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i
THE ANALYSIS OF SLANG WORDS TRANSLATION IN
THE MOVIE ENTITLED
“THE ROCKER”
THESIS
Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for Sarjana Sastra Degree in the English Department of
Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts
by
OSCAR MARGO W. C 1306019
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LETTERS FINE AND ARTS
SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY
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iv
PRONOUNCEMENT
Name : Oscar Margo Widyatno NIM : C 1306019
Stated wholeheartedly that this thesis entitledThe Analysis of Slang Words
Translation in the Movie Entitled “The Rocker”is originally made by the
researcher. The things related to other people’s work are written in quotations and
include within the bibliography.If this statement is later proven false, the researcher
willingly takes any responsibilities from the English Departments Faculty of Letters
and Fine Arts, Sebelas Maret University.
Surakarta,
The researcher
Oscar Margo Widyatno
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to JESUS CHRIST for HIS Blessing and Love in this thesis. I have a
lot of help, suggestion, and support from many persons in doing this thesis and I
would like to express my gratitude to many persons to whom I owe a lot of
contributions.
1. Drs. Riyadi Santosa, M.ed the Dean of Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts,
Sebelas Maret University.
2. Taufiq Al Makmun, SS, as my Academic Consultant.
3. A huge thank dedicated to Drs. Hendarto Rahardjo, M.A, as my Thesis
Consultant. Thank you for your guidance and your patience in accomplishing
this thesis and also your suggestions as well as advices.
4. Ardianna N, SS, M.Hum, thank you for your patience in answering every
question relating to my thesis.
5. All lecturers in English Department Sebelas Maret University.
6. My beloved Mom for endless love, patience and pray.
7. My soul mate Hapsari Kurnia Harmastuti, thanks for all your sweet love, and
support given to me.
8. Ario Wicaksono, B.Sc, M.Sc, Esther Richiyani Widiasih,, Ph.D., and Pak Heri
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9. All EDNR 06 and 07 especially Kiky, Agung, Eross, Jiryan, Ludmi, Karin,
Galuh, Yukal, Yungki, Rury, Rica and Ichwan Thanks for the great moment.
10.My pearl forum drum thanks for the greatest moments when I get stuck and
need some musical relaxation.
Surakarta,
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vii
MOTTO
Shoot for the Moon. Even If You Miss, You’ll Land
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DEDICATION
JESUS CHRIST
My beloved Father
My beloved Mom
My beloved girlfriend
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE ... i
APPROVAL OF THE CONSULTANT ... ii
APPROVAL OF THE BOARD EXAMINERS ... iii
PRONOUNCEMENT ... iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ... v
MOTTO ... vii
DEDICATION ... viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ... ix
ABSTRACT ... xii
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
A. Research Background .………. 1B. Research Limitation……….. 3
C. Research Questions... 4
D. Research Objectives ………. 4
E. Research Benefits………. 4
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1. Accuracy and Acceptability Analysis... ... 29
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xi
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion ... 57
B. Suggestion ... 58
BIBBLIOGRAPHY
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xii
ABSTRACT
Oscar Margo Wiyatno, C 1306019, The Analysis of Slang Words Translation in the Movie Entitled “The Rocker” Thesis: Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts. Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. 2011
This is a descriptive qualitative research which focuses on the analysis of the quality of the translation in terms of accuracy and acceptability and the
classification in translating subtitle in the movie “The Rocker”
There are 82 data found by the researcher, dealing with the accuracy, the translation of most slang words expression in the movie entitled the rocker are accurate. Dealing with the acceptability, the translation of most slang words expressions classified into acceptable. And dealing with the classification, there are 5 classification of strategies used in translating the slang words. There are Translating slang words in SL into slang word in TL (10 data), Translating slang into common TL word (54 data), Translating by Omission (5 data), Translating by paraphrase (11data), and Translating by loan word (2 data)..
In term of accuracy level, 53 data (65.63%) are accurate, 24 data (29.27 %) are less accurate, and 5 data (6.10%) are inaccurate. Dealing with acceptability, 55 data (67.07%) are acceptable, 23 data (28.05%) are less acceptable, and 4 data (4.88%) are unacceptable.
THE ANALYSIS OF SLANG WORDS TRANSLATION IN
THE MOVIE ENTITLED “THE ROCKER”
Oscar Margo Wiyatno1 acceptability and the classification in translating subtitle in the movie “The Rocker”
There are 82 data found by the researcher, dealing with the accuracy, the translation of most slang words expression in the movie entitled the rocker are accurate. Dealing with the acceptability, the translation of most slang words expressions classified into acceptable. And dealing with the classification, there are 5 classification of strategies used in translating the slang words. There are Translating slang words in SL into slang word in TL (10 data), Translating slang into common TL word (54 data), Translating by Omission (5 data), Translating by paraphrase (11data), and Translating by loan word (2 data)..
In term of accuracy level, 53 data (65.63%) are accurate, 24 data entitled The Rocker is accurate and acceptable enough.
1
Mahasiswa Jurusan Sastra Inggris dengan NIMM C1306019 2
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Research Background
Entertainment is one of human needs and it becomes crucial for human life.
People are requiring entertainment and enjoyment to reduce their stress after
working. Film is a common entertainment for the human life recently. Many
foreign films are performed in Indonesian theaters. Foreign films which are
performed in Indonesian theaters are usually presented in foreign language and
many foreign films we find in theater or television are usually available in
English. Some people are able to communicate in English but they have different
reception ability to absorb the information from foreign language, and it is closely
related to the educational background of person. Thus, a translator is needed to
facilitate this kind of problem.
As we know, translation is also used for entertainment media such as movies.
Movies can be enjoyed through TVs, Theatres, VCDs or DVDs, and they are
already available with Indonesian language text (subtitle). Therefore, the
translation in the form of text is needed to help the audience to follow the story of
the film. According to Gottlieb in Baker (2000: 244) subtitles are “transcription of
film or TV dialogue presented simultaneously on the screen. Subtitles usually
consist of one or two lines of an average maximum length of 35 characters”. He
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the characters, the image on the screen and the on-screen subtitles in order to
make the audiences follow the story easily. The viewer must be able to read the
subtitles of the film, because the reading speeds of each person are different.
Hatim and Munday (2004: 4) define audiovisual translation (such as subtitle)
as a written product which is read in conjunction with an image on screen
(cinema, TVs, DVDs or computer game). Audiovisual translation encompasses
sign language, intralingual subtitles, lip synchronization for dubbing, as well as
interlingual subtitles (ibid, 2004: 6). It can be concluded that audiovisual
translation is spoken translation in the form of written text which is read by the
viewers as conformed to the gestures or movements on the screen. The translation
of written text which is appeared on the screen is called subtitles, whereas the oral
translation which is synchronized to the verbal language is called dubbing.
Below are the examples of translation slang words expression in the dialogue
of the movie entitled The Rocker:
Bahasa Sumber Bahasa Sasaran
From the examples mentioned above, it indicates that the original slang words
such as stick, rocked, are maintained in the target language text. In addition, the
word Prom is translated into Sekolah. We may wonder whether Indonesian
children to whom it is addressed will understand those original words. This is the
the slang word expression found in the translated text in the movie The Rocker
because in the movie there are many spoken slang words.
The author also attempts to find and analyze the results of a translation
from English into Indonesian language found in the subtitling text in the The
Rockermovie in terms of their accuracy, acceptability and classification. The title
of this study is the analysis of translation slang words in the movie entitled The
Rocker.
B. Research Limitation
In this research, analysis is restricted to the slang language used by the actors
in the movie. There are three indicators to measure the quality of a translation;
they are accuracy, acceptability, and readability. The researcher also limits the
problem just on the translation classification and quality in term of accuracy and
acceptability.
C. Research Questions
Based on the above background, research questions for this are as follows:
1. How is the Accuracy of slang expressions in The Rocker movie translated into
Indonesian Language?
2. How is the Acceptability of slang expressions in The Rocker movie translated into
Indonesian Language?
3. How is Slang Expressions in The Rocker movie translated into Indonesian
Language?
commit to user The goals of this study are:
1. To measure the accuracy of translation containing slang expression in The Rocker
movie.
2. To measure the acceptability of translation containing slang expression in The
Rocker movie
3. To identify the strategy used in The Rocker movie.
E. Research Benefits
The researcher expects that this study will be beneficial for:
1. Translators.
The result of this study can be used as valuable input in translating slang words
expression in the movies subtitles.
2. The students of the English Department.
This research is expected to improve the ability of English Department Student in
translating slang words.
3. Other communication researchers.
This research is expected to add some information in the study of translation
G. Thesis Organization
The organization of the research will be as follow:
1. Chapter I : INTRODUCTION
Research Background, Research Limitation, Research Question, Research
Objectives, Research Benefits and Thesis Organization
2. Chapter II : LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition of Translation, Techniques of Translation, Translation Quality
Assessment, Subtitling, Slang Word, and Synopsis of the Film
3. Chapter III : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Type, Source of Data and Data, Sampling Technique, Method of Data
Collection, Technique of Data Analysis, and Research Procedure
4. Chapter IV : DATA ANALYSIS
Research Findings and Discussion
5. Chapter V : CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS 6. BIBBLIOGRAPHY
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CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Definition of Translation
The definition of translation has been defined by many experts,
According to Catford (1974:21), “The central problem of translation practice is
that of finding TL translation equivalents. A central task of translation theory is
that defining the nature and conditions of translation equivalence”. In line with
Catford, Kridalaksana also states that [menerjemahkan dapat didefinisikan
sebagai memindahkan suatu amanat dari suatu bahasa sumber ke dalam bahasa
sasaran dengan pertama-tama mengungkapkan maknanya dan kedua
mengungkapkan gaya bahasanya]. (1989:11). That is the emphasis of natural
equivalence in terms of meaning and style. Meaning and style are best to put
together in translation. If a translator emphasizes only on expressing the style, a
translator will fail to convey the idea of SL, as stated by Nida (1964:164),
“sacrifice of meaning for the sake of reproducing the style may produce only
impression, and fail to communicate the message”
Weber (1984:3) presents further idea about translation that
“Translation is the transposition of a text written in a source language into a target
language. The translated version must be absolutely accurate in meaning, contain
all nuances of the original, and must be written in clear, elegant language that can
be easily understood by the reader”. From those definitions of translation, we can
conclude that a good translation should maintain the original message of the
source language to the receptor language and must be accurate, so it can be
understood by the reader.
B. Problems Of Equivalence In Translation
Translator might find some problems in the process of translating as stated by
Nababan,
“ … kesulitan-kesulitan yang kerap timbul dalam praktek menerjemahkan, yang disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor, seperti perbedaan system bahasa sumber dan bahasa sasaran, perbedaan tingkat kemampuan penerjemahan dan tingkat
kualitas tulisan bahasa sumber.” (1997:39)
The following are the explanation of other factors:
1. The different system of the TL and SL
All language in the world has different system, either in terms of syntactical,
lexical, or morphological structure. It is stated by Nababan, : “Akan tetapi, adalah
kenyataan bahwa tidak ada satupun bahasa yang mempunyai system yang sama,
baik ditinjau dari sudut struktur sintaksis, leksikal dan morfem.” (1997:39)
For example: this must be modified to these before plurals, as in this tie, these
ties. The word eat must be modified to eats after third singular person, as in He
eats too much noodles. Meanwhile, Indonesian has no agreement in form of one
word to another, The word ini would not change in form even it is placed after
plurals, as in motor ini, motor- motor ini, either saya mandi, ia mandi.
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Nababan states, Semantic complexity has strong relation to sociocultural
background of the speaker of the language.(1997:41)
lots of word that do not have the equivalent word when it translated in another
language. For example in Javanese society the words gebyog, tingkir, etc the
translator finds some difficulties when deals with kind of terms into English,
3. The translators competence
The capability of the translator in translating a text is different from one to
another. Nababan states, “ si penerjemah adalah pelaku utama dalam proses
penerjemahan, tingkat kemampuannya menjadi faktor penentu berhasil tidaknya
penerjemahan itu dilakukan.” (1997:43)
The beginner translator with limited competence and experience will get many
problems. It is not enough for the translator to be fluent or to have knowledge, a
translator should have good experience and knowledge in both SL and TL as well
as their culture.
4. The quality of source language text
The problems of translation may be due to the low quality of the
SL text like wrong grammar, ambiguous sentence, poor coherence within
C. Translation Quality Assessment
Assessment of translation activity determines the quality of translation
according to Newmark (1988: 184) “Translation quality assessment is very
important in the process of translation and it becomes a significant link between
translation theory and its practice.” What is assessed is not the process of
translation, but the product of translation. It sounds natural when the readers or
viewers read the translation product, but when it comprises to the source
language there will be found some mistakes in the translation.
Translation quality assessment is relative depending on the person who
evaluates the translation product (rater). The rater certainly should have practical
experience in translation. He or she plays an important role in ensuring the
validity of assessment. The translation quality assessment can be even more valid
and objective when it involves respective people having competence and
expertise in translation.
There are three terms which determine the translation quality i. e. accuracy,
readability, and acceptability of the translation.
1.Accuracy
“Accuracy is a term used in translation evaluation to refer to the extent to
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Accuracy is one of three aspects to assess the translation quality. Accuracy deals
with how accurate the meaning or message are transferred by the translator.
Simatupang (2000:131) states that in transferring the
message from source text/language to target text/language, it must be avoided
either loss or expand and changes. An accurate translation means a translation
which transfers the message precisely into target text as well as its message.
Nida and Taber (1982:1 in Nababan 2007:18) states that the accuracy level
can be determined by the readers‟ awareness in understanding the message
whether accurate or less accurate. Meanwhile Pinto states that; “Accuracy or
precision, it would give us an approximate idea of the success of the translator in
dealing with the text overall, allowing us to check the adaptation to the source
text and the inclusion, or omission, of extra-textual information” (2001:297)
To sum up, accuracy is the technical term in translation that focuses on the
precise in transferring message. If the translator does not convey the precise
messages from source language to target language it means that the translation is
not accurate.
2. Acceptability
Acceptability relates to the part of norms and values existed on the TT
culture. Every translation “occupies a position between the two poles of adequacy
or adherence to the norms of the source system and acceptability or adherence to
those of the target system” Shuttleworth & Cowie (1997:2) Further, Nababan
(2008:23) states that the messages in translation must be transferred in proper
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A good translation must be welcomed and easily accepted by the target reader.
Another statement comes from Even-Zohar (1990:46), he states “if, on the
other hand, the translator subjects himself to the norms in the target culture, the
result would be what has equally been referred to as an ‟acceptable‟ translation”.
In accordance with Zohar, Che Suh (2005:8) also states “Consequently, adherence
to source norms determines a translation‟s adequacy as compared to the source
text while subscription to norms originating in the target culture determines its
acceptability”. Finlay (1971:2) states “Ideally the translation should give the sense
of original in such way that the reader is unaware that he is reading a translation”.
From these experts‟ statement, it can be drawn that acceptability always
relates to target the culture, language, and norms. Those aspects must be carried
on the translation so that the target readers do not realize that they are reading a
translation text.
more educated readers can better understand material written in more complicated
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“Readability is treated as a quality of texts although a text actually has no
inherent degree of readability, because readability varies in accordance with
the capabilities of readers and the features of reading situations”. Puurtinen
(2008:9)
According to Puurtinen‟s statement above, the researcher decides to focus on
two criteria they are accuracy and readability. Readability in subtitle is quiet
strategy of translation by paraphrasing, loan word and by omission.
According to the mona baker (1992:26) gives the strategies used by the translators
as follow:
1. Translation by more general words
“Translation by a more general word (super ordinate) is one of the
commonest strategies for dealing with many types of non equivalence,
particularly in the area of proportional meaning. It works equally well in
most, if not all, languages, since the hierarchical structure of semantic
fields is not language- specific” (Baker 1992:26)
In this strategy the translators should change the words in the source
Example :
Source text ( Kolestral super)
Shampoo the hair with a mild WELLA-SHAMPOO and lightly towel dry. Target text Spanish:
Wash Hair with a mild Wella shampoo and rub lightly with a towel. From the example above, „shampooing‟ can be seen as a types of
„washing‟ since it is more restricted in its use; you can wash lots of things
but you can only shampoo hair” ( Baker 1992:28)
2. Translation by more neutral/ less expressive words
In this strategy, the translator replaces some expressive words in
other words having less expressive meaning, because some words in one
language have no equivalent in other languages
Example :
Source text
(A study of shamanistic Practices in japan – blacker, 1975):
The shamanic practices we have investigates are lightly seen as an archaic
mysticism.
Target text (back translated from Japanese):
The shamanic behavior which we have been researching should rightly be
considered as ancient mysticism.
From the example above, the translator could have used a Japanese
phrase which means roughly. „Behind the times‟ and which would have
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Uryu, personal communication). The expressive meaning of archaic is lost
in the translation.
3. Translation by cultural Substitution.
“This strategy involves replacing a culture-specific item or
expression with a target language item which does not have the same
propositional meaning but it likely to have a similar impact on the target
reader. The main advantage of using this strategy is that it gives the reader
a concept with which she/he can identify, something familiar and
appealing” (Baker 1992”31)
Example:
Source text (A Brief History of Time – Haking, 1988):
A well known scientist (some say it was Bertrand Russel) once gave a public lecture on astronomy.
Target text (Back translated from Greek)
Alice in Wonderland was once giving a lecture about astronomy.
From the example above, Alice in Wonderland is apparently well known
in Greece: the average educated Greek is clearly expected to know the
story and to be familiar with the characters of Alice and the Queen, as well
4. Translation using a loan word or loan word plus explanation
(Fish) Listen, it‟s just hair. It‟s no biggie
Target text :
(Fish ) Sudahlah, itu hanya masalah rambut. Itu bukan masalah yang
besar.
5. Translation by paraphrase using a related word
“This strategy tends to be used when the concept expressed by the
source item is lexicalized in the target language but in a different form,
and when the frequency with which a certain forms is used in the source
text is significantly higher than would be natural in the target language”
(Baker 1992;37)
Example :
Source text (China‟s Panda Reserves)
There is strong evidence, however, that giant pandas are related to the
commit to user Target text (back-translated from Chinese):
But there is rather strong evidence that shows that big pandas have a
kindship relation with the bears.
6. Translation by paraphrase using unrelated words
“if the concept expressed by source item is not lexicalized at all in
the target language. The paraphrase strategy can still be used in some
context. Instead of a related word, the paraphrase may be based on
modifying a super ordinate or simply on unpacking the meaning of the
source item, particularly if the item in question is semantically complex”
(Baker 1992:38)
….the mixed broadleaf forest of the lowland area… are the places where
human beings enter most easily and interfere most.
7. Translated by omission
“This strategy may sound rather drastic, but in fact it does no harm
to omit translating a word or expression in some context. If the meaning
conveyed by a particular item or expression is not vital enough to the
explanations, translator can and often do simply omit translating the word
Dialog handles an important role in a movie. It is used to communicate the
actors thought and senses. In basic terms, the translator has to transfer the
dialogue from verbal speech into written form. According to Szarkowska
“subtitling is supplying a translation of the spoken source language dialogue into
the target language in the form of synchronized captions, usually at the bottom of
the screen” (http://www.translationdirectory.com/article477.htm) accessed on july
20 2011. According to Gottlieb in Baker (2000: 244) subtitles are “transcription of
film or TV dialogue presented simultaneously on the screen. Subtitles usually
consist of one or two lines of an average maximum length of 35 characters”. He
also adds that the subtitles have to run and synchronize the situational dialogues
between characters, the visual image on the screen and the timely flow of subtitles
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of extra work by simultaneously reading subtitles of the film fast, because of the
time duration of subtitle text that progresses on screen is limited.
Translating specific term in film is not easy, it‟s complicated. As H. Gottlieb
(in Orloff, 2007:1) argues, “there are certain ideas, lifestyles, manners that may be
too culture-specific or unique to the original speech community and thus, are
impossible to translate, let alone explain, in film subtitles”. Moreover, in subtitle,
the subtitler‟s duties are more difficult, because he must deliver the message from
the ST (Source language) into TT (Target language) in short time. Given the
limited time in subtitling, it stimulates the subtitler then to reduce some words.
This process is commonly called as condensation. In the process of condensation,
subtitler will attempt to adapt the original text without losing the message that is
essential for the viewer (Kolstra, 2002:328). For example, the English dialogue
In subtitling, subtitler puts the translation on the screen to translate the dialogues
of the characters. Moreover, subtitler has to note also the context of situations that
mutually appear with the subtitling. The context of situation of the film will
influence the translation on the screen. For example:
commit to user Lex: That‟s was kind of awesome!
TL :
Lex: Ini pasti akan luar biasa.
This conversation happens between Lex, Kerr and Trash in informal situation.
They try to run from fish after their band got a deal with Record Company but
they had to fire fish as their drummer and replace him with the nephew of new
boss in Matchbook Record.
F. Slang word
Slang is informal language and it usually involves some kind of variety
of linguistics items such as pronunciations and vocabulary. As non- standard
language, slang sometimes are added by users. And as the informal language,
slang signals the membership of particular group (youth, teenager, and
college student) and the users avoid using slang expression in formal
circumstances. This happens when the speaker uses slang in a formal setting,
the speaker can be evaluated negatively.
Example:
Datum 6 /TR/CD1/SL/00:07:48,960 CS:. Aziz buy the new album of Vesuvius and try to tell everyone in the office.
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Bahasa Sumber Bahasa Sasaran
their own slang implying there is not just one type of slang but many varieties
or dialects of slang. Slang usually renews especially its vocabulary, the
creation of slang is a kind of process of exclusive expression so that those
who are not part of the group will remain unable to understand the slang.
According to (www.wikipedia .com accessed on 19 july 2011) slang
functions as a way to recognize members of the same group and to
differentiate that group from the outsiders of society at large. Slang terms are
often particular to a certain subculture, such as musicians, skateboarders, and
drug users.
“Slang expression - informal language consisting of words and expressions
that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or
expressions”http://www.thefreedictionary.com/slang+expression accessed on
July, 19 2011. American slang is different from British slang because of the
evolution of American English language. When the pioneers living in the new
world had children, they taught their children to pronounce the words the way
they were written, simply in order to keep things simple. This was the first
breakthrough from British English
(http://www.urbandictionary.com/american_slang/) accessed on July, 19
2011.
G. Movie synopsis
This movie is directed by: Peter Cattaneo and Starring by Rainn Wilson,
Christina Applegate, and Teddy Geiger in 2008. The Rocker tells the story of a
failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame. Robert "Fish" Fishman is
the passionate drummer for the eighties band Vesuvius. At the first, Fish and his
bandmates from Vesuvius are in full '80s glory. It is supported by knocking out
songs, sporting big hair, scarves, and tight leather pants. He is living in the rock n'
roll dream until he is unceremoniously kicked out of the band. Now, this
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n' roll, works for an insurance company and he is living with his sister,
brother-in-law and nephew Matt.
Twenty years after Fish‟s rock star fantasies are destroyed, even when Fish
has finally given up all hope, Fish hears that his nephew's high school rock band
A.D.D. is looking for a new drummer. They unexcitedly make him the newest
member of the band. They give him a chance to get back the rock again. In short,
Fish is a broken man who stuck in crisis. But when he learns that Matt's band,
A.D.D. is searching for a new drummer, Fish volunteers. Fish is over two decades
older than his new band mates, but he completes A.D.D which consists of the
brooding, handsome singer Curtis; the awkward supernerd Matt; the ironic
post-modern punk girl Amelia and now the ancient rocker, Fish.
Great luck on the internet, Matt‟s sister upload their performance on
YouTube bringing hit new nickname "The Naked Drummer", then A.D.D
becomes an internet sensation. They have the road for their first big tour. (Taken
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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A. Type of Research
This research is a descriptive qualitative research. Bodgan and Taylor (in
Moleong, 1994:3) state that “qualitative research is a research procedure resulting
descriptive data in form of written word or verbal through the observed subject
(human and behavior)”. According to Moleong (1994:6), the data that emerged
from a quality study are descriptive; those are word and picture not the numbers.
Hadi (1983:3) says that “A descriptive research is collecting data, analyzing data
and making conclusion of those data, but not a general conclusion”.
The researcher focused on the valuable data rather than the numbers. This
study is conducted to describe the accuracy, acceptability, and possible technique
that are applied by the subtitler to transfer the Slang word forms from English into
Indonesian in film the rocker.
This research is an embedded case study because the researcher only
analyzed the specific aspects of a particular case they are; the translation
techniques used by the translator in translating the Slang word in the film the
rocker, and their effect on the translation accuracy and acceptability.
B. Data Source and Data
1. Data Source
The data source of this research are the film the rocker and the raters.
According to Arikunto (2002: 107), source data is the subject from which the data
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questionnaire), place (source of data which serves a certain situation), paper
(source of data which serves signs like letter, number, picture, etc.).
2. Data
The data of the research are slang word in the utterances employed by characters
of the film the rocker and their Indonesian subtitle. And the data are the scores
and comments drawn from the raters / respondents. This research involved
3 respondents.
The respondents assessed the accuracy and acceptability of the slang words in the
dialogues of the film. The researcher disseminated the questionnaires to the raters
to collect the data. The raters of this research must meet some criteria. The
criterias for the raters are:
1. Mastering English and Indonesian languages
2. Having competency and experience as a translator
3. Having adequate knowledge about translation
4. Willing to take part in the research.
A. Sampling Technique
In this research, the researcher used two types of sampling techniques. They
are total sampling technique which is used to determine all the slang word forms
as the primary data and purposive sampling technique which is used to select the
informants as the secondary data. Sutopo (1998:26) says that purposive sampling
is when the researcher tends to choose informants which are considered competent
in case and they can be trusted to be source of data. The researcher took the slang
this research. The secondary data are the data gained from the informants (raters).
The respondents were taken purposively and they must meet some criteria.
C. Method of Data Collection
The research applied three kinds of method of data collection; document
analysis, questionnaire, and interview. Document analysis was used to collect the
primary data, while questionnaire was used to collect the secondary data from the
rater, and the interview was used to validate the data.
1. Document Analysis
Moleong (1994:161) states that documents could be written sources or film.
In addition, Yin (1987) says that document record is also called as content
analysis. In content analysis, the researcher not only notes the explicit messages
but also notes the implicit meaning of the document (in Sutopo, 2002:69). In
accordance to the statement above, the researcher not only highlight the subtitle as
the primary concern, but also notify the context of situations that mutually appear
with the subtitling.
a. Questionnaire
Beside document analysis, the researcher also used questionnaire.
Questionnaire was used to gain information from the raters about translation
accuracy and acceptability. This questionnaire used in this research was
functioned as instrument of quality assessment.
There are two kinds of questionnaire: open and close questionnaire. Open
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given some alternative answers, but in the end of the sheet, there were spaces for
the raters to write the reason of their answers.
The raters were asked to assess the accuracy and acceptability of the subtitle
based on the following scale of accuracy and acceptability.
Table 1
Indicator of accuracy
Scale Description
3 Accurate, the meaning of English slang words are perfectly conveyed
into Indonesian based on the context of situation.
2 Less Accurate, the meaning of English slang words are less perfectly
conveyed into Indonesian language.
1 Inaccurate, the meaning of English slang words are not conveyed into
correct Indonesian meaning. It is not appropriate with the context of
situation, i.e. it is omitted or deleted.
Table 2
Indicator of acceptability
Scale Description
3 Acceptable, the translation of English slang word sound natural and
appropriate with Indonesian‟s culture based on the context of situation.
They almost do not feel like translation.
2 Less Acceptable, the translation of English slang words sound like
for Indonesian‟s culture.
1 Inacceptable, the translation of English slang words extremely sounds
like translation and is unacceptable for Indonesian‟s culture.
D. Technique of Data Analysis
Moleong (1994:103) states that the technique of data analysis means the
process of sorting and organizing the data into several categories, patterns and
description unit, so that the subject problem can be revealed and the working
hypothesis can be formulated. From the statement above, it can be concluded that
the priority of data analysis is to organize the data into good arrangement. The
data which had been collected then were analyzed in the following ways:
1. The researcher collected the data from the film The Rocker. And the subtitles.
2. The researcher categorized the data based on their type and coded the data, i.e.
data number, slang word, title, name.
3. The researcher analyzed the data to determine the translation techniques used by
the subtitler and the accuracy and acceptability level then divided it into five
classifications, they are translating slang word in SL into slang word in TL,
translating slang word in SL into common TL word, translating by omission,
translating by paraphrase, translating by loan word
4. The researcher drew the conclusion.
E. Research Procedure
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The researcher watched the film the rocker, and collected the primary data from
the subtitle containing slang words.
2. Classifying and coding the data
The researcher classified the data into each type of slang words and then coded
the data in order to make the data classification and the data analysis easy to
understand.
Example: 004/TR/CD1/SL/00:11:24
„004‟ refers to the number of datum in the classification.
TR : title of the film (The Rocker)
SL : Slang Words
CD refers to the current CD played number.
„00:11:24‟ refers to hour: minutes: seconds when the data appear.
3. Analyzing the Data
The primary data were analyzed to describe the translation techniques of the slang
words in the subtitle of film The rocker. The researcher also analyzed the
accuracy and acceptability of translation quality on film subtitle based on data
which are got from the informants.
4. Drawing conclusion.
Based on the data analysis and the research findings, the researcher drew the
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Data Analysis
A. Introduction
Chapter IV presents and discusses the findings of this study with regard to the
quality of translation resulted by subtitling technique. This research focuses on
quality of subtitles of Slang word expressions in term of accuracy and
acceptability level in the film entitled The Rocker. The next part of this chapter
discusses the analysis of the data related to the strategy in translating the slang
words into Indonesian in the subtitle of the movie entitled The Rocker. Based on
the data, there are five classifications used. They are: Translating slang words in
ST into slang word in TT, translating slang word in ST into common TT word,
translating by omission, translating by paraphrase and translating by loan word.
B. Translation Quality of Slang Word Expression In The Movie Entitled
The Rocker.
This sub chapter will discuss the quality of subtitles of Slang word
Expression in term of accuracy in the film entitled The Rocker. The researcher
involves three raters who have certain qualifications to assess the accuracy of the
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The accuracy of the translation is analyzed based on the score given by
the raters. The three raters were asked to rate the accuracy of the translation. In the
questionnaire, firstly, the raters rated the accuracy of the translation by giving
score to the translation and then, secondly, they might give their comments or
suggestions in the accuracy of the translation
The scales of Accuracy Levels
.
Scale Description
3 Accurate, the message of English slang words are perfectly conveyed
into Indonesian based on the context of situation.
2 Less Accurate, the message of English slang words are less perfectly
conveyed into Indonesian language.
1 Inaccurate, the message of English slang words are not conveyed into
correct Indonesian meaning. It is not appropriate with the context of
Table 1
Table of Accuracy level
Classification Data Number Total Percentage
Accurate 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17,19, 20, 21,
In the table above, the number of data are 82 which consist of, 53 data or
64.63% that are classified in classification A or accurate, 24 data or 29.27%
classified in classification B or less accurate and 5 data or 6.10% classified in
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All data classified in this classification are accurate. There are 53 data
(64.63%) considered to be accurate. It means the message of English slang
expression are perfectly conveyed into Indonesian based on the context of
situation.
Some of the data are presented below:
Example 1:
Datum 36/TR/ CD1/SL/00:39:22,640
SL :
David Marshal: Over million hits and counting
TL:
David Marshal : Lagu kalian diunduh jutaan kali dan masih berlangsung
The context of situation and context of culture
In this scene, David Marshal as the manager from the matchbook record
wants to make proposal record dealing with ADD band personnel. The
conversations happen in informal situation. The word hits represent accurate and
totally appropriate to Indonesian because the word hits is commonly used by
internet (YouTube) user. It is accurate because the message of the slang word
expression “hits”is perfectly conveyed into target language as “diunduh”.
Example 2:
Datum 44/TR/ CD2/SL/00:00: 57,841
SL :
Fan: Kalian manis sekali
Example 3:
Datum 45/TR/ CD2/SL/00:001: 08,361
SL:
Fish: It was better than good. It was sweet.
TL :
Fish : Ini lebih dari hebat, Ini luar biasa.
Example 4:
The context of situation and context of culture
These dialogues happen between the fan of ADD and the band personnel
after their first appearance in a night club. In datum 58, the word sweet is
translated literally into “manis sekali” meanwhile in datum 59 the word sweet is
translated into “luar biasa”. In line with the previous data, the word sweet in
datum 60 is translated into hebat sekali. Although the translator represent the word
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sentences are short enough for limited time and space in TVs screen.
1.2 Classification B: Less Accurate Translation
All data classified in this classification are less accurate. There are 24 data
of 82 (29.27%) considered to be less accurate. It means the message of English
slang word expression are not perfectly conveyed into Indonesian based on the
context of situation.
Some of the data are presented below:
Example 1:
Datum 66/TR/ CD2/SL/00:16: 22,561
SL :
Fish: well, you know, I got a date back at the club with a couple of shorties, so…
TL:
Fish: aku ada kencan di klub dengan beberapa gadis cantik. Jadi….
Example 2:
Datum 68/TR/ CD2/SL/00:19: 06,881
SL :
Fish: Shorties and I decided to call it early night tonight.
TL:
Fish: gadis pendek, sudah selesai
The context of situation and context of culture
In this scene, dialogues happen between Fish and Kim. Fish explains that
meaning of “Shorties” according to http://www.slangsite.com/slang/G.html
(accessed on august, 21 2011) is “Shorty: A young person or an attractive
female” Actually it should be more accurate if translator translated the word
shorties into “gadis muda” not “gadis cantik” or“gadis pendek”
1.3 Classification C: Inaccurate Translation
All data classified in this classification are inaccurate. There are 5 data of
82 (6.10%) considered to be inaccurate. It means the message of English slang
word expression are not conveyed into Indonesian at all based on the context of
situation.
Example 1
Datum 31TR/ CD1/SL/00:32:27,560
SL :
Fish: Nothing, nothing. You’re bad cookie
TL :
Fish : - (deletion)
This dialog happen when fish tries to ask Amelia for some hand toast and
Amelia denies that. Translator did not translate this dialogue because on the
movie, Amelia shows the mimic of disagreement.
According to http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cookie
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translator translate word cookie into orang jahat.
Example 2
Datum 4 /TR/CD1/SL/00:04:37,960
CS:. Lex pointing out examples of similar situation from different band
Lex: Whitesnake, man.
Dude, I love that band
Lex: Whitesnake/Aku suka band itu
( deletion)
This dialogue happens when Billy as the manager asks Lex and Vesuvius to opening
the Whitesnake band as the guest star. Translator did not translate the word dudes.
It will more accurate if the translator translates the word dude into bung or teman.
B.2 Acceptability
The acceptability of the translation is analyzed based on the score given by
the raters. The three raters were asked to rate the acceptability of the translation.
In the questionnaire, firstly, the raters rated the acceptability of the translation by
giving score to the translation and then, they gave their comments or suggestions
Scale Description
3 Acceptable, the translation of English slang word sound natural and
appropriate with Indonesian’s culture based on the context of situation.
They almost do not feel like translation.
2 Less Acceptable, the translation of English slang words sound like
translation. There are some displeasing terms and it sounds less natural
for Indonesian’s culture.
1 Unacceptable, the translation of English slang words extremely sounds
like translation and is unacceptable for Indonesian’s culture.
Below is the classification table of acceptability of Slang word Expression.
Table 2. Table of Acceptability level
Classification Data number Total Percentage
commit to user 34, 35, 39, 40, 62, 64,
66, 68, 72, 74,
Unacceptable 4, 25, 31 ,77 4 4,88%
Total 82 100%
In the table above, the number of data are 82 which consist of, 55 data or
67.07% that are classified in classification A or acceptable, 23 data or 28.05% are
classified in classification B or less acceptable and 4 data or 4,88% are classified
in classification C or unacceptable
2.1 Classification A: Acceptable Translation
The data which are classified into this classification are the data that are
acceptable. Every data with the mean score 3.0 belongs to this classification. The
data are classified in acceptable if the translation of slang expression sounds
natural and appropriate with Indonesian’s culture based on the context of
situation. They almost do not feel like translation. All data classified in this
classification are acceptable. There are 82 data, 55 data (67.07%) considered to be
acceptable. It means the message of slang word expression is perfectly conveyed
into Indonesian based on the context of situation.
Some of the data are presented below:
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Fish :Kalau begitu kau boleh memilikinya, Gratis
The dialogue happens in informal situation between Fish and Curtis as a
vocalist and songwriters of ADD band. In this scene, Fish gives the idea of lyric
for Curtis and he likes it. The word Gratisis translated into Gratiswithout giving
any changes in Indonesian. The translator uses the borrowing technique and it is
acceptable because it has been familiar used in the target language to explain that
someone don not need to pay at all. It means that the translation of slang words
expression Gratis into Gratis sounds natural and appropriate with Indonesian’s
culture.
Datum 60/TR/ CD2/SL/00:09: 43,361
SL:
Amelia: see? I look like shit, okay? Go away.
TL:
Amelia: Kaulihat, bukan? Aku kelihatan konyol.
In this scene, the dialogue happens between Fish and Amelia in informal
situation. Amelia is angry because the makeup artist brushes her hair and makes
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actual meaning that means kotoran. It makes the translation to be polite and
becomes acceptable for teenagers as the target reader without leaving the actual
meaning. Therefore the translation of shit into konyol is acceptable, natural and
appropriate with Indonesian’s culture.
Datum 61/TR/ CD2/SL/00:09: 43,361
SL:
Fish: listen, it’s just hair. It’s no biggie
TL:
Fish: sudahlah, itu hanya masalah rambut.itu bukan masalahbesar.
In this scene, the dialogue happens between Fish and Amelia in informal
situation. Amelia is angry because her makeup artist brushes her hair and makes
her look strange. And fish comes with the solution to remake up her hair. No
biggie according to http://www.urbandictionary.com accessed on August 22, 2011
means “not something to worry about. (Shortened from the phrase “no big
deal”).” From the explanation above we can see that the translator transfers “no
biggie” into “bukan masalah besar” is natural, acceptable and appropriate with
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Less acceptable means that it contains less natural form and it is translated
into unfamiliar terms for the target readers’ culture. But, in a whole the translation
sounds natural. In this research, the data which are included in Less acceptable
have the range of 2.0 – 2.9. The result of questionnaire in VCD of The Rocker
movie shows 23 data (28,05%) which are considered as less acceptable.
Here some explanations which describe the result of the analysis.
Some of the data are presented below:
Datum 16/TR/ CD1/SL/00:13:53,520
SL:
Jeremy: See you guys, keep Rocking
TL :
Jeremy: Sampai nanti teman-teman, semoga kalian main bagus.
In this scene, the dialogue happens in informal situation between Jeremy,
Jeremy’s mom and personnel of ADD. Jeremy comes with his mom and he
explains about the problem against his teacher in school. The words Rocking
supposed to show motivation. And the translator renders the Rocking into
“Semoga kalian main bagus” is less acceptable because it seems to wisdom not to
motivate. So the example slang words expression in datum 16 is not perfectly
conveyed into Indonesian based on the context of situation.
Datum 18/TR/ CD1/SL/00:21:52,680
CS:. Fish fell into his post glorious moment of Rock’n’Roll.
Amelia: You are delusional.
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Fish : Kau benar sekali, sayang
The context of situation in this dialogue is when fish upset the other
personnel of ADD because he plays drum very bad. In this dialogue, the word
sourpuss supposed to represent sarcasm expression.
According to http://www.urbandictionary.com/sourpuss. sourpuss means a
surly, grouchy and unfriendly person. In this dialogue, translator transfers the
word “sourpuss” into “sayang” Therefore the translation of sourpuss into sayang
cannot replace the sarcasm expression on the screen and it belongs to less
Here the explanation about unacceptable translation
Datum 77/TR/ CD2/SL/00:41: 32,961
SL :
David marshal: We got AshleeSimpson situation here.
TL :
David marshal: keadaan disini sangat memalukan.
The context situation of this dialog is between David marshal as the
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their performance and ask them to leave the stage. Translator translates the words
ashlee simpson into memalukan because might be the translator sees ashlee
simpson as the artist who do lip sync in every performance. And in datum 77,
translator renders the word ashleesimpson into memalukan and it is not conveyed
at all into Indonesian because ashleesimpson is name of American actress and not
properly conveyed when it renders into memalukan.
C. Data Classification Analysis
1. The analysis of the classification used in translation of slang words.
a. Classification 1.
Translating Slang Words in SL into Slang Word in TL
This classification refers to how translator translates the slang word in
source language into slang word in target language. The translator found the
equivalence word that similar in source language.
There are 10 data or 12.19% are included in this classification, they are:
Table 3
Translating Slang Words in SL into Slang Word in TL
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David strongly suggests to ADD band not to perform again.
ST :
David marshal: screw these people, it’s a free show dumbass. You don’t have a
choice.
TL :
David marshal: Persetan dengan mereka, ini konser gratis, goblok.
According to http://www.urbandictionary.com/dumbass, “dumbass” is
combination of an “ass” is a fool and “dumb”means stupid. The slang word
dumbass often used by teenager stated the offensive, it usually is spoken in
informal situation. Translator transfers the word dumbass into goblok which also
considered as slang word in Indonesian according to
http://kamus.malesbanget.com/arti/goblok which means stupid person. It has an
equivalent to Indonesian people but it will be less appropriate if used in formal
situation.
Example :
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“horn” or “bitch” and for this context of situation the translator translates word
chicks into “cewek-cewek”. “Cewek-cewek” in Indonesian is also categorized as a
slang words, the reason of why the translator rendering chicks into ”cewek
-cewek” is the translator wants to give more polite expression rather than translated
“chicks” into “wanita jalang” so the meaning will be less expressive, sound
natural and acceptable to Indonesian without leaving the actual meaning of SL.
b. Classification 2
Translating Slang word in SL Into in common TL words
In this part, the researcher explains the translation of slang word which is
translated into common Bahasa Indonesia as target language. The translator using
the words in the target language which express similar meaning of slang word in
source language by considering of its equivalent.
There are 54 data or 65,85 % are included in this classification, they are:
Table 4
Translating Slang word in SL Into in common TL words
No. Slang Words
Indonesian
Translation Data Number
46 Shut up Diam 70
CS:. Fish tries to talk with Amelia about her problems.
ST :
Fish: you’ve got pure, unfiltered badass.
TL :
Fish: kau punya kemampuan yang hebat dan sikap yang memukau.
According to http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=baddass,
“Baddas” means something awesome or really. It is usually used to make the
expression to be more expressive. The translator transfer the word “baddas” into
“memukau” because the translator feels the word “memukau” is the best
equivalent words that represent the meaning of SL and it commonly used by TL in
Indonesian.
Example:
Datum 20/TR/ CD1/SL/00:23:274,480
SL :
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Kim: Rasanya aneh.
The dialogue takes place in Curtis house when fish wants to meet Curtis
and he ask Curtis’s mom for a dinner. Unfortunately, Curtis mom refuses Fish’s
offer She will not date with her son’s friends. Based on
http://www.urbandictionary.com/icky the word icky means Strange or freaky to
the extreme. The translator uses the word “aneh” to represent the meaning of
“icky” because it commonly uses by Indonesian people.
c. Classification 3
Translating By Ommission
This classification refers to how the translator transferring slang word
from SL by using omission. As a result, the message of translation is incomplete.
There are 5 data or 6.09% are included in this classification, they are:
commit to user Datum 52/TR/ CD2/SL/00:05: 02,681
CS: Fish and his band were released in bail
SL:
Fish: That, my friends, is what happens when you’re rockstar. TL:
Fish: -
The context of situation of this dialogue happens when fish and his band
were arrested and they were released in bail by their parents. Rockstar means the
famous rock band member. The translator did not transfer the word “rockstar” and
the message convey incompletely. It would be more natural if the translator
translated it into “bintang rock”.
d. Classification 4
Translating By Paraphrase
This classification refers to how translation of slang words in source
language translated into Indonesian by using paraphrase. The translator often uses
this method only if he/ she did not find the equivalent word in target language.
There are 11 data or 13.41%% are included in this classification, they are:
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CS:. Fish tries to talk with Amelia about her hair.
SL :
Fish: listen, it’s just hair. It’s no biggie
TL:
Fish: sudahlah, itu hanya masalah rambut.itu bukan masalah yang besar.
Based on http://www.urbandictionary.com/ biggie, the word “biggie” is
shortened from “big deal”. Translator transfer the word “biggie” into “bukan
masalah besar” because the translator cannot find the equivalence word that
represents the meaning of “biggie” in target language except by using paraphrase
Curtis: Apa? /
Matt: kesempatan untuk tampil di panggung?
This conversation happens between fish, matt and curtis. Fish explains that
ADD band has a performance schedule on the next day. According to
http://www.urbandictionary.com/gig, the word “gig” means a live performance,
musical, theatrical, or physical. Translator translates the word “gig “into
“kesempatan untuk tampil di panggung” using paraphrase method and the
meaning are conveyed successfully into TL.
e. Classification 5
Translating by loan word
This classification refers to the method of untranslated word. In this part
the word in SL are maintained in TL without any changes. The translator used this
method because he / she cannot find the similar meaning in TL.
There are 2 data or 2.43% are included in this classification, they are:
Table 7
CS:. Fish seeing no behavior of Rock’n’Roll on other bands member.
commit to user TL:
Fish: Beginilah cara musik Rock’n’roll punah.
The context situation of this dialogue is Fish enter the band’s room and see
the other player of ADD band who are playing video game then fish asks them to
get some parties. Translator did not translate the word “Rock’n’roll” because this
word refers to the one of music genre. Therefore, In Indonesian the word
“Rock’n’roll” is commonly used and has the similar meaning in TL.
A. DISCUSSION
This sub chapter will discuss the relation between quality assessment of
slang word and the classification use to translate slang word in the film entitled
Table 4.7
The Techniques and Level of Accuracy, Acceptability
No .
Classification Translation Quality
Assessment
Data Number Total Percentage
1. Translating slang word in SL into slang word in TL
Accuracy accurate 26,53,56,59,78,80,81, 7 70%
Less accurate 23,24,74 3 30%
Inaccurate - - 0%
Acceptability Acceptable 26,53,56,59,78,80,81 7 70%
Less acceptable 23,24,74 3 30%
Unacceptable - - -
2. Translating slang word in SL into common TL word
Accuracy Accurate 2,3,7,8,9,10,11,12,17,19,20, 21,33,35,36,37,38,39,41,42,
Acceptability Acceptable 2,3,7,8,9,10,11,12,17,19,20, 33,36,37,38,41,42,
44,45,46,47,49,50,51,55,57, 58,60,65,69,71,73,76,79,82,
Less acceptable 5,13,18,21,32,34,35,39,40,62,64 ,72,
12 22.2%
Unacceptable 77, 1 1.8%
3. Translating by omission Accuracy accurate 52 1 20%
Less accurate - - 0%
Inaccurate 1,4,25,31 4 80%
Acceptability Acceptable 52 1 20%
Less acceptable 1, 1 20%
Unacceptable 4,25,31, 3 60%
4. Translating by paraphrase
Accuracy Accurate 11,29,54,61,67, 5 45.5%
Less accurate 14,15,16,30,66,68 6 54.5%
Inaccurate - - 0%
Acceptability Acceptable 11,29,54,61,67, 5 45.5%
Unacceptable - - 0%
5. Translating by loan word
Accuracy Accurate 48 1 50%
Less accurate 27 1 50%
Inaccurate - - 0%
Acceptability Acceptable 27,48 2 100%
Less acceptable - - 0%
