T1 112008061 Full text
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
THESIS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Degree of
Sarjana Pendidikan
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
112008061
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
SATYA WACANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SALATIGA
2013
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
THESIS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Degree of
Sarjana Pendidikan
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
112008061
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
SATYA WACANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SALATIGA
2013
ii
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
THESIS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Sarjana Pendidikan
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
112008061
Approved by:
Dr. E. Titik Murtisari
Examiner
M. Ch. Eko Setyarini, S.S., M.Hum
Supervisor
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AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN THE
RAINBOW TROOPS
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Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas :
v
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
Abstract
This study is aimed at examining the translation strategies used in the translation of
idioms in the novel Laskar Pelangi from Indonesian into English. The data were collected by
listing the idioms in the source text and their corresponding translation in the target text,
which is entitled, The Rainbow Troops; identifying the idioms by classifying the idioms found
using McCarthy and O’Dell’s theory about the classification of idiom types. The data
obtained wereanalyzed by using idiom translation strategies proposed by Baker (2007). The
most frequent translation strategies used in translating the Indonesian idioms is translation
by using similar meaning and form. Other strategies applied are translation by using an
idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing. There is no idiom
found using translation by omission or ellipsis strategy.
Keywords: descriptive qualitative, idioms, Laskar Pelangi, translation strategies
INTRODUCTION
Idiom is a combination of words that has a meaning that is different from the
meanings of the individual words themselves. When used in everyday language, they have a
meaning other than the basic one you would find in the dictionary. Every language has its
own idioms which develop according to the culture of the source language. When we are
learning a language, we must learn the idioms too because they are the part of
communication. Idioms are used in our daily conversation and can also be found in books,
especially in literary works, such as novel. Novels use informal language because they tell
daily life story that experienced by the reader’s life too. Novels’ languages are figurative and
usually use idiomatic expression.
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Translation is one way of transferring knowledge from foreign countries. Figurative
language and idiomatic expressions are normally challenging to translate into the Target
Language (TL) in translating novel. The idiom translation of Andrea Hirata’s novel, Laskar
Pelangi novel, which was translated into English, entitled The Rainbow Troops was
analyzed. A large number of novels have been published in Indonesia in every genre.
Spreading Indonesian novels abroad can be an effective means to introduce the culture and
values of Indonesia. Unfortunately, only a few Indonesian novels or other literary works are
published in other countries. And Andrea Hirata’s novel Laskar Pelangi is one of the works
published abroad. Andrea Hirata was born in Belitung. His success in releasing Laskar
Pelangi made Angie Kilbane interested in translating it into English so that people outside
Indonesia know Indonesian culture. Kilbane is from Ohio but she works as journalist and
teacher at an Islamic school in West Java. This novel becomes bestselling in Indonesia and
has been translated into many languages.
This study can be a reference for translators on translating idiomatic expressions into
English. Besides, it also may keep them aware of various types of idioms in Indonesia and
aware of how to make translation smoother and natural by choosing appropriate idioms in the
target language. It is hoped that this study may also inform students about the translation
strategies used in translating idiomatic expressions in Indonesian.
This study attempted to address a research question. On the types of strategies used to
translate idiomatic expressions in the Laskar Pelangi novel into English translation on The
Rainbow Troops novel. This study will also analyze the translation strategies used in
translating the idiomatic expressions.
What is Translation?
Translation occurs very often in our daily life in order to communicate meanings from
another language. Hatim and Munday (2004: 6) define translation as “the process of
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transferring a written text from source language (SL) to target language (TL)”. In this
definition they do not explicitly express that the object being transferred is meaning or
message. They emphasis on translation as a process. Catford (1995) defined the translation
process as the replacement of textual material in source language, with the closest meaning in
target language. He distinguished between total translation, which is the replacement of SL
grammar and lexis by equivalent TL grammar and lexis, and restricted translation that is
based on the replacement of SL textual material at only one level. Nord (2005) concluded that
since translation appears to be the only way to make sure that the source text has been
understood entirely and properly, the translator should understand the context before starting
any translation. In other words, translation is a process of transferring knowledge of SL into
TL as natural as possible. The translators have to know the background culture of both the
source language and the target language so that there is no misunderstanding.
Definition of Idioms
Since the idioms are developed by the culture of the language, we have to know the
background culture both the SL and TL. Translating idioms of a source language into a target
language is difficult for many people. Therefore we have to know the culture background of
English. Idioms cannot be translated without understanding the meaning behind the
expressions. It is reasonable when a translator deals with an idiomatic expression; the
translation process becomes more complex because the translator has to analyze the meaning
in the expression. Idiomatic expressions constitute a part of multiword expressions (Sag et al.,
2001) and can often be found in daily life, conversation and many other contexts especially in
English. There are many idiomatic expressions of which meaning cannot be accessed from its
constituting forms. Therefore it is sometimes challenging for the translator to find the proper
meaning. In her book “In Other Words: A course book on translation”, Baker states that the
main difficulties involved in translating idioms are an idiom may have no equivalent in the
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TL. An idiom may have a similar counterpart in the TL, but its context of use may be
different, and an idiom may be used in the source text in both its literal and idiomatic senses
at the same time. Baker (2007) found the following:
Idioms are “at the extreme end of the scale from collocations in one or both of these areas:
flexibility of patterning and transparency of meaning. They are frozen patterns of language
which allow little or no variation in form and, in the case of idioms, often carry
meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual components.” (p. 63)
Liu (2006) stated that idiom is a group of words, which has a meaning that cannot be
translated literally. Besides, Larson (1997) also said that idiom is a group of words that have
different meaning from the meaning expressed by the each word. He also stated that idiom
have certain emotive connotations and are not expressed in the other lexical items.
Motallebzadeh and Tousi (2011: 2) defined that “idioms are fixed phrases consisting of more
than one word, and their meaning cannot be worked out by knowing the meaning of the
individual words”. According to McCarthy and O’Dell (2010: 6), “idioms are fixed
combinations of words whose meaning is often difficult to guess from the meaning of each
individual word”.
McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs (2005), includes
verbal collocations, idioms, idiomatic expressions, clichés, proverbs, set phrases, fixed
phrases, phrasal verbs, common phrases, prepositional verbs and phrasal/prepositional verbs
in the category of idiomatic phrases. They are unclear because the meaning of the phrase is
not literal or predictable. Phrasal verbs, also called two-word verbs, are idiomatic expressions
because the second element of the verb (the adverb or preposition) is not necessarily
predictable.
From those definitions, it can be said that idioms are group of words that cannot be
literary translated as individual words, which make up the idioms. Not all idioms can be
translated into idioms in the target language. Idioms are fixed words or expressions, which
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have particular forms and meanings. When we are translating idioms, we have to know the
real meaning of the idioms in the source language. Therefore, in order to know idioms’
meanings, people need to know the background culture of both the source language and the
target language so that there is no misunderstanding in knowing the meaning of the idioms.
We can translate idioms into target language and the readers will know the closest meaning
of the idioms.
Other Studies
There are some studies about translating idioms; Mustonen (2010), Chen (2009), and
Motallebzadeh and Tousi (2011). Mustonen (2010) analyzed the idiom translation strategies
from Finnish into English in Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. She looked for what kinds of
translation strategies can be used in the translating idioms in the novel. The result found that
the most common strategy is translating SL idiom into non-idiom. The next common strategy
is translating SL idiom into TL idiom and the last strategy is translating SL idiom literally.
Chen (2009) did the research about literal translation in English idioms into Chinese. In her
research, when idioms of the source language are similar to those of the target language in
terms of choice of words, collocation and social meanings, according to Nida’s Dynamic
Equivalence theory, translation becomes easy because of the positive influence of cultural
similarities. Because of that, literal translation should be in the top priority in translation. The
main cultural differences between Chinese and English idioms are not only in the language
expression and ways of vocabulary, grammar, and rhetoric devices, but also in their different
cultural backgrounds, because Chinese and English idioms are created from different
cultures. As the result, in translation of idioms, much attention should be paid to the
dissimilarities of cultures as well as languages themselves. Motallebzadeh and Tousi (2011)
analyze Persian translation of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The results
show that in most cases the translators had translated the SL idioms into TL non-idioms.
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Analyzing the opposite, which is analyzing the English translation of Indonesian
idioms, which are in Laskar Pelangi, was challenging. Zhang and Wang (2010) analyzed the
application of functional equivalence theory in English translation of Chinese idioms. The
conclusion of the study is when translating idioms; we should take three notions into
consideration, namely, equivalence, receptor’s response, and diversity. Chinese idioms have
their own unique features; therefore, it is quite tough and fascinating job to translate Chinese
idioms into English. For this study, the idiom translation strategies in translating Indonesian
idioms into English were analyzed.
Strategies of Translating Idioms
In providing ideal translation, some translators face difficulties on translating idioms.
Baker (2007: 68-71) summarized the difficulties involved in translating idioms, such as: an
idiom or fixed expression may have no equivalent in the target language, an idiom or fixed
expression may have a similar counterpart in the target language, but its context of use may
be different; they may have different connotations or not be pragmatically transferable, an
idiom may be used in the source language in both its literal and idiomatic senses at the same
time and this play on idiom may not be successfully reproduced in the target language, and
the convention regarding idioms in written discourse, the contexts in which they can be used
and their frequency of use may be different in the source language and target language.
According to Machali (2009: 3), translators might be mistaken in losing the tone or meaning
of idioms in translating them as they think of the idioms as ordinary expressions. Therefore,
in order to transfer the messages of idioms to be translated accurately and efficiently, the
translator must choose the most appropriate strategy.
Therefore, Baker proposed four idiom translation strategies in her book “In Other
Words: A course book on translation” (2007, pp. 72-78). The idiom translation strategies are
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using an idiom of similar meaning and form, using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar
form, translation by paraphrase, and translation by omission.
The first strategy is translation by using an idiom with similar form and meaning in
the target language. This strategy is to translate idioms by using an idiom very similar in its
form and meaning to the source language idiom. It must express roughly the same meaning
and be of equivalent lexical items. Here is the example of this strategy.
Source text (A Hero from Zero, p. 6)
The Sultan’s magnificent income was distributed impulsively at his command. The
rain fell on the just and on the unjust.
Target text (French, p. 21)
Le revenue fabuleux du Sultan était distribué sur un simple ordre de sa part. La
pluie tombait aussi bien sur les justes que sur les injustes.
Back translation:
The fantastic income of the Sultan was distributed on a simple order on his part.
The rain was falling on the just as well as on the unjust.
Another example in Indonesian is besar kepala which means ‘someone who believes that
they are very clever or very good at an activity and who thinks that other people should
admire them’ can be translated into big head.
The second strategy is translation by using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar
form. It is translation of idiom by using an idiom with similar meaning but dissimilar form in
the target language. Here is the example of this strategy.
Source text (Maters of the Universe):
Feel the force of my fist, frozen fiend!
Target text (German):
Dir werde ich einheizen, du Scheusal!
Back translation:
I will make things hot for you, monster!
The previous statement on the example is addressed to an ice monster. The German
expression Dir werde ich einheizen means literally, or as near literally as possible, ‘I will put
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the heating on to you’. Another example in Indonesian is play cat and mouse,, which means
‘alternate between kinds of behavior when dealing with someone, often in matters of pursuit’,
which can be translated into bermain petak umpet has the same meaning with the source
language.
The third strategy is translation by paraphrase. According Baker, paraphrase is one of
the most common strategies in the translation of idioms. As sometimes it is impossible to find
the right equivalent or any idiom in the target language, therefore, a translator can use
translation by paraphrase. Using this kind of strategy a translator transfers the meaning of an
idiom using a single word or a group of words, which roughly corresponds to the meaning of
idiom but is not an idiom itself. The example is after this paragraph.
Source text (Language and Society, no 16 (1085), p. 4)
One frequent criticism of the Manitoba Government throughout the language
controversy was that it never seemed to get a handle on the issue.
Target text (French, p. 4)
Tout au long de la controverse linguistique, on reprocha fréquemment au
gouvernement du Manitoba de ne pas réussir, selon toute apparence, a maitriser la
situation.
Back translation:
For the whole length of the linguistic controversy, the government of Manitoba
was reproached frequently for not succeeding, by all appearances, in mastering the
situation.
Another example in Indonesian is meninggal dunia, which means ‘die’, can be translated
into kick the bucket.
The fourth strategy is translation by omission. According to Baker (2007, p.77)
omission is allowed only in some cases: first, when there is no close equivalent in the target
language; secondly, when it is difficult to paraphrase; finally, an idiom may be omitted for
stylistic reasons. For example: He might get up the juice to kiss me, which means ‘find the
courage or motivation to do something’. This idiom can be translated by omission into dia
mungkin akan mencium saya.
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THE STUDY
This study used descriptive qualitative research as the basis of its approach. The data
was in the form of words not about numbers and this study was concerned with a certain
variable, indication, or condition properly. In addition, this research involved the variables,
which exist naturally. The data was analyzed descriptively, in which I only illustrated,
described, and reported without drawing or testing hypothesis. Creswell (1994) wrote that
descriptive method is a way to collect information of the existing condition. Meanwhile
Fraenkel and Wallen (1996:23) mentioned that descriptive method is used to explain,
analyze, and classify using various techniques.
By using qualitative descriptive method, the source of data was treated as the
condition, which was selected to gather the information that is needs for the research. In this
case, the novel Laskar Pelangi and its translated version The Rainbow Troops were the
sources of the data while the selected information gained from the novels were the culture
specific items found in the novel. There are 34 chapters in Laskar Pelangi novel. Because of
the limit of the time, only three chapters from Laskar Pelangi were selected to do this study
in which become four chapters in English version.
The first procedure of collecting data was reading both novels Laskar Pelangi and its
English version, The Rainbow Troops. While both novels were read, I also made a list of
idioms that have been written on Laskar Pelangi. When the Indonesian idioms lists were
gained, the next step was looking for the English translation on The Rainbow Troops. Then I
identified the idioms and their translations. The next step is classifying the idioms into their
types and their translations as the guide analyzing.
The data were classified according to McCarthy and O’Dell’s theory (2010:6) to make
easy the collecting data. After the data had been collected from both novels, the data were
9
analyzed using my interpretation and Baker’s theory about idiom translation strategies. I used
Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI) and Oxford Dictionary as the guide analyzing the
data. Draw the conclusion was the final step of doing this study. The conclusion was based
the data analyzing and my interpretation.
Finding and Discussion
I found there are four idiom translation strategies like what Baker found in her
research. Those four strategies are translation by using similar meaning and form, translation
by using similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing, and translation by
omission or ellipsis. The most common strategy is translation by using similar meaning and
form.
Translation by using similar meaning and form
The first strategy of translating idioms is using similar meaning and form. In this
strategy, both SL and TL have similar meaning and form. Form in here is the diction of TL
which is similar with SL. I found 15 idioms which are used this strategy. Here are some
examples of translation using similar meaning and form strategy in translating Indonesian
idioms.
Idiom “buah pikiran” (buah=fruit; pikiran=thought, mind) is translated literally. Buah
pikiran means a result of thoughts. Fruit means the result, like we pick fruit which we have
waited for a long time. In TL, this idiom is translated literally, which becomes “the fruit of
mind”. In this case, the form of TL which is the diction is similar with the SL. Therefore this
idiom belongs to translation by using similar meaning and form in translating idiom.
SL: setiap apa pun yang ditulisnya merupakan buah pikiran yang gilang gemilang
TL: everything he would write would be the fruit of a bright mind
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The next idiom is “agak terbelakang mental” (agak=quite, a bit; terbelakang=behind;
mental=mental). The meaning of this idiom is someone who has autism problem. This idiom
is translated in similar form which is a bit behind mentally. The meaning of TL is similar
with the SL. In here, the SL is translated literally. The diction of TL is similar with the SL.
SL: Pria itu adalah Harun, pria jenaka sahabat kami semua, yang sudah berusia lima
belas tahun dan agak terbelakang mentalnya.
TL: That boy was Harun, a funny boy and a good friend of ours. He was already 15
years old, the same age as Bu Mus, but was a bit behind mentally.
Idiom “kehancuran hati” (kehancuran=ruin, downfall; hati=heart) has similar
meaning with the TL, broken heart. Both idioms mean suffering from overwhelming distress.
The form of both SL and TL is also similar. The diction of TL is similar with SL and both TL
and SL have similar meaning too. Therefore, it uses translation by similar meaning and form
strategy.
SL: Aku mengerti bahwa pira yang tak tahu tanggal dan bulan kelahirannya itu
gamang membayangkan kehancuran hati anaknya ...
TL: This was a man who didn’t even know his own birthday, imagining his son’s
broken heart ...
The next idiom which has similar meaning and form is “berpikir jernih”
(berpikir=think, jernih=clear). Berpikir jernih in KBBI means using brain to decide
something clearly. In here, jernih becomes adverb to describe the action berpikir. Therefore,
jernih is translated into clearly. The English version of berpikir jernih in the Rainbow Troops
is thinking clearly. Idiom “berpikir jernih”, which is translated into think clearly, is translated
literally and also has similar meaning with the Indonesian. In here, both idioms have similar
form which is the diction in translating SL.
SL: Ia sudah tak bisa berpikir jernih. Ia berulang kali mengucapkan hal yang sama
yang telah diketahui semua orang.
TL: She had already reached the point where she wasn’t thinking clearly, repeating
the same thing everyone already knew.
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Idiom “meloncati nasib” (meloncati=jump over; nasib=fate, luck, destiny) means
jump with great force beyond the destiny. In TL, meloncati nasib is translated into “leap over
fate”. Both SL and TL have similar meaning which is to make different destiny. In here, the
form of SL is verb phrase which TL is also in VP form. It means that the form of both SL and
TL is similar. In this case, the translation of meloncati is leap over. The diction of TL has
similar meaning with SL. Therefore, idiom “meloncati nasib” belongs this strategy.
SL: Ayahnya telah melepaskan belut yang licin itu, dan anaknya baru saja meloncati
nasib, merebut pendidikan.
TL: He was like a little kid sitting on a pony—delighted, not wanting to get down.
He had just leapt over fate and grabbed education by the horns.
The
idiom
“mendinginkan
suasana”
(mendinginkan=cool,
freeze.
suasana=atmosphere) and cooled down the mood have similar meaning. The meaning is to
make the mood or atmosphere calm. Like the previous idiom, the verb of this idiom,
mendinginkan, is translated into cool down. They have similar meaning too, therefore this
idiom belongs to this strategy.
SL: Lalu Pak Harfan mendinginkan suasana yang berkisah tentang penderitaan dan
tekanan ...
TL: Then Pak Harfan cooled down the mood with a story of the suffering
experienced …
The last example of translation by using similar meaning and form is “keras kepala”
(keras=hard; kepala=head). This idiom refers to person who has steady determination not to
change one’s attitude or position on something. In this case, keras kepala is translated into
“hard-headed” instead of stubborn. The meaning of TL is similar with SL. In here, both
idioms have similar form; the diction on TL has similar meaning with SL although it is
translated literally.
SL: N.A. Sahara Aulia Fadillah binti K.A. Muslim Ramdhani Fadillah, gadis kecil
berkerudung itu, memang keras kepala luar biasa.
TL: Sahara was extraordinarily hard-headed.
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Another idiom which use this strategy is “menancapkan tekad dalam hati”
(menancapkan=stick; tekad=push, desire; dalam=in, hati=heart). This idiom means giving a
determination or a desire. The translation of this idiom is “strongly imbed in heart the desire”.
Although the position of the words “tekad” is moved in the behind of the phrase, the form
and the meaning of TL is still similar with SL.
SL: Kuliah umum dari Pak Harfan di hari pertama kami masuk SD Muhammadiyah
langsung menancapkan tekad dalam hati kami untuk membela sekolah yang
hampir rubuh ini, apa pun yang terjadi.
TL: The general course from Pak Harfan on our first day at Muhammadiyah
Elementary School strongly imbedded in our hearts the desire to defend this
nearly collapsing school, no matter what.
This strategy is the most common strategy that is used in Indonesian idiom translation
into English. The goal of translation is to make translation smoother and natural by choosing
appropriate idioms in the target language.
Translation by using similar meaning but dissimilar form
The next strategy is translation by using an idiom with similar meaning but the form is
different. There are changes of phrases and clause in TL form. I found ten (10) idioms which
use this strategy. Here are some examples of translation by using similar meaning but
dissimilar form.
The first idiom that use this strategy is “tertekan batin” (tertekan=pressed down,
oppressed; batin=inner). Tertekan batin means feeling of getting pressure from others
according to KBBI (The Indonesian Dictionary). It has similar meaning with the TL which is
unpleasant feeling caused by the realization that something unpleasant or undesirable has
happened or is about to happen. Both idioms has different form. The word “sinking” has
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different meaning with “tertekan”. Although the meaning is different, according to Oxford
dictionary, the meaning of idiom in TL is similar with SL.
SL: Suaranya berat selayaknya orang yang tertekan batinnya.
TL: Her voice was grave, normal for someone with a sinking heart.
Idiom “senyum getir” (senyum=smile; getir=bitter) means unnatural smile according
to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia/KBBI (Indonesian dictionary). The TL of this idiom is
forced smile. According to Oxford dictionary it has also similar meaning with SL. Idiom
senyum getir belongs to this strategy because it has similar meaning but dissimilar form.
Bitter and forced are totally different. But in here, the meaning of both words is similar; that
is a smile to hide the sadness.
SL: Namun, senyum Bu Mus adalah senyum getir yang dipaksakan karena tampak
jelas beliau sedang cemas.
TL: Yet Bu Mus’ smile was a forced smile: she was apprehensive.
The idiom “mulut pintu” (mulut=mouth, pintu=door) is used to describe place to go in
and out. This expression is translated into “the doorway”. The doorway and mulut pintu have
similar meaning. The meaning of these expressions according to KBBI is not the door itself
but the square cavity where the door is placed. The form of both idioms is dissimilar. There is
no word “mouth” in TL. However, in TL, “the doorway” has similar meaning with SL.
TL: Di mulut pintu berdiri dua orang guru seperti para penyambut tamu dalam
perhelatan.
SL: In the doorway stood two teachers, like hosts welcoming guests to a party.
Idiom “buta huruf” (buta=blind, huruf=letter) means disable in reading and writing.
There is no English literal translation of this idiom. Therefore, the translation of buta huruf
becomes “illiteracy” which has similar meaning with the Indonesian. Both SL and TL have
dissimilar form. In here, illiteracy is not an idiom but a term to name the disability to read
14
and write. The Indonesian “buta huruf” is translated into illiteracy which has similar meaning
with SL.
SL: … tuntutan memerdekakan anak dari buta huruf.
TL: … to submit to modern demands to free their children from illiteracy.
Another idiom is “detik-detik terakhir” (detik-detik=seconds; terakhir=last, final). The
meaning of detik-detik terakhir is the very last time. This idiom shows how the people’s
feeling wait for the time when the school is closed. This idiom creates tense mood when they
are waiting. In TL, the translation of this idiom is in English common expression; “the final
moment”. The meaning of the final moment is similar with the SL. The form of both idioms
is also dissimilar. In here, there is no relationship between SL and TL’s diction.
SL: …pedih menyaksikan detik-detik terakhir sebuah sekolah tua yang tutup justru
pada hari pertama kami ingin sekolah…
TL: …heartbroken to witness the final moments before the old school closed on the
very day we were supposed to start…
Idiom “kehabisan napas” (kehabisan=run out; napas=breath) is translated into “out of
breath”. In here, both SL and TL have similar meaning but the form is different. The words
“out” and “kehabisan” are very different but the TL phrase has similar meaning with SL.
SL: Mereka berdua hampir kehabisan napas ketika tiba di depan Pak Harfan.
TL: They were both nearly out of breath when they arrived in front of Pak Harfan.
Idiom “waktu habis” (waktu=time, habis=run out) is translated into time was up.
Although it has an equivalent meaning with its translation, this idiom has different form. In
this case, form of both SL and TL is not a phrase. Both SL and TL are a clause. They consist
of subject and predicate. Both idioms do not have a relation if translated literally but have
similar meaning.
SL: Akhirnya, waktu habis …
TL: Finally, time was up.
15
Translation by paraphrasing
There are three (3) Indonesian idioms found in this strategy. Baker said that
paraphrase is the most common strategy in translating idiom (2007). However, this strategy is
not the most common strategy in translating Indonesian idioms into English in this novel.
Here are the idioms that use this strategy.
In English, “benang merah” (benang=thread, merah=red) means connecting line,
connection, correlation, similarity, or underlying causes. In this context, benang merah is
translated into the very essence. Benang merah in here means connecting line because the red
thread connects the words with the life. This idiom uses paraphrase strategy because the TL is
very different. There is no equivalent meaning if it translated literally. The form and the
words in TL are different from the SL. The TL translation is totally different with the SL.
SL: Beliau menorehkan benang merah kebenaran hidup yang sederhana melalui katakatanya yang ringan namun bertenaga seumpama titik-titik air hujan.
TL: Through humble words, as powerful as raindrops, he brought to us the very
essence of the simple life’s righteousness.
The idiom that is using this strategy is “menyakitkan hati” (menyakitkan=painful,
hati=heart). In Indonesia, menyakitkan hati means feeling unhappy because of being hurt.
Hati in here is used as the complement of adjective menyakitkan. If hati is omitted, the
meaning will not change. However, in Indonesian, hati makes the meaning of menyakitkan
becomes more detail and clear which part is painful. The English translation of “menyakitkan
hati” is only “painful”. The idiom “menyakitkan hati” is paraphrased into “painful”, which
has similar meaning with SL.
SL: Kenyataan bahwa beliau hanya memerlukan satu siswa lagi untuk memnuhi
target itu menyebabkan pidato ini akan menjadi sesuatu yang menyakitkan hati.
TL: The fact that he only needed one more student would make this speech even
more painful to give.
16
The idiom “membesarkan hati” (membesarkan=enlarge, expand; hati=heart) means to
entertain or to cheer up someone. But in Indonesia, if we omit the prefix and suffix (besar
hati), it means arrogant and someone who have big heart. The English translation of this
idiom is “console” which means entertain or cheer up someone. The diction on TL is totally
different with the SL. There is no relationship between SL and TL.
SL: Para orangtua menepuk-nepuk bahunya untuk membesarkan hatinya.
TL: The parents patted him on the back to console him
In this study, the translation by omission or ellipsis was not found. If I analyzed until
the last chapter, I might find it. Beside that, the translator, Kilbane, do not have much time in
translating Laskar Pelangi. She only had seven month to translate this novel.
CONCLUSION
The aim of this study was to analyze the translation strategies used in translating
idioms in Rainbow Troops novel, the English version of Laskar Pelangi novel by Andrea
Hirata. There are four strategies found that used by the translator in translating Indonesian
idioms into English. I found that the most frequent translation strategy used by the translator
is translation by using similar meaning and form. This result is different from what Baker
proposed, which the most common strategy in translating idiom is paraphrasing. The next
most frequent translation strategies used based on the analysis are translation by using an
idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing. I did not found the
last strategy, translation by omission or ellipsis, in this study.
In this study, I only examine three chapters of the Laskar Pelangi novel because of
the limit of the time doing this study. Unfortunately, the English translations of these three
chapters become four chapters in the Rainbow Troops. If I analyzed all of the chapters of the
17
novel, I would have found more strategies that are used by translator to translate the
Indonesian idioms.
According to the previous conclusions, some suggestions are recommended as
follows. For teachers, translation strategies used in the translation of idioms are suggested to
be taught in translation course especially about the translation by similar meaning and form
as it is the most frequent translation strategy used, because the meaning and the translation of
TL have to be as close as the SL. For researchers, further research related to idiom translation
especially English translation of Indonesian idioms is important to be conducted since they
can be used as a reference in both teaching and learning English as a foreign language. It is
hoped for the translator to provide better idiom translation as the researcher has provided the
translation strategies used and their examples. The translator should also have deep
comprehension about idiomatic expressions as well as the cultures and languages of both the
source language and target language text in order to produce a good translation of the
idiomatic expressions. It is important for the students or English Department students to
recognize idioms to improve better interpretation of native English language.
Acknowledgment
First of all, I would like to thank to my Almighty God, Jesus Christ, for always
blessing me through His kindness, guidance and strength in doing my thesis. Also, I would
like to send my gratitude to my supervisor, Maria Christina Eko S., M. Hum., for her supports
and suggestions in guiding me so that I could finish my thesis. I would also thank my
examiner, Dr. E. Titik Murtisari, who is willing to read and examine my thesis.
18
I also thank to my father, mother and sister for their endless prayer, supports and
advices which means so much for me. Also to all my friends, Dewa, Riris, Ricky, Vitus, and
Mayang, who always support and help me. Lastly, I would thank to my friends in ED 2008
for giving me unforgettable memory as long as I study in this department. Also to all my
teachers in English Department for teaching and educating me the whole time I study in
SWCU.
References
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Translator. Theory and Practice in Language Studies , I, 879-883.
Ahmadi, S., & Ketabi, S. (2011). Translation Procedures and Problems of Color Idiomatic
Expressions in English and Persian. The Journal of International Social Research , IV
(17),
9-39.
Retrieved
from
http://www.sosyalarastirmalar.com/cilt4/sayi17pdf/
1diledebiyat/ahmadi_sahar_and_saeedketabi.pdf
Baker, M. (2007). In Other Words: A Course Book on Translation. London & New York:
Routledge.
Catford, J. C. (1995). "A Linguistic Theory of Translation". Hong Kong: Carrie Printing
Company.
Chen, L. (2009). On Literal Translation of English Idioms. English Language Teaching , 2,
164-166.
Christiane, N. (2005). Text Analysis in Translation: Theory, Methodology, and Didactic
Application of a Model for Translation-Oriented Text Analysis (2 ed.). (C. Nord, & P.
Sparrow, Trans.) Amsterdam/Atlanta GA: Rodopi.
Creswell, J. (1994). Research design: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. London:
Sage.
Fraenkel J.R and Wallen N. E. (1996). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education.
New York: McGraw-Hill.
19
Hatim dan Munday (2004) Translation, An Advanced Resource Book. London: Routledge.
Hirata, A. (2005). Laskar Pelangi. Yogyakarta, DI Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Bentang Pustaka.
Hirata, A. (2009). The Rainbow Troops. (J. Colombo, E. H. Mayock, J. Aldea, Eds., & A.
Kilbane, Trans.) Yogyakarta, DI Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Bentang Pustaka.
Inc, M.-W. (2004). Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Eleventh Edition (11 ed.).
Springfield: Merriam-Webster.
Indonesia, Departemen Pendidikan Nasional, Pusat Bahasa (Indonesia). (2008). Kamus Besar
Bahasa Indonesia Pusat Bahasa. Indonesia: Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
Larson, M. L. (1997). Meaning Based Translation: A Guide to Cross Language Equivalence.
Lanham: University of America.
Liu, D. (2008). Idioms: Description, Comprehension, Acquisition, and Pedagogy. London
and New York, USA: Routledge.
Kilbane, A. (2009, October 4). Note from Angie Kilbane – The Rainbow Troops Translator |
Andrea Hirata. Retrieved December 2012, from andrea-hirata.com: http://andreahirata.com/note-from-angie-kilbane-the-rainbow-troops-translator/
Machali, Rochayah. (2009). Translating English Idioms and Collocations. Teflin journal, 84294-1-PB.
McCarthy, Michael & O’Dell, Felicity. (2010). English Idioms in Use. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press
Motallebzadeh, K., & Tousi, S. (2011). Employing Compensation Strategy in Translation of
Idioms: A Case Study of the Translation of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn in Persian. International Journal of Linguistics , ISSN 1948-5425 2011, Vol. 3,
No. 1: E46.
Mustonen, S. (2010). TRANSLATING IDIOMS: A case study on Donna Tartt's The Secret
History and its Finnish translation. University of Jyväskylä.
Sag, Ivan, T. Baldwin, F. Bond, A. Copestake, and D. Flickinger. (2001). Multiword
expressions: a pain in the neck for NLP. LinGO Working Paper No. 2001-03.
20
Spears, R. A. (2005). McGraw-Hill’s dictionary of American idioms and phrasal verbs. USA:
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Walter, E. (2005). Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. London: Cambridge
University Press.
Zhang, Q., & Wang, J. (2010, November). Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in
English Translation of Chinese Idioms. Journal of Language Teaching and Research ,
880-888.
21
Appendix
Table 1. Translation by Using Similar Meaning and Form
No.
Indonesian Idioms
English Translation
1.
2.
mempercerah masa depan
agak terbelakang mentalnya
brighten futures
a bit behind mentally
3.
4.
berpikir jernih
meloncati nasib
think clearly
leap over fate
5.
mematahkan semangat
break determination
6.
keras kepala
hard-headed
7.
buah pikiran
the fruit of mind
8.
kehancuran hati
broken heart
9.
hati malu
heart was embarrassed
10.
menghabiskan hidup
dedicate lives
11.
mendinginkan suasana
cool down the mood
12.
menancapkan tekad dalam hati strongly imbed in hearts the desire
13.
membelai hati
touch heart
14.
pantang menyerah
never surrender
15.
jatuh cinta
fall in love
Table 2. Translation by Using Similar Meaning but Different Form
No. Indonesian Idioms English Translation
1.
mulut pintu
the doorway
2.
senyum getir
forced smile
3.
tertekan batin
a sinking heart
4.
buta huruf
illiteracy
5.
detik-detik terakhir
the final moment
6.
putus asa
devastated
7.
kehabisan napas
out of breath
8.
angkat bicara
began to speak
9.
merebut hati
win heart
10.
waktu habis
time was up
22
Table 3. Translation by Paraphrasing
No. Indonesian Idioms English Translation
1.
benang merah
the very essence
2.
menyakitkan hati
painful
3.
membesarkan hati
console
23
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
THESIS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Degree of
Sarjana Pendidikan
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
112008061
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
SATYA WACANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SALATIGA
2013
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
THESIS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Degree of
Sarjana Pendidikan
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
112008061
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
SATYA WACANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
SALATIGA
2013
ii
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
THESIS
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Sarjana Pendidikan
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
112008061
Approved by:
Dr. E. Titik Murtisari
Examiner
M. Ch. Eko Setyarini, S.S., M.Hum
Supervisor
iii
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RAINBOW TROOPS
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iv
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Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas :
v
AN ANALYSIS ON IDIOM TRANSLATION STRATEGIES IN
THE RAINBOW TROOPS
Mg. M. Frennandy Ngestiningtyas
Abstract
This study is aimed at examining the translation strategies used in the translation of
idioms in the novel Laskar Pelangi from Indonesian into English. The data were collected by
listing the idioms in the source text and their corresponding translation in the target text,
which is entitled, The Rainbow Troops; identifying the idioms by classifying the idioms found
using McCarthy and O’Dell’s theory about the classification of idiom types. The data
obtained wereanalyzed by using idiom translation strategies proposed by Baker (2007). The
most frequent translation strategies used in translating the Indonesian idioms is translation
by using similar meaning and form. Other strategies applied are translation by using an
idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing. There is no idiom
found using translation by omission or ellipsis strategy.
Keywords: descriptive qualitative, idioms, Laskar Pelangi, translation strategies
INTRODUCTION
Idiom is a combination of words that has a meaning that is different from the
meanings of the individual words themselves. When used in everyday language, they have a
meaning other than the basic one you would find in the dictionary. Every language has its
own idioms which develop according to the culture of the source language. When we are
learning a language, we must learn the idioms too because they are the part of
communication. Idioms are used in our daily conversation and can also be found in books,
especially in literary works, such as novel. Novels use informal language because they tell
daily life story that experienced by the reader’s life too. Novels’ languages are figurative and
usually use idiomatic expression.
1
Translation is one way of transferring knowledge from foreign countries. Figurative
language and idiomatic expressions are normally challenging to translate into the Target
Language (TL) in translating novel. The idiom translation of Andrea Hirata’s novel, Laskar
Pelangi novel, which was translated into English, entitled The Rainbow Troops was
analyzed. A large number of novels have been published in Indonesia in every genre.
Spreading Indonesian novels abroad can be an effective means to introduce the culture and
values of Indonesia. Unfortunately, only a few Indonesian novels or other literary works are
published in other countries. And Andrea Hirata’s novel Laskar Pelangi is one of the works
published abroad. Andrea Hirata was born in Belitung. His success in releasing Laskar
Pelangi made Angie Kilbane interested in translating it into English so that people outside
Indonesia know Indonesian culture. Kilbane is from Ohio but she works as journalist and
teacher at an Islamic school in West Java. This novel becomes bestselling in Indonesia and
has been translated into many languages.
This study can be a reference for translators on translating idiomatic expressions into
English. Besides, it also may keep them aware of various types of idioms in Indonesia and
aware of how to make translation smoother and natural by choosing appropriate idioms in the
target language. It is hoped that this study may also inform students about the translation
strategies used in translating idiomatic expressions in Indonesian.
This study attempted to address a research question. On the types of strategies used to
translate idiomatic expressions in the Laskar Pelangi novel into English translation on The
Rainbow Troops novel. This study will also analyze the translation strategies used in
translating the idiomatic expressions.
What is Translation?
Translation occurs very often in our daily life in order to communicate meanings from
another language. Hatim and Munday (2004: 6) define translation as “the process of
2
transferring a written text from source language (SL) to target language (TL)”. In this
definition they do not explicitly express that the object being transferred is meaning or
message. They emphasis on translation as a process. Catford (1995) defined the translation
process as the replacement of textual material in source language, with the closest meaning in
target language. He distinguished between total translation, which is the replacement of SL
grammar and lexis by equivalent TL grammar and lexis, and restricted translation that is
based on the replacement of SL textual material at only one level. Nord (2005) concluded that
since translation appears to be the only way to make sure that the source text has been
understood entirely and properly, the translator should understand the context before starting
any translation. In other words, translation is a process of transferring knowledge of SL into
TL as natural as possible. The translators have to know the background culture of both the
source language and the target language so that there is no misunderstanding.
Definition of Idioms
Since the idioms are developed by the culture of the language, we have to know the
background culture both the SL and TL. Translating idioms of a source language into a target
language is difficult for many people. Therefore we have to know the culture background of
English. Idioms cannot be translated without understanding the meaning behind the
expressions. It is reasonable when a translator deals with an idiomatic expression; the
translation process becomes more complex because the translator has to analyze the meaning
in the expression. Idiomatic expressions constitute a part of multiword expressions (Sag et al.,
2001) and can often be found in daily life, conversation and many other contexts especially in
English. There are many idiomatic expressions of which meaning cannot be accessed from its
constituting forms. Therefore it is sometimes challenging for the translator to find the proper
meaning. In her book “In Other Words: A course book on translation”, Baker states that the
main difficulties involved in translating idioms are an idiom may have no equivalent in the
3
TL. An idiom may have a similar counterpart in the TL, but its context of use may be
different, and an idiom may be used in the source text in both its literal and idiomatic senses
at the same time. Baker (2007) found the following:
Idioms are “at the extreme end of the scale from collocations in one or both of these areas:
flexibility of patterning and transparency of meaning. They are frozen patterns of language
which allow little or no variation in form and, in the case of idioms, often carry
meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual components.” (p. 63)
Liu (2006) stated that idiom is a group of words, which has a meaning that cannot be
translated literally. Besides, Larson (1997) also said that idiom is a group of words that have
different meaning from the meaning expressed by the each word. He also stated that idiom
have certain emotive connotations and are not expressed in the other lexical items.
Motallebzadeh and Tousi (2011: 2) defined that “idioms are fixed phrases consisting of more
than one word, and their meaning cannot be worked out by knowing the meaning of the
individual words”. According to McCarthy and O’Dell (2010: 6), “idioms are fixed
combinations of words whose meaning is often difficult to guess from the meaning of each
individual word”.
McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs (2005), includes
verbal collocations, idioms, idiomatic expressions, clichés, proverbs, set phrases, fixed
phrases, phrasal verbs, common phrases, prepositional verbs and phrasal/prepositional verbs
in the category of idiomatic phrases. They are unclear because the meaning of the phrase is
not literal or predictable. Phrasal verbs, also called two-word verbs, are idiomatic expressions
because the second element of the verb (the adverb or preposition) is not necessarily
predictable.
From those definitions, it can be said that idioms are group of words that cannot be
literary translated as individual words, which make up the idioms. Not all idioms can be
translated into idioms in the target language. Idioms are fixed words or expressions, which
4
have particular forms and meanings. When we are translating idioms, we have to know the
real meaning of the idioms in the source language. Therefore, in order to know idioms’
meanings, people need to know the background culture of both the source language and the
target language so that there is no misunderstanding in knowing the meaning of the idioms.
We can translate idioms into target language and the readers will know the closest meaning
of the idioms.
Other Studies
There are some studies about translating idioms; Mustonen (2010), Chen (2009), and
Motallebzadeh and Tousi (2011). Mustonen (2010) analyzed the idiom translation strategies
from Finnish into English in Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. She looked for what kinds of
translation strategies can be used in the translating idioms in the novel. The result found that
the most common strategy is translating SL idiom into non-idiom. The next common strategy
is translating SL idiom into TL idiom and the last strategy is translating SL idiom literally.
Chen (2009) did the research about literal translation in English idioms into Chinese. In her
research, when idioms of the source language are similar to those of the target language in
terms of choice of words, collocation and social meanings, according to Nida’s Dynamic
Equivalence theory, translation becomes easy because of the positive influence of cultural
similarities. Because of that, literal translation should be in the top priority in translation. The
main cultural differences between Chinese and English idioms are not only in the language
expression and ways of vocabulary, grammar, and rhetoric devices, but also in their different
cultural backgrounds, because Chinese and English idioms are created from different
cultures. As the result, in translation of idioms, much attention should be paid to the
dissimilarities of cultures as well as languages themselves. Motallebzadeh and Tousi (2011)
analyze Persian translation of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The results
show that in most cases the translators had translated the SL idioms into TL non-idioms.
5
Analyzing the opposite, which is analyzing the English translation of Indonesian
idioms, which are in Laskar Pelangi, was challenging. Zhang and Wang (2010) analyzed the
application of functional equivalence theory in English translation of Chinese idioms. The
conclusion of the study is when translating idioms; we should take three notions into
consideration, namely, equivalence, receptor’s response, and diversity. Chinese idioms have
their own unique features; therefore, it is quite tough and fascinating job to translate Chinese
idioms into English. For this study, the idiom translation strategies in translating Indonesian
idioms into English were analyzed.
Strategies of Translating Idioms
In providing ideal translation, some translators face difficulties on translating idioms.
Baker (2007: 68-71) summarized the difficulties involved in translating idioms, such as: an
idiom or fixed expression may have no equivalent in the target language, an idiom or fixed
expression may have a similar counterpart in the target language, but its context of use may
be different; they may have different connotations or not be pragmatically transferable, an
idiom may be used in the source language in both its literal and idiomatic senses at the same
time and this play on idiom may not be successfully reproduced in the target language, and
the convention regarding idioms in written discourse, the contexts in which they can be used
and their frequency of use may be different in the source language and target language.
According to Machali (2009: 3), translators might be mistaken in losing the tone or meaning
of idioms in translating them as they think of the idioms as ordinary expressions. Therefore,
in order to transfer the messages of idioms to be translated accurately and efficiently, the
translator must choose the most appropriate strategy.
Therefore, Baker proposed four idiom translation strategies in her book “In Other
Words: A course book on translation” (2007, pp. 72-78). The idiom translation strategies are
6
using an idiom of similar meaning and form, using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar
form, translation by paraphrase, and translation by omission.
The first strategy is translation by using an idiom with similar form and meaning in
the target language. This strategy is to translate idioms by using an idiom very similar in its
form and meaning to the source language idiom. It must express roughly the same meaning
and be of equivalent lexical items. Here is the example of this strategy.
Source text (A Hero from Zero, p. 6)
The Sultan’s magnificent income was distributed impulsively at his command. The
rain fell on the just and on the unjust.
Target text (French, p. 21)
Le revenue fabuleux du Sultan était distribué sur un simple ordre de sa part. La
pluie tombait aussi bien sur les justes que sur les injustes.
Back translation:
The fantastic income of the Sultan was distributed on a simple order on his part.
The rain was falling on the just as well as on the unjust.
Another example in Indonesian is besar kepala which means ‘someone who believes that
they are very clever or very good at an activity and who thinks that other people should
admire them’ can be translated into big head.
The second strategy is translation by using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar
form. It is translation of idiom by using an idiom with similar meaning but dissimilar form in
the target language. Here is the example of this strategy.
Source text (Maters of the Universe):
Feel the force of my fist, frozen fiend!
Target text (German):
Dir werde ich einheizen, du Scheusal!
Back translation:
I will make things hot for you, monster!
The previous statement on the example is addressed to an ice monster. The German
expression Dir werde ich einheizen means literally, or as near literally as possible, ‘I will put
7
the heating on to you’. Another example in Indonesian is play cat and mouse,, which means
‘alternate between kinds of behavior when dealing with someone, often in matters of pursuit’,
which can be translated into bermain petak umpet has the same meaning with the source
language.
The third strategy is translation by paraphrase. According Baker, paraphrase is one of
the most common strategies in the translation of idioms. As sometimes it is impossible to find
the right equivalent or any idiom in the target language, therefore, a translator can use
translation by paraphrase. Using this kind of strategy a translator transfers the meaning of an
idiom using a single word or a group of words, which roughly corresponds to the meaning of
idiom but is not an idiom itself. The example is after this paragraph.
Source text (Language and Society, no 16 (1085), p. 4)
One frequent criticism of the Manitoba Government throughout the language
controversy was that it never seemed to get a handle on the issue.
Target text (French, p. 4)
Tout au long de la controverse linguistique, on reprocha fréquemment au
gouvernement du Manitoba de ne pas réussir, selon toute apparence, a maitriser la
situation.
Back translation:
For the whole length of the linguistic controversy, the government of Manitoba
was reproached frequently for not succeeding, by all appearances, in mastering the
situation.
Another example in Indonesian is meninggal dunia, which means ‘die’, can be translated
into kick the bucket.
The fourth strategy is translation by omission. According to Baker (2007, p.77)
omission is allowed only in some cases: first, when there is no close equivalent in the target
language; secondly, when it is difficult to paraphrase; finally, an idiom may be omitted for
stylistic reasons. For example: He might get up the juice to kiss me, which means ‘find the
courage or motivation to do something’. This idiom can be translated by omission into dia
mungkin akan mencium saya.
8
THE STUDY
This study used descriptive qualitative research as the basis of its approach. The data
was in the form of words not about numbers and this study was concerned with a certain
variable, indication, or condition properly. In addition, this research involved the variables,
which exist naturally. The data was analyzed descriptively, in which I only illustrated,
described, and reported without drawing or testing hypothesis. Creswell (1994) wrote that
descriptive method is a way to collect information of the existing condition. Meanwhile
Fraenkel and Wallen (1996:23) mentioned that descriptive method is used to explain,
analyze, and classify using various techniques.
By using qualitative descriptive method, the source of data was treated as the
condition, which was selected to gather the information that is needs for the research. In this
case, the novel Laskar Pelangi and its translated version The Rainbow Troops were the
sources of the data while the selected information gained from the novels were the culture
specific items found in the novel. There are 34 chapters in Laskar Pelangi novel. Because of
the limit of the time, only three chapters from Laskar Pelangi were selected to do this study
in which become four chapters in English version.
The first procedure of collecting data was reading both novels Laskar Pelangi and its
English version, The Rainbow Troops. While both novels were read, I also made a list of
idioms that have been written on Laskar Pelangi. When the Indonesian idioms lists were
gained, the next step was looking for the English translation on The Rainbow Troops. Then I
identified the idioms and their translations. The next step is classifying the idioms into their
types and their translations as the guide analyzing.
The data were classified according to McCarthy and O’Dell’s theory (2010:6) to make
easy the collecting data. After the data had been collected from both novels, the data were
9
analyzed using my interpretation and Baker’s theory about idiom translation strategies. I used
Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI) and Oxford Dictionary as the guide analyzing the
data. Draw the conclusion was the final step of doing this study. The conclusion was based
the data analyzing and my interpretation.
Finding and Discussion
I found there are four idiom translation strategies like what Baker found in her
research. Those four strategies are translation by using similar meaning and form, translation
by using similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing, and translation by
omission or ellipsis. The most common strategy is translation by using similar meaning and
form.
Translation by using similar meaning and form
The first strategy of translating idioms is using similar meaning and form. In this
strategy, both SL and TL have similar meaning and form. Form in here is the diction of TL
which is similar with SL. I found 15 idioms which are used this strategy. Here are some
examples of translation using similar meaning and form strategy in translating Indonesian
idioms.
Idiom “buah pikiran” (buah=fruit; pikiran=thought, mind) is translated literally. Buah
pikiran means a result of thoughts. Fruit means the result, like we pick fruit which we have
waited for a long time. In TL, this idiom is translated literally, which becomes “the fruit of
mind”. In this case, the form of TL which is the diction is similar with the SL. Therefore this
idiom belongs to translation by using similar meaning and form in translating idiom.
SL: setiap apa pun yang ditulisnya merupakan buah pikiran yang gilang gemilang
TL: everything he would write would be the fruit of a bright mind
10
The next idiom is “agak terbelakang mental” (agak=quite, a bit; terbelakang=behind;
mental=mental). The meaning of this idiom is someone who has autism problem. This idiom
is translated in similar form which is a bit behind mentally. The meaning of TL is similar
with the SL. In here, the SL is translated literally. The diction of TL is similar with the SL.
SL: Pria itu adalah Harun, pria jenaka sahabat kami semua, yang sudah berusia lima
belas tahun dan agak terbelakang mentalnya.
TL: That boy was Harun, a funny boy and a good friend of ours. He was already 15
years old, the same age as Bu Mus, but was a bit behind mentally.
Idiom “kehancuran hati” (kehancuran=ruin, downfall; hati=heart) has similar
meaning with the TL, broken heart. Both idioms mean suffering from overwhelming distress.
The form of both SL and TL is also similar. The diction of TL is similar with SL and both TL
and SL have similar meaning too. Therefore, it uses translation by similar meaning and form
strategy.
SL: Aku mengerti bahwa pira yang tak tahu tanggal dan bulan kelahirannya itu
gamang membayangkan kehancuran hati anaknya ...
TL: This was a man who didn’t even know his own birthday, imagining his son’s
broken heart ...
The next idiom which has similar meaning and form is “berpikir jernih”
(berpikir=think, jernih=clear). Berpikir jernih in KBBI means using brain to decide
something clearly. In here, jernih becomes adverb to describe the action berpikir. Therefore,
jernih is translated into clearly. The English version of berpikir jernih in the Rainbow Troops
is thinking clearly. Idiom “berpikir jernih”, which is translated into think clearly, is translated
literally and also has similar meaning with the Indonesian. In here, both idioms have similar
form which is the diction in translating SL.
SL: Ia sudah tak bisa berpikir jernih. Ia berulang kali mengucapkan hal yang sama
yang telah diketahui semua orang.
TL: She had already reached the point where she wasn’t thinking clearly, repeating
the same thing everyone already knew.
11
Idiom “meloncati nasib” (meloncati=jump over; nasib=fate, luck, destiny) means
jump with great force beyond the destiny. In TL, meloncati nasib is translated into “leap over
fate”. Both SL and TL have similar meaning which is to make different destiny. In here, the
form of SL is verb phrase which TL is also in VP form. It means that the form of both SL and
TL is similar. In this case, the translation of meloncati is leap over. The diction of TL has
similar meaning with SL. Therefore, idiom “meloncati nasib” belongs this strategy.
SL: Ayahnya telah melepaskan belut yang licin itu, dan anaknya baru saja meloncati
nasib, merebut pendidikan.
TL: He was like a little kid sitting on a pony—delighted, not wanting to get down.
He had just leapt over fate and grabbed education by the horns.
The
idiom
“mendinginkan
suasana”
(mendinginkan=cool,
freeze.
suasana=atmosphere) and cooled down the mood have similar meaning. The meaning is to
make the mood or atmosphere calm. Like the previous idiom, the verb of this idiom,
mendinginkan, is translated into cool down. They have similar meaning too, therefore this
idiom belongs to this strategy.
SL: Lalu Pak Harfan mendinginkan suasana yang berkisah tentang penderitaan dan
tekanan ...
TL: Then Pak Harfan cooled down the mood with a story of the suffering
experienced …
The last example of translation by using similar meaning and form is “keras kepala”
(keras=hard; kepala=head). This idiom refers to person who has steady determination not to
change one’s attitude or position on something. In this case, keras kepala is translated into
“hard-headed” instead of stubborn. The meaning of TL is similar with SL. In here, both
idioms have similar form; the diction on TL has similar meaning with SL although it is
translated literally.
SL: N.A. Sahara Aulia Fadillah binti K.A. Muslim Ramdhani Fadillah, gadis kecil
berkerudung itu, memang keras kepala luar biasa.
TL: Sahara was extraordinarily hard-headed.
12
Another idiom which use this strategy is “menancapkan tekad dalam hati”
(menancapkan=stick; tekad=push, desire; dalam=in, hati=heart). This idiom means giving a
determination or a desire. The translation of this idiom is “strongly imbed in heart the desire”.
Although the position of the words “tekad” is moved in the behind of the phrase, the form
and the meaning of TL is still similar with SL.
SL: Kuliah umum dari Pak Harfan di hari pertama kami masuk SD Muhammadiyah
langsung menancapkan tekad dalam hati kami untuk membela sekolah yang
hampir rubuh ini, apa pun yang terjadi.
TL: The general course from Pak Harfan on our first day at Muhammadiyah
Elementary School strongly imbedded in our hearts the desire to defend this
nearly collapsing school, no matter what.
This strategy is the most common strategy that is used in Indonesian idiom translation
into English. The goal of translation is to make translation smoother and natural by choosing
appropriate idioms in the target language.
Translation by using similar meaning but dissimilar form
The next strategy is translation by using an idiom with similar meaning but the form is
different. There are changes of phrases and clause in TL form. I found ten (10) idioms which
use this strategy. Here are some examples of translation by using similar meaning but
dissimilar form.
The first idiom that use this strategy is “tertekan batin” (tertekan=pressed down,
oppressed; batin=inner). Tertekan batin means feeling of getting pressure from others
according to KBBI (The Indonesian Dictionary). It has similar meaning with the TL which is
unpleasant feeling caused by the realization that something unpleasant or undesirable has
happened or is about to happen. Both idioms has different form. The word “sinking” has
13
different meaning with “tertekan”. Although the meaning is different, according to Oxford
dictionary, the meaning of idiom in TL is similar with SL.
SL: Suaranya berat selayaknya orang yang tertekan batinnya.
TL: Her voice was grave, normal for someone with a sinking heart.
Idiom “senyum getir” (senyum=smile; getir=bitter) means unnatural smile according
to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia/KBBI (Indonesian dictionary). The TL of this idiom is
forced smile. According to Oxford dictionary it has also similar meaning with SL. Idiom
senyum getir belongs to this strategy because it has similar meaning but dissimilar form.
Bitter and forced are totally different. But in here, the meaning of both words is similar; that
is a smile to hide the sadness.
SL: Namun, senyum Bu Mus adalah senyum getir yang dipaksakan karena tampak
jelas beliau sedang cemas.
TL: Yet Bu Mus’ smile was a forced smile: she was apprehensive.
The idiom “mulut pintu” (mulut=mouth, pintu=door) is used to describe place to go in
and out. This expression is translated into “the doorway”. The doorway and mulut pintu have
similar meaning. The meaning of these expressions according to KBBI is not the door itself
but the square cavity where the door is placed. The form of both idioms is dissimilar. There is
no word “mouth” in TL. However, in TL, “the doorway” has similar meaning with SL.
TL: Di mulut pintu berdiri dua orang guru seperti para penyambut tamu dalam
perhelatan.
SL: In the doorway stood two teachers, like hosts welcoming guests to a party.
Idiom “buta huruf” (buta=blind, huruf=letter) means disable in reading and writing.
There is no English literal translation of this idiom. Therefore, the translation of buta huruf
becomes “illiteracy” which has similar meaning with the Indonesian. Both SL and TL have
dissimilar form. In here, illiteracy is not an idiom but a term to name the disability to read
14
and write. The Indonesian “buta huruf” is translated into illiteracy which has similar meaning
with SL.
SL: … tuntutan memerdekakan anak dari buta huruf.
TL: … to submit to modern demands to free their children from illiteracy.
Another idiom is “detik-detik terakhir” (detik-detik=seconds; terakhir=last, final). The
meaning of detik-detik terakhir is the very last time. This idiom shows how the people’s
feeling wait for the time when the school is closed. This idiom creates tense mood when they
are waiting. In TL, the translation of this idiom is in English common expression; “the final
moment”. The meaning of the final moment is similar with the SL. The form of both idioms
is also dissimilar. In here, there is no relationship between SL and TL’s diction.
SL: …pedih menyaksikan detik-detik terakhir sebuah sekolah tua yang tutup justru
pada hari pertama kami ingin sekolah…
TL: …heartbroken to witness the final moments before the old school closed on the
very day we were supposed to start…
Idiom “kehabisan napas” (kehabisan=run out; napas=breath) is translated into “out of
breath”. In here, both SL and TL have similar meaning but the form is different. The words
“out” and “kehabisan” are very different but the TL phrase has similar meaning with SL.
SL: Mereka berdua hampir kehabisan napas ketika tiba di depan Pak Harfan.
TL: They were both nearly out of breath when they arrived in front of Pak Harfan.
Idiom “waktu habis” (waktu=time, habis=run out) is translated into time was up.
Although it has an equivalent meaning with its translation, this idiom has different form. In
this case, form of both SL and TL is not a phrase. Both SL and TL are a clause. They consist
of subject and predicate. Both idioms do not have a relation if translated literally but have
similar meaning.
SL: Akhirnya, waktu habis …
TL: Finally, time was up.
15
Translation by paraphrasing
There are three (3) Indonesian idioms found in this strategy. Baker said that
paraphrase is the most common strategy in translating idiom (2007). However, this strategy is
not the most common strategy in translating Indonesian idioms into English in this novel.
Here are the idioms that use this strategy.
In English, “benang merah” (benang=thread, merah=red) means connecting line,
connection, correlation, similarity, or underlying causes. In this context, benang merah is
translated into the very essence. Benang merah in here means connecting line because the red
thread connects the words with the life. This idiom uses paraphrase strategy because the TL is
very different. There is no equivalent meaning if it translated literally. The form and the
words in TL are different from the SL. The TL translation is totally different with the SL.
SL: Beliau menorehkan benang merah kebenaran hidup yang sederhana melalui katakatanya yang ringan namun bertenaga seumpama titik-titik air hujan.
TL: Through humble words, as powerful as raindrops, he brought to us the very
essence of the simple life’s righteousness.
The idiom that is using this strategy is “menyakitkan hati” (menyakitkan=painful,
hati=heart). In Indonesia, menyakitkan hati means feeling unhappy because of being hurt.
Hati in here is used as the complement of adjective menyakitkan. If hati is omitted, the
meaning will not change. However, in Indonesian, hati makes the meaning of menyakitkan
becomes more detail and clear which part is painful. The English translation of “menyakitkan
hati” is only “painful”. The idiom “menyakitkan hati” is paraphrased into “painful”, which
has similar meaning with SL.
SL: Kenyataan bahwa beliau hanya memerlukan satu siswa lagi untuk memnuhi
target itu menyebabkan pidato ini akan menjadi sesuatu yang menyakitkan hati.
TL: The fact that he only needed one more student would make this speech even
more painful to give.
16
The idiom “membesarkan hati” (membesarkan=enlarge, expand; hati=heart) means to
entertain or to cheer up someone. But in Indonesia, if we omit the prefix and suffix (besar
hati), it means arrogant and someone who have big heart. The English translation of this
idiom is “console” which means entertain or cheer up someone. The diction on TL is totally
different with the SL. There is no relationship between SL and TL.
SL: Para orangtua menepuk-nepuk bahunya untuk membesarkan hatinya.
TL: The parents patted him on the back to console him
In this study, the translation by omission or ellipsis was not found. If I analyzed until
the last chapter, I might find it. Beside that, the translator, Kilbane, do not have much time in
translating Laskar Pelangi. She only had seven month to translate this novel.
CONCLUSION
The aim of this study was to analyze the translation strategies used in translating
idioms in Rainbow Troops novel, the English version of Laskar Pelangi novel by Andrea
Hirata. There are four strategies found that used by the translator in translating Indonesian
idioms into English. I found that the most frequent translation strategy used by the translator
is translation by using similar meaning and form. This result is different from what Baker
proposed, which the most common strategy in translating idiom is paraphrasing. The next
most frequent translation strategies used based on the analysis are translation by using an
idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing. I did not found the
last strategy, translation by omission or ellipsis, in this study.
In this study, I only examine three chapters of the Laskar Pelangi novel because of
the limit of the time doing this study. Unfortunately, the English translations of these three
chapters become four chapters in the Rainbow Troops. If I analyzed all of the chapters of the
17
novel, I would have found more strategies that are used by translator to translate the
Indonesian idioms.
According to the previous conclusions, some suggestions are recommended as
follows. For teachers, translation strategies used in the translation of idioms are suggested to
be taught in translation course especially about the translation by similar meaning and form
as it is the most frequent translation strategy used, because the meaning and the translation of
TL have to be as close as the SL. For researchers, further research related to idiom translation
especially English translation of Indonesian idioms is important to be conducted since they
can be used as a reference in both teaching and learning English as a foreign language. It is
hoped for the translator to provide better idiom translation as the researcher has provided the
translation strategies used and their examples. The translator should also have deep
comprehension about idiomatic expressions as well as the cultures and languages of both the
source language and target language text in order to produce a good translation of the
idiomatic expressions. It is important for the students or English Department students to
recognize idioms to improve better interpretation of native English language.
Acknowledgment
First of all, I would like to thank to my Almighty God, Jesus Christ, for always
blessing me through His kindness, guidance and strength in doing my thesis. Also, I would
like to send my gratitude to my supervisor, Maria Christina Eko S., M. Hum., for her supports
and suggestions in guiding me so that I could finish my thesis. I would also thank my
examiner, Dr. E. Titik Murtisari, who is willing to read and examine my thesis.
18
I also thank to my father, mother and sister for their endless prayer, supports and
advices which means so much for me. Also to all my friends, Dewa, Riris, Ricky, Vitus, and
Mayang, who always support and help me. Lastly, I would thank to my friends in ED 2008
for giving me unforgettable memory as long as I study in this department. Also to all my
teachers in English Department for teaching and educating me the whole time I study in
SWCU.
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Appendix
Table 1. Translation by Using Similar Meaning and Form
No.
Indonesian Idioms
English Translation
1.
2.
mempercerah masa depan
agak terbelakang mentalnya
brighten futures
a bit behind mentally
3.
4.
berpikir jernih
meloncati nasib
think clearly
leap over fate
5.
mematahkan semangat
break determination
6.
keras kepala
hard-headed
7.
buah pikiran
the fruit of mind
8.
kehancuran hati
broken heart
9.
hati malu
heart was embarrassed
10.
menghabiskan hidup
dedicate lives
11.
mendinginkan suasana
cool down the mood
12.
menancapkan tekad dalam hati strongly imbed in hearts the desire
13.
membelai hati
touch heart
14.
pantang menyerah
never surrender
15.
jatuh cinta
fall in love
Table 2. Translation by Using Similar Meaning but Different Form
No. Indonesian Idioms English Translation
1.
mulut pintu
the doorway
2.
senyum getir
forced smile
3.
tertekan batin
a sinking heart
4.
buta huruf
illiteracy
5.
detik-detik terakhir
the final moment
6.
putus asa
devastated
7.
kehabisan napas
out of breath
8.
angkat bicara
began to speak
9.
merebut hati
win heart
10.
waktu habis
time was up
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Table 3. Translation by Paraphrasing
No. Indonesian Idioms English Translation
1.
benang merah
the very essence
2.
menyakitkan hati
painful
3.
membesarkan hati
console
23