RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
Translation is crucial in the maritime industry for ensuring effective communication and operational efficiency across borders Companies that prioritize translation can significantly enhance internal productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall performance Miscommunication can disrupt workflows, making it essential for businesses to explore strategies for enhancing translation efficiency This challenge requires thoughtful approaches that focus on both the quality of translations and timely delivery to facilitate clear communication My internship at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd has underscored the importance of an effective translation process, inspiring me to delve deeper into this topic.
“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- Vinama Ltd
- 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 research conducted at the Logistics Department of Thorasen-Vinama TVA in Hai Phong, Vietnam, focuses on the translation of legal documents and emails The study utilizes data provided by the company's Logistics Department, located in ROOM 432, Thanh Dat 1 Building, No 3 Le Thanh Tong Street, Ngo Quyen District.
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 functionality It involves the combination of various building blocks, such as sounds and words, which can be altered to create different meanings The arrangement of words plays a crucial role, as does the modification of word beginnings and endings Additionally, a speaker's awareness of a listener's understanding significantly influences the conveyed meaning.
Linguistics encompasses several sub-fields, including phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, with most professional linguists specializing in one or more areas Phonology and phonetics focus on the sound systems of language, analyzing the physical properties of the vocal tract used to produce various 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 different word combinations.
The study of language encompasses various aspects, including sound, grammar, and meaning, while also exploring the history of language families It examines how both children and adults acquire languages, investigates the cognitive processes involved in language use, and analyzes the relationship between race, gender, and language.
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, it requires skill and nuance As noted by the renowned novelist Günter Grass, “Translation is that which transforms everything so that nothing changes.” Effective translation strikes a balance between conveying the original text's sense and beauty and ensuring the target version is clear and impactful.
The Globalization & Localization Association defines translation as the process of transferring meaning from a source language to a target language While the wording may vary, this definition aligns with established 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, ensuring that the meaning conveyed by the original writer is accurately communicated According to Frédéric Houbert (2014), this involves interpreting the meaning of a source text and producing a new, equivalent text in the target language The essence of translation lies in its ability to convey the original message while adapting it for understanding by readers of a different language.
Translation is a process that transforms a written source language text into a target-language text that is as comparable as possible This task requires the translator to have a deep understanding of the original text's syntactic, semantic, stylistic, and pragmatic elements, as highlighted by Wills in Choliludin (2007).
Translation involves creating the closest natural equivalent of a source-language message in the target language, focusing first on meaning and then on style This process necessitates proficiency in both the source language (SL) and the target or receptor language (TL or RL), as it aims to faithfully recreate the meaning of the SL text in the TL text.
Translation is defined as the process of replacing equivalent textual content from a source language (SL) with corresponding material in a target language (TL), as noted by Catford (1965) Similarly, Larson (1984) emphasizes that translation involves converting the meaning from the source language to the receptor language.
The process involves utilizing semantic structure to effectively 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 outward appearance of the content is altered.
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 Translating a literary work involves creating a new piece in the target language that captures the essence of the original text, evoking similar responses from readers in both languages.
Vietnamese-English translation, as defined by Su (2003), involves accurately converting Vietnamese text into English while ensuring it aligns with the intended purpose of the document This process not only entails expressing the original meaning but also maintaining semantic and stylistic equivalence between the two languages, effectively replacing the Vietnamese text with an equivalent English version.
Translation involves replacing the form of the source language (SL) with that of the target language (TL) to effectively convey meaning The primary goal of translation is to ensure that the semantic structure of the original text is preserved while transitioning from the source language to the target language.
Translation involves preserving the original meaning while altering its appearance It requires a deep understanding of both the message's overall significance and the cultural context in which it is communicated.
B Translation as a process and a products
THE STUDY
Term construction for maritime logistics
A single term is a technical expression defined by a specific meaning It can be created from a noun or a verb, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram Additionally, single terminology can also be formed using suffixes and prefixes, particularly in the context 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 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 trả 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.
Carrier (n) Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage,
A freight carrier is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods via various modes, including rail, road, sea, air, and inland waterways, or through a combination of these methods.
Shipment (n) 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 refers to the process of consolidating multiple individual items into a single, larger shipping unit, which simplifies handling and transportation By grouping smaller cargo items into a uniform-sized unit, such as a pallet, efficiency in loading and unloading is significantly enhanced This practice has led to the development of modern shipping methods, including palletized and containerized transport.
Seaworthiness (n) 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, thuận tiện cho việc di chuyển trên nhiều phương tiện khác nhau 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 resulting from sacrifices made to the cargo in order to save the remaining goods.
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 sự cố xảy ra, nhằm bảo vệ lợi ích của cả hai bên.
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 shortening the initial components of longer phrases, streamlining communication in 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 activities of THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd The accompanying diagram illustrates the company's current organizational structure, highlighting the hierarchy within the organization.
Executive chairman is in the highest position in the company under the control of
Mr Sigmund Stroemme holds full authority to represent THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd, with Mr La Nhat Quang serving as the general director The company 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 specific guidance, and ensuring that all activities are executed efficiently and deadlines are met.
The Agency Department is essential for the company's operations and development, overseeing logistics management It comprises five leaders, each responsible for key sectors: 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 processes approximately 10-11 documents daily, each requiring thorough preparation before shipment to the harbor The TVA Hai Phong Department is tasked with creating legal documents, infographics, and logistics details in both Vietnamese and English to ensure clear communication and comprehensive information about the upcoming shipments, including timing, location, and cargo content In addition to updating the company's worksheet with shipment details, THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd continuously receives updates from harbors regarding shipment arrivals This efficient information flow enables customers to stay informed about their cargo promptly, highlighting the crucial role that well-prepared legal documents, emails, and reports play in the company’s logistical operations.
2.2.2 The current translation quality of documents at THORASEN-VINAMA Ltd
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 Staff members responsible for document translation emphasize that the authenticity of the translation relies heavily on the clarity and accuracy of the original document A translation can only achieve high standards if any errors, omissions, or flaws in the source text are addressed and rectified in the final product.
The source document, prepared by skilled professionals in the Logistics Department, contains minimal errors, facilitating a smooth translation process and ensuring high-quality final translations.
Timing is a crucial factor in the translation process, as it cannot be rushed Translators must establish a timeline upon receiving the source document and a reasonable deadline to ensure quality work They focus on accurate translations while considering grammar, style, and specific terminology, which demands significant time investment Additionally, thorough revisions using dictionaries and other resources are essential for fine-tuning the translation Rushed work compromises quality, as translators may prioritize meeting deadlines over delivering high standards Therefore, managers must set appropriate deadlines, ensuring that translators can provide comprehensive, high-quality translations that address customer concerns regarding shipments and cargo.
The third factors that they agree on are experience and knowledge of the translator
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
To enhance their translation skills in the maritime field, Logistics Department translators must improve their specialized vocabulary and understanding of terminology Expanding their vocabulary will enable them to select the most appropriate words during the translation process Additionally, studying maritime-specific terminology is crucial for producing accurate and easily comprehensible translations for partners By increasing their familiarity with the maritime sector, these translators can deliver coherent and precise translations, despite their current lack of specialization.
To achieve optimal document translations, translators must grasp the specific wording and structure relevant to each context Integrating translation apps and software into their workflow enhances efficiency, allowing translators to better understand correct phrasing and sentence construction Additionally, these tools facilitate the development of essential translation skills, such as effective writing, accurately conveying style and tone, and recognizing cultural nuances By implementing structured translation programs, organizations can provide translators with opportunities to refine their skills, ultimately leading to higher-quality translations.
Finding a reliable source of equivalent idioms, proverbs, and sayings
Translating idioms, proverbs, and sayings poses a significant challenge for translators, making it essential to find reliable resources for accurate translations While mandatory management documents primarily feature English sayings, various recommended sources can assist translators in navigating idiomatic expressions The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms, which includes over 1,000 common English idioms, provides comprehensive explanations and insights into their origins, making it a valuable tool for enhancing 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 Regularly encountering and considering equivalent words or phrases in the target language while reading articles or online content can significantly improve their proficiency Consistent practice not only builds confidence in translation abilities but also minimizes the risk of costly errors.
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, especially when dealing with complex texts To enhance translation quality, it's essential to create a bilingual glossary of nautical and logistics terminology or maintain a notebook for difficult terms This practice not only streamlines the revision process but also boosts productivity Additionally, translators should prioritize conveying the core meaning of phrases rather than relying on literal translations.
3.1.2 Solutions for non-linguistic problems when translating documents
Carelessness can undermine the professionalism of a translator's work After completing a translation, it is essential to meticulously review the final version Seeking assistance from more experienced translators can help identify linguistic, spelling, and grammatical errors Additionally, having a standard Vietnamese reader evaluate the translation ensures it aligns with the target audience's expectations.
Vietnamese-style texts translated into English benefit greatly from the insights and feedback of average readers, enhancing the interpretation and translation process Novice translators can significantly improve their skills by collaborating with experienced peers, particularly when faced with uncertainties in their subject matter Consulting competent translators is highly recommended to ensure accuracy and coherence To minimize potential complications before finalizing translated documents, enlisting the help of seasoned translators for a thorough review is one of the most effective strategies.
Being careful with online resources
With the rapid growth of the Internet, translators have access to various online resources, including dictionaries, chat rooms, and forums for assistance However, it's crucial to recognize that not all online sources are reliable, necessitating careful evaluation of the suggestions before incorporating them into translations When faced with multiple potential solutions, translators should select the most suitable option 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 without clear guidelines to navigate translation issues However, with daily experience gained from each translation task, they can enhance their skills and efficiency The key to overcoming translation challenges lies in staying calm, working diligently, and striving to find the most accurate rendition 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
The Phong branch has significantly improved the quality of its translated documents over the past few years, yet staff in the Logistics Department, particularly translators, are still encouraged to maintain objectivity It is essential for them to focus intently on these documents to enhance their accessibility for the community, as well as for 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 phase of shipment and cargo management, particularly the translation of legal documents and emails, ensuring comprehensive communication with partners and customers The quality of translation is crucial to the company’s success, as it aims to improve clarity and engagement in translated documents, ultimately attracting future clients and contributing to overall corporate success.
In the era of globalization, the importance of translation has surged, particularly as English becomes a dominant global language Vietnam recognizes the critical role of translating between Vietnamese and English for the growth and integration of both emerging and developed nations Thorasen-Vinama Ltd, a leading logistics company in Vietnam with a vast international clientele, has prioritized enhancing the quality of its translated documents to effectively communicate with customers, partners, and the community 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 focused 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 challenges I propose several strategies to improve translation efficiency, acknowledging that some aspects of the process require further refinement, and that errors can arise from time constraints and a lack of expertise in translation and the maritime sector I welcome constructive feedback from my adviser to enhance my writing and extend my gratitude to Ms Bui Thi Tuyet Mai and the team at Thorasen-Vinama Ltd for their invaluable support during my internship and thesis completion.
TRANSLATION PRACTICE COURSEBOOK FROM CONCEPTS TO 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.