Lý thuyết dịch phần 2 Ehou Đại học mở hà nội

1. The kinds of translation?

Translation is the process of converting text or spoken words from one language
into another. There are different types of translation, each serving specific purposes
and contexts. Here are some common kinds of translation:
Literal Translation:

Also known as word-for-word translation, it involves translating text exactly as it
appears in the source language without considering idiomatic expressions or
cultural nuances.
Free Translation:

This approach focuses on conveying the meaning of the text rather than translating
it word-for-word. It allows for more flexibility and adaptation of the content to fit
the target language's cultural and linguistic norms.
Dynamic Equivalence:
Developed by linguist Eugene Nida, dynamic equivalence aims to capture the
meaning and intent of the source text while adapting the language and cultural
elements to make it more natural and understandable in the target language.
Cultural Adaptation:
This involves not only translating the language but also adapting the content to the
cultural context of the target audience. It considers cultural references, idioms, and

customs to ensure the translation is culturally appropriate.
Technical Translation:

Focuses on translating technical documents, manuals, and texts that require

specialized knowledge in a particular field, such as scientific, medical, legal, or
engineering translations.
Literary Translation:

Involves translating literary works such as novels, poems, and plays. This type of
translation requires not only linguistic skills but also an understanding of the
literary and cultural context to maintain the style, tone, and artistic elements of the

original work.

Legal Translation:


Deals with the translation of legal documents, contracts, court proceedings, and
other legal materials. Accuracy and precision are crucial in legal translation to
ensure the integrity of the legal content.
Medical Translation:

Involves translating medical documents, patient records, research papers, and other
healthcare-related materials. Translators in this field need a strong understanding of
medical terminology in both source and target languages.
Audiovisual Translation:

Encompasses the translation of audiovisual content such as movies, TV shows, and

videos. Subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over are common techniques used in
audiovisual translation.
Machine Translation (MT):

2. What is the relationship between translation and culture?
The relationship between translation and culture is intricate and profound. Culture
plays a crucial role in shaping language, and when translating content from one
language to another, it's essential to consider cultural nuances to convey the
meaning accurately. Here are key aspects of the relationship between translation

and culture:
Cultural Nuances:

Languages are deeply embedded in culture, and many words or expressions may
carry cultural meanings that are not easily translatable. Translators must navigate
these nuances to ensure that the translated text is culturally appropriate and
conveys the intended meaning.
Idiomatic Expressions:
Every language has its own set of idioms and expressions that may not have direct
equivalents in another language. Translators need to find culturally appropriate
ways to convey the intended meaning without using literal translations that might
sound awkward or confusing.
Cultural References:

Texts often contain references to specific cultural elements, historical events, or

traditions that may not be familiar to speakers of another language. Translators


must either provide explanations or find equivalent references that resonate with
the target audience.
Tone and Style:
The tone and style of communication can vary significantly between cultures. A
humorous tone in one culture might not have the same effect in another. Translators
need to adapt the style to match the cultural expectations of the target audience.
Sensitivity to Cultural Sensibilities:
Translators must be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid translations that may
be offensive or inappropriate in the target culture. This includes considerations of
gender roles, politeness levels, and taboos.
Cultural Adaptation:

Some translations go beyond linguistic conversion and involve adapting the
content to fit the cultural context. This is particularly important in marketing,
literature, and other creative works where cultural resonance is crucial.
Localisation:

Localization is an extension of translation that involves not only translating content
but also adapting it to the local culture. This includes modifying images, formats,
and even changing certain elements to better align with cultural expectations.
Cultural Competence of Translators:
Translators need to possess cultural competence, which involves an understanding
of both the source and target cultures. This knowledge allows them to make
informed decisions about how to translate content in a way that is accurate and
culturally sensitive.
Multilingual and Multicultural Societies:
In multicultural and multilingual societies, translation is essential for effective
communication between different linguistic and cultural groups. It helps bridge
gaps and fosters understanding among diverse communities.
In summary, translation and culture are deeply intertwined. Successful translation
requires not only linguistic proficiency but also a keen awareness of cultural
subtleties and an ability to navigate the cultural landscape to convey meaning
accurately and effectively in the target language and culture.


3. What is cultural transposition? How many kinds of cultural
transposition are there? What are they?
Cultural transposition refers to the process of adapting cultural elements from one
context to another, often involving a change in medium or form. This can occur in
various creative works, such as literature, art, film, and music. The goal is to make the
cultural elements more accessible or relatable to a different audience while considering
the cultural context of the new setting.

There are several kinds of cultural transposition, each involving different approaches to
adapting and transforming cultural elements. Here are some common types:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Literal Transposition:
e This involves a straightforward adaptation of cultural elements from one
context to another without significant modification. It aims to retain the
original cultural features as closely as possible.
Parody and Satire:
e Cultural transposition can take the form of parody or satire, where cultural
elements are intentionally exaggerated or distorted to create humor or
commentary on the original culture.
Cultural Fusion:
e Incultural fusion, elements from different cultures are combined to create
something new. This can result in a blending of traditions, aesthetics, or
themes to form a unique cultural synthesis.
Modernization:
e Cultural transposition can involve updating or modernizing cultural

elements to make them relevant to contemporary audiences. This may
include changes in language, technology, or social norms.
Cultural Appropriation:
e While not always viewed positively, cultural appropriation involves
borrowing elements from one culture by another. This can be a
contentious issue, especially if it is done without understanding or respect
for the cultural context.
Reinterpretation:
e Reinterpretation involves taking cultural elements and presenting them in
a new light, offering a fresh perspective on their meaning or significance.
Cultural Translation:
e Cultural translation is a broader concept that encompasses the adaptation
of cultural elements across different contexts. It can involve not only


8.

9.

linguistic translation but also the adaptation of cultural practices, symbols,
and meanings.
Cross-Cultural Storytelling:
e This involves telling stories that incorporate cultural elements from
different traditions, promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse
cultures.
Cultural Homogenization:
e Insome cases, cultural transposition may lead to the homogenization of
cultural elements, where distinct characteristics are blended or diluted to
suit a broader, more universal audience.

It's important to note that the success and ethical considerations of cultural
transposition depend on the sensitivity, respect, and understanding with which it is
executed. In some instances, cultural transposition can lead to increased cross-cultural
understanding, while in others, it may raise questions about authenticity and
representation.
4. What are pre-translation considerations when translating?

Before starting the translation process, it's crucial to take into account various
pre-translation considerations to ensure a successful and accurate outcome.
Here are key factors to consider:
Understanding the Purpose and Audience:
Clearly understand the purpose of the translation. Is it for informational,
promotional, educational, or entertainment purposes? Identify the target
audience and tailor the translation to meet their expectations and cultural
context.

Gathering Reference Materials:
Collect all relevant reference materials, including glossaries, style guides,
previous translations (if available), and any specific instructions or preferences
from the client. These materials provide valuable guidance and maintain
consistency.
Researching the Subject Matter:
Familiarize yourself with the content and subject matter of the text. This is
especially important for technical, scientific, or specialized content where
accurate terminology and context are crucial.


Understanding Cultural Nuances:
Consider cultural nuances and sensitivities associated with the source and target
languages. Ensure that the translation is culturally appropriate and avoids

misunderstandings or potential offensive content.
Identifying Regional Variations:
Be aware of regional language variations and preferences within the target
language. This is particularly important for languages spoken in different
countries or regions with distinct linguistic characteristics.
Setting Expectations with the Client:
Clearly communicate with the client or requester to establish expectations
regarding the style, tone, and specific requirements for the translation. Address
any questions or concerns upfront to avoid misunderstandings later in the
process.
Defining Style and Tone:
Determine the appropriate style and tone for the translation based on the nature
of the content and the intended audience. Consider whether a formal, informal,

technical, or creative style is most suitable.
Considering Text Format and Layout:
If the translation involves documents with specific formatting or layout
requirements, take these into account. Ensure that the translated text fits
seamlessly within the intended format.
Using CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) Tools:
If applicable, decide whether to use CAT tools for the translation process. These
tools can assist with terminology consistency, speed up the translation process,
and provide helpful features for managing large projects.
Planning for Revisions and Proofreading:
Establish a plan for revisions and proofreading. Allocate time for reviewing the
translated text to catch any errors, improve clarity, and ensure overall quality.
Maintaining Confidentiality:


If the content is sensitive or proprietary, discuss and implement measures to

maintain confidentiality and protect the client's information.
By addressing these pre-translation considerations, translators can lay a solid
foundation for a successful and accurate translation process that meets the needs
and expectations of both the client and the target audience.
5. What is translation process? How many steps are there in the
translation process?
The translation process is a series of steps that a translator follows to convert text or
content from one language (the source language) into another language (the target
language). The process involves a combination of linguistic, cultural, and contextual
considerations to ensure an accurate and meaningful rendition of the original text. The
translation process typically includes the following stages:
1.

2.

3.

4.

Analysis:
e The translator begins by thoroughly reading and analyzing the source text
to understand its meaning, context, and intended audience. This step
involves identifying any challenging or ambiguous terms, cultural
references, and nuances that require special attention.
Research:
e If the source text contains specialized or technical terms, the translator
conducts research to ensure accurate understanding and appropriate
translation. This may involve consulting dictionaries, glossaries, reference
materials, and subject matter experts.
Glossary and Terminology Creation:

e Translators often create a glossary or terminology list to maintain
consistency in translating key terms throughout the document. This helps
ensure that the same terms are translated consistently each time they
appear.
Drafting (Translation):

e

5.

The actual translation takes place in this stage. The translator converts the
content from the source language to the target language while
considering linguistic nuances, cultural appropriateness, and the specific
requirements of the target audience.
Review and Revision:
e After completing the initial draft, the translator reviews and revises the
translated text. This step focuses on refining the language, improving
clarity, and addressing any issues identified during the translation process.


6.

Editing:
e An additional layer of editing may involve reviewing the translation for
grammar, syntax, punctuation, and overall linguistic quality. This step
ensures that the final translation meets high linguistic standards.
7. Proofreading:
e The proofreading stage is crucial for identifying and correcting errors,
typos, and inconsistencies. It involves a careful examination of the entire
document to ensure accuracy and polish.

8. Client or Subject Matter Expert Review:
e Depending on the nature of the translation, the translated content may be
reviewed by the client, subject matter experts, or other stakeholders. This
step helps ensure that the translation aligns with the client's expectations
and meets industry standards.
9. Quality Assurance:
e Some translation projects may involve quality assurance checks,
particularly in large-scale or collaborative projects. This step may include
additional verification processes to maintain translation consistency and
accuracy.
10. Finalization:
e Once all revisions and reviews are complete, the finalized translation is
delivered to the client or published as needed. The translator may also
provide additional information or guidance on the translated content.
It's important to note that the translation process is iterative, and translators may revisit
earlier stages as needed to address issues or refine the translation. Additionally, the use
of technology, such as Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, may be integrated
into the process to enhance efficiency and consistency.
6. What is faithful translation? (trung thuc)
A faithful translation, also known as a literal or word-for-word translation, is an

approach in which the translator prioritizes preserving the exact meaning and
structure of the source text as closely as possible in the target language. The
goal is to maintain faithfulness to the original content without significant
reinterpretation or adaptation.
Key characteristics of a faithful translation include:


Linguistic Accuracy: The translated text aims to accurately reflect the meaning
of each word, phrase, and sentence from the source language into the target

language.
Structural Integrity: The syntactic and grammatical structures of the source text
are mirrored in the translation. This includes maintaining the same sentence
structure, word order, and grammatical conventions.

Minimal Interpretation: The translator refrains from adding or omitting
information unless absolutely necessary for linguistic reasons. The focus is on
reproducing the source text faithfully rather than introducing the translator's
interpretation.
Preservation of Idiomatic Expressions: Idiomatic expressions and cultural
nuances are translated in a way that preserves their meaning in the source
language, even if they may sound unusual or less idiomatic in the target
language.
While faithful translation ensures a close correspondence between the source
and target texts, it may encounter challenges, especially when dealing with
idiomatic expressions, cultural references, or linguistic structures that don't have
direct equivalents in the target language. As a result, a faithful translation may
sometimes sacrifice naturalness in favor of accuracy.
Faithful translation is often employed in contexts where precision and accuracy
are paramount, such as legal documents, technical manuals, and scientific texts.
However, for creative works, marketing materials, and other content where

Stylistic and cultural adaptation is important, a more flexible approach that
allows for cultural transposition and adaptation might be preferred.
It's essential for translators to consider the purpose, audience, and nature of the
text when deciding on the level of faithfulness in translation. Striking the right
balance between faithfulness and readability is key to producing an effective
and culturally appropriate translation.
7. What is adaptation translation? Give one example
Dich chun thê là øì? Cho một ví dụ

Adaptation translation, also known as dynamic equivalence or functional
equivalence, is an approach where the translator focuses on conveying the
meaning and intent of the source text rather than adhering strictly to the form


or structure of the original language. The goal is to ensure that the translated
text is natural and culturally appropriate for the target audience, even if it
means deviating from a literal word-for-word translation.
Here's an example to illustrate adaptation translation:
Source Text (English):

"The early bird catches the worm."
Literal Translation (Spanish):
"El pajaro madrugador atrapa al gusano."
Adaptation Translation (Spanish):
"Quien madruga, coge el gusano."
In this example, the literal translation in Spanish preserves the structure of
the English proverb, but it may sound less natural to Spanish speakers. The
adaptation translation provides an equivalent proverb commonly used in
Spanish, conveying the same proverbial wisdom about the benefits of early
rising. The adaptation takes into account the cultural context and linguistic
nuances of the target language, resulting in a more idiomatic and relatable
expression for the Spanish-speaking audience.
8. What is free translation?
Free translation, also known as liberal or sense-for-sense translation, is an

approach that prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the source text
rather than sticking closely to its specific words or structure. This method
allows for more flexibility and adaptation to the linguistic and cultural
characteristics of the target language. Free translation is often used in creative

works, literature, and when cultural nuances need to be emphasized.
9. What should you do to translate a text idiomatically?

Translating a text idiomatically involves capturing the meaning and cultural
nuances of idioms in the source language while expressing them naturally in
the target language. Here are some strategies to achieve idiomatic
translations:
Understand the Idiom:
Gain a deep understanding of the idioms in the source language. Research
their origins, cultural connotations, and the situations in which they are
commonly used.
Identify Equivalent Idioms:


Look for idiomatic expressions in the target language that convey a similar
meaning or sentiment. Sometimes, idioms are unique to a language or
culture, but finding equivalents can help maintain the idiomatic feel.
Consider Cultural Context:
Take into account the cultural context of both the source and target
languages. Ensure that the translated idiom is culturally appropriate and
resonates with the target audience.
Prioritize Meaning Over Literal Translation:
Idioms are often culture-specific, and a literal translation may not convey the
intended meaning idiomatically. Focus on capturing the essence and intended
message of the idiom rather than translating word-for-word.
Adapt to Linguistic Nuances:
Be aware of linguistic nuances and variations in how idioms are expressed in
different languages. Pay attention to colloquialisms, regional differences,
and the stylistic preferences of the target language.
Use Analogies or Similar Cultural References:

If an exact equivalent is not available, use analogies or similar cultural
references that convey a comparable concept or imagery. This helps in
maintaining the idiomatic flavor.
Consider the Tone and Style:
Match the tone and style of the idiomatic expression in the source language
with equivalent tone and style in the target language. This includes
considering formal or informal language, humor, or any other stylistic
elements.
Consult Native Speakers:
Seek input from native speakers of the target language to ensure that the
translated idiom feels natural and idiomatic to them. Native speakers can
provide valuable insights into cultural nuances and language usage.
Test the Translation:

If possible, test the translated idioms with individuals who are proficient in both
languages to gather feedback. This step helps refine the translation and ensures
its effectiveness in conveying the intended meaning.


Be Creative and Flexible:

Idiomatic translation often requires creativity and flexibility. Don't be afraid to
adapt the wording to make the translation idiomatic while staying true to the
original meaning.
Remember that idiomatic expressions are inherently tied to culture and
language, and achieving idiomatic translation requires a combination of
linguistic skill, cultural awareness, and creativity. It's an art that involves
balancing fidelity to the original expression with the need to resonate
authentically in the target language.