A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter intends to offer a brief description about the topic that is
related to and discussed in this study. This chapter provides the research
background, statement of the problems, purposes of the study, significance of the
study, scope and limitation, and definition of the key terms.
1.1
Research Background
“All animals have some system for communicating with other members of
their species, but only humans have a language which allows them to produce and
understand ever-new messages and to do so without any outside stimulus
(Kreidler, 1998:3).” Therefore human is special, they have language as the most
important thing that determines the social life runs. It is used to communicate,
deliver, and receive ideas among the people. Without language, we may not be
able to communicate with other people and say what we intended to do.
On the other hand, in many parts of the world, within a number of
societies, all of them have different forms of language. People speak a number of
languages and they may not be aware of how many different languages they
speak. This condition is called by Wardhaugh (2006:2) as “plurilingual; that is,
many speakers may use more than one language.” They speak many languages
because they need to do that in order to live their lives. However, when it comes
to the condition when two people who speak different languages meet, how can
they understand each other? A body language might be sufficient, but that just
1
2
works in simple condition. A complicated situation might be difficult to be
explained through gestures/body language itself.
Therefore, English is chosen as a lingua franca, a language which is
widely adopted for communication between two speakers whose native languages
are different from each other’s and where one or both speakers are using it as a
‘second’ language. However, when the condition is not possible to learn the
lingua franca or another language, there is a “language-saver” namely translator,
whose job is to make link from one language to another.
Transferring the idea from one language to another language or as we
called translating is not an easy thing to do. Language from one to another society
is different, and it also contains different culture which is a must for the translator
to understand it. Treating the cultural aspects in a source text (ST) and express
these aspects in the target language (TL) appropriately are the everlasting
problems that faced by translators (James, 2002:2). According to Munday
(2008:5), translation involves changing an original written source text in the
original source language into a written target text in a different language.
Translation can refer to the general subject field, the translated text, or the
translating process. Also, Karimi (2006:2) defines translation as “converting one
language (Source Language) to another (Target Language) so that the target
language could convey the intended message in source language.” In other words,
it is a process through which the translator decodes SL and encodes his
understanding of the TL form.
Translation involves re-structuring, from one structure of a certain
language to another structure of another language. It is not a simple thing to do,
3
translator has to be aware of not only the structure itself, but also the domains of
equivalent which are mentioned by Karimi (2006:2) that covers linguistic units
such as morphemes, words, phrases, clauses, idioms and proverbs. “If a specific
linguistic unit in one language carries the same intended meaning / message
encoded in a specific linguistic medium in another, then these two units are
considered to be equivalent.” However, to make an equivalent translation product
is a complicated task for the translator, because there is almost no language that
has exactly the same characteristics with another language. Thus, finding
equivalent is the most problematic stage of translation.
The existence or absence of expression in target language is influenced by
the culture that comes from different society, each society has its own culture, and
its own language. Each language has its own uniqueness, the thing which makes
the language different from another. The uniqueness of every different expression
from different societies covers linguistic units such as morphemes, words,
phrases, clauses, idioms and proverbs. One of the uniqueness that is interesting to
be analyzed is idioms of which the meaning cannot be easily translated
equivalently as the source language. Baker (1992:63) states that idioms are frozen
patterns of language which allow little or no variation in form and it often carry
meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual components.
In addition, the combinations of idioms are fixed as to form and their
meaning come from the combination. According to Ahmadi and Ketabi (2011:10),
all languages have idioms, which is a string of words whose meaning is different
from the meaning conveyed by the individual words. Translating idioms is a
challenging task for the translator. The meaning of each word in idioms can be
4
different from the meaning that usually we found in daily life. The meaning of the
words is implicit, carrying the cultural background of the language itself.
Therefore, translating idioms does not require knowledge of only one language
(for example, target language only), but it requires the knowledge of at least two
languages (source language and target language).
Almost similar analysis on the topic of translating idioms has been done
by the students of University of Muhammadiyah Malang. Safitri (2008) found that
the ability of students in translating English idioms into Indonesian is different
from each other, but the average translation result is good, with the percentage
70.8% when the task given is in sentences. Another previous research finding
from Wati (2010) investigated that there were four strategies used by students
when they were translating idioms. Those were strategy 1 (similar meaning and
form), strategy 2 (similar meaning different form), strategy 3 (paraphrasing), and
strategy 4 (omission). The most frequently used strategy in translating idioms in
recount text was by paraphrasing. These two previous writers focused on the
students’ ability in translating and the strategies used to translate. The writer,
therefore, is interested in identifying the problems and the solutions the students
applied in translating idioms. For these reasons, the writer wants to conduct a
study entitled A Study on Problems in Translating Idioms in Narrative Text by
Students Specializing in Translation.
5
1.2 Statement of Problems
1. What are the problems in translating idioms in narrative text by students
specializing in translation?
2. How do the students specializing in translation cope with their problems in
translating idioms in narrative text?
1.3 Purposes of the Study
1. To identify the problems in translating idioms in narrative text by students
specializing in translation.
2. To explain how the students specializing in translation cope with their
problems in translating idioms in narrative text.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research is expected to enrich student’s knowledge about strategies to
solve problems in translating idioms in narrative text. This research is also
expected to give deeper knowledge to the lecturer about the problems and their
solutions in translating idioms in narrative text, so that the lecturer may determine
another way to teach idioms based on problems faced by the students. For the next
researcher, it is expected to use this research as the reference when they want to
conduct a similar study.
1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study
In this research, the scope of this study is the problems and the solutions
for translating idioms in narrative text. The limitation of this study is the 8th
6
semester students of English Department in Muhammadiyah University of
Malang who choose translation as an elective course.
1.6 Definition of the Key Terms
Idioms - a string of words whose meaning is different from the meaning
conveyed by the individual words. The combinations of idioms are fixed as to
form and their meaning comes from the combination. (Ahmadi and Ketabi,
2011:10)
Translation is converting one language (Source Language) to another (Target
Language) so that the target language could convey the intended message
in source language. In other words, it is a process through which the translator
decodes SL and encodes his understanding of the TL form. (Karimi, 2006:2)
Narrative is a story, whether told in prose or verse, involving events, characters,
and what the characters say and do. (Abrams and Geoffrey, 2009:208)
A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE
TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
THESIS
by:
RINA AGUSTINI
201110100311027
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
2015
A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE
TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
THESIS
This thesis is submitted to meet one of the requirements to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
by:
RINA AGUSTINI
201110100311027
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
2015
This thesis written by Rina Agustini was approved on August 29, 2015
By:
Advisor II
Advisor I
Riski Lestiono, M.A.
Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd.
i
This thesis was defended in front of the examiners of the Faculty of Teacher
Training and Education of University of Muhammadiyah Malang
and accepted as one of the requirements to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
on September 2, 2015.
Approved by:
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
University of Muhammadiyah Malang
Dean,
Dr. Poncojari Wahyono, M.Kes.
Examiners:
Signatures:
1. Bayu H. Wicaksono, S.Pd., M.Ed., Ph.D.
1.…………………….
2. Erlyna Abidasari, M.A., M.Ed.
2……………………..
3. Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd.
3……………………..
4. Riski Lestiono, M.A.
4……………………..
ii
MOTTO AND DEDICATION
MOTTO
ﻓ ﺄي آﻻء ر ﻜﻤﺎ ﺗﻜﺬ ﺎن
T hen which of t he f avor s of your Lor d wil l ye deny?
Sejatinya, bahagia itu adalah bersyukur.
(Drs. Syaiful Anwar)
DEDICATION
This thesis is especially dedicated to:
My special mother Hj. Wardiah
My super father H. Wardan
My lovely Sister Renny Papilaya;
My gorgeous Brother Nanang Pribadi
All my teachers, lecturers and friends
iii
ORIGINALITY DECLARATION
The undersigned:
Name
: Rina Agustini
Student ID number
: 201110100311027
Program of Study
: English Department
Faculty
: Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
I declare the work presented in this thesis was carried out by myself and does not
incorporate without acknowledgement any material previously submitted for a
degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge, this thesis does
not contain any materials previously published or written by another person where
due reference is made in the text.
Malang, August 29, 2015
M aterai
60000
Rina Agustini
iv
A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE
TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
Abstract
In this study, the writer was eager to analyze the problems students faced
in translating idioms in University of Muhammadiyah Malang. This study focused
on the problems of translating idioms in narrative text faced by students
specializing in translation in University of Muhammadiyah Malang, and their
ways to cope with the problems.
This study was conducted by means of qualitative design to draw data of
the topic discussed. This study involved 14 English Department students of
University of Muhammadiyah Malang. More specifically, the students were
eighth semester students in academic years of 2014-2015 who took translation as
an elective course. The instrument to collect the data was interview guideline;
meanwhile, the method to collect the data was semi or partially structured
interview.
The result of this study showed that students’ problems in translating
idioms in narrative text were recognition, no equivalence, similar counterpart with
different context of use (false friend), and the difference between the convention,
context and frequency of use in the source and target languages. Further, they
used several strategies to overcome each problem. Students overcame recognition
problem by translating the text word for word, rearranging the structure to Bahasa,
and paying attention to “odd” words; while to overcome no equivalence, students
used four different strategies: (1) similar idiom dissimilar form; (2) paraphrase;
(3) Omission. Moreover, they developed their background knowledge and
adjusted the meaning of idiom to the context to overcome false friend. For the
difference between the convention, context and frequency of use in the source and
target languages problem, they considered the target readers’ understanding as the
strategy to translate the idiom.
Key Words: (Translation Problems, Idiom, Translation, Narrative)
Advisor I,
The Writer,
Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd.
Rina Agustini
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Alhamdulillahirrabbil‘alamin
wassolatu
wassalamu‘ala
sayyidina
muhammadin wa’ala alihi wa sohbihi ajma’in. First, the writer’s salute is offered
to Allah SWT who gives her blessing and guidance so the writer can pass all
obstacles in life. Sholawat and Salam also offered to the only one best role model
ever who derives many life lessons for human.
Second, the writer would like to convey her sincere appreciation to her
first advisor Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd. who has given his time, and energy through
numerous inputs, correction, consistent care, and continuous support. Then, to her
second advisor Riski Lestiono, M.A. who has kind understanding, suggestions,
and feedback in writing her thesis. To Nydha Ajeng Pangestuti, who has been
very kind to share and discuss about this thesis, the writer is also thankful to
Qorina and Agatha, her teammates and sisters for good who always make her
happy. To Dayah, Abar, Yustin, Wiwin, Meyla, Laila, and Nova who support her
through valuable life lessons, boosting encouragement, and patience friendship
during bachelor journey.
Second, her special gratitude is delivered to all translation students in
University of Muhammadiyah Malang who has been very kind to the writer
during research process for this thesis. Third, thousand gratitude and great prayer
are addressed to her dearest mother Hj. Wardiah who has given undoubted trust
and million cares, her patience father H. Wardan, and to her siblings Renny
Papilaya and Nanang Pribadi who make her keep smiling with their children
Nanda, Dede, Azka.
vi
Finally, many thanks and unlimited blessing are presented to all friends
who have been her second family in Malang.
Malang, August 29, 2015
The Writer,
Rina Agustini
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL ....................................................................................................... i
LEGALIZATION ............................................................................................. ii
MOTTO AND DEDICATION ........................................................................ iii
ORIGINALITY DECLARATION .................................................................. iv
ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................... v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................... viii
LIST OF APPENDICES .................................................................................... x
LIST OF FIGURE ........................................................................................... xi
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study.............................................................................. 1
1.2 Statement of Problems............................................................................ 5
1.3 Purposes of Study................................................................................... 5
1.4 Significance of Study ............................................................................ 5
1.5 Scope and Limitation ............................................................................. 6
1.6 Definition of Key Terms ........................................................................ 6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Language and Culture ............................................................................ 7
2.2 Definition of Translation ........................................................................ 9
2.3 Untranslatability ................................................................................... 12
2.4 Translation Methods............................................................................. 14
2.5 General Strategies for a Good Translation ............................................ 16
2.6 Idioms .................................................................................................. 18
2.6.1 Problems of Translating Idioms ................................................ 20
2.6.2 Translation Strategies for translating idioms.............................. 22
viii
2.7 Narrative .............................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design ................................................................................... 30
3.2 Research Subject .................................................................................. 31
3.3 Data Collection .................................................................................... 31
3.3.1 Instrument ................................................................................... 31
3.3.2 Steps to Collect Data ................................................................... 33
3.4 Data Analysis ........................................................................................ 33
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Research Findings ................................................................................ 35
4.1.1 Problems in Translating Idioms in Narrative Text by Students
Specializing in Translation .......................................................... 35
4.1.2 The Ways Students Specializing in Translation Cope with Their
Problems in Translating Idioms in Narrative Text ....................... 39
4.2 Discussion ............................................................................................ 46
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 52
5.2 Suggestions .......................................................................................... 53
REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 55
APPENDICES .................................................................................................. 58
ix
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1
: Interview Guideline ..................................................... 59
Appendix 2
: Interview Transcripts ................................................... 60
x
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: Summary of students’ strategies to translate idioms in narrative .......... 46
xi
REFERENCES
Abrams, M. H.,&Harpham, G. G.(2009).A Glossary of Literary Terms (9th
Edition).Belmont, US: Michael Rosenberg.
Ahmadi, S.,&Ketabi, S.(2011).Translation Procedures and Problems of Color
Idiomatic Expressions in English and Persian: Cultural Comparison in
Focus. The Journal of International Social Research. 4 (17), 10-39.
Ary,D., Jacobs, L. C., Sorensen, C. K.(2010). Introduction to Research in
Education Eighth Edition.Belmont, US: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Baker, M. (1992).In Other Words: A Course Book on Translating. New York,
NY: Routledge.
Bassnett, S. (2002).Translation Studies (3rd Edition). New York, NY: Routledge.
British Centre for Literary Translation, Arts Council England, The Society of
Authors, British Council, &Dalkey Archive Press, (2009). Translation In
Practice: a symposium. London, US: Dalkey Archive Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational Research (4th edition). Boston, US: Pearson
Education, Inc.
Davies, M. G. (2004). Multiple voices in the translation classroom: Activities,
tasks and projects. Amsterdam, TN: John Benjamins Publishing Company.
James, K. (2002). Cultural Implications for Translation.Translation Journal. 6 (4),
1-6. http://translationjournal.net/journal/22delight.htm
Jensen, K. E. (2008).Metaphors and idioms in translation + feedback on
assignment
# 4. Metaphors and Idiom.
7 (43), 1-6.
http://www.hum.au.dk/~kim/TRO08/TROLN7
Karamanian, A. P. (2002). Translation and Culture.Translation journal. 6 (1), 1-4.
http://translationjournal.net/journal/19culture2.htm
55
Karimi, L. (2006). Equivalence in Translation.Translation Journal. 10 (1),1-7.
http://translationjournal.net/journal/35equiv.htm
Knapp, P.,& Watkins, M. (2005).Genre, text, grammar: technologies for teaching
and assessing writing.Sydney: UNSW Press.
Kolawole, S. O. (2012). Is every bilingual a translator?.Translation Journal. 6 (2),
1-10. http://translationjournal.net/journal/60bilingual
Kreidler, C. W.(1998). Introducing English Semantics. New York, NY:Routledge.
Malmkjaer, K. (2010). The Routledge Linguistics Encyclopedia Third Edition.
New York, NY: Routledge.
Mollanazar, H. (2004). Principles and Methodology of Translation. Tehran:
SAMT
Munday, J. (2008). Introducing Translation Studies (2nd Edition). New York, NY:
Routledge.
Mustonen, S.(2010).Translating idioms:A Case Study on Donna Tartt's The Secret
History
and
Its
Finnish
Translation.(Unpublished
Master's
Thesis).University of Jyväskylä.
Pangestuti, N. A., (2015). Translation Strategies Applied in Translating Idiomatic
Expressions in the Fairy Tales by Students of English Department
Specializing on Translation in University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
(Unpublished Thesis).University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
Razmjou, L. (2004). To Be a Good Translator.Translation Journal. 8 (2), 1-5.
http://translationjournal.net/journal/28edu.htm
Safitri, V.M.(2008). An Ability of Seventh Semester Students in English
Department at University of Muhammadiyah Malang in Translating
English Idiom into Indonesian.(Unpublished Thesis).University of
Muhammadiyah Malang.
56
Straksiene, M. (2009).Analysis of Idiom Translation Strategies from English into
Lithuanian.Studies about Languages.14, 13-19.
Trim, J. (2003). Multilingualism and interpretation of language in contact. In A.
Tosi (Ed.), Crossing barrier and bridging cultures: The challenges of
multilingual translation for the European Union. Great Britain: Cromwell
Press.
Wardhaugh, R. (2006). An introduction to sociolinguistics (5th edition).United
Kingdom, UK:Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Wati, C., D. (2014). The Strategy of Translating Idioms in Recount Text from
English into Indonesian Used by English Department Students of
University of Muhammadiyah Malang.(Unpublished Thesis). University of
Muhammadiyah Malang
57
INTRODUCTION
This chapter intends to offer a brief description about the topic that is
related to and discussed in this study. This chapter provides the research
background, statement of the problems, purposes of the study, significance of the
study, scope and limitation, and definition of the key terms.
1.1
Research Background
“All animals have some system for communicating with other members of
their species, but only humans have a language which allows them to produce and
understand ever-new messages and to do so without any outside stimulus
(Kreidler, 1998:3).” Therefore human is special, they have language as the most
important thing that determines the social life runs. It is used to communicate,
deliver, and receive ideas among the people. Without language, we may not be
able to communicate with other people and say what we intended to do.
On the other hand, in many parts of the world, within a number of
societies, all of them have different forms of language. People speak a number of
languages and they may not be aware of how many different languages they
speak. This condition is called by Wardhaugh (2006:2) as “plurilingual; that is,
many speakers may use more than one language.” They speak many languages
because they need to do that in order to live their lives. However, when it comes
to the condition when two people who speak different languages meet, how can
they understand each other? A body language might be sufficient, but that just
1
2
works in simple condition. A complicated situation might be difficult to be
explained through gestures/body language itself.
Therefore, English is chosen as a lingua franca, a language which is
widely adopted for communication between two speakers whose native languages
are different from each other’s and where one or both speakers are using it as a
‘second’ language. However, when the condition is not possible to learn the
lingua franca or another language, there is a “language-saver” namely translator,
whose job is to make link from one language to another.
Transferring the idea from one language to another language or as we
called translating is not an easy thing to do. Language from one to another society
is different, and it also contains different culture which is a must for the translator
to understand it. Treating the cultural aspects in a source text (ST) and express
these aspects in the target language (TL) appropriately are the everlasting
problems that faced by translators (James, 2002:2). According to Munday
(2008:5), translation involves changing an original written source text in the
original source language into a written target text in a different language.
Translation can refer to the general subject field, the translated text, or the
translating process. Also, Karimi (2006:2) defines translation as “converting one
language (Source Language) to another (Target Language) so that the target
language could convey the intended message in source language.” In other words,
it is a process through which the translator decodes SL and encodes his
understanding of the TL form.
Translation involves re-structuring, from one structure of a certain
language to another structure of another language. It is not a simple thing to do,
3
translator has to be aware of not only the structure itself, but also the domains of
equivalent which are mentioned by Karimi (2006:2) that covers linguistic units
such as morphemes, words, phrases, clauses, idioms and proverbs. “If a specific
linguistic unit in one language carries the same intended meaning / message
encoded in a specific linguistic medium in another, then these two units are
considered to be equivalent.” However, to make an equivalent translation product
is a complicated task for the translator, because there is almost no language that
has exactly the same characteristics with another language. Thus, finding
equivalent is the most problematic stage of translation.
The existence or absence of expression in target language is influenced by
the culture that comes from different society, each society has its own culture, and
its own language. Each language has its own uniqueness, the thing which makes
the language different from another. The uniqueness of every different expression
from different societies covers linguistic units such as morphemes, words,
phrases, clauses, idioms and proverbs. One of the uniqueness that is interesting to
be analyzed is idioms of which the meaning cannot be easily translated
equivalently as the source language. Baker (1992:63) states that idioms are frozen
patterns of language which allow little or no variation in form and it often carry
meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual components.
In addition, the combinations of idioms are fixed as to form and their
meaning come from the combination. According to Ahmadi and Ketabi (2011:10),
all languages have idioms, which is a string of words whose meaning is different
from the meaning conveyed by the individual words. Translating idioms is a
challenging task for the translator. The meaning of each word in idioms can be
4
different from the meaning that usually we found in daily life. The meaning of the
words is implicit, carrying the cultural background of the language itself.
Therefore, translating idioms does not require knowledge of only one language
(for example, target language only), but it requires the knowledge of at least two
languages (source language and target language).
Almost similar analysis on the topic of translating idioms has been done
by the students of University of Muhammadiyah Malang. Safitri (2008) found that
the ability of students in translating English idioms into Indonesian is different
from each other, but the average translation result is good, with the percentage
70.8% when the task given is in sentences. Another previous research finding
from Wati (2010) investigated that there were four strategies used by students
when they were translating idioms. Those were strategy 1 (similar meaning and
form), strategy 2 (similar meaning different form), strategy 3 (paraphrasing), and
strategy 4 (omission). The most frequently used strategy in translating idioms in
recount text was by paraphrasing. These two previous writers focused on the
students’ ability in translating and the strategies used to translate. The writer,
therefore, is interested in identifying the problems and the solutions the students
applied in translating idioms. For these reasons, the writer wants to conduct a
study entitled A Study on Problems in Translating Idioms in Narrative Text by
Students Specializing in Translation.
5
1.2 Statement of Problems
1. What are the problems in translating idioms in narrative text by students
specializing in translation?
2. How do the students specializing in translation cope with their problems in
translating idioms in narrative text?
1.3 Purposes of the Study
1. To identify the problems in translating idioms in narrative text by students
specializing in translation.
2. To explain how the students specializing in translation cope with their
problems in translating idioms in narrative text.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research is expected to enrich student’s knowledge about strategies to
solve problems in translating idioms in narrative text. This research is also
expected to give deeper knowledge to the lecturer about the problems and their
solutions in translating idioms in narrative text, so that the lecturer may determine
another way to teach idioms based on problems faced by the students. For the next
researcher, it is expected to use this research as the reference when they want to
conduct a similar study.
1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study
In this research, the scope of this study is the problems and the solutions
for translating idioms in narrative text. The limitation of this study is the 8th
6
semester students of English Department in Muhammadiyah University of
Malang who choose translation as an elective course.
1.6 Definition of the Key Terms
Idioms - a string of words whose meaning is different from the meaning
conveyed by the individual words. The combinations of idioms are fixed as to
form and their meaning comes from the combination. (Ahmadi and Ketabi,
2011:10)
Translation is converting one language (Source Language) to another (Target
Language) so that the target language could convey the intended message
in source language. In other words, it is a process through which the translator
decodes SL and encodes his understanding of the TL form. (Karimi, 2006:2)
Narrative is a story, whether told in prose or verse, involving events, characters,
and what the characters say and do. (Abrams and Geoffrey, 2009:208)
A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE
TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
THESIS
by:
RINA AGUSTINI
201110100311027
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
2015
A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE
TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
THESIS
This thesis is submitted to meet one of the requirements to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
by:
RINA AGUSTINI
201110100311027
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
2015
This thesis written by Rina Agustini was approved on August 29, 2015
By:
Advisor II
Advisor I
Riski Lestiono, M.A.
Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd.
i
This thesis was defended in front of the examiners of the Faculty of Teacher
Training and Education of University of Muhammadiyah Malang
and accepted as one of the requirements to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
on September 2, 2015.
Approved by:
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
University of Muhammadiyah Malang
Dean,
Dr. Poncojari Wahyono, M.Kes.
Examiners:
Signatures:
1. Bayu H. Wicaksono, S.Pd., M.Ed., Ph.D.
1.…………………….
2. Erlyna Abidasari, M.A., M.Ed.
2……………………..
3. Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd.
3……………………..
4. Riski Lestiono, M.A.
4……………………..
ii
MOTTO AND DEDICATION
MOTTO
ﻓ ﺄي آﻻء ر ﻜﻤﺎ ﺗﻜﺬ ﺎن
T hen which of t he f avor s of your Lor d wil l ye deny?
Sejatinya, bahagia itu adalah bersyukur.
(Drs. Syaiful Anwar)
DEDICATION
This thesis is especially dedicated to:
My special mother Hj. Wardiah
My super father H. Wardan
My lovely Sister Renny Papilaya;
My gorgeous Brother Nanang Pribadi
All my teachers, lecturers and friends
iii
ORIGINALITY DECLARATION
The undersigned:
Name
: Rina Agustini
Student ID number
: 201110100311027
Program of Study
: English Department
Faculty
: Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
I declare the work presented in this thesis was carried out by myself and does not
incorporate without acknowledgement any material previously submitted for a
degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge, this thesis does
not contain any materials previously published or written by another person where
due reference is made in the text.
Malang, August 29, 2015
M aterai
60000
Rina Agustini
iv
A STUDY ON PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING IDIOMS IN NARRATIVE
TEXT BY STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN TRANSLATION
Abstract
In this study, the writer was eager to analyze the problems students faced
in translating idioms in University of Muhammadiyah Malang. This study focused
on the problems of translating idioms in narrative text faced by students
specializing in translation in University of Muhammadiyah Malang, and their
ways to cope with the problems.
This study was conducted by means of qualitative design to draw data of
the topic discussed. This study involved 14 English Department students of
University of Muhammadiyah Malang. More specifically, the students were
eighth semester students in academic years of 2014-2015 who took translation as
an elective course. The instrument to collect the data was interview guideline;
meanwhile, the method to collect the data was semi or partially structured
interview.
The result of this study showed that students’ problems in translating
idioms in narrative text were recognition, no equivalence, similar counterpart with
different context of use (false friend), and the difference between the convention,
context and frequency of use in the source and target languages. Further, they
used several strategies to overcome each problem. Students overcame recognition
problem by translating the text word for word, rearranging the structure to Bahasa,
and paying attention to “odd” words; while to overcome no equivalence, students
used four different strategies: (1) similar idiom dissimilar form; (2) paraphrase;
(3) Omission. Moreover, they developed their background knowledge and
adjusted the meaning of idiom to the context to overcome false friend. For the
difference between the convention, context and frequency of use in the source and
target languages problem, they considered the target readers’ understanding as the
strategy to translate the idiom.
Key Words: (Translation Problems, Idiom, Translation, Narrative)
Advisor I,
The Writer,
Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd.
Rina Agustini
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Alhamdulillahirrabbil‘alamin
wassolatu
wassalamu‘ala
sayyidina
muhammadin wa’ala alihi wa sohbihi ajma’in. First, the writer’s salute is offered
to Allah SWT who gives her blessing and guidance so the writer can pass all
obstacles in life. Sholawat and Salam also offered to the only one best role model
ever who derives many life lessons for human.
Second, the writer would like to convey her sincere appreciation to her
first advisor Puji Sumarsono, M.Pd. who has given his time, and energy through
numerous inputs, correction, consistent care, and continuous support. Then, to her
second advisor Riski Lestiono, M.A. who has kind understanding, suggestions,
and feedback in writing her thesis. To Nydha Ajeng Pangestuti, who has been
very kind to share and discuss about this thesis, the writer is also thankful to
Qorina and Agatha, her teammates and sisters for good who always make her
happy. To Dayah, Abar, Yustin, Wiwin, Meyla, Laila, and Nova who support her
through valuable life lessons, boosting encouragement, and patience friendship
during bachelor journey.
Second, her special gratitude is delivered to all translation students in
University of Muhammadiyah Malang who has been very kind to the writer
during research process for this thesis. Third, thousand gratitude and great prayer
are addressed to her dearest mother Hj. Wardiah who has given undoubted trust
and million cares, her patience father H. Wardan, and to her siblings Renny
Papilaya and Nanang Pribadi who make her keep smiling with their children
Nanda, Dede, Azka.
vi
Finally, many thanks and unlimited blessing are presented to all friends
who have been her second family in Malang.
Malang, August 29, 2015
The Writer,
Rina Agustini
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL ....................................................................................................... i
LEGALIZATION ............................................................................................. ii
MOTTO AND DEDICATION ........................................................................ iii
ORIGINALITY DECLARATION .................................................................. iv
ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................... v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................... viii
LIST OF APPENDICES .................................................................................... x
LIST OF FIGURE ........................................................................................... xi
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study.............................................................................. 1
1.2 Statement of Problems............................................................................ 5
1.3 Purposes of Study................................................................................... 5
1.4 Significance of Study ............................................................................ 5
1.5 Scope and Limitation ............................................................................. 6
1.6 Definition of Key Terms ........................................................................ 6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Language and Culture ............................................................................ 7
2.2 Definition of Translation ........................................................................ 9
2.3 Untranslatability ................................................................................... 12
2.4 Translation Methods............................................................................. 14
2.5 General Strategies for a Good Translation ............................................ 16
2.6 Idioms .................................................................................................. 18
2.6.1 Problems of Translating Idioms ................................................ 20
2.6.2 Translation Strategies for translating idioms.............................. 22
viii
2.7 Narrative .............................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design ................................................................................... 30
3.2 Research Subject .................................................................................. 31
3.3 Data Collection .................................................................................... 31
3.3.1 Instrument ................................................................................... 31
3.3.2 Steps to Collect Data ................................................................... 33
3.4 Data Analysis ........................................................................................ 33
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Research Findings ................................................................................ 35
4.1.1 Problems in Translating Idioms in Narrative Text by Students
Specializing in Translation .......................................................... 35
4.1.2 The Ways Students Specializing in Translation Cope with Their
Problems in Translating Idioms in Narrative Text ....................... 39
4.2 Discussion ............................................................................................ 46
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 52
5.2 Suggestions .......................................................................................... 53
REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 55
APPENDICES .................................................................................................. 58
ix
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1
: Interview Guideline ..................................................... 59
Appendix 2
: Interview Transcripts ................................................... 60
x
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: Summary of students’ strategies to translate idioms in narrative .......... 46
xi
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