Bài giảng dịch thuật Translation equivalence

Translation Equivalence
Key points:
- - Equivalence is a central yet controversial issue in translation studies
- - Equivalence is the relationship between a ST and a TT that allows the TT to be
considered as a translation of the ST.
- - Koller proposed five types of meaning-based equivalence.
- - Four kinds of quantitative equivalence is suggested by Kade.
1. The nature of equivalence
The definition, relevance and applicability of equivalence has caused heated
controversy. It has been analyzed, evaluated, and discussed from different points of
views and has been approached from different perspectives.
2. Definition of equivalence in translation
It is the relationship between a ST and a TT that allows the TT to be considered as
a translation of the ST.
Equivalence is a relationship between two texts in two languages, rather than
between the languages themselves
3. Types of equivalence
3.1. Meaning – based equivalence
Koller’s 5 types of equivalence:
• Denotative equivalence
• Connotative equivalence
• Text-normative equivalence
• Pragmatic / Dynamic equivalence
• Formal equivalence
a. Denotative equivalence
Denotative equivalence is one in which the SL and TL words refer to the same
thing in the real world. This is the referential identity between SL and TL units.
This is equivalence of the extra linguistic content of a text, otherwise called
‘content invariance’
b. Connotative equivalence

- SL and TL words should produce the same communicative values in the mind of
native speakers of the two languages
- The connotation transmitted by means of the word choices (especially where
there is a specific choice between synonymous expressions), with respect to level
of style (register), the social and geographical dimension, frequency, etc.
- Also called “Stylistic equivalence”
b -1 . Connotations of speech level
Types:
- Elevated (formal, dignified)
- Poetic
- Normal
- Colloquial
- Slang
- Vulgar (rude, offensive)
b– 2. Connotations of socially determined usage
Types:
- Student language
- Military usage
- Working-class language
- Educated class
- Aristocratic language
b-3. Connotations of geographical relation or origin
Types:
- American English
- Australian English
- British English
- Non – regional
- Dialects
b - 4. Connotations of medium

Types:
- Spoken language
- Written language
b- 5. Connotations of stylistic effect
Types


- Archaic (old, no longer used)
- Pompous (show that you are more important than other people)
- Artificial
- Fashionable
- Euphemistic
- Plain (easy to see or understand)
- Descriptive
b-6. Connotations of frequency
Types:
- Common
- Uncommon
b – 7. Connotations of register
Types:
- Normal usage
- Technical
- Medical
b-8. Connotations of evaluation
Types:
- Positively evaluative
- Ironic
- Pejorative (disapproval, criticism)
c. Text-normative equivalence
- The SL and TL words are used in the same or similar context in their respective

languages.
- Text – normative equivalence relates to text-type specific features or text and
language norms for given text types.
d. Pragmatic equivalence
- The SL and TL words have the same effect on the reader.
- Also called “communicative equivalence”
e. Formal equivalence
- Focuses on the form of the text: Rhythm, verse form, special stylistic forms of
expression in syntax and lexis, word play, metaphor…
- Particularly used in translation of poems, songs, etc.
- Also called ‘expressive equivalence”
3.2. Quantitative equivalence
Kade’s categories of Quantitative equivalence


a. One – to – one equivalence
- A single expression in TL is equivalent to a single expression in SL
b. One – to – many equivalence: More than one TL expressions are equivalent to a
single SL expression.
c. One – to – part – of – one equivalence
d. Nil equivalence

Case study 1:
"The difficulty associated with the notion of achieving equivalent effect in
translation is that it implies the translator is attempting, in accordance with our
definition above, to reproduce in the TT the ‘same’ effect achieved in the ST. This
is problematic, clearly, since the effect varies across individuals, or even upon the
same individual at different times, and in any case is unknowable without recourse
to undue mentalism or psychologising; that is, speculation about other people’s
states of minds based on insufficient, indeed unknowable data. The only effect

translators can truly know is that produced on their own minds, and therefore the
only equivalence possible is what seems acceptable to each translator, perhaps after
consultation" ("Translation, Linguistics, Culture", Nigel Amstrong p. 44).
Work in group, discuss the idea in the paragraph, then present your ideas to the
whole class.
Case study 2:
In "Translation Studies", p. 38, Bassnett wrote "Equivalence in translation, then,
should not be approached as a search for sameness, since sameness cannot even
exist between two TL versions of the same text, let alone between the SL and TL
versions."
Do you agree with this viewpoint? Give reasons to support your argument.
Case study 3:
Give comments on the types of equivalence achieved in the two translated versions
of the following paragraph extracted from the novel "Gone with the wind" by
Margaret Mitchell. This is a part of one conversation between the protagonist Scarlett O'Hara and her coloured nanny.


Original paragraph:
"Ef you doan care 'bout how folks talks 'bout dis fambly, Ah does," she rumbled.
"Ah ain' gwine stand by an' have eve'ybody at de pahty sayin' how you ain' fotched
up right. Ah has tole you an' tole you dat you kin allus tell a lady by dat she eat lak
a bird. An' Ah ain' aimin' ter have you go ter Mist' Wilkes' an' eat lak a fe'el han' an'
gobble lak a hawg."
"Mother is a lady and she eats," countered Scarlett.
"W'en you is mahied, you kin eat, too,", retorted Mammy. W'en Miss Ellen yo' age,
she never et nuthin' w'en she went out, an' needer yo' Aunt Pauline nor yo' Aunt
Eulalie. An' dey all done mahied. Young misses whut eats heavy mos' gener'ly doan
never ketch husbands."
Translated version 1 (by Vũ Kim Thư)
Bà biết rõ ý định của Scarlett:

"Nếu cô không muốn nghe người ta nói gì về cơ thì tơi 'ất tiếc. Tơi khơng muốn
những người ở dạ hội nói 'ằng cơ khơng được giáo dục tử tế. Tơi đã nói đi nói lại
nhiều lần với cơ là một phụ nữ quý phái phải ăn uống nhỏ nhẹ như chim. Và tơi
khơng thích phải dẫn cơ qua nhà ơng Wilkes để cô ngấu nghiến như một con nô lệ
và ăn tạp như heo con.
Scarlett chống chế:
"Nhưng mẹ tôi là một bà quý phái, bà cũng ăn như vậy."
"Khi đã lấy chồng, cơ mới có thể ăn được như vậy, Mammy bắt bẻ. Hồi bà Ellen
bằng tuổi cô, bà không bao giờ ăn cái gì khi đ ra ngồi. Ngay cả dì Pauline và dì
Eulalie cũng vậy. Và họ đều kết hơn được hết. Thường thường mấy cô gái ăn nhiều
không bao giờ kiếm được chồng."
Translated version 2 (by Dương Tường)
"Nếu cô bỏ ngoài tai dững nời thiên hạ bàn tán về da đình này thì u nại cần nghe
đấy, bà lầm bầm. U không thể dửng dưng nghe mọi người ở cuộc hội nói nà cơ
khơng da dáng con nhà. U đã bảo cơ bao nhiêu nần dằng người ta có thể nhận da


một tiểu thư bằng vào cái nết ăn dỏ dẻ dư chim, và u không mốn cô sang nhà ông
Uylkz mà ăn dư nực điền, ngốn dư nợn.
Mẹ là bậc phu nhân quý tộc mà mẹ vẫn ăn đấy thôi, Xcarlét cãi lại.
Khi nào cô nấy chồng cô cũng được phép ăn, Mammy đáp. Hồi bà Ilơn bằng tuổi
cô, bà chả bao giờ ăn tí gì ở nhà người khác. Cũng dư dì Pơnin hay dì Linơni của
cơ. Và các bà đều đã thành da thất. Các cô tiểu thư ăn phàm thường chẳng kiếm
được chồng đâu."


Lecture 5
Translation Equivalence
Key points:
- - Equivalence is a central yet controversial issue in translation studies

- - Equivalence is the relationship between a ST and a TT that allows the TT to be
considered as a translation of the ST.
- - Koller proposed five types of meaning-based equivalence.
- - Four kinds of quantitative equivalence is suggested by Kade.

1. The nature of equivalence
The definition, relevance and applicability of equivalence has caused heated
controversy. It has been analyzed, evaluated, and discussed from different points of
views and has been approached from different perspectives.
2. Definition of equivalence in translation
It is the relationship between a ST and a TT that allows the TT to be considered as
a translation of the ST.
Equivalence is a relationship between two texts in two languages, rather than
between the languages themselves
3. Types of equivalence
3.1. Meaning – based equivalence


Koller’s 5 types of equivalence:
• Denotative equivalence
• Connotative equivalence
• Text-normative equivalence
• Pragmatic / Dynamic equivalence
• Formal equivalence
a. Denotative equivalence
Denotative equivalence is one in which the SL and TL words refer to the same
thing in the real world. This is the referential identity between SL and TL units.
This is equivalence of the extra linguistic content of a text, otherwise called
‘content invariance’
b. Connotative equivalence

- SL and TL words should produce the same communicative values in the mind of
native speakers of the two languages
- The connotation transmitted by means of the word choices (especially where
there is a specific choice between synonymous expressions), with respect to level
of style (register), the social and geographical dimension, frequency, etc.
- Also called “Stylistic equivalence”
b -1 . Connotations of speech level
Types:
- Elevated (formal, dignified)
- Poetic
- Normal
- Colloquial
- Slang
- Vulgar (rude, offensive)
b– 2. Connotations of socially determined usage
Types:
- Student language
- Military usage
- Working-class language
- Educated class
- Aristocratic language
b-3. Connotations of geographical relation or origin


Types:
- American English
- Australian English
- British English
- Non – regional
- Dialects

b - 4. Connotations of medium
Types:
- Spoken language
- Written language
b- 5. Connotations of stylistic effect
Types
- Archaic (old, no longer used)
- Pompous (show that you are more important than other people)
- Artificial
- Fashionable
- Euphemistic
- Plain (easy to see or understand)
- Descriptive
b-6. Connotations of frequency
Types:
- Common
- Uncommon
b – 7. Connotations of register
Types:
- Normal usage
- Technical
- Medical
b-8. Connotations of evaluation
Types:
- Positively evaluative
- Ironic
- Pejorative (disapproval, criticism)


c. Text-normative equivalence

- The SL and TL words are used in the same or similar context in their respective
languages.
- Text – normative equivalence relates to text-type specific features or text and
language norms for given text types.
d. Pragmatic equivalence
- The SL and TL words have the same effect on the reader.
- Also called “communicative equivalence”
e. Formal equivalence
- Focuses on the form of the text: Rhythm, verse form, special stylistic forms of
expression in syntax and lexis, word play, metaphor…
- Particularly used in translation of poems, songs, etc.
- Also called ‘expressive equivalence”
3.2. Quantitative equivalence
Kade’s categories of Quantitative equivalence
a. One – to – one equivalence
- A single expression in TL is equivalent to a single expression in SL
b. One – to – many equivalence: More than one TL expressions are equivalent to a
single SL expression.
c. One – to – part – of – one equivalence
d. Nil equivalence

Case study 1:


"The difficulty associated with the notion of achieving equivalent effect in
translation is that it implies the translator is attempting, in accordance with our
definition above, to reproduce in the TT the ‘same’ effect achieved in the ST. This
is problematic, clearly, since the effect varies across individuals, or even upon the
same individual at different times, and in any case is unknowable without recourse
to undue mentalism or psychologising; that is, speculation about other people’s

states of minds based on insufficient, indeed unknowable data. The only effect
translators can truly know is that produced on their own minds, and therefore the
only equivalence possible is what seems acceptable to each translator, perhaps after
consultation" ("Translation, Linguistics, Culture", Nigel Amstrong p. 44).
Work in group, discuss the idea in the paragraph, then present your ideas to the
whole class.
Case study 2:
In "Translation Studies", p. 38, Bassnett wrote "Equivalence in translation, then,
should not be approached as a search for sameness, since sameness cannot even
exist between two TL versions of the same text, let alone between the SL and TL
versions."
Do you agree with this viewpoint? Give reasons to support your argument.
Case study 3:
Give comments on the types of equivalence achieved in the two translated versions
of the following paragraph extracted from the novel "Gone with the wind" by
Margaret Mitchell. This is a part of one conversation between the protagonist Scarlett O'Hara and her coloured nanny.
Original paragraph:
"Ef you doan care 'bout how folks talks 'bout dis fambly, Ah does," she rumbled.
"Ah ain' gwine stand by an' have eve'ybody at de pahty sayin' how you ain' fotched
up right. Ah has tole you an' tole you dat you kin allus tell a lady by dat she eat lak
a bird. An' Ah ain' aimin' ter have you go ter Mist' Wilkes' an' eat lak a fe'el han' an'
gobble lak a hawg."
"Mother is a lady and she eats," countered Scarlett.
"W'en you is mahied, you kin eat, too,", retorted Mammy. W'en Miss Ellen yo' age,
she never et nuthin' w'en she went out, an' needer yo' Aunt Pauline nor yo' Aunt
Eulalie. An' dey all done mahied. Young misses whut eats heavy mos' gener'ly doan
never ketch husbands."


Translated version 1 (by Vũ Kim Thư)

Bà biết rõ ý định của Scarlett:
"Nếu cơ khơng muốn nghe người ta nói gì về cơ thì tơi 'ất tiếc. Tơi khơng muốn
những người ở dạ hội nói 'ằng cơ khơng được giáo dục tử tế. Tơi đã nói đi nói lại
nhiều lần với cô là một phụ nữ quý phái phải ăn uống nhỏ nhẹ như chim. Và tơi
khơng thích phải dẫn cô qua nhà ông Wilkes để cô ngấu nghiến như một con nô lệ
và ăn tạp như heo con.
Scarlett chống chế:
"Nhưng mẹ tôi là một bà quý phái, bà cũng ăn như vậy."
"Khi đã lấy chồng, cơ mới có thể ăn được như vậy, Mammy bắt bẻ. Hồi bà Ellen
bằng tuổi cơ, bà khơng bao giờ ăn cái gì khi đ ra ngồi. Ngay cả dì Pauline và dì
Eulalie cũng vậy. Và họ đều kết hôn được hết. Thường thường mấy cô gái ăn nhiều
không bao giờ kiếm được chồng."
Translated version 2 (by Dương Tường)
"Nếu cơ bỏ ngồi tai dững nời thiên hạ bàn tán về da đình này thì u nại cần nghe
đấy, bà lầm bầm. U không thể dửng dưng nghe mọi người ở cuộc hội nói nà cô
không da dáng con nhà. U đã bảo cô bao nhiêu nần dằng người ta có thể nhận da
một tiểu thư bằng vào cái nết ăn dỏ dẻ dư chim, và u không mốn cô sang nhà ông
Uylkz mà ăn dư nực điền, ngốn dư nợn.
Mẹ là bậc phu nhân quý tộc mà mẹ vẫn ăn đấy thôi, Xcarlét cãi lại.
Khi nào cô nấy chồng cô cũng được phép ăn, Mammy đáp. Hồi bà Ilơn bằng tuổi
cô, bà chả bao giờ ăn tí gì ở nhà người khác. Cũng dư dì Pơnin hay dì Linơni của
cơ. Và các bà đều đã thành da thất. Các cô tiểu thư ăn phàm thường chẳng kiếm
được chồng đâu."