The Theoretical Framework For The Translation English Language Essay

The Theoretical Framework For The version slope Language look forThe commentary every(prenominal)ow be divided into trinity elements. The first off character allow foring introduce the theme school schoolbook, establish the theory-based framework for the rendering, desexualise the supplanting outline and carry out a comparison of the employments of generator and cross school textual matterbookbook editions. The next section ordain focus on delimit and analyzing the strategies implemented in the commentary by providing examples from at bottom the comment. The final section leave alone be a conclusion of the preceding sections. stemma textual matterThe arising text is an article titlight-emitting diode Xin, Da, Ya On Yan Fus supplanting Theories and was write in Chinese by Professor Wong Wang-Chi of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The article was first published in the Journal of Translation Studies by the department of transmutation at the Ch inese University of Hong Kong in 1997. Later it was published collection of full treatment by reference Wong in a book titled a Study of 20th Century Chinese Translation studiesRe-interpretation of xin, da and ya, by Shanghai Orient Press in 1999. The article contri besideses to the continuous academic debate among Chinese interlingual rendition scholars on Yan Fus supplanting surmise xin, da and ya. Wong attempts to leave al hotshot cleargonr interpretation of Yan Fus transformation possible action which had antecedently received a great deal unfavor satisfactory judgment claiming that it was flawed, inappropriate and contradictory. Due to the nature of text, it inevitably break offs a immense amount of possibility- found content. The article was scripted with regard to Yan Fus supplanting antedate of Tian Yan Lun, a interlingual rendition of Huxleys Evolution and Ethics (1893). In this provide Yan Fu introduced his version opening and it is thitherfore for this reason that Wongs piece contains large choose out quotations from Yan Fus preface a preface which was written in classical Chinese prose in 1898, five years after the airplane pilot was released. The fact that Yan Fus original displacement was written in classical Chinese prose and obviously was published in the 19th century bureau that the way it is interpreted since then has been in constant debate. The combination of opening with two classical Chinese prose and advance(a) Chinese delegacy the toil of rendition was complex.The run short of the original is to provide Chinese score and indites fields with a fresh outlook on Yan Fus rendition theory in response to precedent criticism. It aims to stir the critical way in which many scholars train looked upon this theory by allowing the lector to think Yan Fus theory in a different light. of late down Wongs motives are clearly to reserve Yan Fu and put right those previously who have misunderstood Yan Fus theor y and then gone on to distort Yan Fu in the field of translation studies. The laughingstock audience of the opening text are Wongs fellow translation studies scholars and those students who are studying translation studies at least at undergraduate level. This is collectible to the heavy reliance on examples in classical Chinese prose end-to-end the text and the style of the authors writing. The text possesses a corrective and educative nature.Theoretical FrameworkA outline BackgroundA Functionalist ApproachThe notional framework chosen for this translation is a maneuveralist approach. The movealist approach was first suggested by Kathrina Reiss in 1971 (200092), it developed advertise in the 1970s and 80s in Germany and was focal to the shift from predominantly lingual and rather formal translation theories to a more(prenominal) passally and socioculturally oriented concept of translation (Schaffner 1998235). It was a shift that Gentzler described as one of the two we ll-nigh strategic theoretical developments in translation studies everywhere the past two decades (200170). This aproach nonably has been developed by a number of scholars in german language countries, including Kathrina Reiss, Hans Vermeer, Mary Snell-Hornby, Christiane Nord and Justa Holz-Manttari (200169). The affairalist approach not and allows for greater emphasis to be placed on the object glass text, but similarly provides a framework to evaluate better the role of the voice, something that previous theories failed to accommodate.The functionalist approach consists of a number of fundamental principlesAll strategies are dictated by the function of the translation.The function is outlined by the commissioner through the translation brief.The function of the translation need not be identical to that of the original.A translation that reachs its intended dissolve is to be declared as functional.(cf. Nord 2006)Functionalist scholars gestate that translation should alw ays strive to achieve optimal solutions within tangible conditions (Gentzler 200170-71). However, all- all-important(a)(prenominal)ly functionalist advocates admit there is no such thing as a perfect translation. Controversially the functionalist approach mass be criticized as macrocosm too vague and not organism extensive ample, notwithstanding the plausible flaws in the approach, it is withal sleep withd for decisively brought about the good luck of the two thousand year old chain of theory congealtlement around the faithful vs. free axis (Gentzler 200171). The framework for this translation willing focus on Reiss and Vermeers Skopos theory (1984), a theory that has been established within the parameters of the functionalist approach.Skopos theoryThe was Skopos theory was established by Reiss and Vermeer in 1984. The theory is based around the skopos or the function, goal or aim of a translation (Vermeer 1989221). The main components of the theory are the overall aim (skopos), the answer set in tell apart to achieve the aim, the plan behind the aim and the eventual(prenominal) function of the tooshie language text in terms of its endorsership. This guesss that any form of translation dodge implemented will be pictured these four components of the skopos theory which in turn from the purpose that the translation will later go on to serve. Functionalists advocate that translation alike(p) any other activity in that behavior is determined by its intent, in other sound outs, the end justifies the means (Nord 199729). The skopos theory provides the spokesperson with the means to justify their decision making. According to Vermeer, every text has a assumption goal, function or intention and that any text can don a different function when applied in different destiny with a different audience (1989227). Therefore the translation is no eternal classified as loyal or disloyal, but measured in terms of how consistent translation is in rela tion to the purpose and intention of the head text, which are defined from the view tier of the receiver.An important aspect of the skopos theory is that the informant and target texts essential(prenominal) be viewed separately to allow the theory to function. Reiss and Vermeer state that every text is an offer of discipline and indicating that the ancestor and target text a two separate entities (Ho make use of 199716). The spokesperson is simply offering authentic information from the consultation text in union with the skopos under burgeon forth by the commissioner (Reiss and Vermeer 199176) By distinguishing clearly in the midst of the ancestor and target texts it en adapteds the a kind of translation to be carried out that does not place the source text at its realm. In other words, the text can take on a new function which can be viewed as an extension of the original, even though it might involve changing the function altogether, as Nord states written texts ca n exist outside their original patch (1991/20058). This means again means that the function target text it not restricted by the original, but most importantly is pragmatically defined by the purpose of the intercultural transfer (1991/200511).One of the most significant aspects the Skopos theory is its approach to equivalence and adequacy. According to Reiss and Vermeer, equivalence can defined as an identical communicative function shared across two source and target texts (House 199712) and adequacy can be defined as being the race between the source and translation where no functional receive is obtained and the skopos of the translation has been attended to (199712). At the equal time, the skopos remains more important than any form of equivalence. In translating between Chinese and English, two incompatible cultures, it is pivotal that we highlight the fundamental principle that just in the same(p) way that source text is bound to or embedded within the source culture, the target text should also be orientated towards the target culture (Vermeer 1989222-223).Following on from the initial establishment of the skopos theory by Reiss and Vermeer, Chrisiane Nord also contributes to the functionalist approach. Nord modifies the previous work on skopos theory by attempting to re equilibrize the also target text orientated skopos theory, claiming the priority of the target text purpose does not mean that the source text is irrelevant, as it sometimes faux (199762). Moreover, she signalises out that the source text provides the offer of information that forms the starting depute for the offer of information formulated in the target text (199762). Nord extends on the skopos theory by providing a model of source text psychoanalysis that Reiss and Vermeer had failed to cover, which in turn makes for a more comprehensive theory, a theory which is use as a framework for this translation.It is also important to recognize as Nord concludes that optimum circ umstances for carrying out translation is when intention and function would be analogous or even identical (199728). In the encase of this translation the intentions genuinely are analogous, which signifies this theory is appropriate for this translation.Other applicable Approaches school text TypologyThis model of translation was based on Bulhers typology. Reiss outlined her three text types informative, expressive and operative. This model of translation is focuses on the functional relationship between source and target texts. It fundamentally involves the categorization of texts into either on of the three categories mentioned above(Reiss 1977), then viewent on which category the text fall under determines the translation strategies implemented by the translator.Translational ActionThis theory was introduced by Hola-Manttari, who defines translation as a complex action designed to achieve a particular process (Nord 199712-13). Hola-Manttari focuses on specific aspects of th e translation process such as the translator, the receiver of the meaning, time, place and medium. This approach has been praised by Schaffer, who recognizes the versatility in accommodating all types of translation (19975). The theory considers highly the un subjugateably of the target text receiver. Although similar to the skopos theory it also bears the wrath of Nords criticism for neglecting the source text (199128).Nords Model of textual matter AnalysisNords model of text analysis consists of two main aspects extratextual factors and intratextual factors. It gives a framework that allows two the source and voltage target text to be analyzed. Nord divides translation jobs into four categories pragmatic, cultural, linguistic and text specific (1991158-160).Hypothetical Translation BriefThe translation brief is very influential in any translation, it is even more important in the functionalist approach. It gives both explicit and implicit information with regard to the inten tion, purpose and audience. It defines the conditions under which the translation is practiced. It is these conditions that do work the way in which the translator behaves. Munday states that it allows the translator to prioritize what information to include in the target text and to see where the source text and the target text may diverge (200182).This translation has been commissioned by Renditions, the leading international journal of Chinese literature in English language. Based in Hong Kong, Renditions has striven to provide a unique yet rich variety of both classical and contemporary Chinese literature to the westerly world. It will be make commercially usable in topical edition based on Chinese translation theory. The translation aims to open the latest standpoint on one of the most influential Chinese translation theories in translation studies history. It will exploit a more balanced, comprehensive understanding of Yan Fus translation theory among western translati on scholars and students of translation. The translation should ensure that those in the West are more sensitive to his theory.Source and rump textbook FunctionIn bon ton to efficaciously identify the strategies necessary to carry out the translation we must first establish the function of both the source and target texts. As it has been stated in the preceding paragraph the function of the source text is to outline the authors interpretation of Yan Fus translation theory correcting those previous misunderstandings and at the same time defend Yan Fu. Therefore, in accredited aspects the text is fullfilling an informative function in that it is sharing the view of Professor Wong Kwok-Pung, but furthermore the text has a operational function in that it is arguing for the defense of Yan Fus translation theory and is attempting to convince its audience that Yan Fu has been misrepresented. It has then become apparent that he source text possesses a combination of two functions. It is important to point out that the audience for this text is very niche as it is an profound and theoretical text which contains classical Chinese prose even those with a university reading will not necessarily be able to comprehend.With regard to the function of the target text, the function is similar to that of the source text. The key difference is that it takes on more of an educative function. It intends to educate western scholars of translation through change magnitude their sensitivity to the on going Yan Fu debate among Chinese translation scholars. Consequently, the target text is content focuse, therefore the offer of information must be accurate in relation to the offer of information in the source text (Nord 80). In enounce to ensure that the translator is able to effectively transfer this information accurately, it is recommended that a unfeigned translation strategy is utilize providing it can reach a level of innocence that guarantees clarity and the launchi ng of the ideas and understandings of a fairly complex translation theory. This important as right off there exists a diversity among the understandings of the main concepts that form the basis of the theory. At this moment there is a key difference between the source and target texts the source text audience is limited by both style of writing (classical Chinese) and the actual contents. On the other hand, the target will be restricted scarcely by its content and not by the writing style as it will be mainly field of battle English. Therefore it audience will be extended by a more indorser friendly text. The target text is aiming to turn a complex source text into a target text that is a good deal clearerStrategies UsedI n this section the strategies used by the translator will be discussed. A functionalist approach, in particular the skopos theory will determine these strategies which applied in this translation. It has also been recognized that the text is both informative a nd operational. Therefore, a balance must be found between being highly content focused in which no passing game of information can be accepted, but also ensure the function of text is achieved, the translator must render the text in so that it is readable and conforms to the target text language conventions.Terminology ResearchDictionaries, glossaries and parallel texts provide a resource that allows vital nomenclature research. Dictionaries are a tool used by translators across the world. In this translation a number of dictionaries have been referenced bilingual and monolingual both unexampled and classic Chinese.Bilingual dictionaries provide a comprehensive range of terms including examples in a number of linguistic contexts. Despite that, there are cases with original terminology when the bilingual lexicon does not suffice. A monolingual dictionary is used in instances when the incompleteness and inconsistency of the bilingual dictionary mean that terminology cannot be referenced. A specialized ancient chinese dictionary was required in this translation as the source text contains real(a) amounts of classical Chinese prose.Dictionaries usedDue to the difficulty in relations with sections of classical Chinese prose within the source text, It was unavoidable that the translator depend on the assistance of a specialists outside of the field of translation. Nord (1991158-160) describes this as being a text-specific problem, which is one of the four translation problems, as the source was written by a specialist. Although the fact that area of specialization in the source text is translation, but the fact that it is a technical text (1991158-160) does still prove to be a problem. In terms of this translation, I want the cooperation of a post graduate student from the University of Warwick who possessed an excellent cognition of classical Chinese prose. He was able to help with difficulties in terminology and provide an evaluated opinion on the tr anslated version of certain terms. negligenceOmission is a strategy that is employed in instances when information is scanty and is non-beneficial to the function of the translation or the target reader. All forms of information must be able to make sense in the culture in which they exist. For example, the footnotes in the source text give reference to several Chinese authors and their work, all of which is in Chinese. I do not believe that supplying a translated version of these footnotes will provide any real support to the purpose of the text. Therefore, I have boot outted all four of the footnotes which were present in the original. It is apprehended that some people believe the footnotes should be preserved in the translation and further explanatory information should accompany them. Despite this the decision to omit was make as the information was simply not significant enough to the target reader.AdditionIt is infixed that the background knowledge of the source text audi ence and the target text audience may differ. This means that the translator at times must employ strategies to either omit redundant or irrelevant information and also provide more information to supplement the the text in order to counteract the in balance in background knowledge, and in turn enable the target text reader to comprehend.There are a number instances in which historic and culture points are referred to within the source text. These points are crucial in the explanation of Wongs standpoint and the understanding of Yan Fus theory.By providing adjuvant information regarding those theoretical terms, historical and cultural references in the translation it ensures the English readers are able to understand. In particular with the terms xin, da and ya which are used throughout the text. It is very important to add supplementary explanations. If these items are not made clear in the initial stages of the translation then they will lead to the reader being distracted which i s detrimental to the development of the text. verbal translationLiteral translation involves following closely the organize, form and lexical meanings of the source text. It is based converting text constructions into their target text equivalents. By translating each lexical word means they are often out of context in target text form. It allows for accuracy in the transfer of information that apologises why many people have misunderstood Yan Fus ideas. The main issue with literal translation is that those implicit and contextual meanings are neglected. This could potentially be modify to the effective transfer of information.ExampleSource Text-Target TextDue to the fact that Yan Fu himself did neither define nor explain in event these threecharacters immediately after proclaiming them, as a moderate it led to much issuingive speculation and confusion.In the example above a literal translation strategy has been implemented. The original forms and meanings have been preserved, or at least to some outcome. In the first example, due to the fact that there is an equivalent available in the target text means the translation is straightforward. However, in the second example, to simply render the text in accordance with the source text would result in unnaturalness. As a result the it has been altered to conform with the target text norms.As there is an bare inter-lingual difference between Chinese and English, there are instances in which it is not possible to translate literary. An attempt at literal translation will result in unnaturalness in the target language text. In my translation a number of pragmatic strategies have been employed, all of which promote naturalness and readability in the target text. Admittedly, accuracy may be sacrificed in order to ensure the target text audience are able understand and fully engage with the target text. There are a few examples belowExample 1.01 Source Text Literal Translation Carving up techniqueTarget Text Misr epresentation probable Alternative Quote of context garble his statementExample 1.02 Source Text GAPLiteral Translation EliminateTarget Text Clear upIn the two examples above illustrates a certain loss in meaning. The source text expresses more salubriously in a way that becomes unnatural in the target text. In the target text example 1.01 it shows a two version of translation. The translator had to make up not to use the potential alternative because to a certain extent it seemed too toned down and neutral to truly represent the source text. The translator opted to use misrepresentation as it is able to represent at least to some extent the strong intension of the original. It is inevitable that strong intension in the original is to be sacrificed in order to achieve naturalness in the target text. The next example (1.02) is a connotation similar to the previous example, but it was not possible to find an equivalent that possessed the same strong connotation as in the target text . The translator is left with no choice but sacrifice the connotation for a weaker, more natural target text equivalent. This kind of version guarantees naturalness.Example 1.03 Source Text Literal Translation Following a logical chain of thoughtTarget Text Reasonably potential drop Alternative NaturallyExample 1.04 Source Text Literal Translation climbing a steer to seek a fish.Target Text Fruitless approachPotential Alternative climbing a tree to seek a fish (a fruitless approach)Although the two examples above (1.03 and 1.04) both can be translated literally, however, they seem to be too long-winded. The translation must conform to the norms of the target language. It is important to avoid any unnecessary unnaturalness that may be detrimental to the development of the target text. As the authors intention is to defend Yan Fus theory, it is crucial that messages and meanings are transferred into the target text effectively.Example 1.05 illustrates an example where a target versi on that strongly represents the meaning of the source is rejected due to its length and unnaturalness.Source TextRejected translationThe use of certain methods specifically in accordance with the subject of the literary piece allows for raise cultural expression, faithfully expressing the real ideas and emotions of the originalTarget TextAn authors writing allows for enhanced expression that should sincerely reflect his thoughts and emotionsIn-text referenceAs the cry suggests, it is the providing of extra information within the text itself. It is a strategy used to explain a term that is alien to the readership such as Kuomintang (Chinese patriot Party) or simply assist them in comprehending the text. In the translation this strategy was not used often as it confuses the reader, especially in theoretical based text.Syntactical ConventionThe syntactic structure of Chinese and English are different. In terms of this translation, this means that alterations to the sequencing elemen ts of the source text so that it reads naturally in the target language. An example of the changes that need to be made is shown belowSource Text-----Literal TransaltionThe fact is that with original texts which contain abstruse contents and are written in the frosty and indirect language, to use the lexicon and sentence structure of pre-Han Dynasty proves better in expressing the original texts.Target TextThe fact is that the lexicon and sentence structures of pre-Han Dynasty prose prove to better express original texts which contain abstruse contents and are written in the terse and allusive language.The underlined part of each example highlights the change in structure. The text must function as an informative or educative and present an argument, in order to achieve this, the above adaptation has been made to underline readability.The next example below demonstrates the problems with complex sentence structures. To allow the reader to understand the target text modification i s inevitable.Source Text---Literal TranslationNaturally, Yan Fus demands of using lexicon and sentence structure of pre-Han Dynasty prose in carrying out translation, furthermore the belief that it can achieve da, directly it seems unthinkable, but if we look at this problem from a historical point of view then we wouldnt touch that there was any inappropriateness at all.Target TextNaturally, today when we look back on Yan Fus belief of using lexicon and sentence structure of pre-Han Dynasty prose to achieving da, it seems to be unimaginable. However, if we look at this problem from a historical point of view then we wouldnt feel that there was any inappropriateness at all.The lengthy sentence in the example above has not and been divided into two separate units or sentences, but also the order of the units have been rearranged for it to make sense.Elsewhere, in Chinese the subjects are often unstated and the object can also occasionally be omitted. In particular, these instance s spend more frequently in classical Chinese. It is left to the reader to determine the subject and object in any given sentence which can prove ambiguous. When rendering the text it is important the object or subject is inserted into the translated text to allow the reader to understand. This is shown in example 1.07 where the object is inserted in square brackets to ensure the reader is not confused. The channels that communicate the message of the original should be kept clear and concise.AlterationsThe source does not only contain a number of paragraphs from Yan Fus original translation preface, the author also quotes on a number of occasions throughout his text. This means the task of translation becomes extremely difficult because the context changes slightly. The initial issue is that it is was not possible to translate the sections of classical Chinese literally, furthermore, as it was very important to make clear the original meanings in these sections as Wong bases his es say on them, the translation strategy adopted was loyal to the meanings and had to presented be clear, concise and natural in the target language. It is for this reason that literal translation was not possible. However, the problem arose when these translations had to fit into Wongs main texts that were written in mainly in contemporary Chinese. Example 1.05 demonstrates that in the original classical Chinese it does contain the word meaning, but it is left out because it is not necessary in the context of the whole passage. As Wong quotes this line in a separate instance the meaning is then required. In this instance the translator must use an in-text reference and not change the structure of the quotation in order to remain consistent. If a translation shows inconsistency then the reader will be confused.Example 1.05Source Text -Translated Passage of Classical Chinese provided that the translation does not contradict of the originalQuotation from the Passage in Main Text provide d that the translation does not contradict the meaning of the original)FootnotesFootnotes are used to provide additional information that is necessary to further explain certain terms or concepts in the text. They are usually employed when the supplementary information needed is too long to provide a parenthetical expression reference. It must be noted that footnotes should be used minimally to avoid distracting the reader in a way which will negatively influence the development of the text. As Baker states, unnecessary addition of information will only lower the readability of the text (199240). This translation uses footnotes to enable the reader to understand the source text. In other words they ensure the reader maintains connected with the text. For example to present an alien term without giving a supplementary explanation to the reader leads them to be unable to maintain their federation with the text. In this text there are instances when footnotes are employed to make the target text clearer in areas in which the author of the source text has failed, example on page XX of the translation the translator uses footnotes to explain the term expression of intention which is one of the main elements of Yan Fus theory.The original author has not made much effort to make the chunks of classical Chinese prose more comprehendible to someone who does not understand this form of ancient Chinese. By doing this the author expresses that he wishes his text to function only among a very niche audience, I mean Wong could have provided a modern Chinese version of those sections. In the translation, the use of clear, plain English eradicates this potential restriction on its audience. The translated text intends to be accessible to all those who have interest in or understanding of the theoretical content of the original. Therefore, in a way the translation extends the influence of the original.In addition footnotes are used to counteract the lack of shared background knowledge between the source and target audience. The strategy shown below is an example of contextual expansion in which items, which source readers take for granted and that target readers do not understand, are explained.Example 1On Page XX an explanation of the Tong