Background of the Research

1 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Research

Translation field has a very important role in terms of delivering message which contained in source language SL into the target language TL. Translating a word or phrase from one language to another should be done by transferring messages of the word or phrase itself with a good level of equivalency. In this case, equivalency means similarity of the received messages, both in source language or target language. Although some words or phrases in the source language rarely have the same equivalence level in the target language, it does not matter if they can be interchangeable. Thus, it can be concluded that translation involves two different languages which must have equal meaning. In the translation field, translation criticism is one of the most inseparable thing from this field. But the expressions used to criticize translated texts are quite predictable. There are several expressions su ch as: ―nicely translated,‖ or maybe ―flat and uninspiring‖ which often used by many critics in practice. It is absolutely easy to criticize the total inadequacy of these comments, but perhaps it is time to reflect on the responsibilities of a critic who engages in reviewing translations. The critic of translation works should be familiar with the SL, the cultural and aesthetic context of the original work, and the difference in linguistic perceptions that exist between the SL and the TL. Besides, the critics of translation have to fulfill a formidable yet very important task. They draw readers toward the foreign in other culture, make them feel comfortable with the unusual and strange things in that culture, and heighten the enjoyment of living the rich texture of aesthetic and deep experiences which reflected in the structure of a foreign language. In order to achieve the task, a critic must go through a so-called process named translation criticism, which is an important component in translation course. Translation criticism is a significant part in translation field because it improves and escalates translator‘s skill and knowledge in shifting the culture and the message from one language to another. Translation criticism is the fundamental basis of each and every course in comparative linguistic or literature in translation, and a component of any professional translation course with specific text types as an exercise for criticism and discussion. 1 Moreover, in the study of literary texts, translation has an important role in terms of development and deployment of so many texts, including literary texts. The presence of translation helps literary texts to reach audience from other areas which do not have same cultural background with the author of the text. Therefore, translation activities are needed to fill the gap and bridge of relationship between the author and target reader. Translation helps linking two different languages which have different cultural backgrounds, so it can also help the reader from different part of the world to understand the text in an easier way. 1 Peter Newmark, A Textbook of Translation Hertfordshire: Prentince Hall, 1988, p. 185. The study of literary text cannot be separated from the realm of linguistics. Each type of literary texts such as novel, short story, and poetry has its own discussion reflected in science of linguistics. For example, a poem using poetic language can be studied with the concept of polarity and also the concept of equivalence. Poetry is one part of a language which contained poetic function. Roman Jakobson, one of the experts who centralize his thoughts on linguistic studies reveals that the poetic function is one of the part of six language functions which he designs, each of which have different focus, namely referential function, emotive or expressive function, conative function, phatic function, metalingual function, and also poetic function itself. 2 The term ―poetic‖ has narrow and broad meaning. In a narrow sense, poetic is a use of linguistic methods to review literary works, especially poetry. 3 Meanwhile in broader sense, poetic refers to one of the function of language, which has already mentioned in the previous section. The use of poetic function of language is to highlight shape of the language itself for the sake of beauty of aesthetic impacts, or in other words it can be referred as poetic language. According to Jakobson, poetic language not only encompasses poetry, but also advertising language, political slogans, or maybe some stickers which can be found in public places. 4 Therefore, it can be concluded implicitly that the expression which contained poetical function is also included in the poetic language. 2 Roman Jakobson, The Framework of Language Michigan: University of Michigan, 1980, p. 84. 3 David Crystal, A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics Cambridge: Basil Blackwell, 1991, p. 267. 4 Jakobson, Op. Cit., p. 85. In terms of translation, poetical expression is often regarded as one of the most difficult expression to translate. In this case, a critic must know the expression‘s intention and purpose in order to understand true meaning of the text, because a critic is the first and the foremost component of the research. In some highly- appreciated literature texts such as Vladimir Nabokov‘s Lolita, which contains so many wordplays and figurative expressions, a translator will usually be served by the concept of thoughts and expressions which inevitably must be understood and translated correctly. Poetical expression is chosen as the research object of this research because this kind of expression sometimes referred as a ―branchy‖ one, which means a poetical expression can have a meaning that depends on the taste and understanding of the translator. One of the example from the Lolita novel which represent the element is as follows. SL: The Squirl and his Squirrel, the Rabs and their Rabbits Have certain obscure and peculiar habits Male hummingbirds make the most exquisite rockets The snake when he walks holds his hands in his pockets... TL: Petani dan tupainya, peternak dan kelincinya Punya kebiasaan aneh dan tak biasa Burung pipit jantan punya roket paling memesona Saat berjalan, ular menyembunyikan tangan dalam sakunya This expression is likely multilayered, or in other words, has several layers of interpretation. So, it is no surprise if there are some mistranslations in the poetical expression above. First, the word Squirl means ornamental flourish or curve. 5 But the translator translated it into Petani or a farmer. Then, the word Rabs means a rod used by masons. 6 But the translator translated it into Peternak or a cattleman. From the example above, it appears that some mistranslations still exist, so it is likely to have an impact to reader‘s understanding. Thus, translation criticism is needed to minimize this and also to evaluate the performance of the translator in performing their duties. In addition, translation criticism can also help improving the reader‘s understanding and also readibilty in the near future.

B. Focus of the Research