expressions above. In fact, it might be necessary to elaborate the concept in order to deepen the understanding of the expressions. Once again, the writer
tries to criticize the expressions above with Peter Newmark‘s translation criticism theory.
1. The expression of Humbert Humbert’s memory
a. Datum 1
These are the very first sentences in the Lolita novel, which portray Humbert‘s affection and desire to Lolita. The author uses such stirring
language which is almost poetic to the reader. From the expression above, it can be seen that Humbert reduces Lolita‘s name to a rhythm of syllables.
Calling her the light of his life makes the reader feel this intense emotion that Humbert feels for Lolita. The reader understands that he is deeply in
love with this girl, and aesthetically moved by her presence. Even her name invokes such a passionate response in him that he appreciates the
movement of his tongue as it moves to pronounce it. In this expression, the reader gets a sense of how truly enthralled Humbert is with Lolita,
regardless of their familial status and difference in age. In the first sentence, the translator translated the phrase my loins
into sulbiku. According Cambridge Advanced Learner‘s Dictionary, loins
means a part of the body which is above the legs and below the waist, especially the sexual organs.
41
Then, in English-Indonesian Dictionary, the word loin means bagian badan sebelah belakang antara pinggul dan
41
Elizabeth Walter, ―Loins,‖ in Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008, p. 843.
tulang rusuk or in other words, it is synonymous with pinggang.
42
According to thesaurus, the word sulbi and pinggang is synonymous.
43
However, if the translator used pinggang rather than sulbi, it is equivalently and grammatically correct, but as the consequences, the
beauty of the expression will not be as sublime as its original version. By the same token, the same principle is cherished by the translator
to translate my soul in the same sentence. The word soul itself means the part of a person which is not physical and experiences deep feelings and
emotions.
44
Furthermore, soul in Indonesian language means nyawa, roh, or sukma.
45
Maybe it would be tolerable if the translator translated the phrase into nyawaku or rohku, because the meaning would not be affected
anyway, but those words are not as emotional and esthetical as sukma. So, the translator‘s decision to choose sukma rather than nyawa or roh is worth
appreciated. Then in the next sentence, there is a phrase in ST which said
―taking a trip of three steps down the palate,‖ which is translated into “menjejak mundur langit-langit mulut.” Specifically, the phrase take a
trip means the same with go or ramble,
46
so in Indonesian language it has the same meaning with pergi or bergerak.
47
Actually, the phrase in ST could be translated literally into
“pergi mundur tiga kali di langit-langit
42
Hornby, E.C. Parnwell, and Suswoyo, “Loin,‖ in Kamus Inggris-Indonesia Jakarta:
PT Indira, 1993, p. 193.
43
Kateglo, s.v.
―Sulbi,‖ accessed
April 7,
2014, http:kateglo.com?phrase=sulbimod=dictionary.
44
Walter, Op. Cit., p. 1381.
45
Hornby, Op. Cit., p. 307.
46
Thesaurus.com, s.v. ―Take a trip,‖ accessed April 7, 2014,
http:thesaurus.combrowsetake+a+trip.
47
Hornby, Op. Cit., p. 344.
mulut ”or “bergerak mundur tiga kali di langit-langit mulut,” and these
translations are still acceptable in Indonesian language. The three translation versions above are proportional and readable in target
language, but it can be seen that the first version is far more effective, communicative, and natural rather than the second and the third.
The elaboration above paints a conclusion that translation as an art is more prominent. The translator strongly considers aesthetic side in
translating this expression, and it is reflected in his prudent and subtle word selection. While there is a trick to achieve a suitable and natural
equivalent in target language, the issue is still influenced by the aesthetic aspect which feels very strong already in the original version.
b. Datum 2
