(LUẬN VĂN THẠC SĨ) A study on Vietnamese English translation of construction texts

Aims of the study

The study is aimed at

- Investigating fundamental aspects in translation of construction texts

- Identifying the problems relating to translation of construction texts

- Finding out major causes of the problems and suggestions for solution to the problems in translation.

Scope of the study

Translation of construction texts is a specialized field within technical translation, requiring translators to excel in their roles This study focuses exclusively on the intricacies of translating construction-related texts However, due to time constraints, this minor thesis will only address specific aspects, challenges, major causes of these challenges, and potential solutions in the translation of construction documents.

Methods of the study

To achieve the study's objective, a quantitative data analysis is employed as the primary method Initially, the research reviews various materials on translation to establish a solid theoretical foundation for the paper.

This study focuses on clarifying and analyzing construction texts, utilizing a flexible combination of methods, including references to relevant publications, data analysis, and detailed descriptions of the results.

Design of the study

The study consists of three main parts:

Part one is the Introduction which includes: rationale, significance of the study, scope, aims, and design of the study

Part two is the Development with two chapters:

Chapter 1 is theoretical background; it gives general information about translation theory, technical translation, and construction texts

Chapter 2 focuses on the investigation of Vietnamese-English translation within construction texts, highlighting key aspects and challenges encountered in this field It examines the primary causes of these translation issues and offers suggested solutions to address them effectively.

Part three is the Conclusion This part points out some limitations of the study and presents implications for translation of texts in construction and suggestions for further research

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Translation theory

Translation has been examined scientifically by linguists over time, leading to diverse definitions Various linguists have articulated the concept of translation in distinct ways, highlighting its complexity and multifaceted nature.

We start with a definition quoted from the Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics

Translation involves substituting a text in one language (Source Language - SL) with an equivalent text in another language (Target Language - TL), as defined by linguist Catford in 1965.

―Translation is the expression in another language (or target language) of what has been expressed in another, source language, preserving semantic and stylistic equivalences‖ (Larson, 1984)

Despite minor variations in wording, these definitions share common elements that highlight the concept of movement across languages, content, and the obligation to identify equivalents that maintain the original text's essential attributes This idea of equivalence will be further explored in the following section.

Translation methods encompass various approaches for translating diverse texts and categories They establish a framework of principles and guidelines that aid in both the translation process and the evaluation of translations, serving as a foundation for effective problem-solving.

Translation methodology plays a crucial role in guiding translation practices A longstanding debate in the field revolves around the choice between literal and free translation Some proponents advocate for a more liberal approach, emphasizing the importance of conveying the spirit, sense, and message of the text rather than adhering strictly to the original wording and structure.

Larson (1984) categorizes translation into two types: literal and idiomatic Literal translation focuses on the form of the source text, while idiomatic translation emphasizes its meaning In certain contexts, such as linguistic studies, maintaining the linguistic features of the original language is important However, literal translations often lack communicative value and can sound nonsensical When two languages share similarities, literal translations may be comprehensible; conversely, in unrelated languages, this approach can render the translation awkward and foreign-sounding.

Idiomatic translation differs from literal translation by employing natural expressions in the target language, both in grammar and vocabulary An effective idiomatic translation reads as if it was originally crafted in the target language, making it essential for translators to prioritize idiomatic approaches However, many translations tend to blend literal grammatical structures with idiomatic interpretations of the text's meaning.

Newmark (1988) suggests 8 translation methods divided into two main groups called semantic translation and communicative translation Newmark put these methods in the form of a flattened V diagram:

Word-for-word translation Adaptation Literal translation Free translation

Faithful translation Idiomatic translation Semantic translation Communicative translation

Word for word translation is interlinear translation in which words are translated by their most common meanings, out of context The SL word order is preserved

In literal translation method, lexical words are again translated singly, out of context The SL grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest equivalent

A faithful translation attempts to reproduce precise contextual meaning within the constraints of TL grammatical structures It transfers cultural words and preserves the grammatical and lexical abnormality

Semantic translation is somehow similar to faithful translation However it takes more account of the aesthetic value of SL text It is more flexible, less dogmatic than faithful translation

Semantic translation admits the creative exception and makes some small concessions to the readership

Communicative translation attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a way that both language and content are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership

This method reproduces the message of the original but tends to distort nuances of meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms

This reproduces the matter without the manner, or the content without the form of the original Usually it is a paraphrase much longer than the original

Adaptation translation is the freest form of translation mainly used for plays and poetry: themes, characters, plots preserved, SL culture converted to TL culture and text is rewritten

Translation procedures refer to the techniques employed by translators to achieve equivalence while transferring meaning from the source text (ST) to the target text (TT), as defined by Delisle.

More than one procedure can be seen in one translation, and some translations may result from a cluster of procedures that is difficult to discern

Translation scholars often disagree on translation procedures, resulting in both terminological and conceptual confusion There is no consensus on the appropriate terminology, with various labels such as procedures, techniques, and strategies being used interchangeably Additionally, proposed classifications often overlap, further complicating the understanding of these categories.

The following are the different translation procedures that Newmark (1988b) proposes:

 Transference: it is the process of transferring an SL word to a TL text It includes transliteration and is the same as what Harvey (2000:5) named "transcription."

 Naturalization: it adapts the SL word first to the normal pronunciation, then to the normal morphology of the TL (Newmark, 1988b:82)

 Cultural equivalent: it means replacing a cultural word in the SL with a TL one however, "they are not accurate" (Newmark, 1988b:83)

 Functional equivalent: it requires the use of a culture-neutral word (Newmark,

 Descriptive equivalent: in this procedure the meaning of the CBT is explained in several words (Newmark, 1988b:83)

Componential analysis involves comparing a source language (SL) word with a target language (TL) word that shares a similar meaning but is not a direct equivalent This method highlights both the commonalities and differences in their sense components, providing a deeper understanding of the nuances in translation (Newmark, 1988b:114).

 Synonymy: it is a "near TL equivalent." Here economy trumps accuracy

 Through-translation: it is the literal translation of common collocations, names of organizations and components of compounds It can also be called: calque or loan translation (Newmark, 1988b:84)

Shifts or transpositions in translation involve grammatical changes from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) This includes altering singular nouns to plural forms, adapting structures that lack direct equivalents in the TL, and converting SL verbs into appropriate TL words or transforming SL noun groups into TL nouns These adjustments are essential for achieving accurate and coherent translations.

 Modulation: it occurs when the translator reproduces the message of the original text in the TL text in conformity with the current norms of the TL, since the

SL and the TL may appear dissimilar in terms of perspective (Newmark, 1988b:88)

 Recognized translation: it occurs when the translator "normally uses the official or the generally accepted translation of any institutional term." (Newmark, 1988b:89)

 Compensation: it occurs when loss of meaning in one part of a sentence is compensated in another part (Newmark, 1988b:90)

 Paraphrase: in this procedure the meaning of the CBT is explained Here the explanation is much more detailed than that of descriptive equivalent (Newmark,

 Couplets: it occurs when the translator combines two different procedures

 Notes: notes are additional information in a translation (Newmark, 1988b:91)

Vinay and Darbelnet (1965) first proposed 7 procedures operating on three level of style: lexis, distribution, and message

The procedures were classified as direct or literal translation and oblique translation

Literal translation happens when there is a precise structural, lexical, and morphological equivalence between two languages This type of translation is feasible primarily when the languages in question are closely related.

Oblique translation occurs when word for word translation is impossible

Borrowing involves incorporating words from one language into another, typically through translation Translators should aim to find equivalent terms in the source language (SL) that effectively convey the original meaning, similar to how they would handle false friends or false cognates.

Calque refers to the process of translating a foreign word or phrase and integrating it into another language This unique form of borrowing involves taking an expression from the source language and translating each component literally.

Literal translation involves the precise transfer of a source text into a target language while maintaining grammatical and idiomatic accuracy This technique is employed when the elements of the source language can be systematically converted into the target language, resulting in a coherent and idiomatic text.

Technical translation and construction texts

Sofer (1991) categorizes translation into two main types: literary translation and technical translation Technical translation encompasses a wide range of subjects, including scientific literature, computer manuals, and instructional guides for appliances like TVs and washing machines This specialized form of translation requires not only strong linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of the relevant technical field.

Technical translation, as defined by Newmark (1981), is a subset of specialized translation, distinct from institutional translation, which encompasses areas like politics and finance He emphasizes that technical translation is inherently non-cultural and universal, as technological advancements benefit all speech communities With the rapid global development of technology, the demand for technology transfer among nations becomes essential, necessitating accurate translation of technical terms.

Technical translation is uniquely defined by its specialized terminology, distinct grammatical features such as passive voice, nominalization, third-person perspective, empty verbs, and present tense, as well as its adherence to specific technical formats like technical reports.

According to Newmark (1988), when translating a technical text, the translator should first read the document to grasp its meaning, underline challenging terms, and evaluate its nature, formality, intention, and cultural or professional differences between the original audience and the target readership Following this, the translator must ensure the translation adheres to a recognized house style and pay meticulous attention to every detail, including words, figures, letters, and punctuation marks.

Newmark draws attention into two main points in the translation method of technical texts They are translating the title, and going through the text

Newmark categorizes titles into two types: descriptive and allusive Descriptive titles clearly identify the subject and purpose, while allusive titles are often used in imaginative literature and popular journalism, potentially requiring modification.

The title of the SL article tends to be excessively long by English standards and could be shortened Additionally, the term "general" is more effectively replaced with "application" in the translation Furthermore, the title features clear collocation.

Most errors in technical translation arise from misleading adjective-noun collocations for standardized terms Additionally, in non-standardized language, transparent or motivated verb-object and subject-verb collocations can lead to confusion.

Newmark suggests that translators first read the text to grasp its overall meaning, highlighting any problematic elements such as new technical terms, unfamiliar words, figures, symbols, syntactic ambiguities, and verb forms After identifying these challenges, translators can proceed to translate the text sentence by sentence, making necessary grammatical adjustments to ensure the language flows naturally.

In technical translation, translators have the flexibility to modify grammar structures, such as breaking up sentences, rearranging clauses, and converting verbs to nouns, similar to other types of informative or persuasive texts, especially when the original text has deficiencies.

Technical language is characterized by its richness and potential for infinite expression Translators must maintain an equivalent level of register while adapting each translated sentence to fit the specific technical style required.

In today's world, the growing demand for construction projects presents significant opportunities for the translation of construction texts (CT) As a subset of technical translation, CT is characterized by its unique terminology and syntactic features, setting it apart from other translation forms.

Construction texts, including reports, procedures, specifications, contracts, investment projects, and tender documents, are characterized by a neutral style that prioritizes denotational meaning These texts employ precise and concise language tailored for a specialized readership in the construction industry, often filled with technical terms and specific expressions.

Translating lexical items and syntactic structures in CT presents ongoing challenges Effective translation of these documents necessitates a solid grasp of fundamental principles, alongside the accurate application of lexical items and grammatical structures.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO VIETNAMESE – ENGLISH

Technical terms

According to Newmark (1988), the primary challenge in translating construction texts lies in the technical terms and complex terminologies Furthermore, there is a lack of translators trained specifically in technical translation, making the translation of these specialized terms particularly difficult for those working in the field of construction translation.

The following examples are highly specialized terms in construction To render them into English is not an easy task at all

Trong xây dựng, các kỹ thuật và vật liệu như đầm lèn, đá dăm lu khô, và đất gia cố guđrong đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc đảm bảo độ bền và ổn định của công trình Cốt liệu thô và mặt đường tấm đan bê-tông đúc sẵn là những yếu tố thiết yếu cho việc tạo ra bề mặt đường chất lượng cao Vữa phun và máy đổ bê tông ván khuôn trượt cũng góp phần vào quy trình thi công hiệu quả Cuối cùng, khoan thăm dò địa chất và múi cấp phối giúp đánh giá và xác định điều kiện nền đất, từ đó tối ưu hóa thiết kế và thi công công trình.

Bê tông dự ứng lực Pre-stressed concrete

Bó thép kéo sau Post-tensioned tendon Vôi sống Quicklime

The following extract is another example:

Việc đo cao độ miệng lỗ khoan cần sử dụng máy thủy bình hoặc máy kinh vĩ Sai số giữa hai lần đo không được vượt quá ±50 L mm, trong đó L là khoảng cách từ mốc cao độ đến lỗ khoan, được tính bằng kilômét.

Khi thực hiện khoan trên các phương tiện nổi, việc xác định cao độ miệng lỗ khoan là rất quan trọng Để đảm bảo tính chính xác, cao độ này cần được tính toán theo công thức cụ thể.

Z m – Cao độ miệng lỗ khoan khi bắt đầu hoặc kết thúc khoan

Z n – Cao độ mặt nước ở cùng thời điểm đó (m)

H n – Chiều sâu từ mặt nước đến mặt đất (đáy sông, đáy hồ ) khi bắt đầu khoan hoặc kết thúc khoan (m)

Cao độ lỗ khoan phải được ghi chép đầy đủ vào nhật ký khoan và theo quy trình 22TCN259-

Translators without a background in construction may struggle to understand and accurately translate specialized terminology in source texts This unfamiliarity can lead to confusion and difficulties in selecting the appropriate words for the target language Gaining the necessary experience and time is crucial for translators to produce accurate translations of construction-related content.

To ensure accurate measurement of drill hole elevation, it is essential to use a level or theodolite The allowable error between two measurement times should not exceed ±50 L mm, where L represents the distance from the benchmark to the drill hole in kilometers.

When drilling is carried out by floating means, identification of drill hole elevation must be done and calculated based on the following formula:

Z m = Z n - H n (1) While: Z m - Elevation of drill hole mouth when starting of finishing drilling

Z n - Elevation of water surface at the measurement time (m)

H n - The depth from the water surface to land surface (river bed, lake bed, etc) when starting of finishing drilling (m)

Elevation of drill hole must be fully noted in the drill diary and based on procedure 22TCN259-2000.

Synonyms

Synonyms are words with similar meanings found in all languages, as noted by Larson (1984:73) Translators often utilize synonyms to enhance text fluidity and prevent redundancy, ensuring a more natural flow in English However, it is important to recognize that synonyms may not always fit seamlessly into sentence and paragraph structures.

The Vietnamese term "giám sát" can be translated into English using several synonyms, including "to supervise," "to monitor," "to watch over," "to oversee," and "to look out." Similarly, the words "thẩm định" and "đánh giá" can be translated as "to evaluate," "to appraise," "to appreciate," "to assess," and "to rate."

In nuclear terminology, certain words may be synonymous yet carry distinct meanings in various contexts It is crucial for translators to recognize these subtle differences to select words that convey the appropriate connotation Thus, the accurate choice of translation is essential for effective communication Given that the vocabulary of the source language often does not align perfectly with that of the target language, referring to synonyms can be invaluable when direct word equivalents are lacking.

Word meaning and word form

Another characteristic of language pointed out by Larson (1984:7) is that word form and word meaning are different between languages

Languages often express meaning in unique ways, leading to words that lack direct one-word equivalents in other languages Consequently, a single term may require multiple words for accurate translation, while several words in the source language can be conveyed by a single term in the target language For instance, the term "xây lắp" translates to "construction and installation," "khoan thăm dò địa chất" is rendered as "geological drilling," and "công tác lấy mẫu thí nghiệm" translates to "taking test sample."

Translating a word can involve using a phrase that includes a synonym along with additional context For instance, the Vietnamese term "thiết bị khoan thăm dò" translates to the English phrase "equipment used for drilling surveys."

According to Larson (1984), a single lexical item can possess multiple meanings beyond its primary definition The primary meaning is the one that arises when the word stands alone, while secondary meanings emerge from the word's context within a sentence For instance, the Vietnamese word "là" can be translated as either "is/are" or "comprise," illustrating the importance of context in understanding word meanings.

“include”, etc, as in the following example:

- Các dự án đầu tư xây dựng mà Nhà nước có mức góp vốn pháp định từ 30% trở lên là những dự án…

(Constructional investment projects to which Vietnamese State owned enterprises contribute at least thirty percent of the legal capital shall comprise projects….)

Translation of syntactic structures

Translating construction texts presents challenges, particularly regarding syntactic features This section examines key grammatical elements commonly found in both the source and English versions It also highlights the differences in syntactic structures between Vietnamese and English, which significantly impact the effectiveness of the translation.

II.1.2.1 Lengthy and complex sentences

Technical documents in construction are generally well-written, but some contain unclear and ambiguous syntactic structures In the Vietnamese version, these documents often feature long and complex sentences.

Theo đề án, đến năm 2015, Việt Nam sẽ tập trung thu hút đầu tư và phát triển các đô thị lớn cũng như trung bình, với vai trò là hạt nhân cho sự tăng trưởng quốc gia và vùng miền Mục tiêu là xây dựng các vùng kinh tế trọng điểm và khu kinh tế tổng hợp, tạo cân bằng giữa các vùng lãnh thổ, từ đó thúc đẩy sự phát triển toàn diện của nền kinh tế Đồng thời, sẽ có nguồn lực phù hợp để đầu tư và phát triển các đô thị trung bình và nhỏ, khai thác triệt để tiềm năng của từng vùng, nhằm hỗ trợ lẫn nhau để toàn bộ các vùng đều phát triển.

The absence of punctuation in this lengthy sentence makes it challenging for readers to grasp its meaning, resulting in a translated version that appears ambiguous and unnatural in English.

From now until 2015, Vietnam aims to attract investment in the development of large and medium urban areas, which are essential for national, regional, and provincial growth The project also emphasizes the construction of significant and complex economic zones to promote balance among various regions, thereby contributing to the overall national economy Additionally, it focuses on utilizing necessary resources to fully develop the advantages and potentials of all regions, fostering opportunities for mutual support and comprehensive development.

In Vietnamese versions, sentences are sometime wrong and ambiguous because of mistakes between noun phrases (NP) / verb phrases (VP) and S-V sentence, lack of subject or predicate For example:

Khi thực hiện khoan vào các tầng đất, cần sử dụng mũi khoan chòng ba chóp xoay hoặc ống khoan thổi rửa bằng dung dịch để đưa mùn khoan lên Đến độ sâu cần thiết để lấy mẫu, hãy vét sạch đáy lỗ khoan trước khi đưa dụng cụ lấy mẫu xuống Đối với tầng đá, sử dụng mũi khoan hợp kim hoặc kim cương để khoan đến độ sâu lấy mẫu, sau đó tiến hành chèn bẻ mẫu.

The examples provided are verb phrases rather than complete sentences, which means they should not end with a full stop The use of incorrect grammar results in both the source language (SL) and target language (TL) texts appearing clumsy and ambiguous.

When drilling into soil layers, utilize a tricorne bit or employ drill pipe blowing combined with liquid cleaning to effectively remove drilling dust At the sampling depth, ensure the drill hole bottom is clean before deploying the sampling tool For stone layers, use an alloy or diamond-drilling bit until reaching the desired sampling depth, then apply tamping to fracture the sample.

II.1.2.3 The use of passive structures

The passive structure exists in most languages, but its function and usage vary significantly In English, passive sentences are frequently employed, particularly when the agent is unspecified, and they tend to be more subjective in formal communication and scientific writing In contrast, Vietnamese places less emphasis on passive structures, utilizing specific words like "bị" to convey similar meanings.

In Vietnamese, the words "được" and "phải" are used with main verbs to convey passive meanings In formal communication and scientific writing, such as construction texts, an active sentence in Vietnamese can often be translated into a passive structure in English.

- “ Việc kí kết hợp đồng giữa bên mời thầu và bên trúng thầu là bắt buộc Hợp đồng phải thực hiện theo nguyên tắc sau”

( A contract must be signed between the party calling for tenders and the successful tenders Such contact must be signed in accordance with the following principles.)

Tender evaluation involves the analysis and assessment of tender documents to select the successful bidder This critical process ensures that the most qualified proposals are identified and chosen for project execution.

Besides, some imperative sentences in Vietnamese versions are changed into passive voice in English

Cần thực hiện công tác kết thúc lỗ khoan theo quy định trong các hoạt động khoan thăm dò, tuân thủ các quy định và nghị định hiện hành của nhà nước về quản lý đầu tư xây dựng cơ bản.

All finishing drilling hole tasks must adhere to drilling investigation survey principles and comply with current regulations and government decrees regarding the management of basic construction investments.

Lập báo cáo khảo sát địa chất công trình cho từng khu vực khảo sát, bao gồm khu nhà hỗn hợp và văn phòng, khu nhà thấp tầng, khu nhà biệt thự, cũng như khu trường học.

(The geological survey is carried out for each survey area: Complex Building and office, low building, villas and schools…)

- Lắp các dầm hộp chủ của cầu dẫm bằng cần cẩu sau đó hàn liên kết các công son tại hiện trường (TCKSTK/3-2003/22)

(Main box girders of beam bridge are installed with a crane Cantilevers are subsequently welded on site (SBD/95)

II.1.2.4 The use of verb phrases and noun phrases

Problems in translation of construction texts

In formal written English, the use of nouns and noun phrases enhances formality, clarity, and precision Consequently, there is a tendency to convert verb phrases into noun phrases when translating from Vietnamese to English.

Quy chế đấu thầu được ban hành nhằm thống nhất quản lý hoạt động đấu thầu trên toàn quốc, đảm bảo tính công bằng, minh bạch và cạnh tranh trong việc lựa chọn tư vấn, mua sắm vật tư thiết bị và thi công xây lắp cho các dự án đầu tư.

The Regulations on Tendering aim to establish a unified management framework for tendering activities nationwide, ensuring correctness, objectivity, and competitiveness These regulations govern the selection of consultants and the procurement of materials and equipment, as well as construction and installation processes, all essential for the successful implementation of investment projects.

In the above translation, the Vietnamese verbs in bold: “quản lý”, “tuyển chọn”, “mua sắm”,

“xây lắp” and “thực hiện” are translated in English by the nouns (and noun phrases)

―management”, “selection”, “procurement” “construction and installation” and

II.2 Problems related to translation of a construction texts II.2.1 Problems related to translation of lexical items

The training of translators often reveals significant deficiencies, particularly when they lack specialized knowledge in fields such as construction Even if a translator has a strong command of English, their limited background in construction can hinder their ability to accurately find target language equivalents for source language terms, especially when it comes to technical vocabulary.

Translating technical terms in construction can be challenging, particularly for translators lacking expertise in the field Terms such as "đầm lèn," "cốt liệu thô," "vữa phun," "bê tông dự ứng lực," and "bó thép kéo sau" can be difficult to interpret accurately Often, translators resort to literal translations, which can lead to inaccuracies; for instance, "đường không có giải phân cách" is rendered as "undevided highway," and "bê tông cốt thép" as "reinforced concrete." Without a deep understanding of the specialized vocabulary, achieving precise translations becomes a significant hurdle.

This excerpt is another example:

Chương này trình bày các quy định về thiết kế chống động đất, bao gồm phương pháp thiết kế theo mô hình chống và giằng Ngoài ra, còn đề cập đến thiết kế cầu bê tông theo phương pháp phân đoạn và cầu bê tông cốt thép lắp ghép.

Translating technical terms can pose significant challenges for translators, particularly when striving for clarity and comprehension among English readers To achieve this, translators often opt for terms that convey identical or near-equivalent meanings As a result, the translated text may differ slightly in style and impact from the original version.

This chapter covers essential provisions for seismic design, utilizing the truss-and-tie model for analysis, and focuses on the design of segmentally constructed concrete bridges as well as those made from precast concrete elements.

The use of synonyms poses a significant challenge for translators of construction texts While translators aim to employ various English words that closely resemble the meanings of Vietnamese terms to enhance naturalness and avoid repetition, these synonyms can lead to inaccuracies Different contexts can alter the meanings and usages of similar words, and the intended synonyms may have multiple interpretations in the source language Consequently, relying on synonyms in translation can result in versions that are incorrect or ambiguous for readers.

Ứng lực kéo xuống tác động lên cọc hoặc cọc khoan do lún của đất xung quanh cần được xác định theo quy định trong phần 10.

The force effects caused by down drag on piles or drilled shafts, resulting from settlement in the adjacent ground, must be assessed following the guidelines outlined in section 10.

The terms "determine" and "specify" are synonyms, but improper usage can lead to inaccuracies in translation For instance, in the context of engineering, "Force effects due to down drag on piles or drilled shafts resulting from adjacent ground settlement shall be specified in accordance with section 10" illustrates how replacing "determined" with "specified" can obscure the intended meaning Careful consideration is essential to ensure clarity and precision in technical translations.

II.2.2 Problems related to translation of syntactic structures

Beside lexical items, the syntactic structures are big obstacles for the translator when translating construction texts

Translating long and complex sentences often poses significant challenges for translators, leading to misunderstandings of the original meaning This can result in inaccurate translations of Vietnamese sentences, highlighting the importance of clarity and precision in the translation process.

Let us consider the following example:

Công tác theo dõi và ghi chép trong quá trình khoan là rất quan trọng, đòi hỏi kíp trưởng và thư ký khoan phải nắm vững các thông số như độ sâu của đáy mũi khoan, độ sâu của chân ống vách, và độ sâu của mặt lõi Họ cần theo dõi các yếu tố địa tầng như cảm giác tay khoan, tiếng vọng ở đáy lỗ khoan, màu sắc và lượng nước rửa, tình hình tự lún hay tự tụt của cột dụng cụ khoan, chiều cao động, tình hình đóng tạ, tốc độ khoan, và áp lực lên đáy lỗ khoan để đảm bảo quá trình khoan diễn ra suôn sẻ và hiệu quả.

Long and complex sentences can pose significant challenges for translators, making it difficult to accurately convey meaning in both the source language (SL) and target language (TL) The translation provided below exemplifies a failure in translation, as it diverges from the intended meaning of the original text.

The major causes of the problems

Translating construction texts presents various challenges stemming from both subjective and objective factors, including the quality of the source language (SL) texts and the translator's expertise While numerous causes contribute to these translation issues, they can be primarily categorized into major groups that impact the overall effectiveness of the translation process.

II.3.1 Badly written SL texts

Poorly written source language (SL) texts significantly contribute to translation issues in construction documents Many Vietnamese texts contain incorrect or ambiguous expressions, leading to confusion Writers often misuse words, include unnecessary repetitions, or omit essential terms, resulting in flawed sentence structures and overly complex sentences This lack of clarity can leave readers struggling to grasp the intended meaning, sometimes leading to misunderstandings that inevitably result in inaccurate translations.

Translators of construction texts can be categorized into two primary groups: those who are construction experts with practical experience in the field, and those who specialize in English language studies.

The first group of construction translators possesses extensive experience with construction materials and terminology While they may not be specialized in English, they are familiar with many construction terms and their English equivalents However, their limited proficiency in English often leads to vocabulary errors and inaccuracies in translation.

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