Translation unit 3 (Tiếng Anh chuyên ngành ESP)

TRANSLATION 1
Unit 3


Translation Strategies


II. Transferring meaning at above word level

2. Idioms and Fixed Expressions
The main problems that idiomatic and fixed
expressions pose in translation relate to two
main areas:
• the ability to recognize and interpret an idiom
correctly; and
• the difficulties involved in rendering the various
aspects of meaning that an idiom or a fixed
expression conveys into the TL.


II. Transferring meaning at above word level

2. Idioms and Fixed Expressions
a) Recognizing and interpreting idioms
Some idioms are more easily recognizable than
others.
• Expressions which violate truth conditions
It’s raining cats and dogs; storm in a tea cup
• Expressions which seem ill-formed
by and large; put paid to sth
• Some expressions which start with like

like water off a duck’s back; like a bat out of hell


II. Transferring meaning at above word level

2.
b)

•
•
•
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Idioms and Fixed Expressions
The translation of idioms: strategies
Using an idiom of similar meaning and form
Out of sight, out of mind: xa mặt cách lòng
A drowning man will catch at a straw: chết đuối
vơ cả cọng rơm
Great minds think alike: chí lớn gặp nhau
There is no smoke without fire: không có lửa
sao có khói


II. Transferring meaning at above word level

2. Idioms and Fixed Expressions
b) The translation of idioms: strategies
 Using an idiom of similar meaning but
dissimilar form

• A storm in a tea-cup: chuyện bé xé ra to
• A clear conscience laughs at false
accusations: cây ngay không sợ chết đứng
• To count one’s chicken before they are
hatched: chưa đỗ ông Nghè đã đe hàng tổng


II. Transferring meaning at above word level


II. Transferring meaning at above word level


II. Transferring meaning at above word level


II. Transferring meaning at above word level


II. Transferring meaning at above word level
Exercises