Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature
In chapter I, a broad introduction to the study has been given. This chapter will present the review of literature in relation to translation and the case study.
2.1 Definiton of Translation
A definition of translation is the first vital aspect to clarify. Both Thai and foreign theorists define translation similarly. Catford (1965) defines translation as an operation performed on language: a process of substituting a text in one language for a text in another and/or the replacement of textual material in one language (sourcelanguage) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language). Larson (1984) explains that translation consists of transferring the meaning of the source language into the receptor language. Wimonchalao (1984) says that translation is transferring ideas from one language to another language by retaining the meaning and style of the source language completely, not adding or cutting anything. In addition, Saibua (1995) states that translation is concerned closely with conveying meaning, language and communication. In other words, translation is transferring meaning from source language to target language. The meaning is the main aim of translation.
According to these theorists, translation refers to a process of language that transfers one language to another by equivalent meaning and form. There are three main points concerning translation, which are: transferring/replacing/translating as a process, one language called source language (SL) and another language called target language (TL), both as material.
2.2 Methods of Translation
Apart from the definition, several scholars have studied and framed the concepts of translation theory. Each of them classifies it differently.
Supon (1998) categorizes methods of translation into two broad areas.
1. Literal Translation: divided into two subtopics.
1.1 Word-for-Word Translation: This method strictly retains the structure and structure of the source language and emphasizes the accuracy of the source language also. It is mostly employed with a text that is translated for specific use.
2. Non-Literal Translation: This method does not aim to retain the structure, meaning and style of the source language. It allows changes, additions and cuts of words and sentence structures. It is similar to paraphrasing. It is usually employed with novels and short stories.
In addition, Supon (1998) also gives translation methods that emphasize the source language text. It can be divided into two types also.
Literary Translation: This is translation of verse and prose. It requires knowledge, emotion, imagination and crealivity, including the translator’s gift.
Technical Translation: This is academic translation, such as news and articles. It emphasizes meaning more than imagination and also requires the translator’s ability and skill in a specific field.
Saibua (1995) classifies translation theory into two types.
Litcral Translation: This translation remains close to the source language form, as much as possible. Form in this context is the order of words, meanings and sentences. Free translation: The form resulting in the transfer to the target language differs from the form of the source language. The order of meaning between source language and target language is also different.
Larson (1984) defines translation theory as follows:
1. Form-Based Translation is known as Literal Translation: Larson explains that this type emphasizes lexical elements and grammar. In other words, every lexical elements and grammar usage in the source language is completely translated into the target language.
2. Meaning-Based Translation is known as ldiomatic Translation: The goal of translation should be on reproducing a receptor language that is idiomatic.The meaning of the source language is expressed in the natural form of the receptor language. A truly idiomatic translation does not sound like a translation.
3. Modified Literal Translation: This method allows sufficient modification of the order and the grammar, to obtain acceptable sentences in the receptor language. This Follows the form of the source text, even though a different form might be more natural in the receptor language.
4. Unduly Free Translation: This means addition of extraneous information and changing the meaning of the source text in the translated text.
Newmark (1998) divides translation theory into two main groups: Source Language Emphasis and Target Language Emphasis. Each group is divided into 4 subgroups, as follows:
With respect to Source Language Emphasis, there are
1. Word-for-Word Translation: The source language word order is preserved and each source language lexical is translated singly by its most common meaning.
2. Literal Translation: The source language is translated singly, but not the grammatical construction, which is converted to the target language equivalence.
3. Faithful Translation: Attempts to reproduce the contextual meaning of the source language within the grammatical structure of the target language. It aims respect the author’s intention, so some source language natural usage remains in the target language.
4. Semantic Translation: Preserves the contextual meaning of the source language, but the target language must be acceptable.
With respect to Target Language Emphasis, there are
1. Adaptation: This is the freest form of translation, because the translated text is rewritten.
2. Free Translation: Reproduces the content of the source language but without the form.
3. Idiomatic Translation: Reproduces the source language by preferring idioms where these do not exist in the source language.
4. Communication Translation: Attempts to translate the exact contextual meaning of the source language such that both content and language are acceptable.