Literal Translation Kinds of Translation

1.2.3.2 Modified Literal Translation

This modified literal translation is kind of translation that still has relation and it needs a modification of the literal translation. The modification could be word order or adjustment, by using acceptable sentence structure in the target language. Yet, the lexical items are translated literally but still sound unnatural. For example: SL : So when I got home I went out into the backyard Green, 2012: 53 TL : Jadi, setibanya di rumah, aku keluar ke pekarangan belakang Nimpoeno, 2014: 76 The example above shows that the translator modifies word per word. The word “I” in the sentence only translated one time but it does not change the message which wants to be conveyed.

1.2.3.3 Idiomatic Translation

Idiomatic translation is meaning-based translation and makes every effort to communicate the meaning of the source language text in the natural forms of the receptor language. Idiomatic translation uses the natural forms of the receptor language both in grammatical construction and in the choice of lexical item. For example: SL: Isaac turned and run up the stairs, taking them two at a time Green, 2012:16 TL: Isaac berbalik dan berlari menaiki tangga, dua anak tangga sekaligus setiap kalinya Nimpoeno, 2014: 26 The example above is idiomatic translation since at a time in the SL text is translated into setiap kalinya in the TL text. The form of TL text is different from the form SL text and it needs to adapt the form in the TL text as natural as possible.

1.2.3.4 Unduly Free Translation

This kind of translation is not considered acceptable translations for most purposes since it can change the meaning. The message of the TL may not transfer correctly in the TL but when once this kind of translation is needed, it is more to tell a humor or to bring a special response from the receptor language speaker. For example: SL: I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. Larson, 1998: 19 TL: It sure is good to see Steve, Lucky and ‘Big Bam’. They sorta make up for your not being here. They’re a big boost to both me and you all. Let’s give them a big hand. Larson, 1998: 19 The sentence above has a purpose to make anxiety text seem contemporary, but the final result is an unduly translation.

1.2.4 Translation Equivalence

Translation equivalence is the translation process in order to transfer the same meaning by using the natural form from the source into target language.