Translation Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: Vera Louisa Joseph (also Nadia)
• Student of English Literature at State Islamic University (UII MJ)
• Purpose: Complete final examination for translation course

Definition of Translation

• Translation is categorized as a noun and the process of changing something into different formats.
• Commonly used applications for translation:
  • Google Translate
• Importance of understanding translation methods and theories for accurate translation.

Translation Methods (Newmark's Terms)

Methods Closest to Source Language

1. Word-for-Word Translation

   • Translates each word directly (e.g., Google Translate).
   • Example: "I play basketball" = "Saya bermain bola basket."

2. Literal Translation

   • Converts source language forms to nearest target language equivalents, but out of context.

3. Faithful Translation

   • Reproduces contextual meaning within constraints of the target language (TL) structure.
   • Transfers cultural words while maintaining social and grammatical forms.

4. Semantic Translation

   • Focuses on aesthetic value and natural sound of the text, compromising on meaning.

Methods Closest to Target Language

1. Free Translation

   • Translation that does not follow the original structure or manner.

2. Adaptation

   • Often used for plays, comedies, or poetry.

3. Idiomatic Translation

   • Reproduces message but may distort meaning with colloquialisms.

4. Communicative Translation

   • Aims to make the text comprehensible and acceptable to the target audience.

Translation Procedures (Peter Newmark's Theory)

1. Transference

   • Transferring a word from source language to target language.

2. Naturalization

   • Adapting the source word to fit the pronunciation and morphology of the target language.

3. Cultural Equivalent

   • Replacing cultural words in the source language with target language equivalents.

4. Functional Equivalent

   • Using culturally neutral words in translation.

5. Descriptive Equivalent

   • Explaining meaning of the cultural word in several words.

6. Comparative Analysis

   • Comparing source and target language words with similar meanings.

7. Lone Translation

   • Literal translation of names and organization components.

8. Shift or Transposition

   • Changing grammatical forms from source to target language.

9. Buddhu Relation

   • Reproducing the original message while conforming to target language norms.

10. Recognized Translation

• Using generally accepted translations for institutions.

11. Compensation

• Compensating loss of meaning in one part of the sentence with another part.

12. Paraphrase

• Detailed explanation of meaning.

13. Notes

• Additional information added in translation.

Peter Newmark's Translation Theory

• Emphasizes two main theories:
  1. Semantic Translation
     • Linguistically focused, generally one translator.
  2. Communicative Translation
     • Functional and usually involves multiple translators.

Conclusion

• Main goal of translation theory is to identify appropriate methods for a wide range of texts.
• Acknowledgment of mistakes in presentation and gratitude for audience's attention.