Unit 3

Exercise 1: Analyze the mechanics of each source text, apply interlinear

translation, then improve the translated version to make it as natural as
possible.

1. Việc thanh toán số tiền tổng cộng trên sẽ được thức hiện như sau:

---- The payment of the total amount will be executed as follows

2. Từ phía đông thổi về một ngọn gió lạnh và ẩm.

------- A cold and damp wind blows from the

east.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Anh thì gầy, nó thì béo.

------------------------ He is skinny, she is fat.

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Ăn mày đòi xôi gấc.

---------- A beggar asks for glutinous rice with red

beans-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise 2: Identify whether each of the following tranlated version is

acceptable (A), meaningless (M) or wrong (W) due to literal translation then

improve them in order to have a better/correct TL texts.

1. Mỹ muốn thay thế ông Arafat (LĐ).

Literal: The U.S. wanted to replace Yasser Arafat.

---------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Phương thức sản xuất chiếm hữu nô lệ.

Literal: Mode of slavery production.

M This production method involves slavery-----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Vạch mặt tai biến địa chất (LĐ).

Literal: Laying bare the face of geological stroke.

-M Exposing the effects of geological disasters.---------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon was built by King Jeogjo (r.1776 – 1800) as an act
of filial piety to restore the honor of his father who was murdered as a result of
palace intrigue. The Fortress was designed by Jeong Yak-yong known as Dasan,
one of the greatest Confucian Silhak (School of Practical Learning) scholars
(WK).

Literal translation: Pháo đài ở Xu-on được xây dựng bởi Nhà vua Gi-ong-gio (1776
– 1800) như một hành động hiếu thảo của con cái nhằm khôi phục danh dự cho
 người cha đã bị sát hại do một mưu đồ trong cung đình. Pháo đài được thiết kế
bởi Gi-ong I-ác-i-ong còn được gọi là Đa-xan, một trong những học giả lớn nhất
của trường phái Học hành của đạo Khổng.

----------------
A---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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5. In 2002, the ratio of high school graduates who advanced to institutions of

higher learning was 87 percent for general high schools and 49.8 percent for
vocational high schools (Facts).
Literal translation: Năm 2002, tỷ lệ học sinh tốt nghiệp trung học theo học tại các
cơ sở học thuật cao hơn là 87% đối với các chương trình trung học thông thường
và 49.8% đối với các trường trung cấp dạy nghề (BT).

-----------------A----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Georgia experienced the second velvet revolution in Adjarah.

Gru-gi-a trải qua cuộc cách mạng nhung lụa lần thứ 2 ở Át-gia-ra.

---------W Georgia experienced its second peaceful revolution in Adjara.---------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. They have their house repainted every year.

Literal: Họ có nhà của họ được sơn lại hàng năm.

A

Exercise 3

3.1. Find the cultural-specific concepts that are transferred into the TL text.

Chiều ba mươi, nợ hỏi tít mù, co cẳng đạp thằng Bần ra cửa.

Sáng mùng một, rượu say túy lúy, giơ tay bông ông Phú vào nhà (NCTr)

On the afternoon of the 30 th (the last day of the year), creditors come in flocks; let us
bend the leg tho kick out Poverty.

On the morning of the First (day of the New Year), tipsy with drinks of rice, let us open
our arms tho invite Wealth in (VL).

Những yếu tố văn hóa trong câu đối này của Nguyễn Côn Trứ (năm cùng tháng tận đi
đòi nợ, rượu chè ngày Tết - đặc biệt là rượu nấu từ gạo (rice wine) hy vọng một năm
mới tốt đẹp) đều được phản ánh trong bản dịch.

The cultural-specific concepts transferred into the TL text include:

1. "Chiều ba mươi" and "sáng mùng một" refer to specific times of the day during the Lunar
New Year celebrations.
2. "Nợ" and "ông Phú" are concepts related to Vietnamese beliefs about luck and fortune
during the New Year, where it is believed that paying off debts and inviting wealth into
the home are important for a prosperous year ahead.
3. "Rượu say túy lúy" and "bông ông Phú" are also cultural-specific concepts related to the
New Year celebrations, where drinking rice wine and having decorations representing the
God of Wealth are common practices.
4. "Co cẳng đạp thằng Bần ra cửa" and "giơ tay" are cultural-specific actions related to the
beliefs about driving away poverty and inviting wealth into the home during the New
Year.
3.2. Find the structure(s) that are not natural in the English text and improve
it (them).

a. Nằm ở phía bắc dãy núi Trường Sơn thuộc tỉnh Quảng Bình, vườn quốc gia Phong
Nha – Kẻ Bàng được đánh giá là một trong hai vùng núi đá vôi rộng nhất thế giới, với
diện tích trên 200.000 ha và dand được UNESCO công nhận là di sản thiên nhiên thế
giới (TTX).

Faithful translation:

a. Located to the north of the Truong Son mountain-range in Quang Binh province,
Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park is evaluated as one of the world’s two largest
limestone regions with an area of over 200,000 ha and is being recognized by UNESCO
as a world’s natural heritage site.

Improved:

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, located in Quang Binh province to the north of the Truong
Son mountain range, is evaluated as one of the world's two largest limestone regions, covering an
area of over 200,000 hectares. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage
site

b.

… Nếu bây giờ có tiền thì sẽ kết hợp với …If I have money now, I’ll join my
chú em ở quê, đưa lợn ở Thái Bình ra đây younger brother in my native village in
nuôi tạm ở nhà chị rồi bán dần. Ngoài ra bringing pigs here from Thai Binh, raising
chị còn đứa cháu gái, nếu có tiền thì sẽ temporarily in my house and selling them
chung nhau buôn chè ở Thái Nguyên về each by each. Besides, I still have a
đây bán. Nếu bây giờ có tiền thì chị niece; if I have money, I’ll join her in
không bao giờ làm than nữa. Chị sẽ xoay buying tea in Thai Nguyen and sell it
làm việc khác. Nếu già yếu thì chị cũng here. It I have money now, I’ll never do
làm chõ xôi bán ngày cũng được vài the sorting and peddling of coal. I’ll turn
nghìn (XHH) to other jobs. If getting old, I’ll cook
 sticky rice and sell it and I’ll earn some
thousand VND a day.

Improved:

If I have money now, I will team up with my younger brother from my hometown to bring pigs
from Thai Binh to raise temporarily in my house and sell gradually. Additionally, I have a niece
who I will partner with to start a tea trading business in Thai Nguyen and sell it here if I have the
funds. With money in hand, I will never have to resort to sorting and peddling coal again, as I
will seek other employment opportunities. And even if I grow old, I can still earn a few thousand
VND per day by selling sticky rice.

Exercise 4: The underlined, italicized parts in the following text are faithfully
translated making the TL texts uncompromising and dogmatic. Please
translate them semantically to ensure the aesthetic value.

Text 1

2/ In connection with trade in products 2/ Liên quan đến việc buôn bán sản
and services, each Party shall grant to phẩm và dịch vụ, mỗi Bên dành sự đối xứ
nationals and companies of the other tối huệ quốc hay sự đối xử quốc gia, tùy
Party the better of most-favored-nation or theo sự đối xửu nào tốt hơn, cho các
national treatment with respect to: công ty và công dân của Bên kia đối với:

A. opening and maintaining accounts A. Việc mở và duy trì tài khoản bằng
in both local and foreign currency, cả bản tệ và ngoại tệ và được tiếp
and having access to funds cận tới tiền gửi của mình trong các
deposited in financial institutions định chế tài chính nằm trên lãnh
located in the territory of the thổ của một Bên;
Party:
B. ….
B. ….
Your answer

In relation to trade of goods and services, each Party shall provide the nationals and companies
of the other Party with either the most-favored-nation treatment or national treatment, whichever
is more favorable, regarding:

The ability to open and maintain accounts in both local and foreign currency, and to have access
to funds deposited in financial institutions located within the territory of the Party;

Exercise 5:

5.1. Translate the following text for two groups of readers: The general
public and people who work in IT field.

SL: To make an e-certificate registration, clients shall first of all create by themselves a
CSR at the server to be certified in order to apply for the issue of certificate to that
CSR… Then the company will send PINCODE to clients and make certificate registration
for them (VNND).

General readers People working in IT

To register for an e-certificate, you must first For people who work in IT field:
create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) on
the server you wish to be certified. Once this To register for an e-certificate, clients need to
is done, the company will send you a create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) at
PINCODE and complete the certificate the server that requires certification. After
registration process on your behalf. that, they will apply for a certificate to be
issued to that CSR. The company will then
send a PINCODE to clients and perform the
certificate registration process for them.
5.2. Identify the translation methods for TL text 1 and TL text 2? Which TL
text is better?

SL: Sharing the information freely, so that it feeds into action is vital – too many reports
are regarded as the “property” of the organization funding the research and remain on
the office shelves rather than being disseminated (RWG).

TL text 1 TL text 2

Chia sẻ thông tin một cách tự do để nó Hãy chia sẻ thông tin một cách tự do để
giúp ích cho hành động là điều quan nó giúp ích cho hành động – đó là điều
trọng – quá nhiều báo cáo được coi là quan trọng, vì quá nhiều báo cáo vốn
“tài sản” của tổ chức tài trợ cho nghiên được coi là “tài sản” của tổ chức tài trợ
cứu và nó chỉ ở trên giá sách trong văn nghiên cứu vẫn nằm trên giá sách trong
phòng của các tổ chức đó hơn là được văn phòng của các tổ chức đó hơn là
phổ biến. được phổ biến.

Your answer

--- TL text 1 uses the method of literal translation, where the translator translates the source text
word for word and follows the grammatical structure of the source language. TL text 2 uses the
method of free translation, where the translator conveys the meaning of the source text in a more
natural and fluent way, using the appropriate language conventions of the target language.

TL text 2 is better because it effectively conveys the meaning of the source text while using
language conventions that are more natural and idiomatic in Vietnamese. It also avoids some of
the awkward phrasing and unnatural word order found in TL text 1.
Exercise 6

6.1. In each of the following pairs of sentences, decide which is more

idiomatic English, a or b? How would the meaning be expressed idiomatically
in a second language which you speak?

1. (a) The storekeeper said that we will refund your money.

(b) The storekeeper promised to refund our money.

2. (a) A certain boy told me this little story at a party.

(b) He is one boy. He told the one little story. This in a game he said.

3. (a) An International Alphabet would inevitably bring about a spelling

reformas well. How many children have shed hot tears about spelling!

(b) An International Alphabet would inevitably bring about a spelling

reform, too. And how many hot children's tears have not been shed on
spelling!

4. (a) He then reported his misfortune to the police, who are searching
diligently for the thief.

(b) He then his mishap reported to the police, who are the thief
intensively searching.

Notes:
 1. (b) The storekeeper promised to refund our money is more idiomatic. In a second
language, such as Spanish, the meaning could be expressed idiomatically as "El tendero
prometió devolvernos el dinero."
2. (a) A certain boy told me this little story at a party is more idiomatic. In a second
language, such as French, the meaning could be expressed idiomatically as "Un certain
garçon m'a raconté cette petite histoire à une soirée."
3. (a) An International Alphabet would inevitably bring about a spelling reform as well.
How many children have shed hot tears about spelling! is more idiomatic. In a second
language, such as German, the meaning could be expressed idiomatically as "Ein
internationales Alphabet würde unweigerlich auch eine Rechtschreibreform herbeiführen.
Wie viele Kinder haben schon heiße Tränen wegen der Rechtschreibung vergossen!"
4. (a) He then reported his misfortune to the police, who are searching diligently for
the thief. is more idiomatic.

6.2. Look for literalisms in the following translations into English and
underline the words or phrases that do not sound natural in English. Suggest
a more idiomatic way of saying it. (All of these examples are from published
translated material. References are not given so as not to embarrass the
translator.)

1. We offers as attractions horse trip or car by fields and forests. (Tourist Brochure)

1. "We offers as attractions horse trip or car by fields and forests."

 Literalism: "offers as attractions"
 Idiomatic: "We offer horseback or car tours through fields and forests."

2. To move the cabin push button of wishing floor. If cabin should enter more
persons, each one should press number of wishing floor. (Instructions in
elevator/lift)

2. "To move the cabin push button of wishing floor. If cabin should enter more persons,
each one should press number of wishing floor."
  Literalism: "wishing floor"
 Idiomatic: "To select a floor, press the corresponding button. If the cabin becomes
crowded, each person should press the button for their desired floor."

3. The archeological matters in Egypt indicated that the princesses in those days had
used natural cosmetic to polish their beauty. (Newspaper)

3. "The archeological matters in Egypt indicated that the princesses in those days had used
natural cosmetic to polish their beauty."
 Literalism: "archeological matters"
 Idiomatic: "Archaeological findings in Egypt suggest that princesses in ancient times
used natural cosmetics to enhance their beauty."
4. Since 1976, the women have joined the popular army, and has been permitted to
join the armed forces and to acquire an equal military rank. Other laws have extended
the mother's leave before and after delivery, and granted the mother an additional two-
year leave to take care of her child under four years of age. (Newspaper)

4. "Since 1976, the women have joined the popular army, and has been permitted to join the
armed forces and to acquire an equal military rank. Other laws have extended the
mother's leave before and after delivery, and granted the mother an additional two-year
leave to take care of her child under four years of age."
 Literalism: "the women", "the mother's leave"
 Idiomatic: "Since 1976, women have been allowed to join the military and attain equal
ranks. Other laws have extended maternity leave before and after delivery, and granted
mothers an additional two-year leave to care for their child under the age of four."

5. A hold-up (robbery) took place of a motorcycle rider at Kampung early yesterday

morning. (Newspaper)

5. "A hold-up (robbery) took place of a motorcycle rider at Kampung early yesterday
morning."
 Literalism: "took place of"
  Idiomatic: "A hold-up (robbery) took place against a motorcycle rider in Kampung early
yesterday morning."

6. When you feel cold, because of the climate, or you feel something had in your bones,
please rub Param Kocok Super Kecil. Shake well the solution before use (Directions with
medicine)

6. "When you feel cold, because of the climate, or you feel something had in your bones,
please rub Param Kocok Super Kecil. Shake well the solution before use."
 Literalism: "you feel something had in your bones"
 Idiomatic: "If you feel cold due to the climate or have aches in your bones, please rub
Param Kocok Super Kecil. Shake the solution well before use."

6. Guatemala City is always full of surprises. It has a delicious climate, for reasons of
its altitude-1500 meters but not so high as to affect people from low-lying areas.
(Magazine of an airline)

7. "Guatemala City is always full of surprises. It has a delicious climate, for reasons of its
altitude-1500 meters but not so high as to affect people from low-lying areas."
 Literalism: None
 Idiomatic: "Guatemala City is full of surprises. Its altitude of 1500 meters provides a
pleasant climate that is not too high for people from low-lying areas."

8. Villagers spend most of their energies in producing corn and beans for their
families. Those are the principle products, including coffee, greens and fruit.
(Magazine of an airline)
 8. "Villagers spend most of their energies in producing corn and beans for their families.
Those are the principle products, including coffee, greens and fruit."
 Literalism: "principle products"
 Idiomatic: "Villagers spend most of their energy producing corn and beans for their
families. These are the main products, along with coffee, vegetables, and fruit."

Exercise 7

7.1. What changes have been made (added or omitted) in the translated
versions?

a.

(i) Mấy năm sau, một chiều nọ, cũng đang (i) Some years after that meeting, also
hè, trên đường từ biên giới trở về Hà Nội, on a summer afternoon, Kien and some
chiếc com măng ca chở Kiên và nhóm Journalist colleagues, riding a jeep back
phóng viên trong tòa soạn chạy chéo chéo from the border, again passed through
qua ngả Bắc Giang, miền bán sơn địa the same valley. (ii) The sight of the hills
nhấp nhô đồi gò, khe lũng và những vạt and streams, the smell of the earth
rừng thưa. (ii) Trong xe dần dần chỉ còn brought to him on a pleasant wind,
Kiên thức cùng người lái. (iii) Gió lướt dài brought back powerful memories. (iii)
mát rượi. (iv) Hai bên đường từ các khe Only he and the driver were still awake.
ngòi um tùm hơi đất mềm mại lan ra, toàn (iv) Kien reminisced in silence, with a
bộ không gian đất trời tĩnh lặng một khối tinge of regret.
lam chiều hoang vắng. (v) Trong long
(Palmos)
Kiên chợt nao lên một nỗi buồn đơn giản,
xót xa choáng ngợp. (BN)
b.Thu thuế ngoài quốc doanh: còn nhiều kẽ hở. Hơn 10,000 tỷ đồng là số phấn đấu thu
từ khu vực công thương nghiệp dịch vụ ngoài quốc doanh trong năm 2003, tăng tối
thiểu 27% (TBTC).

Tax collection from non-State economic sector: loopholes remain. The Department of
Taxation sets the 2003 target of over 10 trillion VND for non-State industrial, trade and
service seactor – an increase of at least 27 percent.

The translated version has omitted some details and changed the order of events. In the original
Vietnamese version, there is a detailed description of the scenery, including hills, streams, and
forests. The translated version only briefly mentions passing through a valley. Additionally, the
original version includes a sentence about how Kien is the last person awake in the jeep, which is
not mentioned in the translated version. Finally, the translated version changes the tone of the
ending, from a sense of profound sadness and loss to a more wistful tone.

b.

The translated version has added more details about the Department of Taxation and the target
amount to be collected, whereas the original Vietnamese version only states the general goal of
tax collection from the non-State economic sector.

7.2. Name the two methods used for the following translated version. What
are the differences between them?

SL text TL text 1 TL text 2

Method: ……………………… Method: ………………………

Ngân hàng thế giới nhận The World Bank estimated Viet Nam’s economic
định: Kinh tế Việt Nam that Viet Nam’s economy in growth is estimated at 7
năm 2003 sẽ đạt mức 2003 would reach a growth percent in 2003, according
tăng trưởng 7%. WB đánh of 7 pecent. The WB to the World Bank. The
giá tình hình kinh tế Việt assessed that Viet Nam’s Bank has made an
Nam trong 12 tháng là khả economy over the past 12 optimistic and positive
quan và đầy hứa hẹn, mặc months was optimistic and assessment of the
 dù nền kinh tế khu vực và promising despite the fact country’s economy over
thế giới không thuận lợi that the world and regional the past 12 months despite
(TMa). economy was not regional and global
favourable. economic slowdown.

TL text 1: Paraphrasing TL text 2: Translation

The first method used is paraphrasing, which involves rephrasing the original text while retaining
its meaning. In this case, TL text 1 is a paraphrased version of the original text.

The second method used is translation, which involves converting the original text into a
different language while preserving its meaning as much as possible. TL text 2 is a translated
version of the original text.

The main difference between the two methods is that translation seeks to retain the structure and
vocabulary of the original text as much as possible, while paraphrasing focuses more on
conveying the meaning in a different way, using different words and structure.