AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUGGESTED TRANSLATION OF CHAPTER 1 FROM THE BOOK “MURDER AT THE MAYFAIR HOTEL” BY c j ARCHER, 2020

TR
AN
XU
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VY
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DUY TAN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGLISH

TRAN XUAN VY

AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUGGESTED
TRANSLATION OF CHAPTER 1 FROM THE
BOOK “MURDER AT THE MAYFAIR HOTEL”
BY C.J. ARCHER, 2020
GRADUATION PAPER IN ENGLISH LINGUISTICS

DA NANG, 2022


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Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

DUY TAN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGLISH

GRADUATION PAPER

AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUGGESTED
TRANSLATION OF CHAPTER 1 FROM THE
BOOK “MURDER AT THE MAYFAIR HOTEL”
BY C.J. ARCHER, 2020
Major : English for Translation – Interpretation

SUPERVISOR

: NGUYEN THI DIEU TRAM, M.A.

STUDENT

: TRAN XUAN VY

CLASS

: K24NAB1

STUDENT CODE : 24203114904

DA NANG , 2022

Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This graduation paper could not have been completed without the invaluable
help, guidance and encouragement of my dear teachers, friends and family.
First of all, I would like to thank my teacher Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, who
went ahead and supported, helped and provided me with necessary documents. I

consider myself extremely lucky to have her as my supervisor. She always answered
my questions in a frank and timely manner, so that I could successfully complete
this graduation report.
Next, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the teachers of the
English Department of Duy Tan University, who have provided me with invaluable
knowledge during my 4 years of study at the school, allowing me to be independent.
believe in the future.
In addition, I would also like to thank all of my classmates for supporting and
sharing experiences with me during my 4 years at university.
Finally, I would like to thank my family, who have always supported and
guided me, and most importantly, have always been by my side, supporting me to
complete my graduation report on time.
I wish you good health and great success!
Yours sincerely,
TRAN XUAN VY

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STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP

Except where reference is made in the text of the thesis, this thesis contains no
material published elsewhere or extracted in the whole or in part from a thesis by
which have qualified for or been awarded another or diploma.
No other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgement in the
thesis.
This thesis has not been submitted for award of any degree or diploma in any
other tertiary institution.
Danang, May 9th , 2022
TRAN XUAN VY

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ABSTRACT
This graduation thesis mentions about the Vietnamese translation of the report
“MURDER AT THE MAYFAIR HOTEL” written by C.J. ARCHER in the series
Cleopatra Fox Mysteries. The book was published on 1st December, 2020 . The
graduation thesis includes the theoretical background, the original version, the
suggested translation, and the analysis of many difficult vocabularies and structures in
the translation process. Besides, in the end of the graduation thesis, I also list some

difficulties and offer some solutions for students to better translate.

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ABBREVIATIONS
A

: Adverb

Adj : Adjective
C

: Complement

O

: Object

S

: Subject

SL

: Source language

TL : Target language
V

: Verb

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Table of Contents

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CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Rationale

The books are the spiritual and material values that are indispensable for
humanity. The books contain information, knowledge, experience, creativity,
imagination,... of each individual in particular and the whole of humanity in general.
For many generations, the books are still stored and retains its value in life.
A writer once said: “In books lies the soul of the whole past time.” Indeed,
each book is a long journey of research full of effort from the writer to the readers.
The value of the book is further confirmed when it is translated into many different
languages around the world as a way to exchange and learn about culture, history,
and customs between countries.
The book that I am translating is a combination of horror, fiction, family
culture, and romance. The story begins with a horror title, but the more you read it, ,
the more warm and poetic romance you will feel. This is also the author's unique
writing style.
I hope that through the suggested version, I can convey all the messages the
author wants to convey, making readers find sympathy in every page of the book
that I have translated.
1.2. Aims and Objectives

1.2.1. Aims
Though the graduation thesis, I would like to bring the following aims at:
- To upgrade translating and analysing ability
- To summarize the knowledge I learned in during 4 years of college
- To people know further the fields of culture of the other country
- To have a suggested translation for students studying with a major in
English for translation and interpretation to read and refer.
1.2.2. Objectives
I'd like to accomplish the following objectives with my graduation thesis:
- To translate text fluently and naturally
- To know how to use words and sentences which are acceptable to each
specific situations
- To know concepts and conventionalities of the cultural field through the
analysis of vocabulary and sentence structures
- To give some implications and solutions in the process of translation as
1.3.

well as avoid basic faults.
Scope of the Study

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To fully understand the issues, we need to go through the 15 chapters of the
book. However, In this graduation thesis, I would like to present a suggested
translation from the source language in English to the target language in Vietnamese
of Chapter 1 with 4,567 words. I will also point out difficulties I face in the
translation process as well as suggest how to analyze English grammar, syntax
structure and semantics of sentences as well as words in this book.
1.3.1. Text Features
This book includes 15 chapters. I decided to translate and analyze chapter 01
of the book “Murder at the Mayfair hotel”. This chapter introduces the story's
environment as well as the characters' distinct personalities. In addition, we also
understand a bit more about the customs that appear in the story.
1.3.2. Text Length
The chapter 1 have 25 pages with 6703 words but the time is limited so I have
translated 4,567 words in length.
1.3.3. Text Source
The chapter 1 comes from the book “ Murder at the Mayfair hotel ” written
by C.J. Archer and published in 2020. This book is available on the internet and can
be easily accessed to read and refer via the following link />1.4 Method of the Study
During my 4 years at university, I have been fully trained to have a wealth of
useful knowledge and experience in the English field. This graduation thesis was
done to support you in developing my vocabulary and knowledge of structures that I
have learnt. This was also a chance for me to display my general understanding of
social and cultural issues. I applied to the following method :
- Selecting the work to be studied;
- Recording all relevant information about the work
- Checking the recorded information
- Conducting in-depth analysis

- Contrasting with theory
- Discussing with advisors and friends

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CHAPTER 2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1. Translation Theory
2.1.1. Definition

The definition of translation is always diverse and innovative. In fact,
depending on the point of view and knowledge of each author, many concepts of
translation appear. Here are a few translation concepts given by famous linguists
around the world:
“Translation is a process of conveying messages across linguistic and
cultural barriers”.
(Tudor Ian, Dr. (1965). About translation theory. Cambridge)
“Translation, as the process of conveying message across linguistic and
cultural barriers, is an eminently communicative activity, one whose use could
well be considered in a wider range of teaching situations than may currently be

the case”.
(Allan Duff. (1989). Translation)
“Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (source
language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language)”.
(Catford, J.C. (1965). A Linguistic Theory of Translation. Oxford)
2.1.2. Types of Translation
J. C. Catford said that: “Translation equivalences may be set up, and
translations performed, between any pair of languages or dialects - “related” or
“unrelated” and with any kind of spatial, temporal, social or other relationship
between them” [1], in the book “A Linguistic Theory of Translation”. (1965:20)
According to J. C. Catford (1965:20), in the book “A Linguistic Theory of
Translation”, there are many types to translation defined in many different criteria,
such as: in terms of extent, levels, rank of translation.; then I decided to quote the
source of some of books to clarify.
Translation According to Extent
Based on the extent, J. C. Catford classified translation into Full Translation
2.1.2.1.

and Partial Translation:
* Full translation: it is a type of translation in which the entire source
language text is reproduced by the target language text materials.
E.g :
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SL: Translation is a compulsory subject for students of English
major.
TL: → Dịch thuật là môn học bắt buộc đối với sinh viên chuyên
Anh ngữ
* Partial translation: There are some parts of the source language that are
not translated but put into the target language.
E.g:
SL: How interesting this gift is!
TL: → Món quà thật tuyệt
2.1.2.2.
Translation According to Levels
In terms of levels, translation is divided into two types by J.C. Catford: Total
Translation and Restricted Translation
* “Total” translation can best be defined that all levels of the SL text are
replaced by target language material. However, actually, there is a misunderstanding
here because of the term “total translation”. We can’t replace all the levels of the
source language to the target language, though total replacement is involved.
E.g:
SL: In fact, there is nothing wrong with Christianity
TL: → Thật vậy, Đấng Christ không có gì sai
* “Restricted” translation means the replacement of source language textual
material by equivalent target language one, but only in one level. Maybe it is
performed only at the phonological or at the graphological level, or at only one of
the two levels of grammar and lexis.
E.g:

SL: Thầy u mình với chúng mình chân quê
TL: → Our parents and we are really the rustics
According to in the book “A Linguistic Theory of Translation” (1965:22), J.
C. Catford mentioned that although phonological or graphological translation can
happen, there can be no analogous “contextual translation”. However, there is no
possibility of replacement the SL “contextual units” by the equivalent TL
“contextual units” without instantaneously replacing the grammatical or lexical
elements. Therefore, the separability of phonology or graphology for translation
intentions and the circumstances is impossible.

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Firstly, Restricted Translation at Phonological Translation, in phonological
translation, the equivalent TL phonology will replace the SL phonology, and there is
only the replacement about grammatical of lexical changes
Bus→ Xe buýt
Champagne→ Sâm banh
Film→ phim
Secondly, Restricted Translation at Graphological

Translation,

in

graphological translation, the equivalent TL graphology will replace the SL
graphology; there are only the again accidental changes without other replacements
Bangladesh→ Băng-la-đét
Singapore→ Sin-ga-po
The process of phonological and graphological translation is more complex,
as both must be contained in a general theory of translation. Besides, Restricted
Translation at the grammatical and lexical levels means the grammar of SL is
substituted by the equivalent grammar in TL; however, lexis is not replaced. There
is only the grammar which is replaced.
E.g: “Ao dai” is one of the traditional costumes of Vietnam”. Because
“Ao dai” is a proper noun, there is no need to translate this word; therefore, I have
the suggested version: “Ao dai” là một trong những trang phục truyền thống của
Việt Nam
2.1.2.3.
Translation According to Rank
Based on the rank, J. C. Catford classified translation into Rank-bound

Translation and Unbounded Translation:
*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-formorpheme equivalence, etc.
E.g: Save for a rainy day → để dành cho ngày mưa
* Unbounded translation: it can move freely up and down the rank-scale.
E.g: Save for a rainy day → để dành/ tiết kiệm cho những lúc cần thiết/
khó khăn trong tương lai
and Methods of Translation

We will handle translation based on precise principles after determining

2.2. Principles

accurate translation techniques. Alan Duff stated the following principles in his
book Blackwell Duff A, (1990), “Translation”, O.U.P.
2.2.1.1.
Meaning
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In “Translation” Alan Duff defines translation meaning as the precise
representation of the original text meaning. As a result, we should not add or
remove anything at will.
E.g:
SL: We all must make sacrifices to achieve our dream
TL:→ Tất cả chúng ta đều phải chấp nhận những sự hi sinh để
đạt được ước mơ
2.2.1.2.
Form

Alan Duff noted in his book "Translation" (1989:10) that the translation must
ensure that the arrangement of words and concepts matches as closely as possible
with the original, particularly in the form and order of words or when translating
legal documents, guarantees, contracts, and so on. However, differnces in language
structure often require adjustments in the form and order of words.
E.g:
SL: I hope you don't mind, sir.
TL: → Tôi hi vọng ngài không phiền, thưa ngài
2.2.1.3.
Register
Languages often differ greatly in their levels of formality in a given context,
for exapmle, the rules and regulations. The translator must distinguish between
formal or fixed expressions and personal expressions, in which the writer or speaker
sets the tone to resolve these differences.
E.g:
SL: No dumping rubbish here!
TL:→ Xin vui lịng khơng vứt rác tại đây
2.2.1.4.
Idiom
According to A.Duff, “Idiomatic expressions are notoriously untranslatable.
These include similes, metaphor, proverbs, sayings (as good as gold), jargons,
slangs, colloquialisms and phrasal verbs.” It is very difficult to translate. So that the
translation process go smoothly, try any of the following
- Preserving the original expression, with a literal explanation in brackets
- Keeping the original word in quotation marks
- Applying an equivalent word
- Using a non-idiomatic or plain prose translation.
Note: The golden rule is that if the idiom does not effect in the target
language, do not oblige it into the translation.
E.g:

SL: As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining.
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TL:→ Trong cái rủi có cái may.
Style and Clarity
Allan Duff, in his translation, the translator should retain the style of the
2.2.1.5.

original. However, if the original text has many mistakes such as incoherence,
boring or repetition in the text without implications, the translator can rectify
mistakes for the reader’s advantage.
E.g:
SL: If they observe a well-ordered house, they will develop good habits of
cleanliness
TL: → Nếu họ thấy nhà cửa ngăn nắp, họ cũng sẽ tập thói quen sống gọn
gàng.
2.2.1.6.
Source Language Influence
The translated version sounds unnatural is one of the most regular erros of

translating. This is because the way translator thinks and chooses words is too
strongly dependent on the original text. Ignoring the original text and translating a
few sentences aloud, from memory. This will suggest natural patterns of thoughts in
the first language, which may not come to mind when the eye is fixed on the source
language text.
E.g:
SL: Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything..
TL: → Mắt mờ, răng rụng, hóa hư vơ
2.2.2. Methods of Translation
Newmark (1988 : 81) mentions the difference between translation methods
and translation procedures. He writes that, "While translation methods relate to
whole texts, translation procedures are used for sentences and the smaller units of
language.” He goes on to refer to the following methods of translation.
2.2.2.1.
Word-for-word Translation
Word-for-word translation is often meant by an interlinear translation with the
target language immediately below the source language words. In the word-forword translation, the word order of the source language will be preserved into the
target language and all the words in the source language will be translated directly
with the most popular meaning that don’t depend on the context. In this case, we
just translate cultural words literally. Word-for-word translation is often used in the
pre-translation process.
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E.g:
SL: I drink coffee every morning. → Tôi uống cà phê mỗi sáng
TL: The weather today is so beautiful → Thời tiết hôm nay là rất
đẹp
Literal Translation
This kind of translation is also consider as a pre-translation process. In the
2.2.2.2.

literal translation, we translate the source language grammatical constructions to
the nearest target language equivalent. However, the lexical words are again
translated singly, don’t depend on the context.
E.g:
SL: The ship must be well built in order to withstand the storms
TL: → Chúng ta phải đóng con tàu thật chắc để chống lại cơn bão
2.2.2.3.
Faithful Translation
This translation simply means the translator aims to convey the author's
intention of the text (what the author was intending to communicate) as faithfully as
possible into another language. It “transfers” cultural words and maintains the
“abnormality” level of grammar and vocabulary (deviation from source language
standards) in the translation. Faithful translation tries to be completely faithful to
the purposes and realization of the source language text of the writer
E.g:
SL: She is as fierce as a lion
TL: → Cô ta dữ như cọp

2.2.2.4.
Semantic Translation
Semantic translation which differs from Faithful translation only in as far as it
must take more account of the aesthetic value of the SL text. It means in the
translation process, translator must refine the completed version to avoid assonance,
word-play or repetition jars. In this cases, it may translate less important cultural
words by culturally neutral third or functional terms but not by cultural equivalents,
and it may make other small concessions to the readership.
E.g:
SL: She really is a bookworm
TL: → Cơ ấy là con mọt sách chính hiệu
2.2.2.5.
Adaptation Translation
Which is the freest form of translation, and is used mainly plays (comedies)
and poetry because it is the “freest” translation form. With adaptation, although the

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themes, characters, and plots are usually preserved, the source language cultures

are converted to the target language culture, and the text is rewritten.
E.g:
SL: “She Walks in Beauty”
TL: → “Bóng Giai Nhân”
2.2.2.6.
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
themoriginal, a so-called “intra-lingual translation”, often prolix, pretentious, and
seemingly non- translated at all.”
E.g:
SL: The film is beyond any words
TL: → Bộ phim hay khơng có gì để chê
2.2.2.7.
Idiomatic Translation
This method reproduces the “message” of the source text by using an
equivalent in the target language. However, in this translation, we must use idioms
in the target language to express for the target language . Idiomatic translation tends
to distort nuances of meaning by favoring colloquialisms and idioms where these do
not exist in the original.
E.g:
SL: You’re уoung and уou ѕhould burn the candle at both endѕ to
ѕucceed
TL: → Bạn còn trẻ bạn nên làm việc cật lực để thành công
2.2.2.8.
Communicative Translation
The Communicative Translation strives to provide the most accurate meaning
of the original context in a way that both content and language are easily accessible
and understandable to readers. It is particularly suitable when translating
conventional formulae or proverbs and it involves some levels of cultural

approximation. Communicative translation aspires to create the same effect created
by the source language text on the target language reader.
E.g:
SL: Her face is all her fortune
TL: → Cơ ấy chẳng có gì ngồi xinh đẹp

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CHAPTER 3. SUGGESTED TRANSLATION
Source Language
[1] LONDON, DECEMBER 1899

Target Language
[1] THỦ ĐÔ LONDON, THÁNG 12

Moving into a luxury hotel in the NĂM 1899
world’s most dynamic city was just the Tôi đến một khách sạn sang trọng ở
tonic I needed. If I had to live with một thành phố năng động nhất thế giới
relatives I hardly knew, what better có lẽ đây là liều thuốc mà tôi cần nhất

place than The Mayfair Hotel? From lúc này. Nu phi sng vi nhng
the look of its magnificent faỗade, I người thân mà tôi gần như không biết,
wouldn’t have to worry about bumping thì cịn nơi nào tốt hơn The Mayfair
into them at every turn. I planted a chứ? Nhìn từ mặt tiền tráng lệ của nó,
hand on my hat and tipped my head tôi sẽ không phải lo lắng về việc đụng
back to take it all in. Like most old phải họ ở mọi ngóc ngách. Tơi đặt một
mansions, it was both elegant and tay lên mũ và ngửa đầu ra sau để giữ
imposing; a grand dame that inspired chặt nó. Giống như hầu hết các dinh
admiration and awe in equal measure. thự cổ, nó vừa trang nhã vừa uy
The top of the fifth level appeared to nghiêm như một vị phu nhân vĩ đại vừa
butt against the dense gray clouds, and khiến người ta ngưỡng mộ vừa e sợ.
I counted seven arches spanning the Đỉnh của tầng thứ năm xuất hiện và
width of the ground floor. I headed for xuyên qua vào những đám mây xám
the central arch, sheltered by a dày đặc, và tôi đếm được bảy mái vòm
burgundy canopy printed with the kéo dài theo chiều rộng của tầng trệt.
hotel’s emblem of an M inside a circle. Tơi tiến đến vịm trung tâm đang được
I recognized it from the stationery my bao phủ bởi một tán cây màu đỏ rượu
aunt used for her infrequent letters.

có in biểu tượng chữ M của khách sạn
bên trong một vịng trịn. Tơi nhận ra
nó từ những tập giấy mà dì tơi thỉnh
thoảng dùng để viết thư.

[2] “Miss,” said one of the two [2] “Thưa cô,” một trong hai người gác
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doormen.

cửa nói.

“Miss, can you hear me?”

“Cơ ơi, cơ có nghe thấy tơi nói khơng?”

“I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?” “Xin lỗi, anh đang nói chuyện với tơi?"
I asked. The doorman regarded me Tơi hỏi. Người gác cửa coi thường nhìn
down his nose.

tơi.

“Are you sure you’re at the right “Cơ có chắc mình đang ở đúng nơi
place?”

khơng?”.

“Is this The Mayfair Hotel?”

“Đây có phải là Khách sạn Mayfair

“It is.”

không?"

“Then I am at the right place.” I “Đúng vậy.”
frowned.

“Vậy thì tơi đến đúng nơi rồi.” Tơi cau

“Why would you think I’m not?”

mày.

His gaze held mine a moment longer “Tại sao anh lại nghĩ tôi nhầm lẫn ?”
than necessary. He was assessing me, Anh ta và tôi chằm chằm nhìn nhau
no doubt trying to determine how a thật lâu. Anh ta đang đánh giá tôi, chắc
young woman alone could afford to chắn rắng anh ta đang cố gắng xác định
stay in a luxury hotel when she wore a xem làm thế nào một phụ nữ trẻ đơn
black cloak with frayed cuffs and a hat độc có thể đủ tiền ở trong một khách
that was at least two seasons out of sạn sang trọng khi cô ta mặc một chiếc
fashion. I did not look away.

áo chồng đen có viền áo nơi cổ tay bị

“Would you like to put down your sờn và đội một chiếc mũ đã lỗi mốt ít
luggage? I’ll have it sent to your room nhất hai mùa. Tơi cũng khơng nhìn đi
with your trunk.”

chỗ khác.

“Cơ có muốn đặt hành lý xuống
khơng? Tơi sẽ mang nó đến phịng
cùng với chiếc rương của cơ. "

[3] The doorman gave a pointed look at [3] Người gác cửa nhìn soi mói vào
Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904


19

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

my battered brown leather bag, his chiếc túi da màu nâu đã rách nát của tôi
mouth turned down in distaste. The bag và bĩu môi ghét bỏ. Cái túi này là của
had belonged to my grandfather. ông nội tôi. Nghĩ về ông khiến tôi rơm
Thinking about him brought tears to rớm nước mắt, tôi thở phào cho qua nỗi
my eyes, but I breathed through my buồn cho đến khi chúng vơi đi. Ông nội
sorrow until they disappeared. He may có lẽ đã chết cách đây 3 năm, nhưng
have died three years ago, but I’d tháng trước tôi vẫn nghĩ về ông rất
thought about him a lot this last month.

nhiều.

“Miss?” The word came out as an “Này cơ?” Anh ta rít một tiếng đầy khó

irritated hiss. I clutched the bag tighter.

chịu. Tôi nắm chặt chiếc túi hơn.

“Thank you, but I’ll keep it with me.”

“Cảm ơn anh, nhưng tơi sẽ giữ nó bên

The

doorman

signaled

to

an mình.” Người gác cửa ra hiệu cho một

extraordinarily tall porter dressed in a người khuân vác cực kỳ cao lớn mặc
smart red jacket and a rimless hat. The chiếc áo khoác đỏ lịch sự và đội chiếc
porter picked up my trunk and hat box mũ không vành. Người khuân vác lấy
and placed them on a trolley. Another rương và hộp đựng mũ của tôi và đặt
doorman opened the door for him to chúng lên một chiếc xe đẩy. Một người
push it through. I adjusted my grip on gác cửa khác đã mở cửa để anh ta đẩy
my bag and hurried after the porter. I nó vào. Tơi chỉnh quai túi của mình và
stopped in the foyer, suddenly out of vội vã chạy theo anh ta. Tôi dừng lại ở
breath, not from the exertion of a few tiền sảnh, hụt hơi, khơng phải vì vài
steps, but from the spectacular sight. I bước mệt nhọc, mà vì cảnh tượng
didn’t know where to look first; there ngoạn mục trước mắt. Tôi không biết
was so much to take in, and the space phải nhìn góc nào trước; có q nhiều

was vast.

thứ để chiêm ngưỡng, và khơng gian
rộng lớn quá.

[4] A Christmas tree festooned with [4] Một cây thơng Noel được trang trí
Student: Trần Xn Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904


20

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

glass baubles, garlands and candles bằng đồ trang sức bằng thủy tinh, vòng
stood proudly in the center of the tiled hoa và nến đứng kiêu hãnh ở trung tâm
floor. It reached an impressive height của sàn lát gạch. Nó đạt đến độ cao ấn
but still fell short of the crystal tượng nhưng vẫn lọt thỏm bởi chiếc
chandelier suspended above it. Three đèn chùm pha lê treo lơ lửng trên đó.
chandeliers hung in the wide foyer, all Ba chiếc đèn chùm treo trong tiền sảnh
ablaze with what appeared to be rộng, tất cả đều thắp sáng rực rỡ bởi
electric bulbs. The bright light staved nhiều bóng đèn. Ánh sáng rực rỡ xua
off the mid-afternoon gloom and tan đi cái u ám giữa buổi chiều và phản
reflected on the shiny tiled floor. chiếu trên sàn lát gạch sáng bóng. Một
Several armchairs in burgundy leather vài ghế bành bằng da màu đỏ rượu đã

were positioned here and there. Two of được đặt ở đây và ở đó. Hai người phụ
them were occupied by elegantly nữ ăn mặc sang trọng đang trò chuyện
dressed ladies chatting amiably to one hòa nhã với nhau. Hoa hồng được cắm
another. Roses arranged in large black trong những chiếc lọ lớn màu đen điểm
vases trimmed with gold added a xuyết màu vàng kim thêm một chút
splash of pink to the foyer’s cream, màu hồng kem, xen kẽ đen và màu đỏ
black and burgundy color scheme. rượu. Ngẫm lại thì hoa hồng sẽ khơng
Considering roses were not in season, nở trong mùa này mới phải, sự phô
the

displays

were

even

more trương càng trở nên ấn tượng hơn.

impressive. The tall porter cleared his Người khuân vác cao hắng giọng. Anh
throat. He stood with my luggage at a ấy đứng cùng hành lý của tôi ở một bàn
counter behind which another man lễ tân có một người đàn ơng khác đứng
stood, smiling patiently.

đằng sau đang mỉm cười kiên nhẫn.

“Would miss like to check in?” he “Q cơ có muốn đăng ký bây giờ
asked.

không?” người lễ tân hỏi tôi.

I approached the counter.

Tơi tiến lại quầy.
[5] “Có. Hay khơng. Tơi cũng không

Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904


21

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

[5] “Yes. Or no. I’m not quite sure.”

chắc lắm.”

“Perhaps I can assist you to make up “Có lẽ tơi có thể giúp cơ quyết định.
your mind. The Mayfair Hotel is a Khách sạn Mayfair là một khách sạn tư
boutique family-owned establishment nhân của dòng tộc với một trăm phòng
of one hundred well-appointed rooms.

được trang hồng đầy đủ. Chúng tơi tự

We pride ourselves on our friendly hào về dịch vụ thân thiện, giá trị gia

service, family values, and modern đình và tiện nghi hiện đại.”
amenities.”

“Mayfair cung cấp tất cả các tiện nghi

“The Mayfair offers all the comforts of

như ở nhà và hơn thế nữa,” chàng lễ

home and more,” the clerk went on.

tân tiếp tục.

A small laugh bubbled out of me. I

Một tiếng cười nhỏ vang lên từ tôi. Tôi

couldn’t help it. If he’d known my

không thể nhịn được. Nếu anh ta biết

previous home was smaller than the

ngôi nhà trước đây của tôi nhỏ hơn

hotel’s foyer, he would have found it

tiền sảnh của khách sạn, thì anh ta

amusing too. But he did not. The smile

cũng sẽ thấy điều đó thật thú vị.

disappeared and a blush infused his

Nhưng anh ấy đã không. Nụ cười biến

cheeks. He looked to the porter, who

mất và một vết ửng hồng trên má anh.

merely blinked at me. I pressed my lips

Anh ta nhìn về phía người khn vác

together until my smile flattened.

vừa nháy mắt với tơi. Tơi mím mơi lại

“I’m sorry for my outburst. I’m sure

cho đến khi nụ cười lắng xuống.

the hotel is wonderful. I am very “Tơi xin lỗi vì sự bộc phát của mình.
impressed with what I’ve seen so far, Tôi chắc chắn rằng khách sạn rất tuyệt
and the service is excellent.” The porter vời. Tôi rất ấn tượng với những gì tơi
puffed out his chest and the smile đã thấy cho đến nay và dịch vụ rất
returned to the clerk’s face.

tuyệt vời. ”

Người khuân vác ưỡn ngực ra và nụ
cười trở lại trên khuôn mặt của chàng
lễ tân.
[6] “Tuy nhiên, anh không cần phải rao

Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904


22

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

[6] “However, you don’t need to sell bán chất lượng của khách sạn cho tôi
the hotel’s qualities to me any further. I nữa. Tôi sẽ khơng gặp bất kì đối thủ
won’t be going to one of your cạnh tranh nào của anh. Và tôi sẽ
competitors. I have no choice but to không lựa chọn khách sạn nào khác
stay here.”

ngoài việc ở lại đây.”

A small crease connected the clerk’s Một nếp nhăn nhỏ kết nối lơng mày
dark brows.

sẫm màu của anh ta.

“No choice?”

“Khơng có lựa chọn?”

“I am Miss Fox.”

“Tôi là Miss Fox.”

The

clerk

glanced

down

at

reservation book.

his Anh ta liếc xuống cuốn sổ đặt phòng
của anh ta.

“Did you telephone ahead? I recall a “Cơ có gọi điện trước khơng? Để tôi
Miss Fox…”

nhớ lại một chút…Miss Fox… ”

“Miss Cleopatra Fox,” I clarified.

“Là Cleopatra Fox,” tơi nói rõ.

He flipped the page and ran his finger Anh lật trang và lướt ngón tay xuống
down the first column.

cột đầu tiên.

“No Miss Foxes here. Perhaps there “Khơng có tên cơ Fox nào ở đây cả. Có
has been a mistake. A very rare lẽ đã có nhầm lẫn. Một nhầm lẫn rất
mistake, you understand. This sort of hiếm gặp, cô hiểu đấy. Điều này hầu
thing almost never happens.” His như không bao giờ xảy ra. ”
frown returned. “Although your name “Mặc dù tên của cô nghe quen quen.”
certainly rings a bell.”

Anh ta vừa nói vừa tiếp tục cau mày.

His gaze slipped past me and he stood Ánh mắt anh ta lướt qua tôi và đột
straighter.

nhiên đứng thẳng hơn.

[7] “Ngài Armitage, thưa ngài, ngài có
Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904

23

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

[7] “Mr. Armitage, sir, would you mind thể giúp đỡ vấn đề của cô Fox khơng.
offering your assistance in the matter of Có vẻ như cơ ấy đã gọi điện trước đó
Miss Fox. It seems she telephoned và đặt phịng, tuy nhiên tơi khơng có
ahead and made a reservation, however ghi chép gì về việc đó .”
I have no record of it.”

Tơi quay người lại và thấy một bóng

I turned to see a dashing figure dressed người bảnh bao mặc áo khốc đen có
in formal black coat with tails. He was đuôi. Anh ta cao với mái tóc đen chải
tall with dark hair brushed back off a ngược với khuôn mặt mà dù bạn có
face that an admirer would call thích hay ghét anh ta thì đều phải cơng
chiseled and a detractor call sharp. I nhận chúng thật sắc sảo. Tuy nhiên, tôi
couldn’t imagine he had too many không thể tưởng tượng nỗi một người
detractors, however. Certainly not of như anh ấy sẽ có nhiều người nói xấu.
the female variety, and particularly Chắc chắn không nhiều phụ nữ làm
when he gave them his full attention, as vậy, và đặc biệt là khi anh ấy dành toàn
he did now to me.

bộ sự quan t âm cho họ, như bây giờ

“Miss Fox.” He held out his hand and I anh ấy đã làm với tôi.
shook it.

“Thưa cơ Fox.” Anh ấy chìa tay ra và

“I’m delighted to meet you. We’ve bắt tay với tôi.
been expecting you.”

“Tôi vui khi được gặp cô. Chúng tôi đã

The clerk frowned down at his đợi cô.”
reservation book again, only to emit a Chàng lễ tân lại cau mày nhìn cuốn sổ
soft “Ah”.

đặt phịng của mình, chỉ phát ra một

He’d realized why my name sounded tiếng nhỏ “Ah”. Anh ấy đã nhận ra tại
familiar yet wasn’t in the book. It sao tên tôi nghe quen thuộc lại khơng
seemed he’d forgotten about my có trong sách. Có vẻ như anh ấy đã
arrival. Mr. Armitage had not.

qn về sự hiện diện của tơi. Nhưng
Armitage thì không.
[8] “Tôi là Harry Armitage, trợ lý giám

Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904


24

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

[8 ] “I’m Harry Armitage, the assistant đốc. Chào mừng đến với Khách sạn
manager. Welcome to The Mayfair Mayfair. ”
Hotel.”

"Cảm ơn anh. Có vẻ như sự xuất hiện

“Thank you. It seems my arrival has của tôi đã làm cho nhân viên của anh
confused your staff. I am sorry,” I said bối rối. Tôi xin lỗi,” tơi nói với người
to the clerk.

lễ tân.

“I was about to tell you that I don’t “Tơi định nói với anh rằng tôi không
have a reservation because I’ve come đặt chỗ trước vì tơi đến sống ở đây,
to live here, but you summoned Mr. nhưng anh đã gọi ngài Armitage trước
Armitage before I had the chance. I khi tơi có cơ hội. Hi vọng anh tha thứ
hope you forgive me.” The clerk cho tôi .” Lễ tân lại đỏ mặt.
blushed again.

“Vâng, thưa cô Fox, cô chắc chắn được

“Yes, Miss Fox, you are certainly tha thứ. Để bào chữa cho chình mình,
forgiven. In my defense, I’d like to tơi muốn nói cô đến sớm một ngày. ”
point out that you’re a day early.”

“Không, tôi đã viết rằng hôm nay tôi sẽ

“No, I wrote that I would arrive today, đến, vào đêm Giáng sinh.”
Christmas Eve.”

“Tôi đã được thông báo về Ngày Giáng

“I was told Christmas Day”. The sinh.” Ánh mắt của nhân viên lướt qua
clerk’s gaze flicked to Mr. Armitage.

ơng Armitage. Ơng Armitage ra hiệu

Mr. Armitage signaled for a second cho một người khuân vác thứ hai đi
porter to join us.

cùng chúng tôi.

“Please inform Mrs. Kettering that “Hãy thông báo cho bà Kettering rằng
Miss Fox has arrived. There appears to cô Fox đã đến. Có vẻ như đã có sự
have been a mistake and she is a day nhầm lẫn và cô ấy đến sớm một ngày. "
early.”

“Thực ra, tôi đến đúng hẹn” tơi nói khi

“Actually, I’m on time,” I said as the người khuân vác thứ hai biến mất vào
second porter disappeared into the cánh của tiền sảnh.
wing of the foyer.
[9] “Tơi đã viết cho dì của tơi rằng tơi
Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904


25

Graduation Paper

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Dieu Tram, M.A.

[9] “I wrote to my aunt that I would sẽ đến vào ngày 24.”
arrive on the twenty-fourth.”

“Dì của cơ ư?” người lễ tân hỏi.

“Your aunt?” the clerk asked.

“Quý bà Bainbridge? Vậy thì tốt.”

“Lady Bainbridge? Well then.”

Tôi đợi thêm chút nữa, nhưng nhân

I waited for more, but the clerk merely viên chỉ đơn thuần tía mặt một lần nữa
blushed again as Mr. Armitage turned khi ông Armitage hết sức trừng mắt
the full force of a stern glare onto him.

nhìn anh ta.

“Thank you, Peter, you have a guest “Cảm ơn Peter, cậu có một vị khách
waiting,” Mr. Armitage said.

đang đợi,” ơng Armitage nói.

Peter the clerk nodded quickly then Peter, gật đầu nhanh chóng rồi nở nụ
turned on his smile for the next guest. cười tươi với vị khách tiếp theo. Tôi
I stepped aside so he could serve the bước sang một bên để anh ta có thể
newcomer. Mr. Armitage instructed the phục vụ người mới. Ông Armitage
tall porter to take my trunk and hat box hướng dẫn người khuân vác cao to lấy
up to my room. I passed him my bag, vali và hộp đựng mũ của tơi lên phịng.
feeling somewhat foolish now for Tơi đưa cho anh ấy túi của mình và
refusing to do so outside. It wasn’t cảm thấy hơi ngu ngốc vì đã từ chối
going to be stolen in a place like this. làm như vậy khi ở bên ngồi. Nó sẽ
The porter headed off with my things, không bị đánh cắp ở một nơi như thế
but not to the nearby stairs. He này. Người khuân vác đi với đồ của tôi,
disappeared around the corner at the far nhưng không đến cầu thang gần đó.
end of the foyer. If my things were to Anh ta biến mất quanh góc ở cuối tiền
be taken up to my room, why did the sảnh. Nếu đồ đạc của tôi đã được mang
porter not take the stairs?

lên phòng, tại sao người khuân vác

“May I offer my deepest condolences không đi cầu thang?
on the loss of your grandmother,” Mr. Ơng Armitage nói: “Tơi xin gửi lời chia
Armitage said.

buồn sâu sắc về sự ra đi của bà nội cô”
[10] Sự ấm áp trong đơi mắt và giọng
nói của anh ấy gần như cuốn lấy tôi, cả

Student: Trần Xuân Vy

Class: K24NAB1

Code 24203114904