INTRODUCTION
Scopes of the study
Environmental terminology spans multiple fields, each with its own specialized vocabulary and unique features Readers must dedicate time to discovering, updating, and accumulating new environmental terms across different sectors, reflecting the rapidly changing nature of environmental knowledge The continuous evolution of information presents significant challenges for researchers and requires patience from learners navigating the broad scope of environmental topics Due to limited knowledge and understanding, it is not possible to cover all environmental terms comprehensively in this article.
Environmental terminology study materials are sourced from a variety of reputable channels, including linguistic textbooks, university-level specialist books, and credible online resources Each section is supported by numerous examples and illustrations to enhance understanding and ensure clarity All content is carefully selected from trustworthy sources, guaranteeing accuracy and reliability in the information provided.
My graduation paper is divided into three parts , in which the second, naturally , is the most important part
Part I is the INTRODUCTION in which reason of the study ,scopes of study , design of study are presented
Part II is the DEVELOPMENT that includes 3 chapters:
Chapter I is Theoretical background which focuses on the definition , methods ,procedures of translation in general and ESP translation , technical translation
Chapter II is definition of term , general feature of term and popular strategies and procedures applied in the translation of environmental terms
Chapter III is Implication including difficulties in translation of environmental terms and some tips for environmental translation
Part III is the CONCLUSION
Design of the study
Translation is an indispensable part of our daily life, playing a vital role across diverse fields such as literature, culture, religion, commercial advertising, entertainment, public administration, diplomacy, scientific research, judiciary, immigration, and education With numerous definitions existing, many scholars have extensively discussed its various aspects This article consolidates different concepts of translation to provide a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted nature.
Translation involves interpreting the meaning of a source text and producing an equivalent message in a target language (Wikipedia) It ensures that the original message is accurately conveyed across different languages, facilitating effective cross-cultural communication.
- Translation is made possible by an equivalent of thought that lies behind its different verbal expressions ( Savory ,1968:10)
Translation involves converting a text from one language into an equivalent version that preserves the original message, formal features, and roles of the source text (Bell, 1991:7).
-Translation is the studying the lexicon , grammatical structure , communication
- Translation is producing in the target language , the closet natural equivalent of the source language message , firstly with respect to meaning and secondly with respect to style ( E.A.Nida, 1959:8)
-Newmark (1988 : 9) : Translation is rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that author intended the text
-Duff : Translation , as the process of conveying messages across the linguistic and cultural barriers , is an eminently communicative activity, one whose use could be
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Definitions
Translation is an essential part of our daily lives, playing a vital role across diverse fields such as literature, culture, religion, and international diplomacy It also underpins commercial advertising, entertainment, public administration, scientific research, judiciary procedures, immigration, and education, demonstrating its broad and indispensable significance Given its pervasive influence, numerous definitions of translation exist, and many writers have explored this subject extensively This article consolidates various concepts of translation to highlight its diverse interpretations and essential functions in modern society.
Translation involves interpreting the meaning of a source text and producing an equivalent message in another language, ensuring the target text communicates the same message This process is essential for bridging language barriers and facilitating effective cross-cultural communication Accurate translation requires a deep understanding of both languages and cultural nuances to preserve the original message's intent and context.
- Translation is made possible by an equivalent of thought that lies behind its different verbal expressions ( Savory ,1968:10)
Translation involves transforming a text from one language into an equivalent version that preserves the original message, formal features, and roles, ensuring both accuracy and fidelity to the source (Bell, 1991:7).
-Translation is the studying the lexicon , grammatical structure , communication
- Translation is producing in the target language , the closet natural equivalent of the source language message , firstly with respect to meaning and secondly with respect to style ( E.A.Nida, 1959:8)
-Newmark (1988 : 9) : Translation is rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that author intended the text
Translation, as the process of conveying messages across linguistic and cultural barriers, is a highly communicative activity Its application can be expanded to a wider range of teaching situations beyond current practices, enhancing communication and understanding in diverse educational contexts (Tudor, cited in Duff, 1989:5).
Spivak (1992: 5) highlights that translation is the most intimate act of reading, emphasizing the deep connection between translator and text She explains that “unless the translator has earned the right to become an intimate reader,” they cannot fully respond to the unique call of the text According to her, successful translation requires a profound understanding and personal engagement with the original work, aligning with broader views that see translation as a deeply interpretive and immersive process.
In 1994, it was proposed that translating a Source Language (SL) text into a Target Language (TL) should aim to preserve the surface meaning and maintain the structural integrity of the original The goal is to ensure that the translated text closely reflects the original's meaning while keeping the sentence structures as intact as possible However, the translation should avoid overly literal rendering that could distort the natural flow and clarity of the Target Language This approach emphasizes balancing fidelity to the original with readability and structural coherence in the translation.
Although these definitions vary in expression, they share common features such as identifying the closest equivalent in meaning through the selection of appropriate lexical and grammatical structures, considering the communication context, and accounting for cultural content The translation process also involves different translation types, which influence how the movement from one language to another is executed.
Translation types
The translation types are often categorized by the number of areas of specialization Each specialization has its own strategies and difficulties Some translation types are list as following :
The word-for-word translation method preserves the original SL word order and translates each word by its most common meaning Cultural terms are translated literally to maintain cultural context This approach is primarily used to understand the structure and mechanics of the source language or to interpret challenging texts during the pre-translation process.
-Literal translation : Literal translation is a broader form of translation , each SL word has a corresponding TL word , but their primary meanings may differ The
SL grammatical structures are converted to their closest TL equivalents, although the lexical items are often translated out of context Literal translation serves as the foundational step in both communicative and semantic translation approaches, as translation begins from this point As a pre-translation process, literal translation highlights potential problems that need to be addressed during the overall translation process.
A faithful translation aims to accurately reproduce the original text's contextual meaning within the grammatical constraints of the target language It carefully transfers cultural words while maintaining the original tone and style Additionally, it preserves the degree of grammatical and lexical deviation to ensure authenticity and cultural fidelity, making the translation as close to the original intent as possible.
SL norms It attempts to be completely faithful to the intentions and the text realization of the SL writer
Semantic translation focuses on preserving the aesthetic qualities of the source language text, prioritizing the overall meaning while making minor concessions to ensure harmony in the finished version Unlike faithful translation, which is dogmatic and strict, semantic translation allows for greater flexibility by compromising on some aspects of meaning when necessary to avoid jarring assonance, wordplay, or repetition It does not rely heavily on cultural equivalence and aims to reproduce the precise contextual meaning of the original within the syntactic and semantic constraints of the target language, as described by Newmark (1982).
Adaptation is the most flexible form of translation, primarily used for plays and poetry, where the theme, characters, and plot are preserved while the source language (SL) culture is adapted into the target language (TL) culture through rewriting Dung Vu (2004) emphasizes that adaptation primarily aims to transfer the ideas of the original to create a new text in a different language, often prioritizing cultural relevance over strict fidelity to the source He notes that the creative process in adaptation is entirely objective in both content and form, allowing for significant reinterpretation to suit the target audience.
Free translation involves conveying the meaning of the source language in the translator’s own words, often producing a paraphrased version that is longer than the original This approach focuses on capturing the essence rather than the exact wording, resulting in a more natural-sounding text in the target language However, it can sometimes be too casual, making it difficult to understand the precise original content due to its high level of freedom and deviation from the original form.
-Idiomatic translation : Idiomatic translation is used for colloquialism and idioms whose literalism of the original , uses the translation of colloquialism and idioms
Communicative translation aims to convey the exact contextual meaning of the original text, ensuring that both language and content are easily understandable and acceptable to the target readership According to Peter Newmark (1982), "even in communicative translation, the translator must respect and work on the form of the source language text as the primary material." This approach prioritizes clarity and fidelity to the original while making the message accessible to the audience.
Using loan words is a particularly common strategy when translating culture-specific items, modern concepts, and buzzwords This approach is especially effective for terms of foreign origin or those lacking direct equivalents in the target language (TL) Incorporating loan words can dramatically enhance the clarity and authenticity of the translation, making it more understandable and relevant to the audience.
Shift or transposition translation, also known as “shift” in Catford's terminology or “transposition” according to Vinay & Darbelnet, is a translation process that involves changing the grammatical structure from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) One common type of transposition is a change in word order, which is often referred to as “automatic translation,” as it requires no deliberate choice from the translator This technique helps ensure grammatical correctness and natural flow in the translated text.
Translation equivalence
Translation theory fundamentally revolves around the concept of equivalence, which is central to comparing texts across different languages Despite its importance, the definition, relevance, and application of equivalence remain highly debated within the field, leading to numerous diverse theories developed over the past fifty years Pym (1992) highlights the circular nature of equivalence, noting that it is both the basis for defining translation and a result of it Various elaborate approaches to translation equivalence have been proposed to address these complexities.
Translational equivalence is the similarity between a word ( and expression ) in one language and its translation in another This similarity results from overlapping ranges of reference
Translational equivalence is a corresponding word or expression in another language ( Lingualinks library , Version 5.0 published on CD – ROM by SL
Nida identified two primary types of translation equivalence: formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence In the second edition of his work with Taber (1982), formal equivalence is referred to as formal correspondence Formal correspondence emphasizes preserving the original message's form and content, ensuring that the translation maintains the structural and semantic aspects of the source text.
Dynamic equivalence is based on the principle of equivalent effect, focusing on conveying the same impact as the original text (1964:159) In their second edition (1982), the theorists offer a more detailed explanation of the different types of equivalence, enhancing the understanding of translation strategies.
Formal correspondence in translation involves selecting TL items that closely match the closest equivalents of SL words or phrases, but Nida and Taber emphasize that such formal equivalents are not always available across language pairs They recommend using formal equivalents whenever possible to achieve formal rather than dynamic equivalence, though this approach can sometimes lead to misunderstandings for the target audience Nida and Taber warn that formal correspondence can distort the grammatical and stylistic patterns of the receptor language, potentially causing confusion or requiring extra effort to understand the message.
Dynamic equivalence is a translation principle where the aim is to convey the original meaning in a way that elicits the same impact on the target culture (TC) audience as the original did on the source text (ST) audience According to Nida and Taber (1982), this approach often involves changing the form of the original text, provided that the changes adhere to rules of back translation, ensure contextual consistency, and maintain the message's fidelity in the receptor language This ensures that the translated content remains faithful to the original's intent and effect.
Newmark (1988) emphasizes that the primary goal of any translation is to achieve an equivalence effect that produces the same impact on the target readership as the original text He considers the equivalence effect as the desired outcome rather than the main aim of translation, except in specific cases such as when the purpose is to evoke an emotional response or inform across cultural gaps Additionally, Newmark notes that achieving equivalence is particularly important when there is a significant cultural difference between the source and target texts.
Koller (1979) considers five types of equivalence:
-Denotative equivalence : The SL and the TL words refer to the same thing in the real world It is an equivalence of the extra linguistic content of a text
-Connotative equivalence : This type of equivalence provides additional value and is achieved by the translators‟s choice of synonymous words or expressions
-Text – normative equivalence : The SL and the TL words are used in the same or similar context in their respective readers
-Formal equivalence : This type of equivalence produces an analogy of form in the translation by either exploiting formal possibilities of the TL , or creating new forms in TL
Although equivalence translation is defined with different point of view of theorists , it is the same effective equivalence between SL and TL.
Conclusion
All status mentioned above have obviously shown characteristics as well as types of equivalence in traslation In order to discover the similarity between words in
SL and TL learners must dedicate substantial time to researching and gathering reference materials from multiple sources They need to thoroughly analyze evidence to develop a solid understanding of each section before translating One key challenge for translators is determining how to proceed when encountering words that are not found in the existing reference resources.
Translating TL (target language) involves accurately expressing the same meaning as the source language, especially when direct word-to-word equivalence is lacking Since not all words have exact matches across languages, translators must craft appropriate expressions to convey the intended terms or concepts clearly Effective translation ensures readers gain a near approximation of the original content, maintaining the message's integrity and clarity.
Translation of environmental terms
English for specific purpose (ESP) is a worldwide subject Hutchinson and Waters
According to 1987, two key historical periods significantly influenced the development of ESP The first was the end of World War II, which ushered in an era of unprecedented global expansion in science, technology, and economics, largely driven by the United States' economic power and the prominence of English as the international language The second was the oil crisis of the early 1970s, during which Western countries invested heavily in oil-rich nations, and the language of this vital knowledge transfer was English.
A major factor contributing to the rise of ESP was a revolutionary shift in linguistics, moving from traditional focus on describing language features to exploring how language is used in real communication Hutchinson and Waters (1987) highlight that one key discovery was understanding how spoken and written English vary depending on context, emphasizing that language changes based on situational use This insight led to the idea that language instruction could be tailored to meet learners’ specific needs in different contexts Consequently, during the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a surge in efforts to develop English for science and technology (EST), with pioneers like Ewer, Latorre, Swales, Selinker, and Trimble leading descriptive EST research.
Hutchinson and Waters (1987) highlight that the emergence of ESP was primarily influenced by psychological factors rather than linguistics They emphasize that understanding how learners acquire language, their use of different strategies, skills, and motivations, is crucial alongside the methods of language instruction Recognizing the diverse needs of learners led to the development of tailored courses that focus on individual requirements Today, the concept of learner-centered or learning-centered approaches remains central in ESL education, prioritizing the learner's unique needs and motivations.
ESP, or English for Specific Purposes, is defined by Hutchinson and Waters (1987) as an approach where all teaching decisions are driven by the learners' reasons for studying English Anthony (1997) observes that the boundary between ESP courses and general English courses can be blurred, as many non-specialist ESL instructors employ an ESP approach by tailoring their syllabi based on learner needs and their own expertise in using English for practical communication.
David Cater (1983) identifies three types of ESP
-English for academic and occupational purpose
The language used by air traffic controllers or by waiters are examples of English as a restricted language Mackay and Mountford(1978) clearly illustrate as
A "special" language is characterized by a limited and clearly defined repertoire, similar to the linguistic needs of a dining-room waiter or air hostess These restricted vocabularies are not considered full languages, much like a tourist phrasebook does not encompass comprehensive grammar Understanding these limited repertoires highlights the distinction between basic functional communication and complete linguistic systems.
“language” would not allow the speaker to communicate effectively in novel situations or in contexts outside the vocational environment (pp.4-5)
The second type of ESP identified by Cater (1983) is English or Academic and Occupational Purpose In the “Tree of ELT” , ESP is broken down into three branches
-English for Science and Technology (EST)
-English for Business and Economics (EBE)
-English for Social Studies (ESS)
The subject areas are divided into two main branches: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) For example, within the EST branch, EOP includes courses like English for Technicians, while EAP encompasses programs such as English for Medical Studies These specialized branches cater to different language needs, preparing learners for both academic and workplace environments.
Hutchinson and Waters (1987) highlight that there is no clear distinction between EAP (English for Academic Purposes) and EOP (English for Occupational Purposes), noting that learners often study simultaneously for both, using language skills learned in academic settings in their professional lives Cater suggests that EAP and EOP can be categorized under the same type of ESP (English for Specific Purposes) because their ultimate goal—employment—is the same, although the methods to achieve this differ significantly Despite sharing the same end goal, EAP and EOP differ fundamentally in their approaches, with EAP focusing more on academic language skills and EOP emphasizing language needed for occupational settings According to Cummins (1979), this distinction can be understood through the concepts of cognitive academic proficiency versus basic interpersonal skills, which are central to differentiating EAP from EOP.
The third and final type of ESP identified by Cater (1983) is English with specific topics, where the emphasis shifts from purpose to subject matter This type of ESP focuses on anticipated future English needs, such as scientists requiring language skills for postgraduate reading, conferences, or working in foreign institutions However, it can be argued that this is not a separate category but rather an integral part of ESP courses that emphasize situational language These situational language components are developed based on needs analysis and authentic language use in target workplace settings.
Environmental ESP is a specialized technical language that differs significantly from descriptive language, requiring translators to possess deep subject matter knowledge to produce accurate, reader-friendly translations The importance of Environmental ESP translation has grown with the prevalence of environmental documents in English, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of technical terms to effectively convey the original meaning Achieving a complete translation that captures the universal essence of the source text is challenging without familiarity with environmental terminology, highlighting the significance of technical translation principles This study is grounded in the theoretical framework of technical translation, focusing on the complexities of translating environmental texts accurately.
II.2.1 Definition of technical translation
Technical translation, as distinguished from literary translation by Sofer (1991), is primarily focused on specialized content and professionals in the field While literary translation involves fiction, poetry, drama, and humanities, often requiring translators with a literary background, technical translation is performed by a larger group of practitioners and is continuously expanding, offering numerous opportunities This key difference highlights the broader scope and practical nature of technical translation in various industries.
Newmark (1981) differently distinguishes technical translation from institutional translation : “Technical translation is one part of specialized translation ; institutional translation ; the area of politics , commerce , finance , government ect
Technical translation is potentially non-cultural and universal, as its benefits extend beyond a single speech community, emphasizing the importance of translating technical terms to facilitate clear understanding across different audiences In contrast, institutional translation is inherently cultural, requiring careful transfer of terms to maintain contextual and societal relevance While technical translation focuses on specialized, often standardized terminology, institutional translation involves cultural nuances, making the accurate transfer of terms essential unless technical approaches are applied to bridge these differences Both forms of translation are specialized, with technical translation emphasizing universality and institutional translation emphasizing cultural accuracy.
II.2.2 Translation in the case of environmental field
Environmental terminology is a dynamic and specialized field that evolves over time, making accurate translation essential To ensure precise translations, it is crucial for translators to stay updated with comprehensive glossaries covering both general environmental concepts and specific topics Due to the complexity of environmental terms, successful translation requires strong translational skills combined with in-depth domain knowledge of the environment Furthermore, understanding the etymology and word formation within environmental terminology enhances the accuracy and clarity of translations, ensuring that terminology remains current and contextually appropriate.
A term is a word or expression that has a particular meaning or is used in particular activity , job , profession , ect (Longnan Dictionary of Contemporary English
According to Peter Newmark, a term is a variation of language specific to a particular context, and the primary challenge in translation often lies in managing new terminology The main difficulty typically stems from source text terms that are relatively context-free and occur only once, making them harder to interpret accurately Conversely, when terms are context-bound, understanding can be improved by gradually eliminating less likely interpretations, leading to more precise translations.
There is distinction between technical and descriptive terms The original SL writer may use a descriptive term for a technical object for three reasons:
The objective is new , and not yet has a name
The descriptive term is being used as a familiar alternative , to advoid repetition
The descriptive term is being used to make a contrast with another one
Proper translation of technical and descriptive terms is essential; translators should use the appropriate equivalents and avoid the temptation to translate descriptive terms with technical terms to showcase knowledge, as this can undermine the original linguistic impact When the source language (SL) uses a descriptive term due to the writer’s ignorance, negligence, or the absence of a suitable technical term in the SL, and especially if referring to an object unfamiliar to the SL culture but known in the target language (TL) culture, translators are justified in replacing the descriptive with a technical term This approach ensures cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy while respecting the original message.
A STUDY ON THE TRANSLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
Definitions of terms
Linguists have proposed numerous definitions of terminology, with the “Dictionary of Linguistic Terminology” (1997) listing fifteen distinct explanations According to Nguyen Van Tu (1960: 176), terminology refers to words or combinations of words used in fields such as science, technology, politics, and art, which possess specific meanings and denote precise concepts and names within these domains Similarly, Russian authors in the “Russian Encyclopedia” (1976: 473–474) describe terminology as a specialized, restricted set of expressions that accurately represent concepts, their relationships, and characteristics related to specific professions or fields Both definitions highlight terminology’s role in providing precise and specialized language to describe phenomena, concepts, and their interconnections in various scientific and professional areas.
Several Vietnamese linguists, including Do Huu Chau (1962) and Luu Van Lang (1979), have provided definitions of terminology However, the most recent and comprehensive definition is by Nguyen Thien Giap (1985: 308–309), who describes terminology as a specific linguistic unit comprising words and fixed phrases that offer precise definitions and objectives within a particular scientific field.
Terminology is a specialized linguistic unit that differs from ordinary words or phrases, primarily used within specific professional fields Unlike regular language, terminology is closely linked to precise definitions and objectives related to a particular discipline It reflects the development of science, technology, and innovation within a society, thereby illustrating the advancements and technical progress that shape modern communities.
Terminology is a specialized component of a language's lexical system, possessing distinctive features that meet specific criteria to be classified as scientific terminology According to the "Conference on Building Terminology System" held by the State Committee of Science in 1969 in Hanoi, key qualities of effective terminology were discussed and established These essential qualities ensure that terminology is precise, consistent, and suitable for scientific and technical communication Meeting these criteria helps terminology serve its purpose in facilitating clear and accurate knowledge dissemination across various scientific fields.
Effective language translation relies on key principles such as accuracy, systematism, and internationalism, which guide the development of high-quality terminology Depending on a language's cultural characteristics, additional principles may be necessary; for example, Vietnamese terminology prioritizes scientific accuracy, systematic structure, and conciseness, while also emphasizing cultural appropriateness and national identity Moreover, terms should be popular—easy to understand, memorize, speak, write, and read—to enhance communication and accessibility across different audiences.
In the next section general features of terminology are going to be explored.
General feature of term
The distinction between technical and descriptive term is unfarmiliar The original may use a descriptive term for a technical object for three reasons :
-The object is new or it has not yet the name
-Descriptive term is used as farmiliar alternative to avoid repetition
-Descriptive term is used to make contrast with another one
Scientific terminology refers to specific words or phrases used within a particular scientific field to precisely denote concepts or objects, reflecting the concept system of that discipline Unlike general vocabulary, terminology provides a narrower and more specialized means of expression, often carrying deeper meanings such as the speaker’s attitude, figurative sense, or critical nuances According to Luu Van Lang in the 1977 linguistics journal, ideal scientific terminology should possess at least three key qualities: accuracy, systematicity, and internationalism.
Accurateness is the primary criterion for scientific terms, requiring them to express concepts precisely to prevent misunderstandings In specialized systems, each concept should have a unique, typical term that denotes it clearly within the system A term's meaning is not merely the sum of its components; instead, linguistic signals combine to create new nuances, including basic nuclear meanings and secondary sub-meanings For example, the word "body" in different contexts can signify a human form or a structural element, with its core meaning remaining constant while additional meanings develop depending on context Linguistic signals typically correspond to a single nuclear meaning, and concepts are associated with specific typical signals in particular situations Therefore, when developing a scientific terminology system, it is important to consider homophones and synonyms to ensure clarity; for instance, "body" is a typical term in anatomy, while "xuong" and "than" serve as terms in art and technical fields, respectively Accurate scientific terminology involves identifying the core and typical meanings within specific contexts and eliminating extraneous sub-meanings to maintain precision and standardization.
Terminology is an essential component of language, representing a specialized system of linguistic signs unique to each language Each language has its own distinct terminology system, emphasizing the importance of systematism as a key feature of terminology This structured approach ensures clarity and consistency in technical and specialized communication across different fields.
Russian terminologists like Reformatski (1961:51) believe that the characteristic of terminology lies in its systematic formation, while Vietnamese experts emphasize its content However, both aspects are essential, as terminology involves a system of concepts (content) and a system of signs (expression form) Language functions as a structured system of signs organized into various levels, with nuclear and transformational elements in both expressing and expressed forms (Luu, V.L, 1977) To develop a coherent terminology system, it is crucial to define the conceptual content first and then determine the corresponding sign system; concepts cannot exist independently of their position within the system The systematic relationship of signs is rooted in their associative and syntagmatic relationships, exemplified in art terminology, such as lacquerware, stoneware, and earthenware, where the term "ware" indicates a product category and links various types through systematic relationships.
Internationalizing technical terminology is essential for clear communication in a globally integrated scientific community Ensuring that scientific concepts are uniformly understood across all languages prevents misunderstandings and promotes effective knowledge exchange The consistent use of precise terminology supports the rapid updating and dissemination of technological and scientific achievements worldwide, fostering innovation and progress.
Internationalism in terminology is complex due to linguistic differences among languages Nonetheless, the internationalization of scientific and technological terminology has become essential across various fields such as medicine, physics, telecommunications, business, and art Medical terminology often uses Latin and French, physics relies on English and French, telecommunications predominantly uses English, and business and commerce also favor English terms, while art incorporates French and English This standardized approach has proven to be accurate, systematic, concise, understandable, and widely accepted worldwide.
III.Popular Strategies and Procedures appied in the translation of environmental terms
Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to understanding our environment and our place within it As a relatively new and holistic discipline, it integrates natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to comprehensively study the world around us Unlike purely theoretical fields, environmental science is mission-driven, focusing on acquiring valid, contextual knowledge about the natural world and human impacts This knowledge comes with a responsibility to actively address the environmental problems caused by human activity.
The environmental field is a vital area of science and technology that requires precise and practical translation of knowledge As a broad and complex subject, it encompasses critical issues such as air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution Focusing on these key areas helps to address the major environmental challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
III.1 The related terms in air pollution
An aquifer is a layer of rock or soil that can hold or transmit significant amounts of water It is commonly translated as "groundwater reservoir" or "water-bearing layer" in environmental documents Understanding aquifers is crucial for sustainable water resource management and environmental protection.
This state shows that there is a little change in the translation of terms from English to
In technical contexts, the meaning of a word often differs from its everyday use, a distinction that readers quickly recognize This approach, known as a recognized strategy, helps clarify specialized terminology and enhances comprehension in professional and technical writing Understanding this difference is essential for effective communication in technical subjects.
The noun “ Irradiation” has the meaning of “ Sự soi sáng, sự sáng ngời” and when it has the function of environmental term , its meaning is
“ Chiếu xạ” Readers face up with no difficulty in studying this environmental terms There is not much change between the translation of terms from English to
The term "Vietnamese" is directly transferred in various contexts, with differences analyzed based on specific situations It is generally understood that the intended meaning is "Chiếu xạ." Although the suffix "ion" modifies the word's form, the lexical meaning in the target language remains closely related to the original term.
The term "recycle" is a verb meaning "to regenerate or restore." When the suffix "ing" is added, forming "recycling," it is commonly translated into Vietnamese as "tái chế" within environmental contexts Similarly, a dictionary definition of the word indicates it means "rebirth" or "recovery," illustrating how recognized translation strategies effectively convey environmental terminology.
Ambient air Không khí bao quanh môi trường Looking at SL, we can also understand the meaning of this compound word The adjective
“ambient” is “xung quanh”, “bao quanh” and the noun “air” is “không khí” But when looking at
TL we see that the word
The term "môi trường" appears in the original article, but the phrase "Môi trường" is absent in the source language In environmental contexts, the phrase "ambient air" is understood as "không khí bao quanh môi trường" in Vietnamese Therefore, when translating into Vietnamese for environmental purposes, "ambient air" should be rendered as "không khí bao quanh môi trường" to accurately convey the meaning.
English Vietnamese Cleaning application Thiết bị làm sạch
The noun “application” does not mean “thiết bị” in English; it is derived from the verb “apply,” which means “to apply or use.” The suffix “-ion” turns “apply” into “application,” meaning “the act of applying or usage.” Translating “application” directly from English into Vietnamese can sometimes lead to redundancy In environmental contexts, however, “application” often refers to “thiết bị,” especially when combined with the adjective “cleaning,” meaning “to clean.” Therefore, “cleaning application” in environmental terminology is best understood as “thiết bị làm sạch,” highlighting that it refers to cleaning equipment rather than the act of applying.
Blowing application Thiết bị thông hơi
In general, the noun “application” does not mean “device,” but in an environmental context, its meaning shifts to refer to “thiết bị,” or equipment Similarly, the adjective “blowing” denotes “hơi” or “to blow,” and when combined with related terms, it signifies “thông hơi,” or ventilation Therefore, when used as an environmental term, “application” and “blowing” together imply “thiết bị thông hơi,” meaning ventilation equipment.
Blanket of gases Tấm chặn khí
IMPLICATION
I.Difficulties in translation of environmental terms
Chapter Two investigates English environmental terms and their Vietnamese equivalents, highlighting the strategies used in translation The study reveals that various translation procedures are employed, including shift or transposition, paraphrasing with related words, and the use of loanwords Recognized translation strategies play a significant role in accurately conveying technical environmental terminology from English to Vietnamese.
Translating specialized fields like the environment is inherently complex and challenging To improve translation skills, learners should gather relevant expert documents and information, then begin translating terms from English to Vietnamese A primary challenge is that limited knowledge in the field often prevents accurate translation, as terms can have different meanings in specialized contexts compared to general usage Additionally, the vast scope of the environmental field requires learners to focus on specific aspects, as excessive information can hinder accurate translation Finally, a lack of practical experience in environmental terminology can make it difficult for students to grasp the precise meanings of terms during translation efforts.
II.Some tips for environmental translation
Environmental topics are extensive, so learners should dedicate time to researching environmental terms online Utilizing the internet as a valuable resource allows students to access important reference materials that enhance their understanding Effective research on environmental issues is essential for mastering key concepts and staying informed about current developments.
Learners should seek out environmental dictionaries in bookstores to look up new words and enhance their vocabulary for specific situations Additionally, visiting environmental sites allows learners to gain practical knowledge and better understand the meanings of terms in real-world contexts These strategies effectively improve vocabulary comprehension and practical language skills in the field of environmental studies.
Despite the abundance of books on translation, few specifically address the translation of English-Vietnamese environmental terms This thesis provides a detailed analysis of key issues in this area, supported by relevant examples Its well-organized structure facilitates readers' understanding, making it easier to grasp essential concepts in environmental term translation between English and Vietnamese.
This article aims to assist readers in studying specialized fields related to environmental science Translating environmental terms from English to Vietnamese is a complex task that cannot be achieved solely through hard work or referencing books and technical documents To ensure efficient translation, it is essential to study, discover, and accumulate relevant knowledge while proposing effective procedures By adopting these strategies, translators can develop streamlined methods to accurately translate and transfer environmental terminology at a high standard Achieving this goal is a key objective of my graduation efforts.
This study faces limitations that may impact its conclusions, including a restricted research timeframe that allowed analysis only of basic environmental documents and common translation strategies, without a deep exploration of terms in specific contexts Additionally, limited expertise in linguistics and translation studies may have led to unavoidable analysis errors Furthermore, some of the selected terms are outdated, potentially affecting the comprehensiveness and translation quality of the study.
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