What is translation?

* By dictionaries
- Consists of changing from one state of form to another, to turn into one’s own or another’s language
(The Merriam – Webster Dictionary, 1974).
- Translation is the process of changing something that is written or spoken into another language
(Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 2000).
- Spoken or written words that have been changed into a different language or the activity of changing
spoken or written words into a different language (English Dictionary for Advanced learners, Mac Millan,
2002).

* By authors/ Schools
- Translation is a replacement of textual material of one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in
another language (TL). (Catford, 1965:20)
- Translation consists of reproducing in the receptor language the natural equivalent of the source
language message, first in terms of meaning and second in terms of style. (Nida, 1969:12)
- Translation is a process of transferring message from SL into TL. SL or Source Language is an origin
language which is translated, while TL or Target Language is a final language which is used to express the
result of translation. (Wiratno, 2003: 33)

 Translation deals with the meaning.

- Translation means transferring the meaning of the source language into receptor language. (Larson,
1984:3)
- Translation is rendering the meaning of the text into another language in the way that the author
intended the text. (Newmark, 1988: 5)
- Translation is the communication of the meaning of source – language text by means of an equivalent
target language text. (Bao Bui Tien and Thu Dang Xuan, 1999)

 Translation deals with the culture aspects

- Translation is a transferring message among cultures and languages. (Kridalaksana, 1983:128) 
Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source language text by means of an equivalent
target language text.

Two or three thousand languages (or even more) being used in the world
- People prefer their native language => Translation is so important to the world! => Creating a barrier to
understanding whenever man tries to communicate across a great distance of space across a great
interval of time . Breaking language barriers and helping people connect from different regions =>
Carrying one culture to the other altogether in all around the world.
1.3.What is the function of translation
- As a process of communication, translation functions as the medium ‘across the linguistic and cultural
barriers’ in conveying the message written in the foreign languages.” In other words, the function of
translation is a medium or a means to carry the message from the SL to TL. And it is very helpful for
people which come from around the world in communication to each other. (Duff, 1989:5)
- Translation means communication because it has three essential elements to form a process of
communication. The three essential elements are source, message, and receptor, and these elements
must be found in all communication activities”
- translation is a means in communication, that has source, message, and receptor which must be found
in all communication activities. (Nida, 1981:2)

1.4. History of translation

In the 19th century, translation was mainly a one way means of communication between prominent men
of letters and to lesser degree , philosophers and scientists and their educated readers abroad ,whilst
trade was conducted in the language of the dominant nation and diplomacy ,previously in Latin ,was in
French

The 20th century has been called the “age of translation” to which one may add and interpreting .
International agreements between states , public and private organization are now translated for all
interested parties ,whether or not the signatories understand each other’s language . The setting up of a
new international body , the constitution of an independent state , the formation of a multinational
company , gives translation enhanced importance

1.5. The dynamics of translation

1.6 Translation theory

First , to identify and define a translation problem (no problem –no translation theory )

Second , to indicate all the factors that have to be taken into account in solving the problem

Third , to list all the possible translation procedures ; finally ,to recommend the most suitable translation
procedure , plus the appropriate translation

Translation process

I. The approach

Translating sentence by sentence -> too much revision -> time wasting

Reading the whole text 2 or 3 times

-4 levels “more or less consciously in mind”

+Textual level : literal translation
+Referential level : visualize the text
+Cohesive level :structure ,smooth and emotional tone of the text
+Natural level : the translation makes sense and it reads naturally
-Keep in parallel (combine ) the 4 levels

II. Text analysis

Contributing factors :Text intention , text types ,readership( expert , educated layman ,the uninformed-
>distinctive in term of level of education ,social class,age and gender), stylistic
scales(formality ,generality of difficulty ,emotional tone ) ,setting of the text( where would the target
text be published ? Addition/omission of titles/subtitles /subheading , Is the TL readership identical with
the SL readership) ,quality of the ST(neologisms , metaphor,cultural words ,proper names ,technical
terms, untranslatable words”) ,cultural aspects .

II. Method of translation

1.Word for word translation : the translation is directly produced from the source text ,at word level.
The word order is preserved , no context is considered when using this method.

2.Literal : - Unit of translation: sentence

- Word order is respected but necessary changes for TL

- The SL grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest TL equivalents but the lexical words
are again translated singly, out of context.

- Cutural aspects are literally converted L

3. Faith : Reproducing precise contextual meaning within the constraints of TL grammatical structures -
“Transfering” cultural words and preserving the degree of grammatical and lexical “abnormality” in the
translation

4. Semantic: - Unit of translation: sentence, paragraph, text

- Grammar and structure of the text may change, but the form is still nearer to the SL text

- Beautifully translated within context

5. Adaptation: - The “freest” form of translation

- The themes, characters, plots are usually preserved

- SL culture converted to TL culture

=> The text rewritten => Used mainly for plays, songs and poetry

6. Free : Unit of translation: sentence, paragraph - Equivalent replacement of grammar and text
structure in TL in order to be as natural as possible - Related more to inter-cultural level - Used for
slogan, conversation, advert, poem, play, lyric,… (message is more important than meaning)

7. Idiomatic: -Reproduces “message” of the original with creativeness in TL - Informal language

(colloquialism and idioms) in TL where there do not exist in SL text => Natural and friendly with readers
8. Communicative: -Renders exact contextual meaning of the original - Content, language and culture
are converted to be acceptable and comprehensible to readers - Normally longer than the original -
Used for informative, vocative or untranslatable text (no equivalence)

Strategies for translators (English->VN)

Strategy 1 : How to deal with non-equivalence at word level

1.1 . Translation by a more specific word : Uses a more general word/superordinate to replace the more
specific one (hyponym) or vice versa.It is the commonest strategies for dealing many types of non-
equivalence ,particularly in the area of propositional meaning .
Eg: I like cooking (việc bếp núc). I like to cook dinner for my family ( nấu cơm)

1.2.Translation by a more general word . English (SL) : mopeds ,scooters ->VN : xe máy

1.3 . Translation by a cultural substitution . Eg : The two houses are 100 yards apart .( Hai nhà cách nhau
chừng 100 thước)

1.4 . Translation using a loan word plus explanation

-this strategy is particularly deal with culture –specific items , modern concept and buzz words
-This strategy is very useful when the translator deal with concept or idea that are new to target
audience ,culture specific items and proper names of diseases or medicines that a widely known in
English name . Eg : smart phone – ddt thong minh

1.5. Translation by paraphrase (using related/unrelated words)

Tends to be used when the concept expressed by the source item is lexical in the TL but in a different
form and when the frequency with which a certain form is used in the source text is significantly higher
than would be natural in the TL
When nothing goes right, go left. => Khi không ai rẽ phải, hãy rẽ trái. => Khi làm bất cứ việc gì theo một
cách không thành, hãy thử theo cách khác. => Khi làm bất cứ việc gì không thuận buồm xuôi gió, hãy tìm
giải pháp khác.

1.6. Translation by omission .

If the meaning conveyed by a particular item or expression is not vital enough to the development of the
text to justify distracting the reader with length explanations, translators can often do simply omit
translating the word or expression in the question .Eg:OMG, I have finally discovered what’s wrong with
my brain. On the left side, there is nothing right, and on the right side, there is nothing left”. => Ối trời
ơi, tôi vừa mới phát hiện ra bên não trái của tôi không có gì cả mà bên phải cũng chẳng còn lại gì.

Strategy 2 : Idioms and fixed expressions

-Definition : Baker(2011) says that idioms and fixed expressions are at the extreme end of the scale from
collocation in 1 or both of these areas flexibility of patterning and transparency of meaning . They are
frozen patterns of language which allow little or no variation in form and in the case of idioms ,often
carry meaning which cannot be deduced from their individual components . Unlike idioms , fixed
expressions generally have more transparent meanings that is ,their meaning can be deduced from their
constituent words .

-Using an idiom or fixed expression of similar meaning and form ( involves using an idiom in the TL which
conveys roughly the same meaning as that of the SL idiom and , in addition ,consist of equivalent lexical
items : Like father like son ( Cha nào con nấy )/ Better late than never ( muốn còn hơn không ) / Out of
sight ,out of mind ( Xa mặt cách lòng) )
-Using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form( is find an idiom or fixed expression in the TL
which has a meaning similar to that of the source idiom or expression but consists of different lexical
items (To carry coals to Newcastle ( chở củi về rừng )/ A man is known by the company he keeps ( Gần
mực thì đen gần đèn thì sáng) / Things done cannot be undone ( Tay đã nhúng chàm ) / When in Rome
do as Romans do ( Nhập giang tùy khúc ,nhập gia tùy lúc)

-Borrowing the source language idiom ( is a common strategy in dealing with culture specific items when
it is not unusual for idioms to be borrowed in their original form in some contexts .This strategy is
dealing with a kind of idiom which has no existence in the TL or has specific context that the idiom must
be kept in it original form .
-Translation by paraphrase
-Translation by omission of a play on idiom
-Translation by omission of entire idiom
-Compensation

Strategy 3 : How to deal with voice , number and person

VOICE a) English: A + (be) + Pii + by B

b) Vietnamese : Eg1: This house was built by Frank in 1930. Ngôi nhà này do Frank xây năm 1930. Eg2:
Tom is given a present by Mary. Tôm đã được Mary tặng một món quà.

a) English: A + (be) + Pii b) Vietnamese : Ai đó/ Người ta + động từ + A Eg1: Tom has been promoted
recently.  Tom mới được đề bạt gần đây. Eg2: The CD has been broken.  Chiếc đĩa CD đã bị vỡ.  Ai
đó đã làm vỡ chiếc CD rồi
Strategy 5 : Non-subject sentences
In Vietnamese written passages , some non-subject sentences are often come across. In this case , the
following techniques of translation can be used : passive voice , It tobe+A+to V , there is/are , put in the
real subject that is often found in the previous sentence

Interpreting

-is an oral form of translation , enabling real-time cross-linguistic communication either face-to-face , in
a conference setting or over the phone . It can be called oral translation ,real time translation or
personal translation . This is the process where a person repeats what is said out loud in a different
language
-is the oral translation by an interpreter of utterances spoken in one language into another , for the
benefit of one or more listeners unable or only partly able to understand the original language

2.1 .Consecutive interpreting

a. Unilateral :
-Sentence by sentence ,paragraph by paragraph interpretation
-The whole speech , which may last five ,10m up to half an hour or 1 hour
b. Bilateral
+ Liaison interpreting : in a consecutive interpreting situation , an interpreter gives a rendering of
lengthy passage of speech after a party has finished speaking . She /he must give a structured and
accurate rendering of the meaning of the statement with no major distortions of meaning,changes to
the logic order of the statement or serious omissions of detail
 Consecutive interpreting Simultaneous interpreting
Time Listens and waits until the speaker Listens and interprets at the same time ->
pause -> Delaying and interrupting occurring in real time
the flow of the dialogue
Equipment No Headphone ,microphone
Setting Ideal for small meetings , interviews Ideal for conferences and large scale events
/Participants
Position of Sits or stand beside the SL speakers Works in sound-proof booth or behind
interpreter
3. Qualities required of a consecutive interpreter are
1) Proficiency in two languages and two cultures;
2) Quickness of speech and mind;
3) Good techniques in memorizing verbal utterances and converting them rapidly, accurately and
completely into another language;
4) Power of concentration;
5) High moral standards;
6) Sense of responsibility;
7) High level of education and culture;
8) Familiarity with a number of specific terms and situations, e.g: health, education, legal, social welfare
areas…
9) Remaining impartial and not taking sides;
10) Being able to take notes of segments of discourse, if required;
11) Being able to work under stressful conditions;
l2) Note- taking skills of a very high order
4.Qualities required of a simultaneous interpreter are

1) Proficiency in two languages and two cultures;

2) Quickness of speech and mind;
3) Good techniques in memorizing verbal utterances and converting them rapidly, accurately and
completely into anther language;
5) High moral standards;
6) Sense of responsibility;
7) High level of education and culture;
8) Familiarity with a number of specific terms and situations, e.g: health, education, legal, social welfare
areas…
9) Remaining impartial and not taking sides;
10) Being able to take notes of segments of discourse, if required;
11) Being able to work under stressful conditions; l
2) Note- taking skills of a very high order.
13) High speed
14) Flexibility

5.

I :the input stage : the interpreter must have excellent hearing and receive the message without
interference
U: understanding : this is the most important stage of the interpreting triangle . not understanding will
result in a breakdown of communication
D : deciphering : at this stage the interpreter gets rid of all the words , retaining the concept the idea
T :transference : the concept or idea is now transferred into other language
C+ C- : context and culture : during the transfer stage the meaning is clarified by cultural and contextual
consideration
O1 : output 1 :the interpreter finds an equivalent idiomatic expression
O2 : output 2 : the interpreter transfers the meaning .
6.

.
Different between translators and interpreters

INTERPRETERS TRANSLATORS
An interpreter's work is oral. For example, A translator's work is written. For
they might interpret an interview or a live example, they might interpret an interview
conference. or a live conference. For example, they
might translate a book
Since their work is oral, it has to be A translator has more time to produce
immediate. their translation.
The person who was next to Obama at a The person who translated the subtitles of
conference, translating his words into that show you watch on Netflix or the last
another language? That's an interpreter. ASOIAF book? That's a translator.
An interpreter has to be well-dressed, after A translator can work from home and can
all, they work in a public setting work in their pajamas.

7.Some practical techniques for one site interpreting :

1. Introduce yourself to both the professional and the client
2. Explain you are from( name of your organization) everything is confidential and everything will be
interpreted with no additions or omissions
3.Arrange sitting : the idea seating arrangement is a triangle with participants at equal distances from
each other , so that eye contact can be maintained at all time
4.First person interpreting
5. Control pace
6. Ask for repetition if uncertain of what was said
7.Ask for explanation or clarification if necessary
8.Concentration
9. Notes
10.Assertiveness

8. The requirement of a good interpreter are :

a. Good fluency in both language
b.Good understanding of the culture of the business partner and of Vietnamese culture in general and
an understading of the difference between the 2
c.Extensive knowledge of business ,economic situation of Vietnam and other country
d. A large business vocabulary
e.Well presented and punctual
f. Accurate interpreting without omission ,alternation and addition