Process of Translation

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the process of translation, drawing from Naida's method outlined in *Essentials of Theory and Practice of Translation* (2002). The translation process is broken down into four key steps: analyzing the source language into basic forms, transferring the meaning to the receptor language, restructuring the message for the target audience, and formulating the final version. Using an example of English to Balinese translation, the video highlights how translation is more than just word-for-word conversion, involving cultural and linguistic adaptations to ensure meaning and clarity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the process of translation, focusing on a model proposed by Naida in 2002, outlined in the book 'Essentials of Theory and Practice of Translation.'
• 😀 The process of translation involves four main steps: analyzing the source language, transferring to the receptor language, restructuring the message, and formulating the final version.
• 😀 The first step of the translation process is analyzing the source language into basic forms or clauses, breaking down the grammatical and semantic components of the original text.
• 😀 The second step involves transferring the analyzed message into the receptor language, ensuring that the meaning is retained.
• 😀 Restructuring is the third step, where the message in the receptor language is reorganized in a way that fits the target audience and context.
• 😀 The final step is formulating the message into its final version in the receptor language, ensuring that it is appropriately contextualized and clear.
• 😀 A translator must be mindful of the grammatical relationships between words, the meanings of semantic units, and the quantitative aspects of grammatical structures during the analysis phase.
• 😀 The video includes a practical example of translation from English to Balinese, showing how the steps are applied in a real-world scenario.
• 😀 In the example, the translation of terms like 'trance' into Balinese 'karaoke' demonstrates how language-specific terms may need to be adapted in the translation process.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the importance of careful translation by competent bilinguals who must consider both the linguistic and situational contexts before making judgment calls about the quality of the translation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video focuses on explaining the process of translation, specifically the steps involved in translating from a source language to a receptor language, as discussed by Naida and Marcono in 2002.

Who is Mr. Marcono and what role does he play in the video?

Mr. Marcono was a lecturer at Udayana University in Bali, and the speaker references his teachings on translation, specifically from the book 'Essentials of Theory and Practice of Translation' published in 2002.

What are the four steps involved in the translation process as explained in the script?

The four steps in the translation process are: 1) Analyzing the source language into basic forms, 2) Transferring the message into the receptor language, 3) Restructuring the message in the receptor language, and 4) Formulating the final translation.

How does the translation process begin according to the script?

The translation process begins with analyzing the source language into its basic forms, such as breaking down the grammatical relationships, identifying the meaning of semantic units, and understanding the structure of the message.

What is the importance of analyzing the source language in translation?

Analyzing the source language is crucial because it helps the translator understand the fundamental structure, grammatical relationships, and meanings of the message, which are necessary to accurately transfer it into the receptor language.

What does 'restructuring' mean in the translation process?

Restructuring refers to the step where the translator adjusts the message in the receptor language, organizing it in a way that is appropriate and understandable for the target audience.

What does the example of translating 'The Balinese themselves are drawn to exhibition of trance' illustrate?

This example shows how the translation process works. The first step involves analyzing the sentence in basic forms, such as identifying the exhibition, the dancers, and the tourists. Then, these forms are translated and restructured into the receptor language, with specific terms like 'trance' translated to 'karaoke' in Balinese.

Why is the restructuring step important in translation?

Restructuring is important because it ensures the translated message flows naturally in the receptor language and is culturally and contextually appropriate for the audience it is intended for.

How does the translator determine if a translation is accurate?

The translator, along with competent bilinguals, judges the accuracy of a translation based on its linguistic and situational context. They ensure that the meaning of the original message is preserved while adapting it to the receptor language's norms.

What role do bilinguals play in the final translation process?

Bilinguals, especially those with competence in both languages, play a critical role in evaluating the final translation. They assess how closely the translation mirrors the original meaning while considering linguistic and situational context.