CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses background of study, statements of problem, purposes of the study, significance of the study, scope and limitation and
Language is a phenomenon and a factor that links different cultures and a way of expressing feelings and ideas that people try to convey. We all live in wide range of countries which cause an emergence of various languages. It makes us hard to
communicate with people from different countries. However, the internationally accepted language used worldwide is English. According to Crystal (cited in
Rohma 2005, p.3) “thirty regions use English as their first language, including USA, CANADA, Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and several carribean countries”. It is a proof that English is one of the languages
which is most used in the world.
Realizing the big role that the language has, mastering English is
important because that is one of the tools to communicate with people all around the world. In our country, English stands in position as a foreign language, so that
information and benefits that we will receive if we are able to speak English. Here, the activity of translation and also the translator’s role are needed to
minimize the difficulty that might be faced by the people.
In linguistic, many fields of disciplines may involve and are related to each
other. Abassi et al. (2012) claim that “the variety of languages with different cultures and necessity of communications in human life caused translation to be a very effective factor in communicating, exchanging cultures, and knowledge”. It
can be seen that in learning language, several aspects may involve, such as culture and translation: they are closely related and it is essential to consider both in the
process of translation. Beypi and Biswas (2012) argue that the study of language, culture and translation is essential, and the process of translation will reach the connection among them. In addition, translation covers both linguistic and cultural
activity which bridges those two disciplines to be learnt at the same time.
Translation can be categorized as an activity where the process of finding
the equivalent meaning of source text into target text takes place. Translation occurs very often in our daily life in order to communicate meanings from another language. Hatim and Munday (2004) define translation as “the process of
transferring a written text from source language (SL) to target language (TL)”. In this definition, they only emphasize on translation as a process, without
expressing that the object being transferred is meaning ormessage. Catford (1995) explains the definition of translation more completely, translation is the
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appears to be the way to make sure that the source text has been understood entirely and properly, the translator should understand the context before starting
any translation. Thus, translation is a process of transferring language of SL into TL which requires the translator to know the background of both the source
language and the target language in order to avoid misunderstanding.
Another matter which should be concerned in language is culture, and it takes a big role in translation. In translating a text, the translator must know the
background culture of both source and target language. Abassi et al. (2012) explain that “Difficulties arising out of differences of cultures constitute the most
serious problems for translators and have produced the most far-reaching misunderstanding among readers. Culture itself has its own limitation in transferring the source text into the target text”. In addition, it is important for the
translator to give a big consideration towards culture as the guideline in translating the text so that the closest meaning will be earned while the activity of
translation is going on. Moreover, Akbari (2013) argues that culture gives big influence to people in expressing the language.
Generally, language is an expression of culture and individuality of its speakers. It influences the way the speakers perceive the world. So focusing on the issue of translation from one language to another, the culture of both languages in the process of translation is influential. Of course one should consider that to what extent the culture is in the text and to what extent the language is in culture. (p. 1)
In conclusion, to be a good translator, we should be familiar with culture and the
social context such as custom and norms. This awareness will improve not only the capability but also the quality of translator in translating the text. Furthermore,
cultural norms between SL and TL can be a factor that arises problem in translation. Besides the culture itself, considering the cultural norms also becomes
an essential thing for the translator. Here, the translator's responsibility is to individual words. In other words, we have to see it as whole component which has
one meaning. Since the idioms are developed by the culture of the language, it is necessary to know the background culture both the SL and TL. Translating idioms is considered as one of barriers in translation because idioms cannot be translated
without understanding the meaning behind the expressions. Berman (2000) states that, “in translating idiomatic expression, we cannot normally change the words,
their order, or the grammatical forms in the same way as changing non-idiomatic expression”. Thus, idioms are basically fixed expressions. If we find idioms, we
cannot change the structure or translate it each word, as idioms tied to each other.
For instance, in a sentence “it is raining cats and dog”. Those who are not familiar with this idiom will think about a situation in which cats and dog are falling from
the sky. In fact, the cats and dog means a very heavy rain.
This study is intended to examine the strategies used in translating
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information from overseas. Moreover, not only information which makes people interested in, but also literary work. One of literary works which catches people’s
attention is fairy tale. Fairy tale is a simple children's story about magical creatures. By reading fairy tale, the readers do not only get entertainment, but
also knowledge. As in other literary works, there are social values. A fairy tale also contains messages from the author, which can be learnt by the readers. However, in translating fairy tale, the translator may face some problems. One of
the problems in translating fairy tale is concerning on idioms. Considering the difficulty, it needs an appropriate strategy to overcome the problem. Baker (1992)
states that in translating idioms: “The translator has two main concerns: the ability to recognize and interpret idiom correctly; and the difficulties involved in rendering the various aspects of meaning that an idiom or a fixed expression
conveys into the target language”. Baker offers several strategies to translate idiom; those are: a). Using similar meaning and similar form, b). Using similar
meaning but disimilar form, c). Paraphrasing, d). Omission.
One of previous studies related to this research was conducted by Saputro (2012) entitled “Idioms and Strategies of Translation in Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows”. In this study, the researcher used the theory of translation
strategy in terms of translating idiom by Mona Baker. The study showed that several translation strategies were applied in the novel, which included idioms of similar meaning and form, using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form,
idioms expression. This study concluded that paraphrasing enables the translator to produce an equivalent result in Indonesian as TL. A similar study was also
conducted by Ngestiningtyas (2013) with the title “An Analysis on Idiom Translation Strategies in the Rainbow Troops”. This study is aimed at examining
the translation strategies used in the translation of idioms in the novel Laskar Pelangi from Indonesian into English. The result showed that there were only three strategies found that is used by the translator in translating Indonesian
idioms into English. He found that the most frequent translation strategy used by the translator is translation by using similar meaning and form. This result is
different from what Baker proposed in, which the most common strategy in translating idiom is paraphrasing. The next most frequent translation strategies used based on the analysis are translation by using an idiom of similar meaning
but dissimilar form, and the last is translation by paraphrasing. He did not find the last strategy that is translation by omission. Both studies make the cultural
difference as the main concern in keeping the original meaning, especially when dealing with idiomatic expressions. When translating idioms, the translator might use some adjustment in the certain context to keep the correct meaning, so the
translated text is still legible and clear. In conclusion, translating idioms could be a serious matter regarding the target language. In this case the problems are
doubled since the stylistic meaning should be kept without reducing the beauty of the text. However, both of those studies did not investigate the reason of choosing
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understand which strategy that is really appropriate to translate idiomatic expression.
Concerning on the various kinds of translation strategies in translating idiom and its influence in the meaning for the text, the researcher was interested in
conducting a research with the title “Translation Strategies Applied in Translating Idiomatic Expressions in the Fairy Tales by Students of English Department Specializing on Translation In University of Muhammadiyah Malang”. The
selection of research subject is not without a reason. Those seventh semester students have learnt about idiomatic expression and also idiomatic translation
strategy. Based on the result of those studies explained above, there is a difference between the most dominant strategies used in translating idiomatic expression. The first research conducted by Saputro (2012) concluded that using paraphrase as
the strategy in translating idiom will enable the translator to reach the closest meaning in TL. The second research conducted by Ngestiningtyas (2013) served
different result that the most frequent strategy used is translation by using similar meaning and form. This difference makes the researcher interested in digging out a deep overview about the reason of choosing the most dominant translation
strategy by the translator. This study aims to know the translation strategies applied in translating idiomatic expression in the fairy tales and to investigate the
underlying reasons behind the choice of the most dominant translation strategy. It also differentiates this study from others, since the other studies only focus on the
dominant strategy in translating idiom since to gain the closest meaning and to avoid misunderstanding become the priority in translation.
1.2Statements of Problem
To obtain significant result, research questions as guidance to the study is needed. The researcher formulates the statement problem of this study as follows:
1.2.1 What are the translation strategies applied in translating idiomatic expression in the fairy tales by seventh semester students of English
Department specializing on translation in University of Muhammadiyah Malang?
1.2.2 What are the underlying reasons behind the choice of the most dominant
translation strategy?
1.3Purposes of the Study
With reference to the problems above, the purposes of the study are :
1.3.1 To find out the the translation strategies applied in translating idiomatic
expression in the fairy tales by seventh semester students of English Department specializing on translation in University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
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1.4Significance of the Study
The result of this study is expected to support the students to learn about
translation aspect, especially translation strategies in translating idiomatic expression. The writer also wishes that the result of this study will be useful for
the students who want to conduct research which deals with translation. In addition to reading this study, the writer hopes that these research findings will contribute in clarifying the translation strategy of translating idiomatic expression.
1.5Scope and Limitation
The scope of this research is the idiomatic expressions which are found in
the fairy tales. To limit this research, the researcher only analyzes the translation strategy in translating idiomatic expression in some fairy tales such as Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, and The Princess and Frog. In addition,
its limitation is on identifying the translation strategies applied by students of English Department specializing on translation in translating the idiomatic
expression in those fairy tales and the underlying reasons of choosing the most dominant strategy in translating idiomatic expression.
1.6Definition of the Key Terms
The researcher provides the classification of the key term in order to avoid misinterpretation in understanding the terms related to the study:
Translation is the process of transferring a written text from source language
Translation strategy is the technique which is used to render source text into
target text. In this case, there are four translation strategies in translating
idiomatic expression a). Using an Idioms of Similar Meaning and Form b). Using an Idiom of Similar Meaning but Dissimilar Form c). Translation by
Paraphrase and d).Translation by Omission (Baker, 1992).
Idioms is a group of words joining together to assume a specific meaning
different from the meaning of each individual word (Tan, 2002).
Fairy tale is a simple story about magical beings such as fairies, dragons, and
wizard. It is originally intended for children, the fairy tale has in certain
TRANSLATION STRATEGIES APPLIED IN TRANSLATING IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE FAIRY TALES BY STUDENTS
OF ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SPECIALIZING ON TRANSLATION IN UNIVERSITY OF
MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
THESIS
by:
NYDHA AJENG PANGESTUTI
201110100311306
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
THESIS
This thesis is submitted to meet one of the requirements to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
by:
NYDHA AJENG PANGESTUTI
2011101003111306
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
MOTTO AND DEDICATION
MOTTO
“Miracle is Another Name of an Effort”
“ is impossible in this world. The word itself says im-possible.”
Never give up of what you fight for. You never know when the
miracle comes to meet you.”
Nydha Ajeng Pangestuti
DEDICATION
This thesis is especially dedicated to:
My dearest Mother Ngesti Harini
My beloved Father Sutikno
My gorgeous Brother Nyno Fella .S
to me. After being in a tough time in finishing my thesis, this is the right time for me to present my best and huge gratitude for those who are engaged in my
challenging time. For the very first, all best praises belong to Allah SWT for giving me strength and blessing in completing this thesis. Not forgotten, praises are also offered to the beloved Prophet, Muhammad SAW as the best role model
ever for me and all Muslims around the world.
Secondly, I would like to deliver my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the first advisor Mr. Riski Lestiono, M.A. who patiently guides and supports me
to finish this thesis. Then, I also would like to convey my best gratitude to the second advisor Ms. Nina Inayati, M.Ed. who kindly gives me supports,
suggestions and also an invaluable help to reach a better writing, especially in constructing this thesis.
Thirdly, the best and uncountable thanks are delivered to my family. For my patient father Bpk Sutikno, beloved mother Ibu Ngesti Harini, and my coolest brother Nyno Fella .S. There is no word that could describe my gratitude
for all the endless love, support and prayer.
To all of my dearest friends Ninik, Maulany, Ira, Endah, Dana, Fannanah,
Aisyah, Berlian, Ajeng Mutiara and Ina who are also in the same challenging journey, keep being strong and istiqomah, we are always one step closer to reach our dreams. Thanks for the support, help and prayer. Thanks for the friendship
Last but not least, I also would like to dedicate my best gratitude to those who contributed in this thesis. For all my friends in translation class, thanks for
the priceless help and support, it would never be done without all of you. For all my friends in F class, thank you very much for the togetherness and the
unforgettable memories along these four years. May all the knowledge that we get could reveal the best version of us.
Malang, August 27, 2015
The Writer,
LEGALIZATION ... iv
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1Translation ... 11
2.1.1 Types of Translation ... 13
2.1.2 The Process of Translation ... 17
2.2Idiom ... 21
2.2.1 The Difficulties in Translating Idioms ... 23
2.3Fairy Tale ... 27
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 4.1Research Findings ... 36
4.1.1Translation Strategies ... 37
4.1.2Types of Translation Strategies ... 38
4.1.2.1 Using an Idiom with a Similar Meaning and Form... 38
1.1.2.2Using an Idiom with a Similar Meaning but Dissimilar Form ... 40
1.1.2.3Translation by Paraphrase ... 43
4.1.2.4 Translation by Omission ... 46
4.1.3 Description of the Underlying Reasons Behind the Choice of the Most Dominant Strategy ... 48
4.2 Discussion ... 49
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS 5.1Conclusion ... 53
5.2Suggestions ... 54
REFERENCES ... 56
LIST OF FIGURES
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