TRANSLATING CULTURAL BOUND ELEMENTS IN AN INDONESIAN SUPERNATURAL ARTICLE INTO ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Andrew Thren
Faculty of Language and Literature Satya Wacana Christian University
Salatiga
INTRODUCTION
Translating supernatural articles can pose numerous problems as a translator has to decipher how to render culture-bound elements from the source text into the target language. A translator needs to transfer the written message of the source text with the same message into the target foreign language. Nonetheless, with culture-bound words this is often very challenging. Some words or concepts in the source language may be too deeply rooted, so that it makes translating the idea in the target language rather taxing. Certain ideas may be too
A translator has the task of accurately transferring what is said in one language into another. In translating a supernatural article, a translator needs to be competent in understanding the cultural concepts present in the source language and be able to relay those ideas accurately in the foreign language. A translator should be conscious of idiosyncrasies in the target language (TL) and be able to successfully convey ideas and source language specific words from supernatural articles into the target language through various methods. Venuti (1995, p.1, as cited in Munday, p.144) uses the term invisibility to describe the translator s situation and activity in contemporary Anglo-American culture. Venuti sees this invisibility as typically being produced by the way translators themselves tend to translate fluently into English, to produce an idiomatic and readable translated text, thus creating an illusion of transparency . This illusion of transparency is beneficial in the target language, as it lets the readers think they are reading the original text and not a translated text, which allows them to read it more fluently without linguistic or stylistic peculiarities. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Larson (1984), as cited in Simatupang (1999, p.39) divides translation into meaning-based translation and form-meaning-based translation. A literal translation can be categorized as a form-based translation. Translation is generally categorized into seven main categories, starting with a very literal translation, literal translation, modified literal translation, inconsistent mixture translation, near idiomatic translation, idiomatic translation, and unduly free translation (Larson, 1984, p.17, as cited in Simatupang, 1999).
When translating from Indonesian to English, various kinds of translation strategies can be used like modulation, equivalence, and adaptation. Modulation is a variation of the form of the message, obtained by a change in perspective. With modulation, the translator
changes the point of view of the message without changing the meaning to make the sentence more natural sounding in the target language. For example, Il est facile de demontrer can be translated as It is not difficult to show . However, this would be more natural in English to write in a positive way It is easy to show (Hatim and Munday, 2004, p.150). The same applies in translating from Indonesian language to English. It is more natural to translate tidak gampang as easy instead of not difficult .
The equivalence technique is used to translate idioms when two languages refer to the same situation in very different ways. Hatim and Munday (2004, p.150) state that the equivalence technique is used if the same situation can be rendered by two texts using completely different styles and structural methods. An example of equivalence is when translating meong to meow or nguik to squeak or kukurukuk to cock-a-doodle-doo . Larson (1989, p.22) gives an example of an idiom in Indonesian language. Panjang tangan is a term for someone who likes to steal. It cannot be translated literally into long hand or long arms in English because it will convey a meaning that is quite different from the original idea.
The adaptation technique is a unique type of situational equivalence, as this technique is used when the type of situation being referred to in the SL text is foreign in the TL culture. In a situation like this, the translator has to create an equivalent situation. Fawcett (1997) states that equivalence takes place when the receiving culture has little or no experience that would allow it to understand a close translation. In an instance where a situation like this may occur, it is best to adapt it to the receiving culture.
neutral or less expressive word (for dealing with sensitive issues, such as politics, religion, sex, etc. to avoid a wrong expressive meaning in the translation), translation by cultural substitution (involves replacing a culture-specific expression with a target-language expression which does not have the same propositional meaning but is likely to have a similar impact on the target reader), translation using a loan word or loan word plus explanation (deals with culture-specific items, modern concepts, and buzzwords. An explanation is given that follows loan words when the word is repeated several times in the text, so that the reader can understand it and is not distracted by further lengthy explanations), translation by paraphrase using a related word (used when the concept expressed by the source item is lexicalized in the target language in a different form. It is used when the word in the source text is significantly higher or unnatural than it would be in the target language), translation by paraphrase using unrelated words (used if the source text contains an expression that is not lexicalized in the target language. Unrelated words can be used to paraphrase by modifying a superordinate or unpack the meaning of the words you want to paraphrase), and translation by omission (used if the meaning conveyed by a particular item or expression is not vital enough to the text. The translator can simply omit translating the word or expression). Therefore, these and many other different techniques can be used by a translator when translating a supernatural article from Indonesian to English, depending upon the need of the translator to produce the most idiomatic sounding translation.
THE STUDY
In this study I analyzed individual university university student translations of two different supernatural articles from Indonesian to English language. The first article is an advertisement and the second article is an
informational article. I chose 28 words and expressions from the first article and 44 words and expressions from the second article to be analyzed. The words/expressions analyzed are highlighted in italics and numbered in parentheses. The Indonesian supernatural complete texts are in Appendix 1 and Appendix 3 with the idiomatic translated supernatural texts in Appendix 2 and Appendix 4. The first article analyzed in Appendix 1 was Susuk Berlian Samber Lilin based on the individual translations of 18 students (3 students were absent). The second article analyzed in Appendix 3 was Mengendalikan Pasangan Lewat Ilmu Gaib based on the individual translations of 21 students (all students were present). The results of the student translations are in Table 1 and Table 2 divided into idiomatic, near idiomatic, and non idiomatic classifications. The types of translation errors in the tables are important as they reveal to what extent the students are able to fathom the subtle nuances in translating culturally-specific terms from Indonesian to English language.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the study can be seen in Table 1 and Table 2. On one side, translating these kinds of articles from Indonesian to English is enjoyable for students. However, they often have difficulties in deciding how to properly translate magic related or culturally-specific words and concepts into English. In many aspects, numerous difficulties arise.
was a total of 252 or 50.4 percent non-idiomatic translations. Non-idiomatic translations are those which have major mistakes in translations, so that it renders them unacceptable in the receptor text. The large number of non-idiomatic translations reveals that translating non-standard terminology from Indonesian to English language poses numerous difficulties for students, as they are not exposed to this kind of vocabulary in their academic studies and do not read these kinds of articles in English language on their own. Students tend to read articles about supernatural or mysticism themes in their source language only. From the 44 expressions chosen from the supernatural article in Table 2, students were able to make 224or 24.2 percent overall idiomatic
[image:4.612.104.544.299.729.2]translations. From the same expressions, students were able to do 232 or 25.1 percent near idiomatic translations. From these expressions, there was a total of 468or 50.7 percent non-idiomatic translations. There is almost a 2:1 ratio in non-idiomatic with idiomatic and near idiomatic translations. The large number of non-idiomatic translations reveals that translating non-standard terminology from Indonesian to English language poses numerous difficulties for students, as they are not exposed to this kind of vocabulary in their academic studies and do not read these kinds of articles in English language on their own. Students tend to read articles about supernatural or mysticism themes in their source language only.
Table 1. Types of Translations of 2nd Supernatural Article
No. Word(s)/Expressions Idiomatic idiomaticNear idiomaticNon
1 Susuk Berlian Samber Lilin 13 0 5
2 Pada Usia Mendekati Kepala 4! 2 11 5
3 Beberapa kali mematut di kaca 0 2 16
4 wajahnya yang dulu muda, segar dan mulus 0 12 6 5 kini telah digerogoti beberapa keriput yang mengumpul di bawah
mata 1 3 14
6 ia sendiri merasa kurang nyaman 7 7 4
7 Duh, malunya! 3 12 3
8 Rini pernah mendengar, di negara-negara maju 0 10 8
9 Hanya saja biayanya selangit 4 9 5
10 sekali terapi biayanya Rp 2,5 juta 0 10 8 11 Rini bertemu lagi dengan seorang karibnya, Dina 1 4 13 12 Tapi melihat penampilan Dina yang masih begitu segar 1 0 17
13 Rini jadi terkagum-kagum 6 9 3
14 penampilan Dina tak kalah dengan gadis-gadis remaja 0 5 13
15 Cantik dan ranum 0 3 15
16 Karena penasaran, Rini lalu menarik Dina ke pojok 4 7 7 17 Dina dipaksa untuk membuka rahasia kecantikannya 8 8 2 18 selama ini ia jadi langganan Djeng Asih 1 3 14 19 seorang paranormal pakar kecantikan alternative 3 7 8
20 Cobalah susuk yang satu ini 0 4 14
21 khasiatnya sungguh dahsyat 6 7 5
22 celetuk 1 0 17
23 Penampilan begitu prima 8 6 4
24 wajahnya terlihat segar berseri-seri 1 2 15
25 benar-benar bekerja secara mistis 4 9 5
26 membuat aura yang keluar gemerlap mempesona 0 7 11 27 Hebatnya lagi, susuk ini tanpa pantangan 3 6 9 28 Bisa dipakai siapa saja, tak mengenal golongan dan agama 1 7 10
No. Word(s)/Expressions Idiomatic idiomaticNear idiomaticNon
1 Ilmu Gaib 16 0 5
2 pasangan 1 10 10
3 pengasihan 0 4 17
4 air seni 19 2 0
5 Kedahsyatan 7 8 6
6 paranormal 12 5 4
7 menyalurkan ajian pengasihan 0 2 19
8 pasangan yang dikehendaki 3 4 14
9 bila kebablasan 3 3 15
10 menimbulkan kegilaan seumur hidup 0 12 9
11 tidak akan mampu disembuhkan 4 3 14
12 orang yang kita tuju tidak curiga 6 4 11
13 Untuk menghilangkan bau pesing yang menyengat 6 4 11 14 mengandung alkohol atau soda dengan takaran cukup tinggi 0 1 20 15 pasangan yang hendak kita beri mantra pengasihan terlebih dahulu
dibuat pingsan 2 7 12
16 Dalam keadaan pingsan, air kencing bisa dengan mudah masuk ke
dalam mulutnya 0 11 10
17 bau dan rasa yang dihasilkan juga tidak akan terasa 3 4 14
18 Kalau orang yang hendak kita tuju 4 10 7
19 tentu dia akan menolaknya 2 3 16
20 Bahkan, dia bisa tidak percaya lagi 2 12 7
21 air kencing yang sudah diberi mantra itu juga bisa disemprotkan ke
dalam aura orang yang hendak kita beri pagar gaib 1 8 12
22 wadah 12 0 9
23 dilakukan ritual untuk menampakkan aura 2 2 17
24 Untuk hasilnya, jangan tanya 1 10 10
25 air kencing sanggup menjadikan pasangan tergila-gila 5 12 4
26 pasangannya 10 5 6
27 air kencing yang digunakan tidak sembarangan 7 6 8
28 manjur 14 3 4
29 berwarna kuning pekat 11 1 9
30 para ahli pengasihan 3 8 10
31 lebih manjur 14 3 4
32 media pengasihan 1 3 17
33 botol yang tidak mudah rusak 4 9 8
34 air kencing tetap terjaga keutuhannya 3 4 14
35 botol berisi air kencing ditanam 2 7 12
36 diberi tanda berupa nisan 1 1 19
37 kuburan manusia 14 4 3
38 gundukan tanah 1 7 13
39 air perasan bunga mawar, bunga melati serta bunga kantil 0 2 19
40 bacaan mantra khusus 10 2 9
41 Agar lebih afdol 7 8 6
42 orang pintar 9 3 9
43 diambil dan ditaruh di bawah bantal tempat tidur 2 13 6 44 pengasihan atau mengikat pasangan agar tidak selingkuh 0 2 19
[image:5.612.80.534.118.712.2]Total Types of Translations 24.2% 25.1% 50.7%
In translating a supernatural or mysticism advertisement or article into English language, various guidelines should be followed. First, write an attention-grabbing headline. Next, write the strongest selling points first. Then, write in a parallel sentence structure for bulleted items. In addition, use language that emphasizes the benefits in a way to make an emotional connection. Relate directly to the prospective target s imagination. Since benefits are the most important part of an advertisement, you should translate the source text with adjectives that best can connect with the prospective audience. Another important point is you should use concise and descriptive language. Translate the copy (text) with your potential customer in mind. Write many adjectives and adverbs. Vary the sentence structure using creative wording in the translation to make the product more appealing to consumers. By using descriptive language, you can paint a picture of the product or service you are offering in the targeted readers minds and make them want to buy what you are selling. Besides that, write in a way that connects directly with the targeted audience. Don t use language that is too sophisticated or too friendly for certain readers. Specific jargon should be properly explained to readers unfamiliar with specific terminology. Afterwards, in deciding what language (formal, informal, slang, etc.) to use, know who you are translating for. Match the language you use with the intended target readers. Is the tone more serious or lighthearted? Next, translate the testimonials in a language style that the intended target can relate to. Furthermore, consider the best way to emotionally manipulate the targeted readers in the targeted language group by translating the material in such an extent to have the greatest effect without diverting too much from the source text. After that, try to use persuasive translated wording without being too persuasive with consideration of the targeted group. Translate the advertisement in such a way that if you were the prospective target, you would
be tempted to buy the product or service. Then, do not overuse exclamation marks or write more than one for a particular point. Finally, check spelling and punctuation carefully after translating the advertisement. It should be free from grammatical mistakes. Advertisements with typos will not be taken serious by consumers. It will reflect poorly on your translation ability and on the product or service you are translating for. CONCLUSION
Translation is an effort to convey a message from one language to another without altering the meaning of the message. In translating, many different techniques can be used, depending on the needs of the translator. To be a qualified translator, one needs to master the source language and target language, be knowledgeable about both cultures, recognize culturally specific terms, and be able to translate them in an understandable way in the target language. Through this analysis, it is hoped that lecturers can better gage their students linguistic competence through the target language translation. It is also hoped that students will have a better insight of syntax in English and be more able to convey their competence through quality idiomatic translations. REFERENCES
Baker, M. (1992). In Other Words: A Course Book on Translation, London: Routledge. Bassnett, S. (2008).Translation Studies (3rd ed.).
New York: Routledge.
Bermann, S. and Wood, M. (2005). Nation, Ethics, and the Language of Translation. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Cronin, M. (2006).Translation and Identity. New
York: Routledge.
Hatim, B. and Munday J. (2004).Translation: An Advanced Resource Book. Cornwall: TJ International Ltd.
Munday, J. (2001). Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.
Simatupang, M.D.S. (1999). Pengantar Teori Terjemahan. Jakarta: Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi.
Venuti, L. (2008).The Translator s Invisibility: A History of Translation. New York: Routledge.
Suggested references for Indonesian mysticism readings
Magazines
Liberty, Misteri, Tabir, Variasari, Mastika
Websites
www.rajapelet.com www.ilmupelet.com www.pasangsusuk.com www.hantuhantu.com www.primbon.com www.manterapelet.com www.indospiritual.com
http://www.kaskus.us/forumdisplay.php?f=23 http://terselubung.blog.com
http://hantuonline.info/majalah-hantu.aspx http://www.djeng-asih.com/
http://peletratuasihan.indonetwork.co.id/ 1524404/paket-ilmu-pelet.htm
APPENDIX 1
Susuk Berlian Samber Lilin(1)
Masih Tetap Cantik dan SegarPada Usia Mendekati Kepala 4!(2)
Ketika merayakan HUT ke-37 April silam, Rini merasakan banyak perubahan pada dirinya. Terutama, wajahnya.Beberapa kali mematut di kaca (3), ia sadar kalauwajahnya yang dulu muda, segar dan mulus (4)kini telah digerogoti beberapa keriput yang mengumpul di bawah mata (5). Akhir-akhir ini ia mencoba menyembunyikan garis keriput itu dengan make up bedak tebal. Meski menolong, ia sendiri merasa kurang nyaman (6). Sebab dengan make up tebal, wajahnya jadi seperti topeng.Duh, malunya!(7)
Rini pernah mendengar, di negara-negara maju (8) seperti Singapura ada terapi laser untuk menghilangkan keriput penuaan pada wajah seseorang. Terakhir, ia mendengar ada sebuah salon di Jakarta yang menawarkan layanan serupa.Hanya saja biayanya selangit (9). Kalau nggak salah,sekali terapi biayanya Rp 2,5 juta(10). Untuk bisa tampil sempurna, saya paling tidak harus menjalani 4 5 kali terapi. Wah, mahalnya, keluh Rini.
Sampai suatu ketika pada reuni SMA-nyaRini bertemu lagi dengan seorang karibnya, Dina (11). Tapi melihat penampilan Dina yang masih begitu segar (12), Rini jadi terkagum-kagum (13).
APPENDIX 2
Susuk Berlian Samber Lilin(1)
Those Who Are Approaching 40(2) Can Still Look Young and Beautiful!
While celebrating her 37th birthday this past
April, Rini noticed many outward personal changes, especially in her face.After looking at herself in the mirror several times (3), she realized thather once youthful and flawless complexion (4)now had been damaged by a few wrinkles underneath her eyes (5). Recently she tried to cover the wrinkles by applying thick powder. Even though it helped,she didn t feel confident (6), because the thick make-up made it look like she was wearing a mask.It made her feel rather embarrassed(7).
Rini had heard that in industrialized nations (8), like Singapore, a person with age wrinkles could undergo laser therapy. Most recently she heard of a clinic in Jakarta that provides a similar kind of service. But the only problem is that the prices are sky high (9). If I m not mistaken,I will have to dish out Rp. 2.5 million just to go through this treatment once (10). To perfect my complexion I will have to do the therapy 4 or 5 times. I will waste an awful lot of money, sighed Rini.
This all changed when she went to a high school reunion andwas reunited with one of her old chums, Dina (11).Rini was surprised (13)when she saw that Dina hadn t aged a day (12). Even though
Dina was reaching 40,she looked just like a teenager (14). She had a glowing and youthful appearance (15).Anxious to find out her secret, Rini pulled Dina into a corner (16). Rini forced Dina to reveal her beauty secrets (17). Dina admitted thatshe has been a client of Djeng Asih (18),a paranormal expert in alternative beauty therapy (19). To keep Dina looking young and fancy free, she usedSusuk Berlian Samber Lilin therapy. Try this susuk (charm needles) (20). It is different from anything you have ever seen before.It works wonders! (21) burst Dina excitedly (22).
APPENDIX 3
Mengendalikan Pasangan LewatIlmu Gaib(1)
Mengendalikanpasangan (2) bisa dilakukan dengan pengasihan (3) melalui air seni (4). Kedahsyatan (5) teknik seperti ini sudah diakui banyak orang. Terhitung, beberapaparanormal (6) di berbagai daerah sering menggunakan sarana air kencing untukmenyalurkan ajian pengasihan (7) bagipasangan yang dikehendaki(8). Namun, dibalik itu, pengasihan melalui air kencing bisa membahayakan. Sebab,bila kebablasan (9), justru akanmenimbulkan kegilaan seumur hidup (10) dan dapat dipastikan tidak akan mampu disembuhkan (11).
Caranya cukup unik. Air kencing yang hendak dijadikan sarana penyaluran ajian pengasihan itu dicampur dengan minuman atau makanan. Seyogyanya, makanan atau minuman yang akan disuguhkan adalah makanan dan minuman yang berwarna kuning. Tujuannya, agarorang yang kita tuju tidak curiga (12). Untuk menghilangkan bau pesing yang menyengat (13), bisa dengan menambahkan aroma makanan atau minuman.
Karenanya, lebih baik jika minuman yang disodorkan berasal dari jenis minuman yang mengandung alkohol atau soda dengan takaran cukup tinggi (14). Kalau masih tetap kelihatan atau tercium baunya, pasangan yang hendak kita beri mantra pengasihan terlebih dahulu dibuat pingsan (15). Dalam keadaan pingsan, air kencing bisa dengan mudah masuk ke dalam mulutnya (16).
Air kencing yang dipakai juga tidak terlalu banyak. Cukup hanya dengan beberapa tetes. Selain warnanya tidak menimbulkan curiga,bau dan rasa yang dihasilkan juga tidak akan terasa (17).Kalau orang yang hendak kita tuju (18) mengetahui air minum yang disuguhkan kepadanya dicampuri air kencing,tentu dia akan menolaknya (19).Bahkan, dia bisa tidak percaya lagi (20), yang akibatnya akan muncul kecurigaan berkepanjangan.
Selain dicampurkan ke dalam minuman,air kencing yang sudah diberi mantra itu juga bisa disemprotkan ke dalam aura orang yang hendak kita beri pagar gaib (21). Caranya, air kencing itu ditaruh
di suatuwadah (22). Biasanya berbentuk mangkok. Selanjutnya,dilakukan ritual untuk menampakkan aura (23). Setelah aura orang tersebut tampak, air kencing diteteskan ke dalam auranya sebanyak tiga kali.Untuk hasilnya, jangan tanya (24). Meski bau dan rasanya tidak enak, air kencing sanggup menjadikan pasangan tergila-gila (25). Bahkan, dia rela berkorban segalanya untukpasangannya (26).
Namun, air kencing yang digunakan tidak sembarangan (27). Agar lebihmanjur (28), sebaiknya air kencing yang digunakan adalah air kencing orang yang hendak kencing. Untuk mendapatkan air kencing yang bagus, hendaknya diambil pada saat bangun tidur. Warna air kencing saat orang baru bangun dari tidurnya biasanya berwarna kuning pekat (29). Menurut para ahli pengasihan (30), warna air kencing yang kuning pekat akan lebih manjur (31) jika digunakan untukmedia pengasihan (32). Air kencing ditaruh dalambotol yang tidak mudah rusak (33) agar air kencing tetap terjaga keutuhannya (34).
APPENDIX 4
Control Your Partner or Love Interest throughMagic(1)
Controlling yourpartner or love interest (2) can be done usingurine (4) in alove spell(3). Many people know about thegreat effectiveness (5) of this technique. Included among them, severalparanormals (6) in various locations oftenuse urinein love spells (7) to help people easily get theirdesired mates (8). However, on the downside, using urine in a love potion can also be dangerous, because if used in a large quantity (9) it can cause lifelong incurable insanity (10 & 11).
The love potion is made in a unique way. The urine that is going to be used in the love spell is mixed with food or a beverage. The food or drink that will be given to the love interest will obviously be yellow. The reason for doing this isto avoid suspicion on the part of your love interest (12).To neutralize the stench of the urine (13), you can mix it with the aroma of food or drinks.
It is better if the drink given to your love interestcontains a high alcohol or soda content(14). If you can still see or smell the urine,a spell can be put over your love interest to make him/her pass out (15). While unconscious, the urine can easily be dripped in the person s mouth (16).
You shouldn t use too much urine. A few drops should be enough. That way, the color, smell, and taste shouldn t be noticeable (17).If the person you like (18) knows that the beverage served is mixed with urine,of course he/she will not drink it (19). Furthermore, the person will be suspicious for a long time and unable to trust you anymore (20).
Besides being mixed in drinks,urine that has been given a spell also can be sprayed within the aura of the person you want to attract by making a magical fence around him/her (21). The way to do this is by pouring the urine into a bowl-shaped
container (22). Thena ritual needs to be performed to make his/her aura appear (23). After his/her aura appears, three drops of urine are dripped within his/ her aura.The results speak for themselves (24). Even though it doesn t taste or smell very good,the urine is able to make your love interest fall crazily in love with you (25). Your love interest will even be willing to sacrifice everything he/she possesses toyou (26). However, you cannot use just any kind of urine (27). To get the most effective results, it is best to use urine when you want to urinate. To get the most effective (28) urine, you should use the urine when you wake up first thing in the morning. Usually when a person wakes up in the morning, the urine is aconcentrated yellow color (29). According tolove potion experts (30), urine that is a dark yellow color will bemost effective (31) when used as amedia for a love spell (32). The urine should be poured and kept in anunbreakable sturdy bottle (33)to maintain its integrity and potency (34).
