Translation unit 3 (Tiếng Anh chuyên ngành ESP)

Transferring meaning at above word level2.. Idioms and Fixed Expressions The main problems that idiomatic and fixed expressions pose in translation relate to two main areas: • the abi

TRANSLATION 1

Unit 3

Translation Strategies

II Transferring meaning at above word level

2 Idioms and Fixed Expressions

The main problems that idiomatic and fixed

expressions pose in translation relate to two

main areas:

• the ability to recognize and interpret an idiom

correctly; and

• the difficulties involved in rendering the various

aspects of meaning that an idiom or a fixed

expression conveys into the TL.

II Transferring meaning at above word level

2 Idioms and Fixed Expressions

a) Recognizing and interpreting idioms

Some idioms are more easily recognizable than others.

• Expressions which violate truth conditions

It’s raining cats and dogs; storm in a tea cup

• Expressions which seem ill-formed

by and large; put paid to sth

• Some expressions which start with like

like water off a duck’s back; like a bat out of hell

II Transferring meaning at above word level

2 Idioms and Fixed Expressions

b) The translation of idioms: strategies

 Using an idiom of similar meaning and form

• Out of sight, out of mind: xa mặt cách lòng

• A drowning man will catch at a straw: chết đuối

vơ cả cọng rơm

• Great minds think alike: chí lớn gặp nhau

• There is no smoke without fire: không có lửa

sao có khói

II Transferring meaning at above word level

2 Idioms and Fixed Expressions

b) The translation of idioms: strategies

 Using an idiom of similar meaning but

dissimilar form

• A storm in a tea-cup: chuyện bé xé ra to

• A clear conscience laughs at false

accusations: cây ngay không sợ chết đứng

• To count one’s chicken before they are

hatched: chưa đỗ ông Nghè đã đe hàng tổng

II Transferring meaning at above word level

II Transferring meaning at above word level

Exercises