The Accuracy and Acceptability Level of the Translation

2. The Accuracy and Acceptability Level of the Translation

The purpose of this second analysis is to find out the accuracy and acceptability level of the translation. To answer this second problem statement, the level of the accuracy and acceptability will be discussed first.

Accuracy refers to deliver the same information as original (accurate). Therefore, the result often seems unnatural or unfamiliar to the target reader. Whereas the translation which generally have a more natural “feel” (acceptable) does not always contain the same information as original due to the use of synonyms, euphemisms, code words, neutral words, and omission.

Hence, having assessment is needed to show and evaluate the translation quality. The researcher involved three raters in this research who were asked to rate and score each datum dealing with the accuracy and acceptability of the swearing words translation by using open-close questionnaires. It means that the raters rate the accuracy and acceptability of the translation based on scale (in a range of 1-3) which is chosen as the best answer. Moreover, they are allowed to give their comments or opinions in any way they wish.

The scale of the questionnaire and its definition are as follows:

A. Accuracy scale:

Scale

Description

3= Accurate. The translation of swearing words can deliver the same information; strong emotion or the language style of the speaker consist in the swearing words can be transferred by the translation.

2= Less accurate. The translation of swearing words can not really deliver the same information and emotion; strong emotion or the language style of the speaker consists in the swearing words transferred less accurate by the translation.

1= Inaccurate. The translation of swearing words does not deliver the same information and emotion; strong emotion or the language style of the speaker consists in the swearing words can not transferred by the translation.

Skala

Keterangan

3= Akurat. Pesan yang terkandung dalam bahasa sumber tersampaikan dalam bahasa sasaran; emosi kuat atau gaya bahasa penutur yang terkandung dalam kata umpatan tersampaikan oleh terjemahan.

2= Kurang Akurat Pesan yang terkandung dalam bahasa sumber kurang dapat tersampaikan dalam bahasa sasaran; emosi kuat atau gaya bahasa penutur yang terkandung dalam kata umpatan tersampaikan kurang akurat oleh terjemahan.

1= Tidak akurat. Pesan yang terkandung dalam bahasa sumber tidak dapat tersampaikan dalam bahasa sasaran; emosi kuat atau gaya bahasa penutur yang terkandung dalam kata umpatan tidak tersampaikan oleh terjemahan.

2.1. Accuracy

The score of the accuracy of the translation of swearing words is shown through the result of the questionnaires which will be presented in the appendix (Table 6). The mean of each data presents the accuracy level of the translation. While, the average of the total mean of all data is the result of the accuracy level of the translation.

The average of the total mean of the accuracy can be formulated as follows:

Average = Total Mean : Total Data

Here are the score ranges which are used to decide the accuracy of the translation from the result of the formula above:

a. Accurate

b. Less Accurate : 1.60 – 2.40

c. Inaccurate

Based on the result of the questionnaires, it can be counted as follows: Average =

Total Mean :

Total Data

In this research, the researcher found that the result of the average of the total mean of all data is 2, 19. That score of the accuracy scale in this research indicates that the translation of swearing words is less accurate. It shows that the translation of swearing words can not really deliver the same information and emotion.

It could happen as a result of euphemism or substitution of unpleasant, rude or vulgar word by using more agreeable or inoffensive word. Consequently, the propositional, expressive, presupposed, or evoked meaning of the source language is refined. The expressive meaning of swearing word can be conveyed to the target language in fact. However, the expressiveness of the swearing words can not really be felt in the target language.

Based on the result of the questionnaire, beside euphemism, or omission of swearing words also make the translation less accurate because both of them are reduced the degree of offensiveness of swearing words. It is usually occurred because of cultural matters consideration. However, it causes the translation of swearing words less expressive than the original.

Here are the classifications of accuracy level:

a. Accurate The data that are belonged to this level has score in the range of 2.50 –

3.00. The table of the percentage of the accurate translation will be presented below.

Table 7.The Percentage of the Accurate Translation

Range of Scale

Number of Data

Total Percentage

2. 50 – 3. 00 002, 003, 004, 011, 013, 015, 016, 017, 021, 87 38. 33% (Accurate)

Example 1:

011/W/1. 3/A 05:14 You are an asshole, you know it? Kau sungguh menyebalkan

According to this datum, the three raters scored 3 for the accuracy. It means that the translation of swearing words can deliver the same information either the strong emotion or the language style of the speaker. Rater 1 and rater 2 have a similar opinion that the information has been delivered well. Rater 3 adds that the emotive effect of the swearing words has been conveyed although the word ‘asshole’ as noun is translated into adjective in the target language.

Based on Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) ‘asshole’ is an offensive term for the anus. However, this word also can be used to insult somebody’s value or importance as shown in the context when the speaker (Willie) mocking the security guard because he blocks his way when he wants to leave the department store. According to KBBI (2007: 1006) menyebalkan means v menimbulkan rasa sebal; mengesalkan (hati) . Altough menyebalkan is not labeled kas or kasar which is meant that this word is not offensive or rude but it still can be used to express emotion.

Example 2:

206/W/1.4/B 24:28 God damn , you look good Astaga , kau tampak cantik.

The situational context of this datum is when Willie and Sue celebrate the Christmas Eve together. Willie can stop staring at Sue’s buttocks. The three raters The situational context of this datum is when Willie and Sue celebrate the Christmas Eve together. Willie can stop staring at Sue’s buttocks. The three raters

Based on Collins English Dictionary (2001: 661) ‘god damn’ is used as an oath expressing anger, surprise, etc. While according to KBBI (2007: 73) astaga means seruan untuk menyatakan rasa heran bercampur sedih. However astaga also can be used to express a feeling of shock or surprise. According to the situational context and the definition above, it can be concluded that the translation can deliver the same information as the original word.

b. Less Accurate The data that are belonged to this level has score in the range of1.60 –

2.40. The table of the percentage of the less accurate translation will be presented below.

Table 8.The Percentage of the Less Accurate Translation

Range of Scale

Number of Data

Total Percentage

45. 81% (Less Accurate)

Example 1:

210/M/1.3/B 29:12 Are you shittin' me? Kau bercanda?

From the datum above, rater 2 scored 3 to the translation which means that the translation delivers the same information and emotion as the source language. Whereas rater 1 and rater 3 scored 1 to the translation and say that the translation is inaccurate. Rater1 says that the translation has undergone omission. As a result, the expressive meaning is not transferred to the target language. While rater 3 says that the situational context shows that the speaker (Marcus) fed up and swears angrily to Willy when he knows that Kitnerboy Redoubt can not be cracked. Therefore, the word bercanda as the translation can not deliver the speaker’s emotion. Rater 3 suggests to translate it into kau ingin membuatku kesal ?

Based on Collins English Dictionary (1994: 1428) the word shit literally means faces; excrement. Shit which is a kind of highly offensive term also can be used as exclamation expressing anger, disgust, etc. While according to KBBI (2007: 191) bercanda means v 1 bertingkah; 2 berkelakar; bersendau gurau; berseloroh . It can be seen that the translator translate ‘shittin’ using euphemism so that the meaning become inoffensive. Consequently, the expressive meaning is refined by using neutral word. As a result, the translation can not really represent the emotive effect of the original word.

Example 2:

226/W/1.3/B 37:05

I hope your dad doesn't go sucking shit from them Aku harap ayahmu tak menjadi seperti mereka.

Concerning the datum rater 1 and rater 2 scored 2 to the translation. Rater

1 says that the expressive meaning is not conveyed in the target language. Rater 2 suggests to translate the phrase ‘go sucking shit from them’ into berlagak seperti mereka. Whereas rater 3 scored 1 to the translation and says that the translation is inaccurate because the message, the purpose, and the emotion from the source language can not be reflected to the target language. The three statements above show that the translation undergoes euphemism. As a result, the translation can not carry similar expressive meaning to the target language because it is already substituted by neutral word.

According to Collins English Dictionary (2007: 1428) the word ‘shit’ literally means faces; excrement. However, it also can be used as an exclamation expressing anger, disgust, etc. as shown by the speaker (Willie) when he is finally being prisoner he send a letter to the Kid and tell his condition. The offensiveness of this word is emphasized when it is combined with the word ‘sucking’ which based on Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) means draw liquid out with mouth, make pulling mouth movements on something, or make something dissolve in mouth.

On the contrary, the translation does not convey any emotive effect at all. The translation of ‘go sucking shit from them’ that is menjadi seperti mereka is refined even the audience will not feel any offend.

c. Inaccurate Translation The data that are belonged to this level has score in the range of 1.00 –

1.50. The table of the percentage of the inaccurate translation will be presented below.

Table 9.The Percentage of the Inaccurate Translation

Range of Scale

Number of Data

Total Percentage

1.00-1.50 001, 018, 023, 024, 025, 026, 028, 041, 046, 36 15. 86% (Inaccurate)

Example 1:

001/W/1.5/A 01:52

I was once drafted by Lyndon Johnson and had to live in shit-ass Mexico for two and a half years for no reason Aku pernah diberikan pada Lyndon Johnson dan tinggal di Meksiko tanpa alasan yang jelas.

Dealing with this datum, the three raters scored 1 for the accuracy. All of them have similar opinion that the translation of swearing words does not deliver the same information and emotion. As stated by rater 1 that the expressive meaning can not be transferred into the target language because the swearing word is not translated. Rater 2 adds, omission causes the expressive meaning lost in the translation because in this context, ‘shit-ass’ indicates the speaker’s (Willie) disappointed about his past. Rater 2 suggests to translate it into kota Meksiko sialan ini. Rater 3 also states that the translation is inaccurate because ‘shit-ass’ is Dealing with this datum, the three raters scored 1 for the accuracy. All of them have similar opinion that the translation of swearing words does not deliver the same information and emotion. As stated by rater 1 that the expressive meaning can not be transferred into the target language because the swearing word is not translated. Rater 2 adds, omission causes the expressive meaning lost in the translation because in this context, ‘shit-ass’ indicates the speaker’s (Willie) disappointed about his past. Rater 2 suggests to translate it into kota Meksiko sialan ini. Rater 3 also states that the translation is inaccurate because ‘shit-ass’ is

‘Shit-ass’ comes from the word ‘shit’ and ‘ass’. According to Collins English Dictionary (2007: 1428) ‘shit’ literally means faces; excrement. However, it also can be used as an exclamation expressing anger, disgust, etc. While based on Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) ‘ass’ is an offensive term for the buttocks or anus. Based on KBBI (2007: 1058) sialan means n 1 orang yang sial;

2 (yang) mendatangkan sial; 3 kas untuk memaki. Similar with the word sial, the word sialan also can be used as an offensive word and is usually used to express emotional feeling toward someone or something who or which is unpleasant. Therefore, sialan seems considered able to represent the meaning of ‘shit-ass’.

Example 2:

023/W/1.5/A 10:48

Fuck you!

All the raters scored 1 and decide that this datum is inaccurate. Rater 1 states that the use of omission here makes the expressive meaning can not be transferred into the target language. Rater 2 suggests to translate ‘fuck you’ into brengsek kau . Rater 3 has similar opinion that this datum is inaccurate because the message and the emotion of source language are not delivered into the target language.

According to Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) ‘fuck’ as interjection is an offensive term to express exasperation, fear or surprise or to add According to Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) ‘fuck’ as interjection is an offensive term to express exasperation, fear or surprise or to add

2 rewel; bandel. This word is considered abusive in Indonesian language and is usually used to express anger or strong dislike of the speaker toward others.

B. Acceptability scale:

Scale

Description

3= Acceptable The translation of swearing words is accepted as linguistic and culture; the terms or the language style which are used are common in the target language. It also might be omitted or deleted because of the subjective consideration on the existence of the grammar and social norms in the target language society.

2= Less Acceptable The translation of swearing words is not really accepted as linguistic and culture; the term or the language style used is not really common in the target language.

1= Unacceptable The translation of swearing words is not accepted as linguistic and culture; the term or the language style used is not common in the target language.

Skala

Keterangan

3= Berterima Terjemahan kata umpatan berterima secara linguistik dan budaya; istilah-istilah/ ungkapan/ gaya bahasa yang digunakan lazim dalam bahasa sasaran atau dihilangkan (omitted/ deleted) oleh karena pertimbangan subyektifitas terhadap tata bahasa dan norma sosial yang terdapat dalam bahasa sasaran.

2= Kurang berterima Terjemahan kata umpatan kurang berterima secara linguistik dan budaya; istilah-istilah/ ungkapan/ gaya bahasa yang digunakan kurang lazim dalam bahasa sasaran.

1= Tidak berterima Terjemahan kata umpatan tidak berterima secara linguistik dan budaya; istilah-istilah/ ungkapan/ gaya bahasa yang digunakan tidak lazim dalam bahasa sasaran.

2.2. Acceptability

The score of the acceptability of the translation of swearing words is shown through the result of the questionnaires which will be presented in the appendix (Table 10). The mean of each data presents the acceptability level of the translation. While, the average of the total mean of all data is the result of the acceptability level of the translation.

The average of the total mean of the accuracy can be formulated as follows:

Average = Total Mean : Total Data

Here are the score ranges which are used to decide the acceptability of the translation from the result of the formula above:

a. Acceptable

b. Less Acceptable

c. Unacceptable

Based on the result of the questionnaires, it can be counted as follows: Average =

Total Mean :

Total Data

The researcher found that the result of the average of the total mean of all data in this research is 2, 8. Based on the acceptability scale which is used in this research, the score indicates that the translation of swearing words in the film entitled “Bad Santa” is acceptable. It means that the translation of swearing words is accepted as linguistic and culture; the terms or the language style used are The researcher found that the result of the average of the total mean of all data in this research is 2, 8. Based on the acceptability scale which is used in this research, the score indicates that the translation of swearing words in the film entitled “Bad Santa” is acceptable. It means that the translation of swearing words is accepted as linguistic and culture; the terms or the language style used are

Here are the classifications of acceptability level:

a. Acceptable Translation The data that are belonged to this level has score in the range of 2.50 –

3.00. The table of the percentage of the less accurate translation will be presented below.

Table 11.The Percentage of the Acceptable Translation

Range of Scale

Number of Data

Total Percentage

2.50 – 3.00 001, 002, 003, 004, 006, 008, 009, 010, 011, 204 89.87% (Acceptable)

Example 1:

177/M/1.1/B 17:20 You don't hit people in the balls, you asshole! Kau tidak pukul orang di situ. Kau brengsek!

This expression appears when Marcus gets shock because the Kid kicks his sexual organ. Based on this datum, rater 1 and rater 2 assessed 3 for the acceptability. Rater 1 states that the translation is acceptable although it has been refined. However, rater 2 scored 2 to the translation because of grammatical consideration.

As stated before, one of the requirements to be acceptable is that the translation must be accepted as linguistic which in this case deals with the grammar of the target language. According to the statement of rater 2, the translation kau brengsek is not really acceptable as linguistic because it is not really common to utter in the target language (Indonesian language). Therefore, as suggested by rater 2, it seems better and more appropriate if the translation of the phrase you asshole is rearranged into brengsek kau

Example 2:

100/W/1.5/A 35:56 What the hell is that? Apa itu?

The context of situation of this datum is when the Kid brings a glass of orange juice for Willie. He shows his Advent Calendar. Willie who does not know what Advent Calendar is then asks him. In this datum, it can be seen that the

translation has undergone omission which is the word the hell is not translated into the target language. However, the three raters scored 3 for this datum. The three raters have similar opinion that omission or deletion process does not influence the acceptability of the translation. As stated by the three raters, rater 1 said that omission or deletion does not reduce the level of acceptability of the translation. Rater 3 also has similar thought that however the translation has undergone omission it is acceptable because the translation sounds natural in the target language culture. While rater 2 adds that this datum is a kind of idiosyncrasy. According to Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) idiosyncrasy means a way of behaving, thinking, of feeling that is peculiar to an individual or group, especially an odd or unusual one. Whereas based on KBBI (2007: 417) idiosinkrasi means sifat, keadaan, atau hal yang menyebabkan sesuatu menjadi berlainan (karena tidak mengikuti aturan yang umum). Rater 2 himself states that idiosyncrasy is a specific characteristic which is meaningless and is usually used as intensifier.

b. Less Acceptable Translation The data that are belonged to this level has score in the range of 1.60 –

2.40. The table of the percentage of the less accurate translation will be presented below.

Table 12.The Percentage of the Less Acceptable Translation

Range of Scale

Number of Data

Total Percentage

1.60 – 2.40 005, 007, 018, 023, 024, 028, 041, 059, 090, 23 10.13% (Less Acceptable) 124, 128, 137, 144, 168, 169, 187, 188, 201,

Example 1:

023/W/1.5/A 10:48

Fuck you!

- According to the datum above, Rater 1 and rater 3 scored 3 for the acceptability. In this datum, omission appears in the translation does not reduce the acceptability as stated by rater 1 and rater 3. While rater 2 scored 1 for the acceptability. Rater 2 suggests to translate ‘fuck you’ into brengsek kau rather than to omit it.

As determined by Collins English Dictionary (2001: 621) ‘fuck’ is an expression of strong disgust and anger. While Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) defines ’fuck’ as an offensive term which is often followed by another word, to express anger, contempt, or rejection. According to the situational context, the word ‘fuck’ is used to express the strong emotion of the speaker. It can be seen from the visualization of the scene when the speaker (Willie) swears at the Miami bartender because he kicks Willie out from his bar. The researcher has similar opinion with rater 2 to translate ‘fuck you’ into brengsek kau to make the translation more acceptable. According to KBBI (2007:

92) brengsek means 1 kacau sekali; tidak beres; tidak becus; 2 rewel; bandel. In Indoesian language, this word is considered abusive and is usually used to express 92) brengsek means 1 kacau sekali; tidak beres; tidak becus; 2 rewel; bandel. In Indoesian language, this word is considered abusive and is usually used to express

Example 2:

041/W/1.5/A 18:10

I said next, God damn it Kataku berikutnya.

This expression appears when the Kid stood in line, Willy asks him to go forward, but he does not move. It makes Willy get angry. Based on this datum, rater 1 and rater 2 scored 3 for the acceptability. Rater 1 says that omission appears in the translation does not reduce the acceptability. Rater2 adds the use of omission according to linguistic and culture does not influence the acceptability of the translation. While rater 3 scored 1 for the acceptability. Rater 3 suggests to translate ‘god damn it’ into sialan.

Encarta dictionary (Microsoft Encarta: 2008) defines ‘god damn’ as adjective is also used to emphasize a word or idea, or to express anger, frustration, or some other strong emotion. According to Collins English Dictionary (2001: 661) ‘god damn’ is used as an oath expressing anger, surprise, etc. It would be better to translate ‘god damn it’ rather than to omit it in order to maintain the emotive effect of the original word. The researcher has similar opinion with rater

3 to translate ‘god damn it’ into sialan because as determined by KBBI (2007: 1058) sialan means n 1 orang yang sial; 2 (yang) mendatangkan sial; 3 kas untuk memaki. In Indonesian language, this word is usually used to express emotional 3 to translate ‘god damn it’ into sialan because as determined by KBBI (2007: 1058) sialan means n 1 orang yang sial; 2 (yang) mendatangkan sial; 3 kas untuk memaki. In Indonesian language, this word is usually used to express emotional

c. Unacceptable Translation The data that are belonged to this level has score in the range of 1.00 –

1.50 The table of the percentage of the less accurate translation will be presented below.

Table 13.The Percentage of the Unacceptable Translation

Range of Scale

Number of Data

Total Percentage

0 0 0% (Unacceptable)

1.00-1.50