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151. In essence, Nord claims that not all problems a translator encounters in the translation process can be considered as translation problems.
Bell opines that a translation problem is the circumstance happening during the translation process, when the translator scrutinizes the ST or produces
the TT, that makes the SL message cannot be transferred extemporaneously into the TL 2001: 188. In brief, a translation problem is something that causes a
translator to encounter difficulties during translating a text. A translation problem is seen as
reliable indicators of progress in acquiring translation competence: a translation problem may appear at any stage of the translation process; it
is observable; and, in solving translation problems, subjects certainly show their ability to use translation strategies, which is a relevant
element of translation competence Orozco and Albir, 2002: 380.
In other words, a translation problem can take place at any stage of the translation process; is an indicator of a subject’s use of translation strategies; and is
observable that when solving translation problems, the subjects combine activities and link together several activities depending on the particular problem. This
indicates the crucial role of strategic competence in controlling the whole process. The PACTE Process in the Acquisition of Translation Competence and
Evaluation group 2011: 327 elaborates five categories of translation problems.
a. Linguistic Problems
Linguistic problems
are the
lexical non-specialized
and morphosyntactical problems encountered in performing the translation task, which
occur because of the difficulties of both comprehension and re-expression.
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b. Textual Problems
Textual problems are the translation problems relating to the coherence, cohesion, text type, text genre, style, intertextuality, and differences in the way
texts function in each language. This type of problems may also occur because of the difficulties of both comprehension and re-expression.
c. Extralinguistic Problems
Extralinguistic problems are the translation problems which occur because of cultural differences. The problems in this category can also occur when
the translator is lack of specific field knowledge or cultural and encyclopedic knowledge. A translation problem can be categorized as an extralinguistic
problem only if the translator has difficulty in comprehending the term in the ST. Thus, if the translator only has difficulty in finding the exact term for the TT, the
translation problem is still classified as a linguistic problem.
d. Problems of Intentionality
Problems of intentionality are the translation problems which occur when the translator has difficulty in understanding the information contained in the ST.
It may happen because the translator cannot comprehend the intertextual references, speech acts, presuppositions, or implicatures.
e. Problems Relating to the Translation Brief andor the Target-Text
Reader
These problems are the translation problems relating to the function of the translated text, which is based on the translation brief, andor the target reader.
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To conclude, difficulties in translation are “subjective and have to do with the translator himself and his specific working conditions” excerpted in
PACTE, 2011: 326. It means that, in line with Nord’s definition, the problems experienced in the translation process that is caused by the translator’s difficulties
in comprehension and reexpression, such as linguistic problems, textual problems, problems of intentionality and problems relating to the translation brief andor the
target-text reader, should not be categorized as translation problems because they are difficulties in translation. Furthermore, the extralinguistic problems may be
considered as translation problems when they occur because of the cultural differences and as translation difficulties when they occur due to shortcomings in
the translator’s knowledge of a special concept in a specific field, culture, etc.
6. Problem Indicators
