TRANSLATING STRATEGIES TO TRANSLATE
CULTURALWORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
WHICH HAVE NO LEXICAL EQUIVALENT
IN TARGET LANGUAGE
(ACase Study on Strategies from Slang or Colloquial Bahasa to English)
A Research Paper
Submitted to the “Adab” and Humanities Faculty In Partial fulfillment of the Requirement for
The Strata 1 (S1) Degree
AHMAD SUHAIMI NIM : 103026027614
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
THE ”ADAB” AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
”SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH”
ABSTRACT
Ahmad Suhaimi, Translating Strategies To Translate Cultural Words and Expressions
which have no Lexical Equivalent in Target Language (A Case Study on Strategies from Slang or Colloquial Bahasa to English). “Skripsi” : English Letters Department, The “Adab” and Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah, 2009.
The method of this research is qualitative method, the writer analyzed some words and
expressions written in loose leaf module of speaking class for Education and Cultural
Center – Jakarta International Scholar Foundation and to know the translating strategies
used by the author. Afterward, the writer describes the numbers of translating strategies
in the table form as the recapitulation of the strategies used by the author. The writer used
the loose leaf book as the instrument for collecting the data. From the data taken from the
book, the writer analyzed 64 (Sixty four) expressions taken from the book.
After analyzing, the writer found the frequency of the translating strategies used by the
author among others are Descriptive Equivalent 16% (10 expressions from 64), Cultural
Equivalent 36% (23 expressions from 64), Specific-General Style 3% (2 Expressions
from 64), General-Specific Pattern 5% (3 expressions from 64), Absorbed Words 11% (7
expressions from 64), Transposition 12% (8 expressions from 64), Transferring Method
LEGALIZATION
Name : AHMAD SUHAIMI
NIM : 103026027614
TITTLE : TRANSLATING STRATEGIES TO TRANSLATE CULTURAL
WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS WHICH HAVE NO LEXICAL
EQUIVALENT IN TARGET LANGUAGE.
The thesis has been defended before the Letters and Humanities faculty’s Examination committee on August 27th 2010. It has already been accepted as a partial fulfillment or the requirement for the degree of Strata 1.
Jakarta, August 27th 2010
EXAMINATION COMMITTEE
Signature Date
1. Dr. Muhammad Farkhan, M.Pd (Chair Person) NIP. 19650919200003 1 002
2. Drs. A. Saefuddin, M.Pd (Secretary) NIP. 19640710199303 1 006
3. Dr. Frans Sayogie, M.Pd, S.H (Advisor) NIP. 19700310 200003 1 002
4. Danti Pudjiati, S.Pd, M.Hum (Examiner I) NIP. 19731220 1999032 004
5. Inayatul Chusna, M.Hum (Examiner II)
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another
person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any
other degree or diploma of the university or the other institute of higher learning, expect
where due acknowledgement has been made in the text.
Jakarta,November 2009
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
BISMILLAHIRROHMANIRROHIM
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
All praises due to Allah SWT, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the universe, who has bestowed upon the writer completing this paper. Peace and salutation be upon our prophet Muhammad SAW, who has saved the believers from destruction into safety and has guided them to the right way of Islam.
In this opportunity, the writer would like to convey his heartfelt thanks to these
amazing people, especially to Dr. Frans Sayogie, M.Pd, S.H the writer’s advisor for his
time, guidance and encouragement in correcting and helping him to finish this paper.
1. His beloved parent H. Usman and Hj. Saidah (Almh), for their prayers, trust,
affection, and support to the writer. They have been very patient to assist his
education morally and materially until finishing this paper with their various
ways, he conveys his trulu grateful to have them.
2. His brothers and sisters for their support and encouragement.
3. His beloved wife Sailah Nurindah Sari and his beloved son Ilham Apriliansyah.
They are very meaningful parts of his life and gave him great power to finish the
paper.
4. Dr. H. Abdul Chair, M.A., the Dean of Adab and Humanities Faculty.
5. Dr. H. Muhammad Farkhan, M.Pd., the Head of English Letters Department, and
Drs. A. Saefullah, M.Pd., the Secretary of English Letters Department.
6. All lectures in English Letters Department, especially to Mr. Kyle Devlin from
USA, the greatest lecturer the writer ever had.
7. The library staff of Adab and Humanities faculty, the library staff of Cultural
8. Haris Al-Farizi, S.S., the principle of Education and Cultural Center - Jakarta
International Scholar Foundation for giving the writer an opportunity and
counseling to carry out the research.
9. All friends and classmates in English Letters Department for the beautiful
memories and friendship especially to A. Bustomi, S.S., Farik Maulana, S.S.,
thanks for all everything you have given.
10.All teachers and staffs of Safinatunnajah foundation for their support, suggestion,
and encouragement to the writer in finishing the paper.
11.Nurdhom, S.Ag., the principle of YAWSFIN foundation, Marsid, S.Pd., the
principle of Daarul Hikmah Islamic Junior High School, Nahrawi, S.Pd., the
principle of Daarul Hikmah Islamic Elementary School, for giving the writer
opportunities in developing his knowledge.
12.The all things in the Universe that had conspired against his laziness during
writing this paper.
May Allah SWT, the all-Hearer and all-Knower, always bless you all and gives you
more than what you have done to the writer.
Jakarta, November 2009
TABLE OF CONTENT A. Background of the Study………..……… 1
B. Focus of the Study……….…………. 3
C. Research Question....………. 4
D. Objective of the Study………... 4
E. Significances of the Study………. 5
F. Research Methodology………. 5
1. The method of the research……… 5
2. The data analysis………. 6
3. Instrument of the research………. 6
4. The unit of analysis……….. 7
5. Place and time of the research……… 7
CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK A. Translating Strategies ……….………... 8
B. Culture ………..… 11
C. Why Word in Source Language Has No Direct Lexical Meaning in Target Language……… 12
CHAPTER III: RESEARCH FINDINGS A. Data Description……….………… 15
B. Analysis……….. 22
CHAPTER IV: CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION A. Conclusion………. 33
B. Suggestion………... 34
BIBLIOGRAPHY……… 35
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
English is, of course, only one of the many languages, perhaps as many as three
thousands, which are spoken today.1 In Indonesia, English is studied and becomes one of
the subject matters taught at school. Since 1994, English has been decided as one of the
local-content subject at the elementary school in fourth, fifth and sixth year.2 It is
considered as the first foreign language and becomes a compulsory subject learned by
students from elementary school up to the university.3 Learning English is mastering four
basic skills of English, namely: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Speaking is a
really important skill because it is used to communicate.
Speaking English as a foreign language is not as easy as ABC for a great number of
students in Indonesia. Nevertheless, they keep trying to speak up their minds by translating
the sentences word for word with limited grammatical knowledge they have. For instance,
in the Indonesian culture when they wanted to go home and left from an occasion or a
meeting they would say ‘I’m first…’ (saya duluan ya…). It might be acceptable to some
Indonesian for they totally understand what it means, but not at the international
communication level. For spoken English people, that statement means something else like
1
W. Nelson Francis, The English Language An Introduction, (New York: W.W Norton & Company. NC, 1965), P.1
2
Anonymous, Kurikulum Muatan Lokal untuk sekolah dasar, (Jakarta: Depdibud, 1994), P.30
3
‘the first thing’ and it may mislead their communication. Instead, for the same purpose,
native speakers usually say ‘Ok, see you around…’, or ‘I’m leaving’ and so on.
One of translating problems is finding lexical equivalents of a word or a phrase or an
expression that has unknown concept in the target language (modulation). It is because, in
the target language (English), there is no equal lexical term which can be used to re-express
the message contained in the word or phrase or expression from the source text (Bahasa
Indonesia). That the concept of the source text does not have a lexical equivalence in the
target language is probably because of the difference of view point, custom, geography,
belief, or other factors.
The difficulty level in translating process increases for Indonesian speakers when the
source language is unfamiliar or unknown in the receptor language. In this situation, Larson
said that a translator is supposed to find the best method not only to refer to something
which has become a part of the target language but also to reveal the concept which is
absolutely new for English native speakers4.
Speaking English shall be easier if the speakers simply use popular English
expressions to represent their ideas rather than forcedly translate their Indonesian sentences
word for word, by all means, the speakers should well understand the culture of both
languages. It is because some language patterns in Indonesian and English are pretty
different as well as the culture of both languages and the language style of every single
4
person. A. Widyamartaya said that translating is not only expressing the meaning of
language but also expressing the style of language5.
Generally, people tend to assume that someone who has learned and had a skill in
using a foreign language will be able to translate the language. By all means, this opinion is
not entirely true. Translating is not a simple work as translators need to keep improving not
only their linguistic knowledge but also sociolinguistic horizon. Perhaps, it would be great
if the students could watch and understand how the native speakers for example start a
conversation or dismiss a meeting so that they could be away easier to choose the most
proper expressions which could precisely represent their ideas and of course can be widely
understood.
Consequently, speakers of English as a foreign language should make their translation
meaningfully accurate and should adjust the lexical and grammatical form in the target
language in order to produce the most appropriate language equivalence.6
B. Focus of the Study
This research is studying about translating strategy which focuses on how to identify
the meaning of the source text and express the same meaning in receptor language with
forms which may be very different from those of the source text (cross language
equivalence). The words or expressions that become the source text are related to
socio-cultural element concentrated in Indonesian slang or colloquial Bahasa.
5
C. Research Question
The problems that will be discussed in this study are formulated through the following questions:
1. What translating strategies are used to properly translate Indonesian slang/colloquial
words and expressions that have no lexical equivalent in the target language, English? 2. What is the most frequently used translating strategy?
D. Objective of the Study
The study focuses:
1. To find out the translating strategies used to properly translate Indonesian slang/colloquial words and expressions that have no lexical equivalent in the target
language, English
E. Significances of the Study
Hopefully, this study could become a useful contribution to translating theory development as well as to practitioners.
1. To translating theory development, the research finding may give information about the
translating strategies used to properly translate Indonesian colloquial words and expressions that have no lexical equivalent in the target language, English.
2. To practitioners, the research finding which gives information about the translating strategies used to properly translate the slang words or slang phrases that have no lexical equivalent in the target language can be the reference either to enrich or
improve the knowledge of translating strategy.
F. Research Methodology
1. The method of the research
This research uses qualitative method. Both data and findings of research are
verbal data which consist of slang words and expressions that have no lexical equivalents in the target language, English. The data are taken from the loose leaf module of speaking class at Language Education and Cultural Center – Jakarta
International Scholar Foundation. The module contains Indonesian slang/colloquial words and expressions which adaptively have been translated into English.
Data collection is done by using comparative method between source text (original language) and target text (receptor language). From the comparison result, the writer expects to find equivalence model used by the translator in translating those
one specific model in translating certain words or phrases. The writer focuses on the
typical concept, in the Indonesian language culture, that is hardly possible to find in the concept of English language culture. In other words, it is all about translation analysis on the Indonesian language concept that is considered of having typical
language concept which is unfamiliar or unknown in the English language concept.
2. The data analysis
The adaptive translation of Indonesian slang/colloquial words and expressions that have no lexical equivalence in the target language (English) is analyzed by using
interactive model suggested by Miles and Huberman, saying that there are four steps that a researcher should do systematically i.e. data reduction, data presentation,
conclusion, and verification.7
3. Instrument of the research
The instrument of the research is the writer and colleagues. Here are the steps in
collecting the data:
a. The collection process starts from identification of Indonesian
slang/colloquial words and expressions that possibly have no lexical
equivalents in the target language, English.
b. Those words and expressions that have no lexical equivalence in the
target language are marked and written down on special cards.
c. And the last step is identifying the adaptive translation of the words and
expressions, and writing down the equivalent translation on the same
cards.
4. The unit of analysis
The material that becomes the analysis unit of this paper is the loose leaf module of speaking class at Language Education and Cultural Center – Jakarta International
Scholar Foundation. This module is compiled and translated by Mr. Wasfie Saal from South Africa and Mr. Abdul Haris Alfarizi from Indonesia. The module consists of ten pages which contain the original texts in Indonesian including the translation in English
version. It is published by LECC – JISF (Language Education and Cultural Center – Jakarta International Scholar Foundation) in 2008 and used in speaking class for both
Indonesian and native students.
5. Place and time of the research
The research was conducted from August to November 2009 at English Letters
Department of Adab and Humanities Faculty, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University,
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Translating Strategies
Theoretically, according to Beekman dan Callow, the technique of translating
unfamiliar or unknown concept includes three alternatives;
1. generic words with descriptive phrase
2. borrowed words
3. cultural replacement8
Furthermore Larson explains that to find a good lexical equivalent translator should
understand the form and function relationship. There are four possibilities; firstly, things or
cases in one language and culture probably have similar form and function in other languages.
For example, nose has similar form and function in every culture and language. Secondly, the
form may be alike, yet the function can be different. The word bread perhaps has similar form
in both cultures, but the function is different. Bread is main food in one culture, but it is only
some snack in others. The third possibility; the same form is not available in the target
language, for instance, bread in some culture is main food, but in some other culture main food
is corn. Somehow, both kinds of main food have similar function in both cultures. Fourth
possibility; that form and function in both cultures are totally different9. That word or phrase
refers to something which is absolutely unavailable in the other culture, and in this culture,
8
Larsen. Mildred, Meaninng-Based Translation. A Guide to cross Language Equivalence.(Lanham :University Press of America,1984), p.163
9
there is no alternative concept that has the same function. In this case, descriptive phrase is
used for that form and function.
Furthermore, Newmark offers general translating strategies as follows:
1. Transferring strategy
This translating strategy is used by the translator to find a lexical meaning by transferring
the same term yet with a few adjustment of spelling in the source language to the receptor.
2. Naturalization strategy
3. Cultural equivalent
This translating strategy is used to replace the cultural concept of source language by the
cultural concept of receptor language; at least the concept could be similar to the one in
source language.10
4. Functional equivalent strategy
This strategy is used by the translator to find the lexical meaning by giving explanation of
the function of the word in source language to the target language. For instance “Marbot” is
translated to be “Mosque caretaker”.
5. Descriptive equivalent strategy
This strategy is used by the translator to find the lexical meaning by giving description of
the word in source language to the target language. For instance “Marbot” is translated to
be “Mosque caretaker”.
6. Absorb Word Strategy
Translating strategy using absorbed words style is sometimes also used when it is so hard for the
translator to find a lexical meaning of a word or expression with unknown concept in target
language that the same original term in source language is used as well for the term in target
language.
7. Direct translation strategy
This strategy is used by the translator to translate the word in source language directly to
the receptor language lexically for instance the word “mengerjakan” translated “do”.
8. Transposition strategy
9. Specific – General Strategy
Translating strategy using specific-general style is used when it is quite difficult for the translator to
find a lexical meaning of a word or expression with a specific cultural concept so that it is
translated by using more general cultural concept. This strategy is also applied by the translator to
create a proper lexical equivalent of a word or expression which has no lexical meaning in the
target language.
10. Known translation Strategy
12. General – Specific Strategy.
Translating strategy using general-specific style is the opposite of the previously mentioned
strategy and is used when it is quite difficult for the translator to find a lexical meaning of a word or
expression with a general cultural concept in source language that can be easily understood in target
language so that it is translated by using more specific cultural concept. This strategy is also applied
by the translator to create a proper lexical equivalent of a word or expression which has unknown
concept in the target language
13. Paraphrase strategy
This strategy is used when the concept explained in source language has lexical meaning in
receptor language but it has different type, and when the words appear more frequently in
source language. Translating by paraphrasing can be done in two ways, i.e. by using
different words or by using a sentence to reveal the word meaning in source language11.
14. Registry strategy12
B. Culture
Koentjaraningrat divides culture into three categories; ideas, behavior or custom, and
things or products like artifact. In general, words that contain cultural elements are easy to
detect as long as those words are associated with certain language.13 According to Newmark,
words or expressions containing cultural elements are divided into five categories; ecology,
material culture (artifact), socio-culture, organization, and custom. Words or expressions
11
Baker, Mona, In Other Words, (New York : Routledge, 1992), P.45
containing cultural elements are difficult to translate into a target language because the concept
containing in them is very typical to the related culture.14
The translating procedures offered by Newmark can also become a reference for
translating slang words or slang phrases which are unknown in the receptor language.15 The
procedures are general. It means that those are not specialized for certain kind of script. It is how deep those procedures are implemented by a translator to translate unknown concepts
since he does not specifically offer and explain what sort of script the procedures are for.
According to Mona Baker, translating strategies for unknown words or phrases in the
receptor language may include:
1. Translating by using more general words.
2. Translating by using more neutral words.
3. Translating by using cultural replacement.
4. Translating by using an absorbed word or the one followed by explanation.
5. Paraphrased translating.
C. Why Word in Source Language Has No Direct Lexical Meaning in Target Language
Words with no lexical equivalent are source language words which have no direct
lexical meaning in target language. Type and level of difficulty in finding direct lexical
meaning of those words depend on the character, context, and purpose of translating the words.
14
Every word which has no direct lexical meaning has another different translating strategy as
well.
The following are several types of common problems why words in source language
have no direct lexical meaning in target language:
1. If that word is relating to culture.
Word in source language probably will reveal a concept that is totally unknown in
target language. The concept is either abstract or concrete, for example a concept
relating to faith or religion, custom of a society, types of food, and so on. Those
concepts are classified into cultural specification.16
2. If the language structure of source language is semantically complex.
This is very common in translating, where a single word may consist of several
morphemes. A single word sometimes has several meanings which could be more
complex, compared to a single sentence.
3. If receptor language has no general word.
4. If receptor language has no specific word.
5. If there is a different physical perspective.
Physical perspective is a) a person or thing related to another person or thing
expressed in a word; b) the relationship among speakers in a discourse (tenor).
6. If there is a difference in expressing the meaning.
Perhaps there are some words, in receptor language, which have same meanings in
source language, but with different expressions.
7. If there is a difference in word form.
Receptor language often has no lexical equivalent for certain word forms in source
language. For instance, certain prefixes or suffixes with words that build some word
forms which have no lexical equivalent in receptor language.17
8. If source language is using absorbed words.
The usage of absorbed words in source language becomes a problem in translating
because may be receptor language not always has absorbed words which have the
same meanings.
17
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH FINDINGS
A. Data Description
After analyzing the data, the writer found that the strategies used by the translator in translating
slang or colloquial words and expressions which have no lexical equivalent from Bahasa as the source
language to English as the target language referring to the strategies taken from Newmark theory who
offers 14 strategies in chapter II. They are Transferring strategy, Naturalization strategy, Cultural
Equivalent, Functional equivalent strategy, Descriptive equivalent strategy, Absorb Word
Strategy, Direct Translation strategy, Transposition strategy, Specific – General Strategy,
Known translation Strategy, Compensation strategy, General – Specific Strategy, Paraphrase
strategy, Registry strategy. However, after analyzing the unit of analysis, the writer found only
8 strategies that can be appropriately used in translating the words which have no lexical
equivalent in target language, they are:
1. The translating strategy using Descriptive Equivalent
2. Translating Strategy using Cultural Equivalent 3. Translating Strategy using Specific-General Pattern
4. Translating Strategy using General-Specific Pattern
5. Translating Strategy using Absorbed Words (with and without modification)
6. Translating Strategy using Transposition
7. Translating Strategy using Transferring Method
While the strategies those are not appropriately used in translating the words which have
no lexical meaning in target language are Known Translation, Naturalization strategy, Functional
Equivalent, Direct Translation, Compensation Strategy, and Registry Strategy.
The total number of slang or colloquial words and expressions translated from the source language to the target language and considered using those 8 translating strategies
reaches 64 units as the writer describes in the following figure 1 and figure 2.
Figure 1:table
Number of translated words and expressions based on the category of translating strategy
No. Translating Strategy Number of Translated Unit %
1. Descriptive Equivalent 10 16
2. Cultural Equivalent 23 36
3. Specific-General Style 2 3
4. General-Specific Pattern 3 5
5. Absorbed Words 7 11
6. Transposition 8 12
8. More Neutral Words 8 12
Total 64 100
Figure 2: Chart
Percentage of translated words and expressions based on the category of translating strategy
1. Translating Strategy using Descriptive Equivalent
Translating strategy using descriptive equivalent is one of the most popular translating methods used by the translator to give additional information in order to reveal more explanation on a translated word or expression which
has unknown concept in the target language. For instance, “Aku lebih nyaman kalo sila…” is translated into “I feel comfortable sitting with the legs
crossed…” From the identified 64 words and expressions, the translator used
this strategy toward 10 (16%) words and expressions which is listed in attachment 1.
2. Translating Strategy using Cultural Equivalent
Translating strategy using cultural equivalent is also one of the mostly-used translating methods applied by the translator to create a proper lexical equivalent of a word or expression which has unknown concept in the target
language. For instance, “Ok saya duluan ya…” is translated into“Ok see you…” Even from the identified 64 words and expressions, compared to others, this sort of method has been the most frequently-applied translating strategy toward 23
3. Translating Strategy using Specific-General Pattern
Translating strategy using specific-general style is used when it is quite difficult for the translator to find a lexical meaning of a word or expression with a specific cultural concept so that it is translated by using more general cultural
concept. This strategy is also applied by the translator to create a proper lexical equivalent of a word or expression which has unknown concept in the target
language. For instance, “kalo kopinya masih panas, diseruput aja dikit-dikit…” is translated into “If the coffee is still hot, just sip it a little bit…” From the identified 64 words and expressions, this strategy has been put into practice
toward 2 (3%) words and expressions which is listed in attachment 3.
4. Translating Strategy using General-Specific Pattern
Translating strategy using general-specific style is the opposite of the previously mentioned strategy and is used when it is quite difficult for the
translator to find a lexical meaning of a word or expression with a general cultural concept in source language that can be easily understood in target language so that it is translated by using more specific cultural concept. This
strategy is also applied by the translator to create a proper lexical equivalent of a word or expression which has unknown concept in the target language. For
instance, “Hati-hati (sama) tukang jambret…” is translated into “Stay alert to purse snatcher…” From the identified 64 words and expressions, this strategy has been put into practice toward 3 (5%) words and expressions which is listed
5. Translating Strategy using Absorbed Words (with and without modification)
Translating strategy using absorbed words style is sometimes also used when it is so hard for the translator to find a lexical meaning of a word or expression with unknown concept in target language that the same original term in source
language is used as well for the term in target language. There is no change at all happen to the term but modification so that this technique is classified into
two categories i.e. absorbed words with modification and absorbed words without modification. The translator especially in written translation always types an absorbed word or term with upper case letter in the beginning of it in
order to make the readers easier to identify and differentiate the term from other part of speech. For instance, (with modification) “Mo ikutan ga nonton debus, yuk?” is translated into“Want to join us watching Debus, the ritual display of
invulnerability?”, (without modification) “Katanya dia mau dengerin lagu dangdut…” is translated into “He said he wants to listen to Dangdut music…”
From the identified 64 words and expressions, this strategy has been put into practice toward 7 (11%) words and expressions which is listed in attachment 5.
6. Translating Strategy using Transposition
Translating strategy using transposition style is also used when the
translator does not find a lexical meaning of a word or expression with unknown concept in target language that the term is translated usually by word for word. For instance, “Dia mah mulut ember!” is translated into “She is a big mouth
been put into practice toward 8 (12%) words and expressions which is listed in
attachment 6.
7. Translating Strategy using Transferring Method
Translating strategy using transferring method is also used to make a lexical equivalent of a word or expression with unknown concept in target
language by way of transferring the same term yet with a few adjustment of spelling in English. For instance, “Sarung gue mana?” is translated into “Do you see my sarong?” From the identified 88 words and expressions, this strategy
has been put into practice toward 3 (5%) words and expressions which is listed in attachment 7.
8. Translating Strategy using More Neutral Words
This strategy is used to reduce negative impression that appears in the
source language caused by its meaning. For instance, “Setan loe, ngagetin
gue…” is translated into“My goodness! You scare me…” From the identified 88 words and expressions, this strategy has been put into practice toward 8 (12%)
B. Analysis
If the translated concept refers to something unknown in target language, the translator job will be more complicated. A translator not only needs to find the best way to refer to
something which has been part of readers or listeners in target language but also needs to find the best way reveal the concept which is totally new to native speakers of target language, said
Larson18.
Referring to the data description, there are 8 translating strategies used by the translator in handling the unknown concepts in target language i.e. the translating strategy using
descriptive equivalent, translating strategy using cultural equivalent, translating strategy using
specific-general style, translating strategy using general-specific pattern, translating strategy
using absorbed words (with and without modification), translating strategy using transposition
translating strategy using transferring method, translating, translating strategy using more
neutral words.
To determine which translating strategy is supposed to be applied for a certain context
is of concern to a translator. A translator faces a consideration to choose which translating
strategy could be best applied to each context; yet through the data description section above it
can be identified what sort of strategies that the translator has been used the most, and here it is
the analysis.
18
1. Translating Strategy using Descriptive Equivalent
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes three examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Aku lebih nyaman kalo sila…
Target text : I feel comfortable sitting with the legs crossed…
Example 2
Source text : Tukang ngadu nih…
Target text : She is a type of person who likes to complain or inform
something (to other people)
Example 3
Source text : Aku ada oleh2, cobain deh…
Target text : I got some gift brought back from a trip, give it a shot…
Words or expressions above have been translated in a descriptive pattern
to communicate the meaning more accurately. The term “sila” has no direct lexical equivalent in the target language so that it is translated “sitting with the legs crossed”; the translator describes how to exactly sit in sila manner, i.e. by
crossing both legs. The second example “Tukang ngadu” is descriptively
translated into “a type of person who likes to complain or inform something (to
other people)”; the translator describes the character type of the person. The last
example “oleh2” is properly translated into “gift brought back from a trip”; in
order to make readers or listeners understand well the cultural concept of the
understood by Indonesians i.e. the gift that is usually bought during a trip and
intended for people after he or she comes back from a journey.
2. Translating Strategy using Cultural Equivalent
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes five examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Ok saya duluan ya… Target text : Ok see you
Example 2
Source text : Maksud saya…duh Apa tuh…?
Target text : Umm…what do you call it…?
Example 3
Source text : Gini aja… Target text : I tell you what…
Example 4
Source text : Bokap gue satpam! Trus kenapa?! Target text : My dad is a security guard! So what?!
Example 5
Source text : +Mau dong – Enak aja!
Target text : +May I? – You wish!
In the source language, the cultural concept contained in the expression
like to leave other people earlier in that moment and asks for permission as a
platitude that is why the translator uses a different expression which has
culturally similar concept in target language i.e. “see you”. In the second
example, the source language “Maksud saya…duh Apa tuh…?” which is usually
spoken when the speaker is trying to find a proper term or diction, is translated
into “Umm…what do you call it…?”; in this case the translator uses pauses and
fillers style “Umm…” combining another words “what do you call it?” that also
has the similar concept in the target language. In the third example, the source
language “Gini aja…” which is usually spoken when the speaker would like to
introduce a suggestion or offer, is translated into “I tell you what…” which also
has the same function in the target language but different language structure.
The fourth example, the term “satpam” which is an acronym that stands for
“Satuan Pengamanan” is properly translated in “security guard”; the translator
knows exactly that in respective languages both terms have the same function
and general job description i.e. for someone whose job is to protect an area,
building and so on. In the last example, there is a quotation of colloquial
conversation in Bahasa “+Mau dong – Enak aja!” which is translated into
“+May I? – You wish!”; both conversational expressions have distinguished
language pattern in respective languages as well yet both have the same cultural
3. Translating Strategy using Specific-General Style
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes three examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : kalo kopinya masih panas, diseruput aja dikit-dikit…
Target text : If the coffee is still hot, just sip it a little bit…
Example 2
Source text : Masakan sendiri emang ma’nyus! Target text : Home cooking is truly delicious!
Example 3
Source text : Obatnya manjur!
Target text : The medicine works!
In the source language, the cultural concept contained in the expression “seruput” has a very specific meaning (a typical way of drinking usually hot
beverages noisily or a slurp) yet it is translated into “sip” that in target language has more general concept which means drinking by taking just a small amount at a time. In the second example, the term “ma’nyus” which is used to describe
a certain level of food fine taste and is usually expressed when someone is
appreciative and satisfied with the meals, is translated into a more general term
“delicious” which also has similar language concept i.e. to describe that the
food is tasty or has a very pleasant taste. In the third example, the term “works”
which introduces a general concept in target language and means that the
of the term “manjur” which in source language has more specific concept that
may include efficacious, strong, effective, and powerful.
4. Translating Strategy using General-Specific Pattern
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes two examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Hati-hati (sama) tukang jambret… Target text : Stay alert to purse snatcher…
Example 2
Source text : Ini uang halal loh! Target text : This is honest money!
In the source language, the term “tukang jambret” has a general meaning i.e. a person who grabs people’s belongings such as purse, necklace, suitcase,
and so on yet it is specifically translated into “purse snatcher”; in this case the translator makes purse as the representative or sample object which is mostly snatched. In the second example, the term “halal” is also specifically translated
into “honest”; for clarifying where the “money” comes from, the term “honest”
is acceptable in the international level of communication to represent “halal”
even though the word “halal” actually has more universal meaning and
5. Translating Strategy using Absorbed Words (with and without modification)
a. Absorbed Words with Modification
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes two examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Mo ikutan ga nonton debus, yuk?
Target text : Want to join us watching Debus, the ritual display of
invulnerability?
Example 2
Source text : Gue ga takut sama pocong…
Target text : I’m not scared of Pocong, a ghost wrapped in a white
shroud…
In the first example the term “debus” which is one of Indonesian
traditional arts is absorbed into target language so that the term used for the
translation is the same as the term in source language, somehow the term is
added by a modification which further informs what the term means therefore
the translation becomes “Debus, the ritual display of invulnerability”. In the
second example, the term “pocong” is also absorbed into the target language
like in the sample word in the previous example and the translation becomes
“Pocong, a ghost wrapped in a white shroud”; the translator adds the term with
modification by illustrating a typical costume of the ghost which differs from
a. Absorbed Words without Modification
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes one example. It is:
Example 1
Source text : Katanya dia mau dengerin lagu dangdut…
Target text : He said he wants to listen to Dangdut music…
The term “dangdut” in source language is also used as the term in target language yet without modification. Perhaps the translator considers it unnecessary to put some kind of illustration explaining that term as it has been
well known in the world that dangdut is the one and only music genre that hails from Indonesia.
6. Translating Strategy using Transposition
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes three examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Dia mah mulut ember! Target text : She is a big mouth!
Example 2
Source text : Bagi gue dua batang (rokok) dong…
Target text : Give me two loose cigarettes please…
Example 3
Source text : Punya goceng ga?
In the first example, the term “mulut ember” in source language is
translated into “big mouth”; yet time flies and people start using this term to say
“mulut besar” or “big mouth”, it is not because the owner of the mouth looks
like a bucket but it has the criteria like a plastic bucket such as having a big hole
and sometimes having another hollow space that becomes an opening, leak, or a
crack where water can pass through, and water may become the analogy of a
secret or information which is not supposed to be delivered to other people. In
the second example, “dua batang (rokok)” is translated into “two loose
cigarettes” in target language. Batang is frequently refers to cigarettes in source
language and it is taken from a cigarettes pack that has been opened and
becomes loose so that the translator uses the term “loose” which also has known
concept in target language. In the last example, the term “goceng” in source
language is translated into “five key(s)” in target language; both terms are
acceptable in respective languages. The term “goceng” basically is also an
absorbed word from mandarin language; “go” means five and “ceng” means
thousand, in the other side “key” also means thousand as in “Y2K” which
7. Translating Strategy using Transferring Method
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes two examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Sarung gue mana?
Target text : Do you see my sarong?
Example 2
Source text : Ini bikinnya dari bambu…
Target text : This is made of bamboo…
As shown in both examples, obviously there have not been any big
changes before and after translation; the term “sarung” in source language is
transferred into “sarong” in target language, the adjusted spelling is only letter
“u” to “o”. In the second example, the term “bambu” becomes “bamboo” after
the transfer, the spelling of both English terms in both examples are adjusted on
the basis of pronunciation of the those words.
8. Translating Strategy using More Neutral Words
Concerning to this strategy, the writer only describes three examples. They are:
Example 1
Source text : Setan loe, ngagetin gue…
Example 2
Source text : Jaga tuh bacot loe!
Target text : Watch your mouth!
Example 3
Source text : Ntar lagi Cebok dulu!!!
Target text : Wait a minute. I’m cleaning up (my bottom)!
As previously mentioned that translating strategy using more neutral
words is used to reduce negative impression that appears in the source language
caused by its meaning, and the translator has applied it in the above three
examples. The exclamation term “setan loe” which means you are devil is
translated into “my goodness” which sounds more neutral. In the second
example, the term “bacot” which has extremely negative impression in source
language and is usually spoken when the speaker is furious, is translated into
“mouth” in target language. The last example, the term “cebok” which sounds
rude and uncivilized in source language is translated into “cleaning up” which is
CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion
In coping with words or expressions which have no lexical equivalent or
unknown concept in target language, the translator has applied 8 strategies referring to
the theories shown by Newmark i.e. the translating strategy using descriptive
equivalent, translating strategy using cultural equivalent, translating strategy using
specific-general style, translating strategy using general-specific pattern, translating
strategy using absorbed words (with and without modification), translating strategy
using transposition, translating strategy using transferring method, translating strategy
using more neutral words.
Meanwhile, the writer does not apply all strategies presented by Newmark that
the writer put in chapter II. The strategies those are not applied are Known Translation,
Naturalization strategy, Functional Equivalent, Direct Translation, Compensation
Strategy, and Registry Strategy.
And after analyzing all kind of strategies used by the translator to translate the
words and expressions which have no lexical meaning on the loose leaf is cultural
equivalent with 39 % of 34 words and expressions from 88.
In determining the most appropriate translating strategy to gain a lexical
cross the line of the context for it is the major consideration in choosing the precise
translating strategy. This because the main goal of the translator is how to make the
meaning behind the word or expression in source language can be well comprehended
by the readers or listeners of target language; not blotting out the main concept of the
translated word/expression, or giving exaggerated meanings.
B. Suggestion
This research has not gone into the details about how actually the translator
considers a translating strategy ‘proper’ to deal with a certain context. Consequently, it
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baker, Mona (Ed.) 1998. Routlegde Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London: TJ International Ltd.
Baker, Mona. 1992. In Other Words. New York: Routledge.
Bell, Roger T. 1991. Translation and Translating: Theory and Practice. England:
LongmanGroup UK Ltd.
Budick, Sanford and Wolfgang Iser. 1996.The Translatability of Cultures. USA:
Stanford University Press.
Duff, Alan. 1981. The Third Language: Recurrent Problems of Translation into English. England: Pergamon Press.
Hatim, Basil. 2001.Teaching and Researching Translation. London: Pearson Education Ltd.
Larson, Mildred. 1984. Meaning-Based Translation. A Guide to Cross Language
Equivalence. Lanham. University Press of America.
Newmark, Peter. 1988. A Textbook of Translation. Hertfordshire: Prentice Hall International Ltd.
Newmark, Peter. 1981. Approaches to Translation. England: Pegamon Press.
Said, Mashadi. 1984. Sociocultural Problems in the Translation of Indonesian Poems into English: A Case Study on “On Foreign Shores”, Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Fakultas Pascasarjana IKIP Malang.
Attachment 1: Translating Strategy using
Descriptive Equivalent
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Tak gendong kemana-mana… I’ll carry on my back everywhere…
2. Usaha dulu yang maksimal baru
tawakal…
Try your best and then let God determine
everything…
3. Kalo Allah udah bilang “Kun” maka
“Fayakun” If god says will be, (then) will be!
4. Aku lebih nyaman kalo sila… I feel comfortable sitting with the legs
crossed…
5. Tukang ngadu nih…
She is a type of person who likes to
complain or inform something (to other
people)
6. Gimana ketannya? Enak ga? How do you like the sticky rice?
7. Aku ada oleh2, cobain deh… I got some gift brought back from a trip,
give it a shot…
8. Masak mie-nya pake teko aja… Use the electric plastic cattle to cook the
noodle…….
9. Pake gayung aja…… Just use the bath scoop…….
Attachment 2: Translating Strategy using
Cultural Equivalent
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Ok saya duluan ya… Ok see you…
2. Oh…gitu… I see…
3. Maksud saya…duh Apa tuh…? Umm…what do you call it…?
4. Kasian deh lo… So pathetic…
5. Apa-apaan nih… What the…
6. Gw gitu loh… I’m the man…
7. Om dateng nih Uncle in the house
8. Hati2 tangganya… Watch the steps
9. +Mau dong – Enak aja! +May I? – You wish! (feel that you are clever)
Attachment 3: Translating Strategy using
Specific-General Style
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Buset geolannya?! (goyangan pinggul
dan bokong) What a move!
2. Dia bukan cewe gituan! She’s not working girl!
Attachment 4: Translating Strategy using
General-Specific Pattern
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Gue ambil dari tukang kredit I bought it from a utensils creditor
2. Hati-hati (sama) tukang jambret… Stay alert to purse snatcher…
Attachment 5: Translating Strategy using
Absorbed Words
5a: With Modification
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Kaya gendruwo! Like Gendruwo, a (Javanese) malevolent
(male) spirit.
2. Lagi ujan gini, enaknya makan tempe
goreng panas…
While raining like this, It’s good to have
hot fried Tempe, the fermented soybean
cakes
3. Mo ikutan ga nonton debus ,yuk? Want to join us watching Debus, the ritual
display of invulnerability?
4. Gue ga takut sama pocong… I’m not scared of Pocong, a ghost wrapped
in a white shroud…
5. Kamu bisa main angklung ga?
Can you play Angklung, the musical
instrument consisting of suspended bamboo
tubes which sound when shaken?
5b: Without Modification
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Katanya dia mau dengerin lagu
dangdut…
He said he wants to listen to Dangdut
music…
Attachment 6 : Translating Strategy using
Transposition
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Dia mah mulut ember! She is a big mouth!
2. Ih…Burket (bubur ketek) Ugh…Wet armpits powder
3. Brur, gue cabut dulu ya… Guys, I’m leaving now
4. Anjing! Damn!
5. Aduh…Lebai banget sih … Come on…that’s too much…
6. Punya goceng ga? Do you have five key(s)?
7. Dia orangnya seru banget… He is such a lively guy…
8. Ngobrolin apa saja sih kok kayanya
rame banget!
What are they talking about? Like so interesting!
Attachment 7: Translating Strategy using
Transferring Method
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Sarung gue mana? Do you see my sarong?
2. Ntar dong, gue baca mantera dulu… Hold on, I spell the mantra first…
Attachment 8: Translating Strategy using
More Neutral Words
No. Source Language Target Language
1. Setan loe, ngagetin gue… My goodness! You scare me…
2.
belagu banget jadi orang!(sok pinter,
sok kaya, mentang2 doktor)…
What a snobbish!
3. Ah…ngebacot aja loe! That’s crap!
4. Ah ngawur loe! Nonsense!
5. Jaga tuh bacot loe! Watch your mouth!
6. Empet banget gue ama loe! I’m fed up with you!
7. Buset deh! What!
8. Ntar lagi Cebok dulu!!! Wait a minute. I’m cleaning up (my
