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A mixed-method study approach will be used to look into how cultural differences impact slang translations from English to Vietnamese The research will begin with an analysis of pertinent slang, cultural aspects of translation, and translation theory literature.
Methods for both qualitative and quantitative data collecting will be used for the main data collection Interviews with linguists, professional translators, and bilingual speakers will be performed to elicit their perspectives on the influence of cultural factors on slang translation for the qualitative data In order to comprehend the perspectives and experiences of third and fourth year Business English majors at NEU University who have studied translation theory 1 and 2, focus groups will also be conducted with them.
A survey will be given to a sample of 100 Business English majors at NEU University to ascertain their grasp of slang phrases and their familiarity with cultural elements that influence translation in order to gather quantitative data To determine the most frequently used slang terms and the variables influencing the variances in slang translations, the questionnaire will be analyzed using descriptive Statistics.
The study will also examine and contrast numerous slang translations used in various situations, including social media, music, and movies, to find out how cultural influences affect how slang phrases are understood Last but not least, the study will use content analysis to investigate how slang is used in various situations and how cultural influences affect the slang words used.
This study's research strategy will take a mixed-methods approach, collecting and analyzing data using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
Focus groups with third- and fourth-year Business English majors at NEU University who have studied Translation Theory 1 and 2 will be used to gather qualitative data Discussions in these focus groups will examine participants’ opinions and experiences translating slang from English to Vietnamese as well as the cultural nuances that influence these translations In order to find recurring themes and patterns in the data, the discussions will be videotaped, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis.
An online survey that will be given to 100 juniors and seniors at NEU University majoring in Business English will be used to gather quantitative data Closed- ended questions in the survey will probe students’ exposure to and knowledge withEnglish slang, their comprehension of cultural variances, and their translation techniques when confronted with slang terms or expressions in English To find any noteworthy links or patterns in the survey data, descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyze the data.
Combining qualitative and quantitative data will help to triangulate the results from both methodologies and will give a thorough knowledge of the cultural factors that influence variations of slang from English to Vietnamese.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK S2 ° 10 2.1 Translation and Cultural FCfOTS ô5 + E3 kg ereg 10 2.1.1 Definition of “TranSẽafIOH c1 HH Hư 10 2.1.2 Types of TransẽatIOT - c kx*vS2* SH ng ng ng rưy 11 2.1.3 Translation Process ccccseccsscceseseceeseceseeecececeesceeaeeeceseeeseeeaeeeaeeaeees 13 2.1.4 Translation Methods - - s1 vn ng ry 15 2.2 Slang and Culttre 107 - -Aa
Definition Of Slang
Slang is a linguistic phenomenon that is constantly evolving and is prevalent in every subculture globally, although linguists do not have a single, unambiguous definition for it Some claim that slang exists because we need to define novel experiences that have emerged as a result of time and modernity Bethany K. Dumas and Jonathan Lighter (1978) However, in an effort to address the lack of a precise definition, Bethany K According to Dumas and Jonathan Lighter (1978), a phrase is "true slang" if it satisfies at least two of the following requirements:
It diminishes, even momentarily, "the dignity of formal or serious speech or writing," or, to put it another way, it would probably be viewed as a "glaring misuse of register" in those settings.
When someone uses a term, it is assumed that they are familiar with it or that they are among a group of people who are.
In everyday conversation with people of a higher social rank or greater responsibilities, it is considered taboo.
This is done primarily to minimize difficulty or frustration caused by having to elucidate further It replaces "a well-known conventional synonym."
Adams, Michael (2009) Slang dictionaries, gathering thousands of slang entries, offer a broad, empirical window into the motivating forces behind slang Michael Adams states that "[slang] is a liminal language it is often impossible to tell, even in context, which interests and motives it serves slang is on the edge.” Eric Partridge (2002)
Slang is distinct from colloquial and jargon terminology because of its unique social circumstances, even though many forms of lexicon may be regarded as low- register or "sub-standard." In contrast to slang, which is frequently seen as impolite in many common communicative circumstances, colloquial phrases are typically regarded as acceptable in speaking across a wide range of contexts Jargon describes the terms used by professionals in a field or the language used to explain certain phrases to others who have a particular interest Despite the fact that both jargon and slang can be used to exclude people outside of the group from the conversation, Piekot and Tomasz claim that the goal of jargon is to improve conversation by employing terms that suggest technical understanding (2008). However, slang places more of a focus on social and contextual knowledge.
Although jargon and colloquialisms may relate to a specific group and appear to be slang because of this, they do not necessarily satisfy the definition of slang because they do not specifically attempt to replace the general lexicon of a standard language Slang is less accepted and less expected in ordinary usage than colloquialisms, and jargon is frequently developed to discuss characteristics of a particular subject that are not covered by the broader lexicon Paul Dickson (2010). The terms "slang" and "jargon" are occasionally viewed as synonyms (Grzenia, Jan., April 25, 2005), and the definition of "jargon" is occasionally expanded to include all types of socially constrained language, Grabias, Stanisaw However, linguists do not always apply this distinction (1997)
Slang frequently blends into colloquialisms and even high-register lexicon over time, making it challenging to distinguish it from these words Words like
"spurious" and "strenuous," which are now thought of as broad, even high-register words, were originally thought to be slang The slang literature even analyses how a term's status as true slang might change when it is recognised by the media and no longer considered to be the exclusive insider language of a particular group. Black American music, for instance, frequently employs slang based on ethnicity
20 and nationality Combining slurring and slurping of words is slang However, a general test for determining whether a word is slang or not is whether it would be acceptable in an academic or legal setting, as both are contexts in which standard lexicon is thought to be necessary, and/or whether the term has been entered in the Oxford English Dictionary, which some scholars claim changes the term's status as slang, Paul Dickson (2010).
Cultural context Of slang oo ceeeesccceseceseeceseeceseecsaeeeseeeeeeceaeeeseeeees 21 2.2.3 Cultural factors affecting transẽafIOn .- sssss+sserseeeeesees 21 2.2.4 Translation challenges Of sẽạig -. 5 s11 ngư 23
Slang reflects the social and cultural norms of a specific population (Wardhaugh, 2010) A variety of cultural characteristics, including ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic status, among others, have an impact on it The cultural context of slang is extremely important in determining the correctness and acceptability of translations from English to Vietnamese.
Cultural context, according to Al-Deeky and Al-Khaldi (2019), is the social, historical, and cultural setting that influences how a text is interpreted and understood. The values, beliefs, and social standards of the language's speakers are included in the cultural context of slang For instance, the word "cool" can be used in English to show something that is current or popular However, because it is influenced by Vietnamese cultural norms and beliefs, the corresponding term "ngau", or “đẹp trai”, or “thời trang” in Vietnamese might not have the same meaning.
Moreover, the speakers' socioeconomic and historical backgrounds have an impact on the cultural setting of their slang For instance, due to differences in their social and cultural experiences, the younger and older generations of Vietnamese people may employ different slang.
To ensure that the translation effectively captures the intended meaning of the slang term in its cultural context, it is imperative to consider the cultural context of slang while translating from English to Vietnamese.
Slang is a form of language that is characterized by its informal nature and is frequently employed in relaxed social contexts and by specific social groups The utilization of colloquial language may exhibit considerable variation across diverse cultures, thereby posing a formidable task for translators to precisely communicate the intended meaning and cultural nuances of such language in their translations. The objective of this study is to investigate the cultural variables that impact the translation of colloquial language from English to Vietnamese.
The translation of slang can be influenced by various cultural factors, with one of the primary ones being the distinct cultural contexts in which slang is employed. The usage of informal language is frequently associated with the cultural norms and beliefs of a specific community, and translators may encounter difficulties in precisely communicating these norms and beliefs in their translations The vernacular expression "lit" in the English language is frequently employed to connote an experience that is stimulating or enjoyable.
However, the connotation of this term may fluctuate depending on the cultural milieu of the individuals who employ it The absence of a direct equivalent in Vietnamese culture poses a challenge in accurately conveying the meaning of this term through translation.
Another cultural aspect that may impact the translation of slang is the varying degrees of formality and politeness that are present in diverse cultures Colloquial language is frequently employed in casual contexts, and the utilization of colloquialisms may be regarded as discourteous or unsuitable in particular societies It is imperative for translators to possess an awareness of cultural disparities and tailor their translations accordingly As an illustration, a colloquial expression that is frequently employed by adolescents in English may not be suitable for utilization in a formal Vietnamese manuscript, thereby necessitating the translator to procure an alternative translation that imparts the same connotation in a more refined and courteous manner.
In addition to these cultural factors, translators also need to be aware of the different levels of proficiency in English and Vietnamese that exist among their target audience Slang is often used by young people and may not be understood by older or more conservative audiences It is imperative for translators to recognize such variations and modify their translations accordingly, utilizing terminology that is suitable for the target readership.
To conclude, the process of translating slang from English to Vietnamese is a multifaceted one that is impacted by a diverse array of cultural elements It is imperative for translators to take into consideration these factors and modify their translations accordingly, with the aim of precisely communicating the intended meaning and cultural implications of colloquial language to the intended recipients The present study emphasizes the significance of understanding cultural disparities and modifying translations to cater to the requirements and anticipations of diverse cultures.
The perception of slang is subjective and can vary depending on the individual or demographic What may be considered slang by one group or generation in a particular context may be interpreted differently by others in a distinct setting. Typically, these terms connote attributes such as cleverness, amusement, inventiveness, originality, and impromptu thinking; alternatively, they may necessitate the use of metaphors and other forms of figurative and expressive language Significantly, they constitute an integral aspect of a distinct cultural milieu.
Therefore, a crucial aspect of being a proficient and expert translator involves possessing a comprehensive understanding of both the source language and the target language, enabling adaptability in the event of encountering any colloquial expressions during the translation procedure.
Despite their frequency, pronouns pose a significant challenge for translators and interpreters due to their multifaceted and context-dependent application The term 'thương' is frequently employed in spoken Vietnamese by individuals to express concurrence with others or to communicate a sense of admiration In the English language, there exist multiple terms that may express comparable meanings, however, they are not employed in English discourse to the same degree as the Vietnamese term 'thuong' is by English speakers.
The expertise of professional translators or interpreters can significantly impact the communication process Their specialized training enables them to effectively convey the intended meaning of the original message while maintaining its context and semantics Their training primarily focuses on identifying the optimal solution with precision.
METHODOLUOC Y 0 G5 9 0 050040 8900 24 3.1 The setting of the research - - 5 + + kHnHnHhnH HH ghngg gnt 24 3.2 Research ùn) ĐCDUDIỤỌIẠIadi
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The students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages were asked to complete a questionnaire with questions related to the results of the study of Translation courses A survey questionnaire consisting of a set of 10 questions was sent by the author to groups of National Economics University to collect information for research Before sending out the questionnaires to students, the author asked the lecturer to pre-check them to avoid errors in the data collection process.
The author then published a survey questionnaire by creating a questionnaire on Google Forms This was not a time-consuming process but it still ensured that the author could collect a wide variety of data from students Although this survey was conducted online, instructions for answering the questions were provided in the first and last introductions of the questionnaire Therefore, survey participants could still answer according to the researcher's wishes.
To ensure objectivity and fairness, each student will complete the questionnaire on their own without seeing the answers of others Only the researcher can view the
24 full survey results Survey results are only made public after all research subjects complete the questionnaire.
The next stage is to analyze the data once they have been gathered The difficulties that the students reported in the questionnaire were examined and summarized in the questionnaire results Also, the information gleaned from the interview is double-checked, and based on that, the author enumerates the challenges that students experience and provides solutions to enhance their learning outcomes.
The author analyzes, assesses, and contrasts the theory and practice of studying translation using the qualitative method When it comes to linguistics, using a qualitative approach is typically the best option because it allows researchers to discover both value patterns and various meanings.
Data is transformed into percentage form using quantitative procedures, and student translation habits are identified.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION on se 26 4.1 Difficulties encountered by students when translating English to
In the 4th chapter, the research will present the result of the study by analyzing the data collected from respondents and sources The factors affecting the translation process of juniors and seniors at the Faculty of foreign language are likely to be discovered Adding to that, some current solutions to resolve weaknesses relating to subjective factors in translation will be figured out.
This part will illustrate the presentation of the findings and analysis derived from the The presentation of the findings and analysis that were produced from the online survey will be illustrated in this section The survey received a total of over one hundred responses, which represents a response rate of over one hundred percent The responses came from the targeted group of one hundred possible participants There are a total of 80 students, 60 of whom are seniors, and 40 of whom are juniors; all of these students have made an effort to answer all of the questions The results of the online survey responses have been examined with the help of the data analysis tools provided by Google The main purpose of these results and discussions is to convey the gathered data in a substantial manner in order to make the conversation easier to follow.
Are you a junior or a senior?
Figure 4.1 Percentage of students participating in the survey
This section at the beginning of the book offers BE students with an overview of the scenario by assessing the students’ own shortcomings in relation to their translation skills After this comes the summary, then the findings and the analysis of the data, and finally the conclusion The results and analysis have both included obligatory questions in the form of checkboxes and test grids because these organizational tools have proven useful in simplifying and making writing more
26 user-friendly for the target audience At long last, a synopsis of this chapter is presented here for your perusal.
4.1 Difficulties encountered by students when translating English to Vietnamese slang
4.1.1 The frequency of students encountering slang terms during translation
How often do you encounter English slang in your translation work?
Figure 4.2 The frequency of students encountering slang terms during translation
The results indicate that the majority of Business English students at NEU university experience varied degrees of English slang in their translation work. 28% of respondents reported occasionally encountering English slang, 36% reported frequently encountering it, and 7% reported usually encountering it This suggests that English slang is a common element of translation work for these students, and that a thorough comprehension of slang expressions may be necessary for them to interpret them well.
In addition, 27% of respondents indicated that they encounter English slang infrequently in their translation job This indicates that, while slang is prominent in some contexts, it may not be as prevalent in other areas of translation work Yet, students may still encounter slang language in unanticipated contexts, such as in informal emails or client conversations.
Overall, our results demonstrate the significance of including English slang into translation curricula and providing students with materials and exercises to enhance their comprehension and translation of slang idioms.
4.1.2 The level of confidence of students when translating slang language.
How confident do you feel when translating English slang into Vietnamese?
Figure 4.3 The level of confidence of students when translating slang language.
The majority of students (46%) felt "not very secure" while translating English slang into Vietnamese, according to the data This suggests that there may be certain hurdles and difficulties in translating slang, which could potentially affect the translations’ precision and efficacy.
Nonetheless, just 8% of students feel "extremely confident" while interpreting slang, indicating that more education and training is required to increase students’ skills and confidence in this area.
Noting that nearly one-third of students (29%) feel "somewhat confident" suggests they may have some knowledge and experience with interpreting slang, but there is still potential for development.
The majority of students (63%) do not feel very competent or are not confident at all while translating English slang into Vietnamese, according to the answers of this survey This may signal a serious difficulty for these students in their translation work, especially if they frequently encounter English slang Some students may need to enhance their slang translation abilities or seek more resources or guidance to feel more confident in this area.
A modest minority of students (8%) feel extremely confident when interpreting English slang, which may indicate that they have more experience or a better grasp of slang vocabulary These kids may be a valuable resource for their less-confident classmates, since they may be able to offer guidance and assistance to help others develop their skills.
Overall, these results demonstrate the significance of comprehending and translating English slang for business English students, as well as the difficulties they may encounter in this area In order to better prepare students for real-world translation work, it may be advantageous for language programs to provide more training or resources devoted explicitly to translating slang.
4.1.3 The amount of time that students spend researching and translating a slang expression.
How much time do you typically spend researching and translating a single slang expression?
@ More than 1 hour translating a slang expression.
The majority of the 100 Business English students at NEU spend a moderate amount of time researching and interpreting a single slang expression, according to their responses A third of respondents spend between 10 and 30 minutes, while 42% spend between 30 and 60 minutes Only a small minority (11%) spends less than 10 minutes on a single statement, whereas 14% spends over an hour.
This suggests that translating slang terms might be a time-consuming endeavor that requires considerable investigation and thought It also emphasizes the need for a solid grasp of both the source and target languages, as well as cultural background, to translate slang idioms accurately.
4.1.4 Difficulties students face when translating slang from English to Vietnamese
What difficulties have you encountered when translating slang from English to Vietnamese?
HB Little difficulty ( Moderate difficulty
40 dmh Understanding the cultural Encountering an English Identiiying the intended Finding an equivalent slang context of an English slang = slang expression that you meaning ofthe slang expression in Vietnamese expression couldn't find a suitable expression translation for 3
Figure 4.5 Difficulties students face when translating slang from English to
Based on the findings of this question, it can be shown that the majority of the students have difficulty when translating English slang into Vietnamese Finding an analogous slang expression in Vietnamese and determining the intended meaning of a slang expression were the most frequently stated challenges The difficulty level for both of these sorts of answers tended to be on the higher end, with many students choosing level 4 or 5.
Intriguingly, comprehending the cultural background of an English slang expression was the area where the majority of students reported having little or no difficulty Unable to find a proper translation for an English slang expression was also a challenge, though to a lesser extent than finding an analogous slang expression or determining the intended meaning.
These results imply that translating English slang into Vietnamese is a tough endeavor for many students, particularly when it comes to identifying analogous terms and grasping the intended meaning.
Students have major difficulties when translating English slang into Vietnamese, according to the results The highest difficulty level was seen for comprehending the cultural background and finding an equivalent slang expression in Vietnamese, which implies that cultural awareness and language skills are necessary for