Translation 5

KINDS OF TRANSLATION

According to Larson (1984: 15) translation is classified into two main types, namely form-based translation and meaning-based translation. Forms-based translation attempts to follow the form of the source language (SL) and it is known as literal translation, while meaning-based translation makes every effort to communicate the meaning of the SL text in the natural forms of the receptor language. Such translation is called idiomatic translation. A literal translation sounds like nonsense and has little communication value (Larson, 1984: 15). The literal translation can be understood if the general grammatical form of the two languages is similar. Larson (1984: 16) says that idiomatic translations use the natural forms of the receptor language both in the grammatical constructions and in the choices of lexical items. A truly idiomatic translation does not sound like translation. It sounds like it was written originally in the receptor language. Therefore, a good translator will try to translate idiomatically. This is his/her goal.

Catford (1978: 21) divides the three aspects of translation differently, those are: extent, level, and ranks.

Based on the extent, the types of translation are:

1. Full translation, it is a type of translation in which the entire SL text is reproduced by the TL text materials.
2. Partial translation, there are only some parts of the SL text to be translated into the TL text.

In terms of level, the types of translation are:

1. Total translation, the TL material replaces all levels of the SL text.
2. Restricted translation, it is the replacement of SL textual material with equivalent TL material at only one level; whether at the phonological level, graphological level, or at the level of grammar and lexis.

In terms of rank, translation is divided into:

1. Rank-bound translation, it means that the selection of TL text equivalent is limited at only one rank, such as word-for-word equivalence, morpheme-for-morpheme equivalence, etc.
2. Unbounded translation, it can move freely up and down the rank-scale.

Based on the purposes of translation, Brislin in Choliludin (2007: 26-30) categorizes translation into four types, namely:

1. Pragmatic translation: it refers to the translation of a message with an interest in accuracy of the information that was meant to be conveyed in the SL form and it is not conveyed with other aspects of the original language version. Example: the translation of the information about repairing a machine.
2. Aesthetic-poetic translation: it refers to translation in which the translator takes into account the affect, emotion, and feeling of an original version, the aesthetic form used by the original author, as well as any information in the message. Example: the translation of sonnet, rhyme, heroic couplet, dramatic dialogue, and novel.
3. Ethnographic translation: its purpose is to explicate the cultural context of the SL and TL versions. Translators have to be sensitive to the way words are used and must know how the word fits into cultures. Example: the use of the word ‘yes’ versus ‘yeah’ in America.
4. Linguistic translation: is concerned with equivalent meanings of the constituent morphemes of the SL and grammatical form. Example: language in a computer program and translation machine.

In his famous essay, On Linguistic Aspect of Translation, Jacobson in Leonardi (2000) identifies three kinds of translation: intralingual translation (monolingual translation), interlingual translation (bilingual or multilingual translation), and intersemiotic translation (verbal sign into non-verbal sign). Intralingual translation refers to a translation in which verbal signs are interpreted by means of other signs of the same language. It happens within the same language (monolingual). Interlingual translation is the one which refers to different languages whether it is bilingual or multilingual. Intersemiotic translation refers to an interpretation of verbal signs by means of other signs of non-verbal sign systems.

Translation 4

Metaphors
Metaphors link two unrelated things that are not normally linked. This linking does not create an open, or simple, comparison. Instead, it creates a hidden one where you are saying something is equal to something else, even though the two are clearly not the same thing. Consider the following example:

Example:

1. Max is a pig when he eats.
2. You are my sunshine.
3. It’s raining cats and dogs.
4. Even a child could carry my dog around for hours. He is a feather.
5. He is the Tiger Woods of his golf team.

Similes
Like metaphors, similes connect two unrelated things. Unlike metaphors, a simile connection is not the equivalent of an equal sign. Instead, it is meant to highlight a similarity and suggest that one thing is like another. This connect is an open, simple one. Similes are normally identified by the word “like” or “as.” See the below examples:

Example:

1. During the awful, horrifying accident, he remained as cool as a cucumber. (as cool as a cucumber to be calm and relaxed, especially in a difficult situation.)
2. As he never ate much, his arms were as thin as a rake. (as thin as a rake very thin)
3. That devilish monkey which stole my banana was as bold as brass! (as bold as brass very brave and confident; not afraid to say what you feel or take risks.)
4. The old man's beard is as thorny as a rose bush; I won't touch it! (as thorny as a rose bush very thorny.)
5. He washed his face until it was as smooth as glass. (as smooth as glass very smooth)
6. After finding a bag full of jewels, the young man's eyes looked as bright as the moon. (as bright as the moon very bright.)

Idioms
Idioms have no defining rules. They are, however, phrases that mean something other than the words that create them. Phrases that are common in everyday language and have figurative meanings that are widely understood are idioms. The literal meanings make no sense. Many idioms are also considered cliches because they are used so frequently. If you are using idioms in a written piece, try to avoid those that are overused unless you feel one is absolutely necessary to the purpose of your words. Consider the following example:

Example:

1. She wants to play it by ear. (The idiom is “play it by ear,” and the figurative meaning is to improvise instead of making set plans.)
2. He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is still not ready. (Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving too little.)
3. The boss examined my report with a fine tooth comb before submitting it to the senior management. (Examining something carefully to not miss out any details.)
4. To ensure a successful product launch, we must get our ducks in a row. (Getting your things well organized.)
5. Now that we have compeleted all the legal formalities, let's get the show on the road. (Putting up a plan or idea into action.)
6. Audition test was conducted by the director to separate sheep from goats. (Examining a group of people and deciding their suitability.)

Translation 3

1. Transference
    Example: - His name is Tiger Woods. --- Namanya Tiger Woods.
                  - I want to meet Mr. Black. --- Saya ingin menemui Pak Black.

2. Naturalization
    Example: - The economy of Indonesia is developing. --- Ekonomi Indonesia masih berkembang.
                  -You have to copy this by using photo copy machine. --- Kamu harus menyalin ini dengan menggunakan mesin foto kopi.

3. Cultural equivalent
    Example: -Ashanty did the baby shower in a hotel. --- Ashanty melakukan acara selapanan di sebuah hotel.
                  -The only transportation in this village is a carriage. --- Satu-satunya alat transportasi di desa ini adalah andong.

4. Functional equivalent, example: 

5. Descriptive equivalent
    Example: -Before Ramadhan, a month when all Moslem people do fasting, comes, doing such a naughty things are allowed.
                  -I saw Marc Marquez, one of Repsol Honda Team's riders, in Mall Pondok Indah yesterday.

6. Componential analysis, example: 

7. Synonym
    Example: -She is in blue. --- Dia sedang sedih.
                  -This toilet is out of order. --- Kakus ini sedang rusak.

8. Through translation
    Example: -Clarissa did meet her friends in New Year's Eve. --- Clarissa bertemu teman-temannya di Malam Tahun Baru.
                  -I get the Pandora Box only by kicking the Giant's eyes. --- Aku mendapatkan Kotak Pandora hanya dengan menendang mata si Monster.

9. Shift, example: 

10. Recognized translation, example: USA - AS, UNO - PBB

11. Compensation, example:

12. Paraphrase
      Example: -Richard said, "I like those things which only I, the one who can see them." --- Richard berkata, "Aku menyukai hal-hal yang mana hanya aku sendiri-lah yang mengetahui hal-hal tersebut. Hal-hal yang mana orang lain tidak mengetahuinya, contohnya dirimu yang tidak diketahui oleh siapapun, merupakan hal-hal yang aku sukai."
                    -What do you call the horses that win derbies? They are the horses that entered the derbies. --- Apakah sebutan bagi kuda yang memenangkan pertandingan balap kuda? Mereka disebut kuda yang ikut serta di dalam pertandingan tersebut, yang mana dengan ikut serta di dalam pertandingan tersebut maka kuda-kuda tersebut memiliki kesempatan untuk memenangkan perlombaan yang mereka ikuti dibandingkan dengan kuda-kuda yang tidak terdaftar di dalam perlombaan tersebut.

13. Couplets, example:

14. Notes
      Example: -p.s.: He is Ockward because he is awkward. --- Namanya Ockward karena dia aneh.
                    -해바라기 is sunflower in English. --- 해바라기 dalam bahasa Inggris adalah bunga matahari.