synonyms to sentences or paragraphs that under or over translated in different places. In this area, a matter of subjectivity and also the ‗good‘
or ‗bad‘ is far more prominent.
22
For example, a word however is more than enough to represent this factor. The word however can be
translated into namun or akan tetapi by the translator, it is according to their taste.
23
The translation choice is not depend on any other issue. As long as the meaning of the text is delivered, it is all up to translator.
However, whether translation is regarded as a science, art, craft, or taste, it seems significant to note that a good translation should play the
same role in the target language as the original did in the source language.
B. Poetry
1. Definition of Poetry
Poetry is one of the oldest form of art which is still existent and popular. It is the closest language to human experience. People from various
circle, ranging from rich, poor, educated, intelligent, and sensitive enjoy it as one of their source of entertainment. Initially, poetry is a kind of language
which means more and it says more intensely than an ordinary language. A little and simple poetry can contain a deep and meaningful essence in an
ordinary language. So in other words, poetry is a pretty complex and complicated work of art.
Actually, true definition of poetry is tentative, but a notable poet Gerard Manley Hopkins gave his view about what he has thought about poetry. He
22
Ibid.
23
Hoed, Op. Cit., p. 95
argues that poetry needs to be heard for its own sake and interest even over and above its interest of meaning. Hopkins proposes that meaning is not the only
essential element in poetry. There are other important elements which support this kind of art form, namely: sounds, images, rhythms, and figures of speech.
24
Thus, all those essential elements form a complex entity which we call as poetry. It is certainly something more than good sense, it is something more
philosophic and of graver import than history.
25
Poetry is indeed something divine. It is at once a center and circumference of knowledge. It comprehends all science, and that to which all
science must be referred. There are millions of definition of poetry, depend on thinking of each experts. But from all of the definitions above, it can be
concluded that poetry is an expressive way to show some things or feelings by taking into account all of its elements. It is more than just an art, it is a way of
life.
2. Definition of Poetical Expression
As a literary text, poetry cannot be separated from realm of language or linguistics as well. As with other types of literary texts such as novel and short
story, poetry has its own discussion which reflected in linguistic science. For example, poetic language which is used by poetry can be studied with the
concept of polarity and the concept of equivalence. As we know, poetry is one part of the language that contains poetic function. Roman Jakobson, one of the
experts who focus his thoughts in linguistic studies reveals that poetic function is part of the six functions of language which has a different focus, namely:
24
X. J. Kennedy and Dana Goia, An Introduction to Poetry London: Longman, 2002, p. 6.
25
Aristotle, Poetics New York: Cosimo, Inc., 2008, p. 17.
a. Referential function, which focuses on content of speech or
denotative meaning. In other words, language is used as an intermediary discussion about a given topic. For example, with
presence of language, human can learn about everything such as religion, science, moral, or technology.
b. Emotive or expressive function, which focuses on attitude or feeling
of a speaker for content of their speech. In this part, language is used as a tool to express feelings, such as happiness, sadness,
disappointment, or satisfaction. For example, a boy tells about her grievances
of her problem to a girl. c.
Conative function, which focuses on hearer and usually appears as a command sentence. In this respect, use of language is intended to
motivate or encourage people to do something. For instance, a
teacher who commands his or her students to do their homework
can be classified into this section as well. d.
Phatic function, which focuses on maintaining communication‘s continuity between speaker and hearer. With the presence of
language, people can take advantage of their experience, learn, and get acquainted with other people. So, people may feel belonged to
the group they are into. For example, a boy says ―Hi,‖ to a girl.
e. Metalingual function, which focuses on the use of language to talk
about language. For instance, a boy explains about Mandarin vocabulary in Indonesian language.
f. Poetic function, which focuses on the use of language which aims to
highlight the language itself for aesthetic needs. In this matter, the use of language is intended to convey a specific message or
mandate. Language expresses thoughts, ideas, feelings, volition, or
one‘s behavior. For instance, a boy advised a girl not to skip class again
. In the previous example, language is used by a person to convey message to another person. In this case, the center of
attention goes to the message implied.
26
As disclosed earlier, Jakobson uses the concept of polarity and equivalence in study of poetic language. He cited the concept of polarity from
Ferdinand de Saussure‘s theory of syntagmatic and pragmatic relations. This concept shows binary opposition of metaphor and metonymy. Metaphor is
paradigmatic, whereas metonymy is syntagmatic.
27
Both processes underlie a formation of language signs over selection and combination. Based on that
matter, he defines the poetic function of language as a function to take advantage of the selection and combination for improving equivalence. In his
theory, poetic function is not only to be found in poetry, but also in all forms of language use.
The term ‗poetic‘ has a narrow and broad significance. In a narrow sense, poetic is a use of linguistic methods to analyze literary works, especially
poetry.
28
While in a broader sense, it refers to one of the function of language, as already mentioned in the previous section. The function of poetic language
26
Jakobson, Op. Cit., p. 84.
27
Harimurti Kridalaksana, Mongin Ferdinand de Saussure Jakarta: Yayasan Obor Indonesia, 2005, p. 49-50.
28
Crystal, Op. Cit.
is used to highlight shape of language itself for the sake of aesthetic or beauty effects. Subsequently, it can be referred as poetic language. According to
Jakobson, poetic language encompasses not only poetry, but also advertising language, political slogans, or maybe a sticker which can be found in public
places.
29
Implicitly, it can be concluded that the phrase which contains poetic function is also included in poetic language.
3. Translation of Poetical Expression
