THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF TRANSLATING ENGLISH TEXT
A PAPER
BY
M. Doli Arifan Siregar REG. NO. 112202075
DIPLOMA III ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF CULTURE STUDY
UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA MEDAN
Approved by Supervisor,
Drs. Bahagia Tarigan, M.A. NIP: 19581017198601001
Submitted to the Faculty of Culture Study University of North Sumatera
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for English Study Diploma III Program
Approved by
The chairperson of English Study Diploma III,
Dr. Matius C.A. Sembiring, M.A. NIP : 19521126 198112 1 001
Approved by the English Study Diploma III Program, Faculty of Culture Study,
Accepted by the examination board in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the DIII examination of the Diploma III English Study Program, Faculty of Culture Study of University of North Sumatera.
The examination is held on: July 2014
Faculty of Culture Study University of North Sumatera Dean,
Dr. Syahron Lubis, M.A. NIP : 19511031 197603 1 001
Board of examiners:
1. Dr. Matius C.A. Sembiring, M.A. (head of ESP) ……….
2. Drs. Bahagia Tarigan, M.A. (supervisor) ………..
AUTHOR'S DECLARATION
I am, M. Doli Arifan Siregar declare that I am the sole author of this paper. Except where the reference is made in the text of this paper, this paper contains no materials published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part of from a paper by which I have qualified for or awarded another degree.
No other's person work has been used without due acknowledgment in the main text of this paper. This paper has not been submitted for the award of another degree in any tertiary education.
Signed : ...
COPYRIGHT DECLARATION
Name : M. Doli Arifan Siregar
Title of Paper : The Basic Knowledge of Translating English Text Qualification : D-III / Ahli Madya
Study Program : English
I am willing that my paper should be available for reproduction at the discretion of the Librarian of the Diploma III English Department Faculty of Culture Study USU on the understanding that users are made aware of their obligation under law of the Republic of Indonesia.
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to say thank to the Almight God, Allah SWT, who has blessed me so that this paper finally done. Shalawat and also Salam are given to our prophet Muhammad SAW who has changed the human life from the stupidity to the cleverness.
I would like to thank Drs. Syaifuddin, M.A., Ph.D as the Dean of Faculty of Letters, University of Sumatera Utara, the lecturers, and staffs of Faculty of Letters, USU for their academic contribution during the days of my study.
Also, I would like to thank Dra. Syahyar Hanum, D.P.F.E as the Head of English Study Program.
I would like to thank my supervisor, Rudy Sofyan, S.S and my reader, Dra. Persadanta, Br. Karo, M. Hum whom have guided me in arranging this paper. I am very grateful for their patience and care.
For my father, Darwin, and my mother, Aslam. I would like to thank for their support and love in my entire life. I will do my best to make them happy and proud. In addition, I am grateful to my sisters, Asnidar, Serianni, Marni Syah, Ramlah, Yuli, Nisa, and my brother, Hamidi for their motivation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ... I COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ... II ABSTRACT ... III ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ... IV TABLE OF CONTENTS ... V
Chapter I Introduction ... 1
1.1 The Background of Writing ... 1
1.2 Scope of Writing ... 2
1.3 Objective of Writing ... 2
1.4 Significance of writing ... 2
1.5 Method of Writing ... 3
Chapter II Translation Overview ... 4
2.1 Definition of Translation ... 4
2.2 Process of Translation ... 7
Chapter III Tenses ... 9
3.1 Present Tense ... 9
3.1.1 Simple Present Tense ... 9
3.1.1.1 The Usage of Present Tense ... 11
3.1.1.2 The Spelling of –S and –ES in Present Tense ... 12
3.1.2 Present Continuous Tense ... 13
3.1.2.1 The Usage of Present Continuous Tense ... 14
3.1.3 Present Perfect Tense ... 16
3.1.3.1 The Usage of Present Perfect Tense ... 19
3.1.3.2 The Differences For and Since in Present Perfect Tense ... 20
3.1.4 Present Perfect Continuous Tense ... 20
3.1.4.1 The Usage of Present Perfect Continuous Tense ... 21
3.1.4.2 Present Perfect Tense vs. Present Perfect Continuous Tense ... 22
3.2 Past Tense ... 23
3.2.1 Simple Past Tense... 23
3.2.2 Past Continuous Tense ... 25
3.2.2.1 The Usage of Past Continuous Tense ... 26
3.2.3 Past Perfect Tense... 27
3.2.3.1 The Usage of Past Perfect Tense ... 29
3.2.4 Past Perfect Continuous Tense ... 30
3.2.4.1 The Usage of Past Perfect Continuous Tense ... 30
3.3 Translate English Text in Form of Present Tense and Past Tense ... 32
Chapter IV Conclusion and Suggestion ... 42
4.1 Conclusion ... 42
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of Writing
Translation is one of language skills which has to be studied by language learners. As English learners, of course, we want to be able to translate English text. In order to make it true, we have to study the basic knowledge of translation. If translation is a home, the basic knowledge of translation could be the foundation. If translation is a car, the basic knowledge of translation could be the machine. Home can not stand without foundation and car can not run without machine. So, without understanding the basic knowledge of translation, we will fail to translate a text.
The main basic knowledge of translating a text is understanding the form and meaning of text. Form of text is related to grammatical structure. Grammatical structure is also called surface structure or linguistic elements of translation. While, meaning of text is related to the meaning structure. It is also called deep structure or extra linguistic elements of language which consist of meaning and socio-cultural of language. Socio-cultural of language consists of ecology, culture, technology, and system of myth (Nababan, 2003:88).
translate English text well. But, tenses for English learners is very complicated especially for fresh men. It is because the form of verb changes if the time changes. In order to figure it out, tenses will be observed and explained.
1.2 Scope of Writing
In order to be able to translate English text well, English learners have to understand tenses. Because tenses extends widely, it is decided that only Present Tense and Past Tense will be analyzed.
1.3 Objective of Writing
In writing the paper there are some objectives that should be achieved, they are;
1. To introduce translation to the readers especially the students of English Diploma III Department University of Sumatera Utara.
2. To explain English tenses.
3. To translate text in Present Tense and Past Tense form. 1.4 Significance of Writing
To make the paper fruitful for others, some significances could be shown as follows;
1. To make the readers especially students of English Diploma III Department University of Sumatera Utara understand the usage of tenses.
2. To make the readers recognize the ways of translating English Text in Present Tense and Past Tense form.
1.5 Method of Writing
CHAPTER II
TRANSLATION OVERVIEW
2.1 Definition of Translation
There are some definitions of translation expressed by some experts of translation. Before discussing such opinions, we had better look at translation by dictionary definition. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary (1974) translation consists of changing from one state or form to another, to turn into one’s own or another language. In spoken or written language we communicate to other people by using words, phrases, clauses, sentences, etc. In translation they are part of form structure of language which are going to be changed to form structure of target language. For example;
in English in Bahasa Indonesia Word;
- Car - Mobil
- Eat - Makan
Phrase;
- Sad story - Cerita sedih
- Big country - Negara besar Clause;
- I study English - Saya belajar bahasa Inggris - Call me tonight - Hubungi saya nanti malam Sentence;
- Saya belajar Bahasa Inggris demi masa depan saya (in Bahasa Indonesia)
According to Larson (1948) in Simatupang (1999:1) translation is a process of changing form to another form. Another form means source language or target language. If “saya” is translated into English, so the translation is “I”. The form “saya” in Bahasa Indonesia is changed to be “I” in English.
The definition of translation by Catford (1980) in Nababan (2003:19) is process of changing text of source languange into text of target language. Generally, Source language is the form from which the translation is made and target language is the form into which it is going to be changed. The definition from Catford is very weak because of changing a text form from source language into target language form is impossible. It is because the grammatical structure of every language is different in general.
For example; A green leaf (in English)
Sebuah daun hijau (in Bahasa Indonesia)
The grammatical structure of English and Bahasa Indonesia is different. In English green comes first and then followed by leaf while in Bahasa Indonesia daun (leaf) comes first and then followed by hijau (green). So, if the text is only
changed into a text in Bahasa Indonesia without considering the meaning of the text the translation could be “hijau daun”. The meaning of Daun hijau and hijau daun are different in Bahasa Indonesia. Daun hijau means the leaf is green while
hijau daun means the color of something looks green likes leaf.
process of transferring the message or meaning of a text from source language into target language by considering the message of the text and concept of language which is used. This opinion is more acceptable under some reasons. First, a concept of word could be expressed in two different languages. Second, the message of a text is transferred into target language by expressing it into written and spoken language. Third, the concept of language needs to be considered in translating a text because every field of study has different concept of language in expressing messages.
According to the three previous definitions of translation, it is concluded that translation is a process of transferring the message of a text from source language into target language by considering the grammatical structure of source and target language. It means after understanding the message and grammatical structure of source language, the next step needs to be done is expressing the message in an appropriate way of target language.
For example, Can you feel me? (in English). The translation could be;
apakah kau merasakan aku? (in Bahasa Indonesia)
apakah kau mengerti maksudku? (in Bahasa Indonesia)
2.2 Process of Translation
In order to transfer the meaning of a text of source language to target language well, it needs to understand the steps of translation process. Before discussing the first step in process of translation, it needs to understand the meaning of process itself. Process means a group of ways that should be done to achieve a certain goal. So, process of translation is a group of ways that should be done to translate a text well. According to Nababan (2003:25) there are 3 steps of translation process as follows;
1) Analyzing text
2) Transferring the meaning of text 3) Restructuring.
Analyzing text means reading the text of source language in order to understand the meaning of the text. There are some cases that have to be analyzed in reading process; linguistic elements and extra linguistic elements. Linguistic elements consist of sentence, clause, phrase, word, etc. Analyzing sentence needs to be done to identify clauses form a complex sentence. The independent clauses and dependent clauses of the complex sentence should be separated to change the complex sentence to become some simple sentences. This way is also valid in phrase. It needs to be done to decide the head and the modifier of the phrase. By applying this way it will be easier to translate a text.
CHAPTER III TENSES
According to Nesfield (1948) in Mas’ud (1987:19) tenses is time when an event happens, level of perfectness when action is doing or an event happened, will happen, is happening, or has just done. Tenses consist of 3 parts namely Present Tense, Past Tense, and Future Tense. But, only Present Tense and Past Tense will be discussed.
3.1 Present Tense
Present Tense consists of Simple Present Tense, Present Continuous Tense, Present Perfect Tense, and Present Perfect Continuous Tense. They will be explained briefly.
3.1.1 Simple Present Tense
According to Werner (1990:4) Present Tense can describe habits, routines, or events that happen regularly. Time expressions which are used in Present Tense such as always, often, never, usually, every day, etc.
The structure of the Present Tense is: 1. Verbal
Verbal is a sentence uses a main verb. It means the sentence does not contain auxiliary verbs. The main verb used in Simple Present Tense is the first form of verb. For example, I sing a song and the sun rises
A. Affirmative statement;
in the east.
subject + main verb +
complement I, you, we, they, + verb I +
B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + do not verb I
she, he, it + does not verb I
C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement do + I, you, we, they, + verb I
does + she, he, it + verb I
Look at these examples;
• I read newspaper every day.
• Does she call you every morning?
• They do not play football every afternoon.
2. Nominal
Nominal is a sentence uses a verb to be. It means the sentence has to use an auxiliary verb to form a sentence. The verb to be is usually followed by adjectives, nouns, adverbs, etc. The verbs to be used in Simple Present Tense are; am comes after I, is comes after he, she, it, and are comes after you, we, and they.
For example; 1. I am
2. He a banker. is 3. She my father. is 4. They my teacher. are 5. You football players. are
A.Affirmative statement;
subject + verb to be +
complement
you, we, they + are +
I + am +
she, he, it, + is +
B. Negative statement;
subject + verb to be +
complement
you, we, they, + are not
I |+ am not
she, he, it + is not
C. Question;
verb to be + subject +
complement
are + you, we, they, +
am + I +
is + she, he, it +
Look at these examples; • I am a student.
• He is not a student.
• Are you a student (?)
3.1.1.1 The Usage of Present Tense
The Present Tense is used to talk about: 1) Permanent situation.
For example;
• I like football very much.
• She enjoys studying math.
2) General truth. For example;
• The sky is blue.
• Soekarno is the first president of Indonesia.
• The earth revolves around the sun.
3) Habit or repeated action. For example;
• I go to college every day.
• They usually have lunch in the cafeteria.
• She always takes breakfast before she goes to school.
3.1.1.2 The Spelling of -S and -ES in Present Tense
Present Tense has a special guidance in applying –s or –es. The guidance is taken from Schrampfer (1992:8) as follows;
visit → visits
answer → answers
speak → speaks
happen → happens
final –s, not –es is added to most verbs.
(incorrect) visites, speakes, answeres, happenes
hope → hopes
write → writes
many verbs end –e. Final –s is simply added.
fix → fixes
wash → washes
buzz → buzzes
do → does
go → goes
final –es is added if the verb end in -o
study → studies
try → tries
if a verb in consonants + -y, change the –y to –i and ad – es.
pay → pays
buy → buys
if a verb ends in a vowel (a, i, u, e, o) +y, simply add –s
3.1.2 Present Continuous Tense
According to Schrampfer (1992:3) the Present Continuous Tense expresses an activity that is in progress (is occurring, is happening) right now, the event is in progress at the time speaker is saying the sentence. The event began in the past, is in progress now and will probably continue to the future.
The structure of the Present Continuous Tense is: A.Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, + are + base + -ing
I + am + base + -ing
B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, + are not base + -ing
I + am not base + -ing
she, he, it + is not base + -ing C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement are + you, we, they, + base + -ing
am + I + base + -ing
is + she, he, it + base + -ing
Look at these examples;
• I am speaking to you.
• They are reading books.
• Is he watching television?
• Are they waiting for you?
3.1.2.1 The Usage of Present Continuous Tense
Present Continuous Tense is used to talk about:
1) Action happening exactly now.
Look at these examples:
• I am eating right now.
• I am waiting for her call.
2) Action happening around now.
The action may not be happening exactly now, but it is happening just before and just after now, and it is not permanent or habitual.
Look at these examples:
• Ariel is learning to sing.
• I am living with my friend until I find a new apartment.
• This term she is studying English Grammar.
3) Present Continuous Tense for the future time.
The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about the future if it adds a future word. It must add (or understand from the context) a future word. For example, tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about the future when we have planned to do something before we speak. We have already made a decision and a plan
before speaking
Look at these examples:
• We are playing futsal tonight. We have already booked the field at
Terminal Futsal.
• I can play tennis with you tomorrow. I am not working.
3.1.2.2 Spelling of the Present Continuous Tense
The Present Continuous Tense is made by adding -ing to the base verb. Normally it is simple - it just adds -ing. But sometimes it has to change the word a little. Perhaps by doubling the last letter, or dropping a letter. Here are the rules to help you know how to spell the Present Continuous Tense taken from
Basic rule Just add -ing to the base verb:
work > working
play > playing
assist > assisting
see > seeing
be > being Exception
1
If the base verb ends in consonant + stressed vowel + consonant, double the last letter:
(vowels = a, e, i, o, u)
stop > stopping
run > running
begin > beginning
Note that this exception does not apply when the last syllable of the base verb is not stressed:
s t o p
consonant stressed
open > opening Exception
2 If the base verb ends in ie, change the ie to y: lie > lying
die > dying Exception
3 If the base verb ends in vowel + consonant + e, omit the e: come > coming
mistake > mistaking
3.1.3 Present Perfect Tense
According to Werner (1990:1) the Present Perfect Tense can describe
actions or situations that occurred at unspecified time in the past. It also refers to repeated past actions. Time expressions such as the following often appear with this use of the Present Perfect Tense: already, just, recently, still, yet, so far, after now, (once, twice, three, four, etc) times. If Present Perfect Tense describes
actions occurred at the unspecified time in the past, Simple Past Tense is used to describe actions occurred at specified past times such as yesterday, in 1985, etc. The structure of the Present Perfect Tense is:
1. Verbal
A.Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + have + verb III
she, he, it, + has + verb III B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + have not verb III
she, he, it, + has not verb III C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement have + I, you, we, they, + verb III
has + she, he, it, + verb III Look at these examples;
• I have seen you before.
• They have eaten their meal.
• She has gone to London for a vacation.
• He has not found his key yet.
• Have you finished your home work?
2. Nominal
A. Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + verb to be
complement I, you, we, they, + have + been
she, he, it, + has + been B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + verb to be
complement I, you, we, they, + have not been
she, he, it, + has not been C. Question;
Auxiliary verb + subject + verb to be
complement have + I, you, we, they, + been
has + she, he, it, + been
Look at these examples;
• She has been to London.
• Have you been to London?
• She has not been to London.
• They have been a teacher for 10 years.
3.1.3.1 The Usage of Present Perfect Tense
This tense is called the Present Perfect Tense. There is always a connection with the past and with the present. There are basically three uses for the Present Perfect Tense:
Present Perfect Tense is used to talk about experience from the past. Present Perfect Tense focuses on action. It means Present Perfect Tense does not focus on the point time when you did something. For example;
• I have finished my home work.
• They have found their car.
• She has had her lunch yet.
2. Present Perfect Tense expresses activities that were repeated several or many times in the past. For example;
• I have been to that plaza six times.
• She has watched the movie three times.
• I have read the book twice.
3. Present Perfect Tense for continuing situation
The Present Perfect Tense is also used to talk about a continuing situation. This is a state that started in the past and continues in the present (and will probably continue into the future). This is a state (not an action). For or since are usually used with this structure. For example;
• He has known me since we were ten years old.
• We have been in class for 4 hours.
3.1.3.2 The Differences For and Since in Present Perfect Tense
For is used in Present Perfect Tense to talk about a period of time such as for 5
minutes, for 2 weeks, for 6 years etc. While, since is used to talk about a point in
past time such as since 9 o'clock, since 1st January, since Monday, etc.
Look at these examples:
• She has been here for 30 minutes.
• I have been here since 9 o'clock.
• John hasn't called me for last 6 months.
• John hasn't called me since February.
3.1.4 Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Next comes the perfect/passive form of the verb be-been. The final element of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense is the –ing form of the main verb. The structure of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense is:
A. Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, I + have + base + ing
she, he, it + has + base + ing
B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, I + have not base + ing
she, he, it + has not base + ing
C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement have + you, we, they, I + base + ing
has + she, he, it + base + ing
3.1.4.1 The Usage of Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used to talk about:
1. Duration or course of an action (not the result).
For example;
• She has been writing this article for two hours.
• I have been reading this book for two weeks.
• She has been knocking the door for 5 minutes.
For example;
• I have been living here for 28 years. I am moving to my new
apartment tomorrow.
• The lecturer has been teaching at this faculty for 15 years. He will
retire next year.
3. Finished action that influenced the present.
For example;
• I am very tired because I have been working all afternoon.
• I have been eating those cake you made. I am very satisfied, they
are very good.
3.1.4.2 Present Perfect Tense vs. Present Perfect Continuous Tense
• I have been living here for 10 years and I intend to continue.
• I have lived here since 1999 and I am moving tomorrow.
• I have been working here for 5 years and I intend to continue.
• I have worked here since 2000 and I will resign tomorrow.
3.2 Past Tense
Generally, Past Tense also consists of 4 parts namely Past Tense, Past Continuous Tense, Past Perfect Tense, and Past Perfect Continuous Tense. All of them will be explained briefly.
3.2.1 Simple Past Tense
According to Rangkuti-Hasibuan (1996:59) Simple Past Tense is used to explain actions that happened at a specific time in the past. The actions have already done and usually are followed by adverb of time such as yesterday, two days ago, in 1920, last week, last year, etc. Sometimes Past Tense is not followed
by adverb of time because the verb used in Past Tense expresses the past time. The form of verb does not change because of plural subject (you, we, they) or singular subject (I, she, he, it), except verb to be was comes after singular subject (I, she, he, it) and were followed by plural subject (we, they, you).
Verbal is a sentence uses main verbs. It means the sentence does not contain auxiliary verbs. In the Past Tense form, the main verb used is the second form of verb. For example, I saw
A. Affirmative statement;
my lecturer in library yesterday.
subject + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + verb II
she, he, it + verb II
B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + did not verb I
she, he, it + did not verb I
C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement did + I, you, we, they, + verb I
did + she, he, it + verb I
Look at these examples;
• I went to library yesterday.
• I did not go to library yesterday.
• Did I go to library yesterday?
2. Nominal
nouns, adverbs, etc. The verbs to be are used in Simple Past Tense are; was comes after I, he, she, it, and were comes after you, we, and they. For example;
1. I was
2. You
in Jakarta last week.
were not as fat as you were in senior high school.
A. Affirmative statement;
subject + verb to be +
complement you, we, they + were +
I + was +
she, he, it, + was +
B. Negative statement;
subject + verb to be +
complement you, we, they + were not
I + was not
she, he, it, + was not C. Question;
verb to be + subject +
complement were + you, we, they +
was + I +
was + she, he, it +
Look at these examples;
• I was a senior high school student 4 years ago.
• I was not a senior high school student 4 years ago.
• Was I a senior high school student 4 years ago?
3.2.2 Past Continuous Tense
time, a week ago, a year ago, a month ago, etc. The structure of the Past
Continuous Tense is: A. Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, + were + base + -ing
I + was + base + -ing
she, he, it + was + base + -ing B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, + were not base + -ing
I + was not base + -ing
she, he, it + was not base + -ing C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement were + you, we, they not base + -ing
was + I not base + -ing
was + she, he, it not base + -ing
For example;
• I was watching TV a moment ago.
• I was not watching TV a moment ago.
• Was I watching TV a moment ago?
• She was studying at library at the time of the fire.
• She was not studying at library at the time of the fire.
3.2.2.1 The Usage of Past Continuous Tense
According to EnglishClub.com Past Continuous Tense expresses 2 conditions as follows:
1. Actions in progress in a particular moment in the past time. For example;
I was having lunch at 3 p.m. last night.
2. The background situation at the moment when the action begins. For example; “James Bond was driving through town. It was raining. The wind was
blowing hard. Nobody was walking in the streets. Suddenly, Bond saw the
killer in a telephone box...”
3.2.3 Past Perfect Tense
1. Verbal
Verbal is a sentence uses a main verb. In Past Perfect Tense the main verb used is the third form of verb. The third form of verb comes after auxiliary verb had. For example, I had given
A. Affirmative statement;
my heart to somebody when I was 17 years old.
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + had + verb III
she, he, it, + had + verb III B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement I, you, we, they, + had not verb III
she, he, it, + had not verb III C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement had + I, you, we, they, + verb III
had + she, he, it, + verb III Here are some examples of Past Perfect Tense:
• He had closed the door before he left.
• The thief had taken the jewels when the police arrived.
• After the chairman had opened the meeting, the participants came
2. Nominal
Nominal is a sentence uses a verb to be. The verb to be used in Past Perfect Tense is been. In Past Perfect Tense, been comes after had and usually followed by adjectives, nouns, adverbs, etc.
A. Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + verb to be
complement I, you, we, they, she,
he, it
+ had + been
B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + verb to be
complement I, you, we, they,
she, he, it
+ had not been
C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + verb to be
complement had + I, you, we, they, she,
he, it
+ been
For example; if the weather had been
3.2.3.1 The Usage of Past Perfect Tense;
bad last night, she would have not come to
your apartment.
Past Perfect Tense is used to express;
• When we arrived, the concert had already finished.
• By the time I got to the market, most of the stalls had already been
closed.
• Before 2001, they had attended college in Padang Sidempuan.
• We announced our decision after we had held a meeting.
2. Third Conditional If (contrary to the fact in the past). For example;
• If the weather had been nice yesterday, she would have gone to
campus.
• If I had not had a meeting yesterday, I would have seen you in the
hospital.
• If I had studied hard, I would have passed the exam last semester.
3.2.4 Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Perfect Continuous Tense consists of two auxiliary verbs, had and be, and the –ing form of the main verb. The auxiliary verb had comes first, and it is marked for tense. Next, comes the perfect passive form of the verb be –been. The final element of the Past Perfect Continuous Tense is the –ing form of the main verb.
The structure of the Past Perfect Continuous Tense is: A. Affirmative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, I + had + base + ing
she, he, it + had + base + ing
B. Negative statement;
subject + auxiliary verb + main verb
complement you, we, they, I + had not base + ing
she, he, it + had not base + ing C. Question;
auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
complement had + you, we, they, I + base + ing
had + she, he, it + base + ing
3.2.4.1 The Usage of Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Past Perfect Continuous Tense is used to express duration of a past action up to a certain point in the past. For example;
• She had been walking for an hour when it started raining last
night.
• She put on weight because she had been eating too much sugar in
• For how many hours had Fred been painting the house when the
ladder fell?
• How long had the player been playing before he scored?
3.3 Translating English Text in Form of Present Tense and Past Tense
Translating an English text in form of Present Tense or Past Tense tends to be very complicated because English uses tenses while Bahasa Indonesia does not. Because of that, we have to understand tenses to translate English text well. Below, are some examples of English texts which are translated into Bahasa Indonesia.
Present Tense;
A. During winter in Europe, every year he always comes
The translation is:
to Sabang since 1989
(Inside Sumatera 2008/2:24). (Present Tense shows habit or repeated action)
Saban tahun, setiap musim dingin, dia selalu datang
B. For me, Sabang
ke Sabang sejak
tahun 1989.
is
The translation is:
the most beautiful town in Sumatera (Inside Sumatera
2008/2:22). (Present Tense shows permanent situation)
Kota Sabang, bagi saya, merupakan
C. Geologically, Weh Island
kota kecil paling indah di Sumatera.
is the peak of the life volcano (Inside Sumatera
The translation is:
“Secara teknis, pulau Weh sebetulnya adalah puncak gunung berapi yang masih aktif.”
Present Continuous Tense;
A. Imagine, what other surprise attraction is waiting
The translation is:
around you (Inside
Sumatera 2008/2:30). (Present Continuous Tense shows future time).
Bayangkan, kejutan apa yang dapat Anda saksikan
B. The premium service is not available because the infrastructure and other
supporting facilities
di sekitarnya.
are beginning
The translation is:
to build (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:20).
(Present Continuous Tense shows action is happening now).
Sabang belum siap untuk segala kemewahan itu karena pembangunan
infrastruktur dan sarana pendukung baru saja dimulai
C. The island with the measure of 157 square km .
is now having
The translation is:
4 diving
operators (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:23). (Present Continuous Tense shows
action is happening around now/temporary situation).
Saat ini, ada sekitar 4 operator diving yang melayani para tamu dari luar
• Birdwatching is getting
The translation is:
developed after some countries establishing
mangrove tourism package (Inside Sumatera 2008/3:47). (Present
Continuous Tense shows action is happening now).
Birdwatching dewasa ini mulai berkembang
E. Hobby is the most likely activity. Sport hobby was formerly considered as
“wasting time”. But now days football industry
menyusul terbentuknya
paket-paket wisata mangrove di beberapa negara.
is developing
The translation is:
and becomes
the world's prestigious sport (Inside Sumatera 2008/3:50). (Present
Continuous Tense shows action is happening now).
Hobi adalah suatu kegitan yang paling disukai. Hobi olahraga dulunya
adalah pekerjaan “kurang kerjaan”' Toh industri sepakbola bisa
berkembang
Present Perfect Tense;
menjadi olahraga paling bergengsi sejagat.
A. Other foreigner, Lulu, who lives in Sabang for a long time. This man also
said that he will not go away from Sabang because of tsunami. Moreover
he has already married
The translation is:
to a local girl and got one child (Inside Sumatera
2008/2:26). (Present Perfect Tense shows experience).
Warga asing lainnya, Lulu, juga sudah cukup lama menetap di Sabang.
Pria asal Peracis ini mengatakan tidak akan pindah dari Sabang hanya
setempat dan dikaruniai seorang anak.
B. The volcanic process and geographic location has resulted
The translation is:
in dive spots
with paradox condition like warm and cold, top and down (Inside
Sumatera 2008/2:30). (Present Perfect Tense shows experience).
Produk akhir dari proses vulkanik dan pengaruh geografi di kawasan ini
adalah
C. Since, the Sabang casino
terbentuknya lapangan diving yang menyajikan paradoks panas
dan dingin, tinggi dan rendah.
has been
The translation is:
in operation in 2011, the gambling
activity in the world was moving to the westernmost island of Sumatera
(Inside Sumatera 2008/2:13). (Present Perfect Tense shows continuing
situation).
Sejak kehadiran
Present Perfect Continuous Tense;
kasino di Sabang tahun 2011 lalu, seluruh kegiatan judi
dunia berpaling ke pulau paling barat di Sumatera itu.
A. This 41 years old man from Sweden has been residing
The translation is:
in Sabang before
tsunami (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:24). (Present Perfect Continuous Tense
shows duration of the action).
Pria berusia 41 tahun asal Swedia ini sudah menetap
B. Weh Island
di Sabang jauh
sebelum tsunami.
Sumatera 2008/2:23). (Present Perfect Continuous Tense shows the action
that recently stopped and still going on). The translation is:
Pulau Weh sebenarnya pernah mengalami
5. Past Tense;
masa kejayaan sebagai tujuan
wisata.
A. Tang threw his evening coat to the sand, then he walked without spirit on
the Ibioh Beach. He stared
The translation is:
at the blue sea like jade with empty look
.(Inside Sumatera 2008/2:13). (Past Tense shows past actions already
done).
Tang membuang jasnya ke pasir, lalu berjalan lunglai di pantai Ibioh. Ia
memandang
B. His close friend just
lautan yang biru seperti jamrud dengan tatapan kosong.
refused
The translation is:
to send the money to him and even his credit
card for the warranty could not be accepted by the casino on the Sabang
Hill (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:13). (Past Tense shows past actions already
done).
Barusan saja, teman paling dekatnya menolak
6. Past Continuous Tense;
mengirimkan uang setelah
kasino keparat di atas bukit Sabang juga menolak kartu kreditnya sebagai
jaminan.
the life is active around the clock. The gamblers and the high class tourists
from all over the world were enjoying party. Since, the Sabang casino has
been in operation in 2011, the gambling activity in the world was moving
The translation is:
to the westernmost island of Sumatera (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:13). (Past
Continuous Tense shows background situation at the moment when the action begins).
Lampu-lampu berpendar-pendar seperti ribuan suar. Kehidupan tidak
pernah berhenti di atas sana. Para penjudi dan turis kelas kakap dari
seluruh dunia berpesta pora. Sejak kehadiran kasino di Sabang tahun
2011 lalu, seluruh kegiatan judi dunia berpaling
B. We
ke pulau paling barat di
Sumatera itu.
were heading
The translation is:
to Town Hall of Sabang, and on arrival we were
welcomed by peumulia jamee, the traditional dance performed by the
young Aceh girls to honor the guest (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:22). (Past
Continuous Tense shows background situation at the moment when the action begins).
Lalu kami dibawa
C. The former Dutch colonial government built a shady town park on the hill
side. It
menuju Kantor Walikota Sabang dan disambut dengan
peumulia jamee, satu persembahan tari tradisional yang sangat elok dari
gadis-gadis Aceh untuk memuliakan tamunya.
their own country, Europe, to keep their feel of home sick away. (Past
Continuous Tense shows background situation at the moment when the action begins).
The translation is:
Kolonial Belanda membangun satu taman kota yang teduh di lereng bukit.
Posisinya menghadap ke barat, seperti tempat mereka melepas rindu
bertahun-tahun dengan cara menatap
7. Past Perfect Tense;
ke arah negerinya yang nan jauh di
sana.
A. Close friend just refused to send the money to him and even his credit card
for the warranty could not be accepted by the casino on the Sabang Hill.
He had spent
The translation is:
hundreds of thousand dollars in a week. Only his deposit
remained in the casino (Inside Sumatera 2008/2:13). (Past Perfect Tense
shows complete action before another activity in the past).
Barusan saja, teman paling dekatnya menolak mengirimkan uang setelah kasino keparat di atas bukit Sabang juga menolak kartu kreditnya sebagai jaminan. Ratusan ribu dollar telah
B. Rich diversity of Sumatera flora
ia habiskan seminggu ini. Yang tinggal
hanya depositnya di laci kasino.
had made
The translation is:
the foreigners very popular.
Kekayaan flora di Sumatera justru telah membuat orang asing jadi
C. If you had come to my house yesterday, I would have lent you my notebook.
The translation is: Seandainya
D. If I
kemarin kamu datang ke rumahku, saya akan meminjamkan
buku catatanku.
had had
The translation is:
much money last night, I would have gone to the concert.
Seandainya saya punya
8. Past Perfect Continuous Tense;
banyak uang tadi malam, saya akan pergi
menonton konser itu.
A. When I arrived to Bandung in 1980, he had already been living
The translation is:
there about
five years.
Ketika saya datang ke Bandung pada tahun 1980, ia telah tinggal
B. When I finished my dinner, my friend
di sana
kira-kira lima tahun.
had been playing
The translation is:
chess.
Ketika saya selasai makan, Peter sudah bermain
After identifying all of the above examples, it can be concluded that in translating English text there are some points we have to consider as follows;
catur.
• Present Tense
A. Simple Present Tense
Simple Present Tense form shows repeated actions, the translation of the text in Bahasa Indonesia will use adverbs of time such as always (selalu), usually (biasanya), often (biasanya), everyday (setiap hari), etc. If a text in Simple
Present Tense form shows general truth, the translation of the text in Bahasa Indonesia will use is (adalah, merupakan, yaitu, etc).
B. Present Continuous Tense
In translating an English text in Present Continuous Tense form into Bahasa Indonesia, it is translated based on the usage of Present Continuous Tense. If a text in Present Continuous Tense shows actions happening exactly now (when the speaker is saying the sentences) and actions happening around now, the translation of the text in Bahasa Indonesia will use now (sedang). If a text in Present Continuous Tense shows for future time, the translation of the text in Bahasa Indonesia will use will (akan).
C. Present Perfect Tense
If an English text in Present Perfect Tense form is translated into Bahasa Indonesia, the translation of the text will use have (sudah), since (sejak), never (belum), for (selama), etc.
D. Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Present Perfect Continuous Tense uses the same way with Present Perfect Tense. The translation of text in Bahasa Indonesia will use have (sudah), since (sejak), never (belum), for (selama), etc.
2. Past Tense
If an English text in Past Tense form is translated into Bahasa Indonesia, the translation of the text will use adverbs of time which show past action such as yesterday (kemarin), two days ago (dua hari yang lalu), last week (minggu yang
lalu), last year (tahun lalu), in the past time (dulu), etc.
B. Past Continuous Tense
In translating an English text in Past Continuous Tense form into Bahasa Indonesia, the translation of the text in Bahasa Indonesia will use now (sedang). If in Present Continuous Tense the action is happening now, in Past Continuous Tense the action is happening at the moment speaker is saying the sentence in the past time.
C. Past Perfect Tense
If an English text in Past Perfect Tense form is translated into Bahasa Indonesia, the translation of the text will also use have (sudah), since (sejak), never (belum), for (selama), etc. And the Past Perfect Tense used in Conditional
If is translated by using if (Jika/seandainya). D. Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Past Perfect Continuous Tense uses the same way with Present Perfect Tense, Present Perfect Continuous Tense, and Past Perfect Tense. The translation of text in Bahasa Indonesia will use have (sudah), since (sejak), never (belum), for (selama), etc. It means translating an English text into Bahasa Indonesia in
CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION 4.1 Conclusion
After discussing the topic “The Basic Knowledge of Translating English Text”, it is concluded that understanding of tenses is very important in translation. Tenses is related to the usage of verbs in English. This paper only explains Present Tense and Past Tense. It clarifies the definitions, types, structures, and usages of each type of Present Tense and Past Tense. It is also given some examples of translated English text in Present Tense and Past Tense form.
An English text is translated into Bahasa Indonesia based on the usage of tenses, because the usage of tenses will guide to the meaning of text. Simple Present Tense is translated by using two ways. First, action shows general truth uses is (merupakan). Second, action shows habit uses usually (biasanya), always (selalu), everyday (setiap hari), often (biasanya), etc. Present and Past Continuous
Tense is translated by using now (sekarang). Present Continuous Tense is also used to show future time so that translated by using will (akan) in Bahasa Indonesia. While, Present/Past Perfect Tense and Present/Past Perfect Continuous Tense are translated by using since (sejak), for (selama), have (sudah/telah), never (belum), etc. And the Past Perfect Tense used in Conditional If is translated
by using if (seandainya/jika) in Bahasa Indonesia. However, meaning is the main point has to be considered in translating a text.
4.2 Suggestion
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Kardiman, A. 2004. Fundamental English Grammar. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar Offset.
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Rangkuti-Hasibuan, S. 1996. English Language Structure. Jakarta: Penerbit Djambatan.
Schrampfer, B.A. 1992. Fundamentals of English Grammar. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
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