps give us a window into how successful cultures create and sustain purpose (Line 7, P29, page 38)
This idea/ helps give/ us/ a window into how successful cultures create
Suggested version: Ý tưởng này giúp cung cấp cho chúng ta một cái nhìn về cách các nền văn hóa thành công tạo ra và duy trì mục đích.
A compound sentence consists of at least two independent propositions, also known as simple sentences that are connected together.
In this sentence structure, the propositions are connected by conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a semicolon, or a semicolon - a conjunctive adverb - a comma.
Example 16: The school naturally agreed, and the test was administered to the entire student body (Line 25, P43, page 50)
- Independent clause: The school naturally agreed
- Independent clause: the test was administered to the entire student body.
Adverb: “to the entire student body”
This compound sentence consists of two independent clauses which are linked by a comma and a conjunction (and), it is followed by the structure
Independent clause, and Independent clause.
Suggested version: Nhà trường đương nhiên đồng ý, và bài kiểm tra được thực hiện cho toàn bộ học sinh.
Example 17: That shared future could be a goal or a behavior (Line 20,
This compound sentence is an independent clause, in the sentence, there is conjunction (or) used to linked two objects.
Suggested version: Tương lai chung đó có thể là một mục tiêu hoặc một hành vi.
A compound sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause Dependent clauses often include conjunctions such as "because," "although," and "while," or relative pronouns like "which" and "who."
4.2.3.1 Complex Sentence with Noun Clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause functioning as a noun, and it cannot stand alone It serves various roles in a sentence, including as the subject, direct object, indirect object, object of a preposition, subject complement, or appositive.
Example 18: “To do this, they build what we’ll call high-purpose environments.” (Line 17, P29, page 38)
Noun clause: “what we’ll call high-purpose environments”.
The noun clause “what we’ll call high-purpose environments” following the main verb is a noun clause that plays the role of an object in this sentence.
Suggested version: “Để làm điều này, họ xây dựng cái mà chúng ta gọi là môi trường có mục đích cao.”
Example 19: “So he tracked down one of the scholarship recipients, a student named Will, and asked him to write a letter about what his scholarship meant to him.” (Line 15, P49, page 49)
Noun clause: “what his scholarship meant to him”.
The noun clause “what his scholarship meant to him” follows the preposition "about" which functions as the object of preposition.
Ông đã tìm ra một trong những người nhận học bổng, sinh viên Will, và yêu cầu anh viết một lá thư thể hiện ý nghĩa của việc nhận học bổng.
Example 20 : “Spend a few seconds reflecting on that goal and imagining that it’s come true.” (Line 1, P31, page 41)
There is a noun clause in this complex sentence The sentence "that it’s comes true" after the adjective "imagining" has the function of modifying the adjective.
Noun clause: “that it’s comes true”.
The noun clause “that it’s comes true” follow the adjective "imagining" which functions as the object of verb.
Suggested version: “Hãy dành vài giây để suy ngẫm về mục tiêu đó và tưởng tượng rằng mục tiêu đó trở thành sự thật.”
Example 21: “Picture a future where you’ve achieved it.” (Line 6, P31, page
Noun clause: “where you’ve achieved it.”
The noun clause “where you’ve achieved it.” is a noun clause as the subject.
Suggested version: “Hãy hình dung một tương lai mà bạn đã đạt được nó.”
4.2.3.2 Complex Sentences with Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that serves the role of an adverb in a sentence These clauses enhance sentence structure and meaning, and they can be categorized into eight types: time, place, manner, reason, condition, concession, purpose, and comparison.
Example 22: “If we had done anything other than what we did, think about how those employees would have felt.” (Line 7, P45, page 41)
The clause “If we had done anything other than what we did” which is a
Nếu chúng tôi đã thực hiện bất kỳ điều gì khác biệt so với những gì đã làm, hãy tưởng tượng cảm giác của những nhân viên đó.
Example 23: “After the managers took their seats, Burke outlined their task.”
The dependent clause “After the managers took their seats” is an adverbial clause of time.
Suggested version: “Sau khi các quản lý ngồi vào chỗ, Burke vạch ra nhiệm vụ của họ.”
Example 24: “The FBI and the FDA strongly encouraged Burke to limit the recall to Chicago, since no poison had yet been located outside Chicago.”
The clause “since no poison had yet been located outside Chicago” is an adverbial clause of reason.
Suggested version: “FBI và FDA đã hết sức khuyến khích Burke hạn chế việc thu hồi về Chicago, vì chưa có chất độc nào được đặt bên ngoài Chicago.”
4.2.3.3 Complex Sentences with Relative Clause
A relative clause, also known as an adjective clause, serves to modify a noun within a sentence, whether it is the subject or the object of a preposition These clauses typically start with relative pronouns such as who, whom, whose, which, that, where, when, or why, and in some cases, the pronoun can be omitted Additionally, the use of commas may be necessary depending on the context.
There are two types of relative clause:
Defining relative clauses (also called identifying relative clauses or restrictive relative clauses) give detailed information defining a general term or expression Defining relative clauses are not put in comma.
Non-defining relative clauses, also known as non-identifying or non-restrictive relative clauses, provide extra information about a subject without limiting or defining it These clauses are always set off by commas in writing.
Example 25: “A lot of the young people that were coming into J&J really didn’t pay much attention to it.” (Line 6, P4, page 25)
The defining relative clause “that were coming into J&J really didn’t pay much attention to it” modifies “the young people.” In Vietnamese, we typically use “mà, người mà” to convey the meaning of the subordinator “that.” However, a direct translation using these terms can sound unnatural, prompting a reduction of the subordinator in the translation process.
Suggested version: “Rất nhiều người trẻ đến với J&J nhưng thực sự không quan tâm nhiều đến nó.”
A researcher proposed to a California public elementary school to evaluate students using the Harvard Test of Inflected Acquisition, a newly developed tool designed to accurately identify children likely to excel academically in the upcoming year.
The Harvard Test of Inflected Acquisition could accurately predict which children would excel academically in the coming year In this context, the relative pronoun "which" is translated as "thứ mà, cái mà" in Vietnamese However, for a smoother and more contextually appropriate translation, the relative pronoun was omitted.
Suggested version: “Ông đã tiếp cận một trường tiểu học công lập ở
California đã đề xuất sử dụng một công cụ nhận dạng trí thông minh mới, gọi là Bài kiểm tra Harvard, để kiểm tra học sinh Công cụ này có khả năng dự đoán chính xác những trẻ em nào sẽ đạt thành tích học tập xuất sắc trong năm tới.
A reduced clause, also known as a reduced relative clause, omits explicit relative pronouns or complementizers, resulting in a more concise structure In these clauses, elements such as the relative pronoun in adjective clauses or the subject and the verb "to be" in adverb clauses may be left out Due to their grammatical ambiguity, translating reduced clauses can often lead to errors.
To accurately translate omitted parts into Vietnamese, I meticulously analyze the entire sentence, often considering multiple preceding sentences and the overall context.
Example 27: One day in 1975 James Burke, president of the health care company J&J, summoned thirty-five of the company’s senior managers for an unconventional meeting (Line 1, P1, page 22)
The sentence features a reduced relative clause: “summoned thirty-five of the company’s senior managers for an unconventional meeting.” The relative pronoun “who” has been omitted, making the clause more concise A more streamlined translation would be: “…chủ tịch của công ty chăm sóc sức khỏe J&J, triệu tập 35 quản lý cấp cao của công ty cho một cuộc họp bất thường.” This version is less verbose and sounds more natural.
DIFFICULTIES AND SOLUTIONS
DIFFICULTIES
This graduation paper serves as an excellent opportunity to showcase my abilities, enhance my skills, and deepen my understanding of environmental topics Additionally, it allows me to acquire valuable experiences and insights into the field of translation However, I also encounter numerous challenges that I must confront while working on my graduation project.
Despite acquiring some knowledge about the environment, I struggled to fully understand and translate various vocabulary and phrases within the text I dedicated significant time to researching online, reading documents, and consulting multiple dictionaries to achieve accurate results.
Understanding environmental vocabulary can be challenging, as many terms are not easily found in dictionaries This difficulty complicates the process of grasping specific meanings within the field Additionally, words with multiple meanings vary based on context, making it hard to determine the appropriate definition Consequently, this leads to a time-consuming analysis and search for accurate meanings, resulting in a suggested version that lacks fluency and naturalness.
As an English major student, I encountered another hurdle in the form of complex sentence structures, which often left me feeling anxious, particularly when dealing with compound-complex sentences Furthermore, my rusty grammar skills made it challenging to break down and analyze these sentences effectively, highlighting the need to revisit and reinforce my understanding of various grammatical forms.
Finally, information which comes from different sources on the internet is very abundant, so some of them are not exact.
SOLUTIONS
During the translating process of my graduation paper, I gained experiences of solving difficulties and challenges.
To enhance my understanding of the book's narrative style, I delved into the author's background, which enriched my knowledge of their voice and storytelling techniques This insight allows me to translate the text in a manner that closely aligns with the author's intended tone and message for the reader.
After skimming the chapter to grasp its main ideas, I compiled a list of key phrases and challenging vocabulary With a clear understanding of the content, I proceeded to translate it thoroughly Additionally, I engaged in discussions with friends, particularly my supervisor, and conducted online research for further references.
To enhance the quality of my translation, I consulted various dictionaries and reference materials for challenging words and phrases Additionally, I sought feedback from friends and family to ensure my version was clear and understandable, which proved to be an effective strategy for improving my work.
Moreover, I used many kinds of dictionaries, such as: English - Vietnamese dictionary of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Cambridge learner’s Dictionary, etc to find out the best meanings.
I have developed a strategic plan to efficiently schedule my time for completing this paper Additionally, I received invaluable support from my instructor, Ms Bui Thi Kim Phung, M.A., who provided guidance in correcting and improving my work to ensure its highest quality.
CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Completing this graduation paper has provided me with invaluable experiences and presented numerous challenges Nonetheless, I view this as a significant opportunity to enhance my English proficiency and develop essential skills for my future career.
This graduation paper holds significant value for me and fellow English majors at Duy Tan University Given the constraints of knowledge and time, mistakes are inevitable However, I am grateful for the constructive feedback and critiques from my teachers and peers, which have greatly contributed to improving my work.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms Bui Thi Kim Phung, my supervisor, whose enthusiastic guidance was instrumental in the successful completion of my graduation paper Additionally, I extend my thanks to all the teachers in the Faculty of English at Duy Tan University for their invaluable support and instruction throughout my four years of study.
SUGGESTIONS
To become a proficient translator, it's essential to clearly define your learning goals from the outset of your university studies Paying close attention to your teachers' lectures during these initial days is crucial for building a strong foundation in translation skills.
Having extensive knowledge makes studying and practicing more manageable Every student should maintain notebooks to document vocabulary, idioms, and syntax learned in class, along with essential terms This practice enhances memory retention and allows for quick reference and effective application of the material.
Grammar is crucial in translation, serving as the foundation of effective communication Just as a strong foundation supports a sturdy house, mastering basic grammar enhances the quality of translation Therefore, students must focus on both fundamental and advanced grammar skills to improve their translation abilities.
[1] Alan Duff (Oxford University Press) in the series Resource Books for
[2] Ghazala, H (1995) Translation as Problems and Solutions.
[3] Larson, M (1984) Meaning-Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-
Language Equivalence University Press of America, Lanham, MD.
[4] Cambridge Dictionary Restrival from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/vi/
[5] Oxfoxd Dictionary Restrival from: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/