THANG LONG UNIVERSITY

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
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ASSIGNMENT OF
TRANSLATION THEORIES

LECTURER : Prof. NGÔ HỮU HOÀNG

STUDENT NAME : Bùi Thị Ngọc Anh
STUDENT CODE : A31226

Ha Noi – 2020

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PHẦN 1. THEORY:......................................................................................................3
1.1. Definition of translation:.....................................................................................3
1.1.1. Categories of translation:...............................................................................3
1.2. Translation and style scale of discourse in relation:..........................................4
1.3. Relation between translation and culture:.........................................................4
1.3.1. Definition of culture........................................................................................4
1.3.2. Categories of culture.......................................................................................4
1.4. Relation between translation and reference:.....................................................6
1.4.1. What Is Reference Material?...........................................................................6
1.4.2. Poor Quality Translations...............................................................................7
1.4.3. Reference Material and Glossaries.................................................................7
1.5. Equivalent in translation:....................................................................................8
1.6. The methods of translation:................................................................................8
PHẦN 2. PRACTICE:.................................................................................................11
2.1. Source language text:.........................................................................................11
2.2. Google translate text:.........................................................................................12
2.3. Evaluate and comment:.....................................................................................14

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PHẦN 1. THEORY:

1.1. Definition of translation:

- Translation is rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the
way that the author intended the text. (Peter Newmark)
- The process of translation between two different written languages involves
the changing of an original written text (the source text or ST) in the
original verbal language (the source language or SL) into a written text (the
target text or TT) in a different verbal language (the target language or TL).
- Source text (ST) Target text (TT) in
- source language(SL) in target language (TL)
 My own example: the word “finger” (ST) in English means “ngón
tay” (TT) in Vietnamese.

1.1.1. Categories of translation:

- According to Russo-American structuralist Roman Jakobson, there are three
categories of translation:
+ Intralingual translation: “an interpretation of verbal signs by means of
other signs of the same language” - Paraphrasing in the same language.
 Example: the word “field” means “an area of land, used for growing
crops or keeping animals, usually surrounded by a fence. (Oxford
dictionary).
+ Interlingual translation: “an interpretation of verbal signs by means of
some other language” – Translating from one language into another
language.
 My own example: “dog” in English is translated into Vietnamese is
“con chó”
 Interlingual translation consists:

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 → Interlingual (xuyên ngôn)
→ Intercultural (xuyên văn hóa)
→ Interdisciplinary (liên ngành)
+ Intersemiotic: “an interpretation of verbal signs by means of signs of
non-verbal sign systems”
 (Sign language: a set series of non- verbal signs used for the deaf
 Non-verbal signs: free non-verbal signs, example: waving …)
→ Example: The novel “Gone with the wind” was adapted for the
stage in 1939

1.2. Translation and style scale of discourse in relation:

- According to Martin Joos and Strevens, there are three
stylistic scales:
+ Scale of formality
+ Scale of generality or difficulty
+ Scale of emotional tone
- FormalityNeutralInformalColloquialTabesTaboos
- Example:
+ He loves her (Neutral)
+ He’s falling in love with her (Informal)
+ He’s crazy about her (Colloquial)
+ He’d like to invite her (Formality)

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1.3. Relation between translation and culture:
1.3.1. Definition of culture
- In “A textbook of translation”, Peter Newmark defined ‘culture’ as the
way of life and its manifestations that are peculiar to a community that uses
a particular language as its means of expression.
- He distinguished ‘cultural’ from ‘universal’ and ‘personal’ language.
1.3.2. Categories of culture
a) Ecology
- Geographical features can be normally distinguished from other cultural
terms in that they are usually value-free, politically and commercially.
Nevertheless, their diffusion depends on the importance of their country of
origin as well as their - degree of specificity. (A textbook of translation -
Peter Newmark, page 96)
- Example: houses that are built with fireplaces and chimneys in US states
where the winters are cold, the relationship between the people of Tibet and
yaks, the sacred nature of cows in India and the climate of the state of
Hawaii influencing the food, culture and activities of the residents of the
state and the tourists who visit there…
b) Material culture
- Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that
people use to define their culture. These include homes, neighborhoods,
cities, schools, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories
and plants, tools, means of production, goods and products, stores, and so
forth. All of these physical aspects of a culture help to define its members'
behaviors and perceptions.
- For example, technology is a vital aspect of material culture in today's
United States. American students must learn to use computers to survive in
college and business, in contrast to young adults in the Yanomamo society
in the Amazon who must learn to build weapons and hunt.
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 (https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/culture-and-
societies/material-and-nonmaterial-culture)
c) Social culture
- Sociocultural factors are customs, lifestyles and values that characterize a
society or group. Cultural aspects include concepts of beauty, education,
language, law and politics, religion, social organizations, technology and
material culture, values and attitudes. Social factors include reference
groups, family, role and status in society, time and available resources. An
understanding of sociocultural factors is crucial in developing marketing
strategies for businesses or organizations seeking action from particular
groups.
(https://www.quora.com/What-are-socio-cultural-issues-What-are-some-examples)
d) Organisations, customs, activities, procedures, concepts
- Political and administrative: The political and social life of a country is
reflected in its institutional terms. Where the title of a head of state
('President', 'Prime Minister', ‘King’) or the name of a parliament are
'transparent.
- Historical terms: every country has its specific historical terms, the first
principle is not to translate them, whether the translation makes sense,
unless they have generally accepted translation. For example, in Vietnam
have “chiến khu Việt Bắc”,” du kích”, …
- International terms: International institutional terms usually have
recognised translations which are in fact through-translations, and are now
generally known by their acronyms. For example: WHO, WTO, WB,
Unicef, …
- Religious terms: In religious language the proselytising activities of
Christianity, particularly the Catholic Church and the Baptists, are reflected
in manifold translation. For example, Saint-Siege…

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 - Artistic terms: The translation of artistic terms referring to movements,
processes and organisations generally depends on the putative knowledge of
the readership. For example: opera houses, state orchestra…
(A textbook of translation - Peter Newmark, page 99 - 102)
e) Gestures and habits
- For ‘gestures and habits’ there is a distinction between description and
function which can be made where necessary in ambiguous cases.
(A textbook of translation - Peter Newmark, page 102)
- Example: kiss and hug in England, …

1.4. Relation between translation and reference

1.4.1. What Is Reference Material?
- Any other content, or previously translated material that translators can
use as a reference or style guide, is referred to as reference material by a
translator. Having good reference material ensures that the source document
will be translated accurately and, more importantly, it will be translated
specifically the way the client requires.

1.4.2. Poor Quality Translations

- In this post we’ll discuss the fine line that exists between poor-quality
translations and translations that are completed without the use of proper
translation tools. There are several variables that determine the outcome of
a translation. Generally, the more obvious reason for a poor translation is
due to the translator’s lack of knowledge of the language or the specific
subject; or even the conceptual idea behind the original text. In this
example, remember that the translator is usually a native of the target
language, and not the source language.

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 - Translators Must Have Good Translation Tools
+ The other reason for poor quality translations is when translators are
not provided with the right tools, thus turning their job into a guessing
game rather than a confident, professional translation. There may be
specific terminology that’s preferred, or commonly used, in the company
or in the industry. Additionally, it might be that some phrases or terms
are more accepted than others depending on the dialect or target
audience. Therefore, what can be seen as a translator’s lack of
understanding of the content or a lack of their capabilities, is simply the
lack of a proper guide, or just their personal preferences.

1.4.3. Reference Material and Glossaries

- If a client has a document to be translated, and it’s a technical text which
may prove problematic for the translator, there are two simple solutions to
rectify the situation so both parties achieve the desired result – a glossary,
and/or reference material.
- Reference material refers to any previously translated material that’s similar
in style and/or content; and
- A glossary is a detailed list of terms selected by the translation agency or
the client. A glossary helps the translator maintain accuracy and consistency
during the translation and editing processes. If a client chooses not to offer a
glossary, one can be created by the translation agency, or the translator,
subject to the client’s approval. It’s true that the creation of a glossary does
take extra time which converts into additional costs; however, the payoffs
far exceed the outlay, particularly if there are future translation projects.
- Obviously, both the translator and the client strive to achieve positive
results, as opposed to problems and disagreements. That’s why
communication is so very important – it creates transparency between the
agencies processes and the client.

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 - There’s a common misconception that when a mistranslation occurs, it’s
the result of hiring translators who are lacking in skills or knowledge. This
is generally not the case when professional translators are used. Sometimes,
even an experienced, professional translator requires a little additional
information to accurately complete a translation.
(https://www.onehourtranslation.com/translation/blog/reference-material-
translations)

1.5. Equivalent in translation

- As easily seen, equivalence can be considered a central concept in
translation theory. Therefore, it is not by chance that many theorists define
translation in term of equivalence relation.
- “The overriding purpose of any translation in term of equivalence should be
to archive “equivalence effect” i.e.to produce the same effect on the
readership of translation as was obtained on the readership of the original.”
(Newmark, 1988)

1.6. The methods of translation

- Word for word translation:
+ This is often demonstrated as interlinear translation, with The TL
immediately below the SL words. The SL word-order is preserved and
the words translated singly by their most common meanings, out of
context.
+ Cultural words are translated literally.
+ The main use of word-for-word translation is either to understand the
mechanics of the SL.
 My own example:
Đi /đi /em.
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 Go /go/you.

- Literal translation
+ 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 problems to be solved.
 My own example:
They are deaf to all my advice.
(Họ điếc tới tất cả lời khuyên của tôi.)
- Faithful translation
+ A faithful Translation attempts to reproduce the precise contextual
meaning of the original within the constraints of the TL grammatical
structures.
+ It 'transfers' cultural words and preserves the degree of grammatical and
lexical 'abnormality' (deviation from SL norms) in the translation.
+ It attempts to be completely faithful to the intentions and the text-
realisation of the SL writer.
 My own example:
Bố tôi rất khỏe. (My dad is a horse.)
- Semantic translation
+ Semantic translation differs from 'faithful translation' only in as far as it
must take more account of the aesthetic value (that is, the beautiful and
natural sounds of the SL text).
+ Semantic translation must be translated correctly and in the original
meaning.
 My teacher example:

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 She has a sunny smile on her face.
→ Literal translation: Cô ấy có một nụ cười tỏa nắng giống như ánh
nắng mặt trời.
→ Faithful translation: Cô ấy có một nụ cười tỏa nắng trên gương mặt.
→ Semantic translation: Cô ấy cười rất rạng rỡ trên khuôn mặt.
- Free translation
+ Free translation 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.
- Idiomatic translation
+ Idiomatic translation reproduces the 'message' of the original but tends to
distort nuances of meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms
where these do not exist in the original.
 My teacher example:
My husband is a very mean.
(Ông chồng tôi là một người đo lọ nước mắm đếm củ dưa hành.)
- Communicative translation
+ Communicative translation attempts to render the exact contextual
meaning of the original in such a way that both content and language are
readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership.
 My own example:
No smoking.
(Cấm hút thuốc.)

- Adaptation
+ This is the 'freest' form of translation.

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 + It is used mainly for plays (comedies and poetry; the themes, characters,
plots are usually preserved, the SL culture converted to the TL culture
and the text rewritten.
+ Moreover, we’re have many other methods such as: Service translation,
Plain prose translation, Information translation, Cognitive translation,
Academic translation…
(Peter Newmark, Chaper 5)

PHẦN 2. PRACTICE:

2.1. Source language text:

Fare thee well, thou lovely one! 
                             (Sicilian Air) 

Fare thee well, thou lovely one! 

Lovely still, but dear no more; 
Once his soul of truth is gone, 
Love’s sweet life is o’er. 

Thy words, what e’er their flattering spell, 

Could scarce have thus deceived; 
But eyes that acted truth so well 
Were sure to be believed. 

Then, fare thee well, thou lovely one! 

Lovely still, but dear no more; 
Once his soul of truth is gone, 
Love’s sweet life is o’er. 

Yet those eyes look constant still, 

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 True as stars they keep their light; 
Still those cheeks their pledge fulfil 
Of blushing always bright. 

‘T is only on thy changeful heart 

The blame of falsehood lies; 
Love lives in every other part, 
But there, alas! he dies. 

Then, fare thee well, thou lovely one! 

Lovely still, but dear no more; 
Once his soul of truth is gone, 
Love’s sweet life is o’er.

2.2. Google translate text:

Giá vé tốt, ngươi đáng yêu!
(Không khí Sicilia)

Giá vé tốt, ngươi đáng yêu!

Đáng yêu vẫn còn, nhưng thân yêu không còn nữa;
Một khi linh hồn của sự thật không còn nữa,
Yêu cuộc sống ngọt ngào là oerer.

Những lời của bạn, những gì eerer đánh vần tâng bốc của họ,
Do đó có thể khan hiếm;
Nhưng đôi mắt hành động rất thật
Chắc chắn sẽ được tin tưởng.

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 Sau đó, giá vé tốt, bạn đáng yêu!
Đáng yêu vẫn còn, nhưng thân yêu không còn nữa;
Một khi linh hồn của sự thật không còn nữa,
Yêu cuộc sống ngọt ngào là oerer.

Tuy nhiên, đôi mắt vẫn nhìn không đổi,

Đúng như những ngôi sao họ giữ ánh sáng của họ;
Vẫn là những lời cam kết của họ
Của đỏ mặt luôn tươi sáng.

T chỉ trên trái tim thay đổi của bạn

Đổ lỗi cho sự giả dối dối trá;
Tình yêu sống trong mọi phần khác,
Nhưng ở đó, than ôi! anh ta chết.

Sau đó, giá vé tốt, bạn đáng yêu!

Đáng yêu vẫn còn, nhưng thân yêu không còn nữa;
Một khi linh hồn của sự thật không còn nữa,
Yêu cuộc sống ngọt ngào là oerer.
2.3. Evaluate and comment:

- The translated text has formal scales, semantic translation.

- The title of the poem is not translated equivalently.
- The translation has not conveyed the full meaning of difficult words .
- Abbreviations can not be translated.
- The translation has no soul from the original.

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- The link between sentences and words is too weak without conveying
complete meaning.
- Readers will no longer trust the Google translation.

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