GIÁO TRÌNH lý THUYẾT DỊCH ANH văn (TRANSLATION THEORY)

TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC DUY TÂN
KHOA TIẾNG ANH
BỘ MÔN: ANH VĂN BIÊN PHIÊN DỊCH
Biên soạn: NGUYỄN MẠNH QUANG

GIÁO TRÌNH

LÝ THUYẾT DỊCH ANH VĂN
(TRANSLATION THEORY)

LƯU HÀNH NỘI BỘ
Đà Nẵng, năm 2019


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LESSON ONE:
ASPECTS OF TRANSLATION
I. Introduction
1. Translation Theory Identification
Translation theory is involved in a certain type of relation between languages and is
consequently a branch of comparative linguistics. Translation may be set up and is
performed between any pair of languages or dialects "related" or "unrelated" and with any
kind of spatial, temporal, social and other relationship between them.
Relations between languages can generally be regarded as two-directional, though not
always symmetrical. Translation, as a process, is always uni-directional: It is always
performed in a given direction, "FROM" a source language (SL) "INTO" a target one (TL).

Translation theory's main concern is to determine suitable translation approaches for a
widest possible range of texts or text-categories. It also provides a framework of principles,
limited rules, "tricks" for the sake of translation or interpretation, and a background for
problem solution. In some cases, it can demonstrate procedures and the various arguments

for and against the use of one translation rather than another in a particular context. It
should be noted that translation Is concerned with choices and decisions, not with the
mechanics of either the SL or the TL.
2. Definitions
1. Translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by
equivalent textual material in another language (target language). (J.C. Catford)
2. Translation is a process of transferring a message from this language into another
language in the way the author intended the text.
(Peter Newnmrk)
3. Translation is the process of conveying messages across cultures and their languages.
(Dr Ian Tudor)
The term "textual material" in the definition (1) shows a fact that not the entirety of a source
language text is replaced by target language equivalents. At one or more levels of language,
there may be simple replacement by non-equivalent target language material.
Eg: If we translate the English text "What time is it?" into French as "Quelle heure est-il?",
there is a replacement of source language (English) grammar and lexis. There is also
replacement of source language graphology by target language one, but the target language
graphological form is by no means a translation equivalent of the source language
graphological form.
Moreover, at one or more levels, there may be no replacement at all, but simple transference
of source language material into a target language text.


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The central problem of translation practice is that of finding target language translation
equivalents. A central task of translation theory is that of finding the nature and conditions
of translation equivalence.
II. Types of Categories
Types of categories of translation may be defined in terms of extent, levels, and ranks of
translation.

I. Full vs Partial Translation
This distinction relates to the extent (in a syntagmatic sense) of source language text which
is submitted to the translation process. The text may be a book, a simple volume, a chapter,
a paragraph, a sentence, a clause, etc. It may also be a figment, not co-existence with any
formal literacy or linguistic unit.
In a "full" translation, the entire text is submitted to the translation process; that is every
part of the source language text is replaced with target language text material. In a "partial"
translation, some part or parts of the source language text are left non-translated: they are
simply transferred to and incorporated in the target language text
Eg: * "Full" translation:
There has been a dramatic rise in house prices this year.
Đã có một sự gia tăng về giá nhà ở trong năm nay.
(Or: Năm nay giá nhà ở đã tăng mạnh)
* "Partial" translation:
Chẳng còn nghi ngờ gì nữa. No doubt/ Undoubtedly/ Apparently...
(Not: There is no doubt or: There is not doubt any longer)
Thế kỷ 21 sẽ chứng kiến một thực tế giảm đà sinh sản....
Birth will decrease in the 21st century...

In "partial" translation, the process of transferring source language lexical items into a
target language text is more complex than appears at first sight, seeming to remain "nontranslated".
2. Total vs restricted translation
This distinction relates to the levels of language involved in translation.
In "total" translation, all levels of source language text are replaced with target language
material. Strictly speaking, "total" translation is a misleading term, since, though total
replacement is involved, it is not replacement with equivalent at all levels.
In "total" translation, source language grammar and lexis are replaced with equivalent target
language grammar and lexis. This replacement entails the replacement of source language

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phonology/ graphology with target language phonology/ graphology, but this is not
normally replacement with target language equivalents.
Eg: a. Poverty is no sin -> Đói nghèo khơng phải là tội lỗi.
b. Have you ever been to Nha Trang ? Anh đã bao giờ đến Nha Trang chưa?
In "restricted" translation, source language is replaced with equivalent one at only one level
(phonologically/ graphologically) or at only one of the two levels of grammar and lexis.
Eg: New York- Niu - Ooc
3. Phonological Translation
In this translation, the main thing is source language phonology is replaced with equivalent
target language one, but there are hardly other important replacements.
Eg: hippie - híp pi karate ka-ra- tê
In phonological translation, sometimes grammatical or lexical changes may result
accidentally. For example, an English plural such as "cats" may become a "singular cat"
when the target language has no final consonant clusters.
4. Graphological Translation
Source language graphology is replaced with equivalent target one without other
considerable replacements.
Eg zero - dê rô
Both phonological and graphological translation must be included in a general theory of
translation because they help throw light on the conditions of translation equivalence, and
hence on the more complex process of "total" translation.
5. Transliteration
This is a complex process involving phonological translation with the addition of
phonology - graphology correlation at both ends of the process, i.e. in source and target
language. First, source language graphological units are replaced with corresponding source
language phonological units. Then these source language phonological units are translated
into equivalent target language phonological units. Finally the target language phonological
units are replaced with corresponding target language graphological units.
Eg: Washington Oa-sinh-tơn

London Lon-don/ Luân đôn
Scandal Xi-cang-dan
6. Free, Literal, and Word-for-Word Translation
A "free" translation is always unbounded while "word-for-word" translation generally
means what it says. "Literal" translation lies between these extremes. It may start from a
"word-for-word" translation, but changes in conformity with target language grammar (e.g.


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inserting additional words, changing structures, etc). This may make it a group-group or
clause-clause translation.
Eg
a. It's raining cats and dogs.
1. Nó đang mưa các con mèo và các con chó, (Word -for- word)
2. Trời đang mưa như chó và mèo cãi nhau. (Literal)
3. Trời mưa tầm tã/ mưa như trút nước. (Free)
5. She is second to none.
1. Cô ấy là thứ hai đến không ai. (Word -for- word)
2. Cô ấy không là thứ hai đối với bất kỳ ai. (Literal)
3. Cô ấy không bao giờ chịu thua/ lép vế ai.. (Free)
By these, only (3) - the free translation - is interchangeable with the SL text in a situation
where the addressee/ listener/ reader is looking forward to being able to understand from his
language.


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TASK 1
QUESTIONS
1.What is translation? (At least 2 definitions)
2. What is the central problem of translation/translation theory? Give some examples for

illustration.
3. How many types of translation are there? Give one example for each type.
4. According to you, what is generally the most popular way of translation? What is the
most effective way? The most familiar way particularly by students?
5. Build up some more examples for type 6.
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LESSON TWO:
METHODS AND PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION
I. Methods of Translation
1. Word-for-Word Translation
This is often demonstrated as interlinear translation with the TL (target language)
immediately below the SL (source language) words. The SL word order is preserved, and
the words arc translated singly by their most common meanings, out of context. Cultural
words are translated literally. The main use of word-for-word translation is either to
understand the mechanics of the SL or to construct a difficult text as a pre-translation
process.
Eg: Honda told to put brakes on new car prices.
(Honda da bao de phanh veto/ len moi xe cdc gia) (?)
Mẹ trịn con vng (Mother round child square) (?)
2. Literal Translation
The SL grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest TL equivalents, but the
lexical words are again translated singly out of context. As a pre-translation process, this
indicates the problem to be solved.
Eg: Bao giờ cho đến tháng Mười- When will October come? (?)
I used to be crazy about her - Tôi đã từng điên khùng về cô ấy (?)
3. Faithful Translation
A faithful translation attempts to reproduce the precise contextual meaning of the original
meaning within the constraints of the TL grammatical structures. It "transfers" cultural
words and preserves the degree of grammatical and lexical "abnormality" in the translation.
It attempts to be completely faithful to the intentions and the text realization of the SL

writer.
Eg: Bao giờ cho đến tháng Mười- When will the tenth month come? (?)
Love me, love my dog - u tơi u con chó của tơi (?)
4. Semantic Translation
This method must pay more attention to the aesthetic value (that is, the beautiful an natural
sound) of the SL text, compromising on "meaning" where appropriate so that no assonance,
word-play or repetition jars in the finished version. Furthermore, 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. The distinction
between "faithful" and "semantic" translation is that the first is uncompromising and
dogmatic while the second is more flexible, admits the creative exception to 100% of
fidelity and allows for translator's intuitive empathy with the original.


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Eg: Then the lime returns as it once appeared - Rồi con tạo xoay vần.
A serene feeling pervaded my soul. - Một cảm giác thanh tịnh lẻn vào hồn tôi.
5. Adaptation
This is the "freest" form of translation, used mainly for plays (comedies) and poetry. The
themes, characters, plots are usually preserved, the SL culture is converted to the TL one,
and the text is rewritten.
6. Free Translation
This method reproduces the matter without the manner, or the content without the form of
the original. Usually, it is a paraphrase much longer than the original, a so-called "intralingual translation", often prolix, pretentious, and seemingly non-translated at all.
Eg: Shall we go for a blow? Chúng ta đi dạo mát/ hóng gió nhé?
Have a good trip! Chúc thượng lộ bình an!
7. Idiomatic Translation
This produces the "message" of the original again but tends to distort the nuances of
meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms where these do not exist in the original.
Eg:

As rich as Rockerfeller ? Giàu như Thạch Sùng
I'm afraid it's job news.- Tôi e rằng đây là tin buồn.
The boy wants to go and see Mr John. - Cậu bé muốn đi vệ sinh.
8. Communicative Translation
This method attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in such a
way that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the
readership. This translation is rather often news on radio or in newspapers. Sometimes
communicative and semantic translation may coincide with each other.
Eg:
Lái xe khi bạn không tỉnh táo là rất nguy hiểm- You shouldn't drive without concentration /
No awareness is dangerous for driving,
He was denied the door. - Anh ấy đến nhưng không được tiếp.
II. Principles of Translation
Although this is not a theoretical work, students may follow some guidelines on hoi to help
themselves to evaluate their own work. Below are some general principle, which arc
relevant to all translation.
1. Meaning


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The translation should reflect accurately the meaning of original text. Nothing should be
arbitrarily added or moved, though occasionally part of the meaning can be "transpose". For
example, "he was limp with fatigue" might become " An ta met men no thong dung Len
no".
Ask yourself:
1. Is the meaning of original text clear? If not, where does the uncertainty lie?
2. Are there any underlying implications?
Eg: "Correct me if I'm wrong" suggests "I know I'm right".
3. Is the dictionary meaning of a particular word the most suitable one?
Eg: Might "khả năng" in Vietnamese be "ability" in English in an idea like this:

"Khả năng anh ta đến được"? (You can have a lot of English words in a dictionary for this
meaning: capacity, ability, possible, possibility, can...)
4. Does anything in the translation sound unnatural or forced?
Eg: She did it with the reluctance - Cô ấy làm việc với sự miễn cưỡng. (?)
Diplomatic turn "khúc quẹo" ngoại giao (?)
2. Form
The order of words and ideas in the translation should match that in the original as closely
as possible. This is particularly in the form and order of words. When in doubt, underline in
the original text the words on which the main stress falls. In English, emphasis or main
stress can be obtained through inversion of word order and using different structures such as
No sooner...than..., It is/was ... that (who)..., Only by..., etc.
Eg: It is the ideal condition of the "equal start" which only our most progressive forms of
modern education try to regain.
Đó là điều kiện lý tưởng của sự khởi đầu bình đẳng mà chỉ có hình thức giáo dục hiện đại
tiến bộ nhất của chúng ta cố gắng đạt lại. (?)
- It hadn't been until the early century that geothermal energy was found.
Nó đã là khơng cho đến đầu thế kỷ này mà năng lượng địa nhiệt được phát hiện (?)
3. Register
Languages often differ greatly in their levels of formality in a given context (say, in a
business letter). To resolve these differences, the translator must distinguish between formal
and fixed expressions, (Eg: Please find enclose/ Please do not fold.../ We would like to
express our gratitude to...)
Consider also:
a. Would any expression in the original sound too formal/ informal, cold/warm, personal/
impersonal if translated literally?


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b. What is the intention of the writer or speaker? (to persuade/ dissuade, apologize,
criticize?) Does it come through in the translation?

4. Source language influence
One of the most frequent criticisms of translation is that "It doesn't sound natural"
This is because the translator's thoughts and choice of words are too strongly moulded by
the original text. A good way of shaking off the SL influence is to set the text aside and
translate a few sentences aloud from memory. This will suggest natural patterns of thought
in the first language (target language), which may not come in mind when the eyes are fixed
on the SL text.
5. Idiom
Idiomatic expressions are notoriously untranslatable. These include similes, metaphors,
proverbs, sayings, jargons, slangs, colloquialisms and phrasal verbs. If the expressions
cannot be directly translated, try any of the following:
- Retain the original word, in inverted commas:
Eg: nhac "pop”, Doi Moi" Process.
- Retain the original expression, with a literal explanation in brackets:
Eg: Rồng đến nhà tôm. (A superior comes to visit his inferior)
Rừng vàng biển bạc. (prosperous wealth)
- Use a close equivalents:
Eg: Sơng có khúc, người có lúc. (Every dog has its/ his day)
Muộn cịn hơn khơng (Better late than never)
- Use a non-itliomalic or plain prose translation:
Eg: A bit over the top. (Hơi quá)
Honesty is the best policy. (Trung thực là đáng quý)
Note: The golden rule is if the idiom does not work in the target language, do not force it
into translation.
6. Style and Clarity
The translator in general should not change the style of the original. But if the text is
sloppily written, or full of tedious repetitions, the translator may, for the reader's sake
correct the defects.
Eg:
1. He ate, and drank, and talked, and asked during the meal.

(ông ấy vừa ăn uống ln miệng nói, hỏi suốt cả bữa ăn)
2. Hãy biết thương, biết yêu lấy đồng loại của mình!
Let’s love our human fellows!


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TASK 2
QUESTIONS:
1. How many methods can be either used in translation? What are they?
2. Which method of translation appears the most popular?
3. What is communicative translation? Give examples for illustration.
Exercise 1: Suggest suitable Vietnamese translation for the underlined words in the
passages below:
1. "Why did you believe him when he said he wasn't married?"
"Because", replied Pamela, "he was so good - looking and well - dressed, and had such a
nice voice".
All that glitters is not gold", Mary reminded her.
2. Why are you writing science fiction?", asked a friend of an author," instead of the
historical novel you used to write?".
"Because", replied the author, "science fiction has become very popular and, obviously, I'm
making hay while the sun shines".
3. Some people are always up in the clouds or down in the depth. They swing from one
extreme to another. Others are stolid and indifferent, never much thrilled by success and
never greatly put out by failure.
4. He always plays up with his boss.
5. To gather materials for lecture, 1 had to plough through several books and documents.
6. The conditions giving rise to easy profits over the last 3 years no longer hold good.
7. The rise and fall of share prices can be seen in the nature of a thermometer oil market
confidence.
8. The management decision sparked off a series of damaging strikes.

9. Thank you for your hospitality. In turn, we look for to having you as our guest when you
visit our country.
10. The chairman's recent visit to Brazil has paid unexpected dividends in the shape of a
profitable new contract.
Exercise 2: Below is a selection of titles of books, films, TV programs and advertising
slogans. Suggest how the titles or slogans could be rendered in Vietnamese and English
(You feel free to use your imagination).
1. A Taste of India (Title of an illustrated book on Indian cooking)
2. Heineken - Refreshes the parts - Other beers cannot reach (Advertisement)


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3. Johnie Walker - Born 1820, and still going strong. (Advertisement for Johnie Walker
Whisky)
4. CANADA - The Big country for big Value holidays. (Tourism Division of the Canadian
Commission)
5. The Bad, the Good and the Ugly (Title of a Western film - cowboy film - with Clint
Eastwood as a man who got the entire sum of money stolen).
6. Tat Den (A novel composed by Ngo Tat To)
7. Ngay Mai Troi Lai Sang (A Vietnamese film)


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LESSON THREE:
CONTEXT FOR TRANSLATION
I. Introduction
It is obvious that all languages must occur somewhere and all languages are intended to be
read or heard by someone. Even an internal monologue is addressed to someone: the
SPEAKER. So, all words are shaped by their certain elements in a real situation of
happening, just as a planned sports event either took place, or is taking place, or will take

place, i.e. in a context.
II. Definition
Context is the one which occurs before (or) after a word, a phrase or even along utterance
or text.
The context often helps in understanding the particular meaning of the word, phrase etc. For
example, the word "loud" in "loud music" is usually understood as meaning "noisy"
whereas in "a tie with a loud pattern", it is understood as "unpleasantly colorful".
The context may also be the broader social situation in which a linguistic item is used. For
example, in ordinary usage, "spinster" refers to an older unmarried woman but in legal
context, if refers to any unmarried woman.
In translation, context is understood as the "WIIAT", "WHERE" and "TO WHOM of our
communication. "What" we are writing or speaking about (subject matter), "Where" the
language occurs (place and publication), and "To whom" it is addressed. All three are
relevant in translation. How can we translate just one simple English sentence properly like
this one" Be seated" into Vietnamese if we don't know where and to whom it is addressed,
or a passage like this "We had 200 rifles"? "Rifles" could be rendered unnaturally if we
ignore in what it is about.
In sum, besides style (register), context matters most in helping us know which words lo
choose, when translating without any worry about misunderstanding from both sides of
conveying and receiving information.


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TASK 3
Exercise 1: Below are some short passages or fragment of language. Suggest a possible
context or source for each. Context can be: a TV weather report, a tourist, brochure, news
reports, medical articles, a novel, a history or a text book, an advertisement, a book or film
review, a letter, etc...
1. Store is cool, dry place. Keep well out of reach of children.
2. Effective and preventive against dandruff.

3. Articles such as the following shall not be carried in passenger's baggage without prior of
and arrangement with carrier:
Compressed gases (flammable, non-flammable, and poisonous)
4. Mary! Gone to shop. Key under mat.
5. John! Susan phoned. Train delayed. Now arriving 10 p.m.
6. Admit guests only.
7. National Football League stars kick off tomorrow.
8. Enclosed please find a cheque for $50.
9. ... situated at the crossroads of Northern, Central, and Southern VN, Da Nang offers
magnificent coastline beautiful beaches...
10. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced...
11. Your major construction project with our top quality products:
Round bars (

12. During the afternoon, the wind will strengthen from the west bringing scattered
thundershowers to coastal part of Da Nang and Quang Nam.
13. ... VN has established the National Committee for Drug Prevention with the task of
suppressing drugs... 14. Disconnect the antenna cable from the back of your TV set. Connect the antenna cable
to the ANTENNA in terminal of your VCR...
15. The author and publisher would like to thank all the teachers in the UK and Italy| who
discussed this book in the early stage of its development.
16.... We have pleasure in informing you that we are opening a new branch of our business
on March 1st at Ben Thanh market.


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LESSON FOUR:
REGISTER
I. Introduction
Context is understood as the "What", "Where", "To whom", then register is the "How".
How do we express ourselves in a given context? And from a translator's point of view,

when reading a message or a piece of information, how can we determine its intention and
the way it is written to choose a suitable translation method and identify particular
problems?
This matter of register links with the concept of' style in language, that means there is more
than one way to express the same thought, idea, belief, opinion, emotion feeling or attitude
of mind by means of different words through different modes.
1. Different words or expressions:
To convey the same message "SIT DOWN", there are various ways with different words or
expressions:
Take a seat!/ Do sit down!/ Be seated!/ Can't you find a chair?/
Some of you are still standing! Would you mind sitting down? , etc.
2. Different modes: How is the message transmitted from source to audience? Is it spoken
or written? broadcast? printed?
Eg: "Thank you" is usually used in spoken English.
But "Please convey our thanks..." is mainly used in written English, and an advertisement
for a certain consumer goods reaches the public by way of broadcasting on radio or TV.
3. Different ways of expressing language styles:
How is the message expressed? Is it formal or informal? Is it officialese or official? Is it
neutral or colloquial? In fact the choice of way expressing message is governed by a set of
social conventions which are called "levels" (or "scales”) of formality. That is to say the
language used in the message should match the context given (after Alan Duff).
Eg: Message "NOT TO EAT HERE" can be expressed in the following scales of formality:
a. Officialese:

(characteristic of legal document, laws or governmental codes...)

-> The consumption of any nutriments whatsoever is categorically prohibited.
b. Official: The consumption of nutriments is prohibited.
c. Formal:

-> You are requested not to consume food in this establishment.

d. Neutral: Eating is not allowed here.
e. Informal: -> Please don't eat here.
f. Colloquial:->

You can't feed your face here.


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g. Slang: Lay off the nosh.
h. Taboo: -> Lay off the fucking nosh.
In sum, REGISTER gives colour to language. To ignore it in translation is to
translate the words rather than the meaning. Though it would hardly be realistic to expect
students to master all these levels of formality during translating, they should know the
formal-neutral level is appropriate for translating news articles, editorials; social reports...,
and the formal style is suitable for translating business letters, report, projects, plans, etc...,
especially when target language is English, i.e. when they are translating a text from
Vietnamese into English.


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TASK 4

Exercise 1: Explain the use of the words "GOD MOTHER", "OLD LADY", "OR
WOMAN", and "OLD BIRD" in the following passage and translate it into Vietnamese.
After my father died, my sister went to live with her god mother who was an old lady at a
big house in our parish - A nasty old woman she was. But she took to Grace. When the old
bird died at the beginning of this year, Grace found she had been left twenty thousand.
Exercise 2: Use various ways of conveying the same message in different words and say as

precisely as possible in what context you expect to see or hear the words or expressions
(who is speaking? to whom? where are they? or where would the words be seen?)
a. No smoking

b. I'm sorry

Exercise 3: Because all translation is selection: we choose from a range of possible
expressions the one most appropriate to the context. Even the simplest expressions may be
rendered in many different ways (as shown in the examples).
Translate the following in as many different ways as you can.
“ Gia đình chúng tơi dự tính đi nghỉ hè một tuần ở Provence vào cuối tháng 3. xin vui lịng
gởi cho chúng tơi cuốn sách hướng dẫn về khách sạn Sen-Isle và một bảng giá phòng”
Exercise 4: To convey a message, several expressions can be used. Which of the following
is mainly spoken or written?
A. "Thank you"
1. We should like lo acknowledge our thanks to/ for... .
2. It was most kind of you.
3. How kind!
4. I can never repay you!
5. Thanks a lot!
6. Please convey our thanks to...
7. We thank you for your consideration.
8. Many thanks!
9. I'm extremely grateful...
10. And in conclusion, n word of thanks to....
11. I should like you to know how gratitude I am for...
12. What a lovely surprise!
13. Finally, I should like to express my gratitude to...

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14. A billion thanks!
B. "I do not agree"
1. Far be it from me to criticize, but...
2. To such a proposal, in all conscience, I could never agree.
3. Have it your own way.
4. I think it would be unwise
5. With all due respect.
6. You may have a point, but...
7. You are wrong.
8. The argument is...
9. There are, however, certain points with which I take issue.
10. This is simply not so.
11. I beg to differ.
12. I don’t agree!


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LESSON FIVE
WORD ORDER AND REFERENCE
1. Word Order
A common excuse for incoherence is "I know what I want to say, but I can't seem to find
the words", as if it was somehow the faults of the words for getting lost. In fact, it is most
often when we do not know what we want to say that we cannot find the words. But when,
even, we can "find" the words, we still have to put them in correct order and that order can
make a great deal of difference to what we "want to say".
What we mean is both what we say and how we say. English is not only a language noted
for the flexibility of its word order. A word out of place can easily alter the meaning or lead
to ambiguity.
Take these two simple examples:

a. Niall Quinn, the 6 ft 4 Arsenal center - forward, almost scored within seconds of taking
the field in the 79th minute. But the chance fizzled away off Quinn's left boot.
b. Leisure parks, gardens and wildlife center were also popular with tourists in Britain last
year, while their visits to museums, galleries and historic buildings slumped. One of the
worst places affected by fewer visitors was the Royal Academy.
In the first, the words almost are correctly placed. If they had been shifted, the meaning
would have changed. The word "almost" for instance, is in its correct position, if it had been
shifted slight by forward, the meaning would have been quite different: "scored almost
within seconds".
In the second, the word "worst” should have come after "places", not before. But although
its words order may not be flexible, English is peculiarly elastic in its inflections, that is, in
the stressed and emphases in speech and writing which help point to the meaning.
Eg: I like it/I do like it / It works
This is a feature of the language which can easily be overlooked, particularly in writing,
where the emphasis is not often marked. Yet in translation, it is vital to the meaning of the
sentence.
II. Reference
Paired with word order in the title is reference. This concerns mainly the "bones"- the
factual content - of the writing.
What does the writer mean, what is he or she referring to, when using words such as the
ones "THIS/ THAT/ WHICH/ IT/ HERE"?
Is it something stated or something implied? Are there any words left out? any gaps that
need to be filled in translation? And perhaps most important at all, how-can the same
references best be made in the target language?


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The question matters because it relates directly to one of the weakness most commonly
encountered in translation, implied in the often heard criticism: "IT DOESN’T SOUND
RIGHT". If the translation does not sound right, it is usually because the sequence of

thought, and the choice of words - of the original has been too closely followed. The
meaning may get through, but the style, the spirit, and the ways of thinking remain those of
the source language. Take just one example: consider what the effect would be if a student
doggedly translate all the "IT" in this fragment about the Australian desert.
Example 1: "Only the aborigines living in their traditional manner can survive in it unaided.
Unlike the white man, they made no attempt to dominate it. They do not try to tame its
animals or to cultivate its land, but to them it yields enough to keep a man’s sound in his
body. In return, the aborigines worship it".
Example 2: "Mới đây đến các huyện Nga Sơn, Tỉnh Gia ( Thanh Hóa), tiếp chuyện với
nơng dân, ai cũng ca thán bực bội và lo lắng về chuột...” From “ Náo động chuột đồng” The
People Daily)
It is not, of course, suggested that the translation could not follow the English word for word and yet "sound right", but that the pattern of the English should be followed only after
considering the alternatives, not before.
This, then, is the common aim of all the activities, to encourage the students to think from
English INTO and IN their own language."


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TASK 5

Exercise 1: In each of the passages below, the opening words of certain sentences are
underlined. Translate these sentences in whatever seems the most natural way in your own
language. You do not necessarily have to begin with the same word as it is used in English.
Where possible, offer 2 translations, using different word orders.
1. That the Vikings discovered America is accepted by all but a few scholars who insist that
Irish priests got there before them.
2. So colossal is human egotism that people who have met an author are constantly on the
look - out for portraits of themselves in his work.
3. From the spring of 1665 the Great Plague had raged in London. Never since the Black
Death in 1340 had Pestilence spread such ravages.

4. "To these islands", wrote the Arab geographer Idoisi in the twelfth century "com the
ships of Oman to gather coconuts and cut wood and build their vessels..."
5. Small as she was, she made quite a good horse - woman.
6. Twice within his life time had world wars taken place.
7. Awaiting ahead of us in one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced.
8. Only when all attempts at negotiation had failed, did the men decide to go on strike.
9. Robert Pierre I find difficult to admire.
10. Only by united opposition could we eliminate world terrorism.
11. So suspicious did he become that he didn't believe anyone.
12. Of all the vices to which my colleagues in journalism are most opposed, none is more
hateful to them than hypocrisy.
13. Important though language is, both as a channel of communication and as equipment for
thinking, the really special feature of the human brain is its use of language to question our
place in nature. Intensive intellectual curiosity is a hall - mark of mankind.
14. Never before had I been asked to accept a bribe.
15. On no accounts are visitors allowed to feed the animals.
NOTE: The word order of the sentences above is strongly determined by the opening
words. Some of the commonest of these words are IT, THAT, HOW, WHEREVER WHY,
WHERE, ALWAYS, NEVER, ONLY, NO, and adjectives, and personal names.
Before translating them, in order to understand these passages thoroughly, you are asked to
suggest how the same thoughts might be reworded in English first.
Eg: That the Vikings discovered America is accepted by all but a few scholars...


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-> It is accepted by all but a few scholars that the Vikings...
-> All but a few scholars accept the fact that the Vikings...
-> The discovery of America by the Vikings is a fact accepted by...
Then, you should suggest, if possible, 2 translations, only one closely matching the English
word order, the other free, but be sure to maintain the key thought as well as the key details

of the text.


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LESSON SIX:
RULES OF TRANSLATION

I. THE SEVEN BASIC SENTENCE PATTERNS
Every English sentence consists of 2 parts: S (Subject) and P (Predicate). Subject nominates
a personal name, a thing, an animal, an event. Predicate presents something about its
subject. S must be something considered Noun (s). or Pronoun (s) or their equivalent. P
must contain a verb of finite form.
According to the structural form of Predicate, English sentences can be arranged and
classified into 7 patterns as follows.
1. N + Vi (+ Adverbial)

(Vi: intransitive verb)

Eg: The birds are flying to the south.
2. N + V (Be) + Adverbial
Eg: They will be late.
3. N + V (link - V) + Adjective
Eg: The sky became cloudy
4. N + V (link-V) + N
Eg: His father used to be a footballer.
5. N + Vt + N (Object)

(Vt: transitive verb)

Eg: Science requires accuracy.

6. N +Vt+ N (I.O) + N (D.O)
Eg: We told him the truth.
7. N + Vt + N(0) + N (C) (C: complement)
Eg: They appointed him manager.
II. THE RULE OF PROXIMITY:
"Proximity" means "nearness" in English.
Rule:
When modifying any item of language, the MODIFIER must be placed closely to that item
even though the MODIFIER is a single word, a phrase (P - group/ V- ing (ed) group/ Inf group) or a clause).
Eg: the morning paper/ a used car/ the statements above/ a large family to support/ a man of
talent/ the man whom you saw/ he didn't come because he was busy.
Consider the meaning of these when "ONLY" (modifier) is in various positions.


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Eg: Only Gary hit his cousin on the nose.
Gary only hit his cousin on the nose.
Gary hit only his cousin on the nose.
Gary hit his only cousin on the nose.
Gary hit his cousin only on the nose.
Gary hit his cousin on the only nose .
Also consider:
- We want a piano for a lady with mahogany legs.

(A lady with wooden legs?)

- I saw some high mountains sitting in the train. (Mountains are sitting in the train?)
In English, mistakes caused by incorrectly placing the position of modifier are called
misplaced modifiers.
III. THE RULE OF PARALLELISM

Rule:
The speech elements of the same grammatical function must be performed in an only
similar structural form.
Similar structural form may be either a single word, a P-group, V-ing /ed group, Inf group,
or an S-group (clause).
More specifically, when sentence elements have the same grammatical function, a Noun
must be parallel to a Noun, an Adjective parallel to an Adjective.
1. The rule and conjunctions of coordinating form:
The rule of parallelism is strictly used when we are expressing a series of similar in which
we have to use conjunctions AND and OR.
Consider: He likes boating, hunting, and to fish.
My uncle is young, tall, and having black hair.
She likes to go to the movie, hearing chamber music, and play.
To have a definite time table and following it are essential, in school.
Please tell me where you want to go, why deciding to go, what to intend to do, and when
come back.
2. The rule and correlative conjunctions:
Correlative conjunctions are those such as BOTH ... AND, EITHER ... OR, NEITHER ...
NOR, NOT ONLY ... BUT ALSO, etc...
Structural forms after each element of the correlative conjunction must be the same.
Eg: Both the moon and the planet Mars don't have an atmosphere.


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N

N

She came both in the morning and in the afternoon.
P-GROUP

P-GROUP

The students will take either biology or physics.
N

N

You can return the books to the library either on Monday or on Friday.
P-GROUP P-GROUP
Hai Phong is not only a port city but also an important industrial center.
N-GROUP

N-GROUP

The air not only provides us with oxygen but also helps transmit sound.
FINITE V-GROUP

FINITE V-GROUP

The visit to Ha Long Bay is neither long nor short.
ADJ

ADJ

She neither did her homework nor helped with housework.
FINITE V-GROUP

FINITE V-GROUP

(or: Neither did she do her homework nor did she help with housework)
(2 clauses in parallelism)
IV. Brief Method of Vietnamese-English Translation:
When translating a sentence from Vietnamese into English, we briefly follow these three
steps:
Step 1: Take the suitable basic sentence pattern of English.
Step 2: Choose the suitable modifier.
Step 3: Use the rule of proximity or parallelism (if necessary).
Eg 1: Phong trào chống chiến tranh hạt nhân đang lan rộng khắp thế giới.
-> Step 1: Pattern: S - V: The movement is spreading
-> Step 2: Modifiers: 2 P-Group: against nuclear war/ throughout the world
-> Step 3: Rule of proximity.
The movement against nuclear war is spreading throughout the world
Eg 2: Chính phủ vừa phê duyệt đề án xây dựng một sân bay mới.
-> Step 1: P altern: S - Vt -N(0): The Government has just approved the project
-> Step 2: Modifiers: Inf -Group: to build a new airport