INTRODUCTION
Introduction
This chapter presents an overview of the study, structured into seven key sections Sections 1.2 and 1.3 outline the rationale and significance of the research, while sections 1.4 and 1.5 detail the study's scope and objectives Section 1.6 describes the organization of the study, and section 1.7 concludes with a summary of the discussions.
Rationale
Language serves as a mirror of culture, with each nation possessing its unique linguistic traits shaped by historical, cultural, and environmental factors Different countries articulate ideas in distinct manners, influenced by their history, geography, economy, religion, and customs Consequently, language and culture are intertwined, presenting challenges for translators who often struggle with culture-specific terms The significant cultural disparities between countries like England and Vietnam lead to varied interpretations of similar concepts This highlights the growing importance of translators in bridging these cultural gaps in today's interconnected world.
In recent decades, there has been considerable discourse surrounding culture-specific items (CSIs) and their translation It is crucial to recognize that CSIs carry significant meanings, necessitating effective translation According to Maasoum (2011), a primary challenge for translators is identifying the most suitable equivalents for these culture-specific elements.
To accurately translate works that embody cultural characteristics, it is essential to consider the translation process's cultural factors A deep understanding of both languages and their respective cultures is crucial for translators, as they face the challenge of finding equivalent meanings and functions in the target language Comprehensive knowledge of the source and target cultures enhances the translator's ability to convey the full meaning of a text effectively Therefore, successful translation requires an appreciation of the cultural nuances involved in both languages.
Translating culturally specific items (CSIs) from Vietnamese to English poses significant challenges in the translation of "Dumb Luck." This descriptive study investigates the effectiveness of translators in conveying CSIs during this process By analyzing the translation patterns, the study highlights the complexities involved in translating between languages, even for seasoned professionals Additionally, it explores the techniques used in "Số đỏ" and its English counterpart to reveal the underlying cultural meanings inherent in Vietnamese culture, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of translations between English and Vietnamese.
Researchers have explored various strategies for translating culture-specific items (CSIs) due to the cultural gaps between the source text (ST) and target text (TT) audiences, which can lead to significant differences in impact Literary translations often face greater challenges because they contain numerous CSIs and unique cultural values, making them more complex than other text types A study by Ulrika Persson (2015) examined the translation issues related to CSIs in Australian and New Zealand colonial and post-colonial children's literature into Swedish, providing a detailed analysis of the translation methods employed in this context.
Children’s Literature: An Illustrated History edited by Peter Hunt and published by
In her 1995 study published by Oxford University Press, Ulrika Persson examined the translation of source texts, emphasizing the handling of proper nouns and culture-specific elements She also outlined effective strategies for addressing the challenges encountered in such translations.
In another study, Esmaeil Bagheridoust, along with Zahra Mahabadi Mahabad carried out research named “Translation of Culture-Specific Items: A Case Study of
The study of Persian architecture terminology has highlighted challenges in translating architectural texts, prompting an investigation into the translation strategies employed for cultural-specific items (CSIs) from Persian to English Utilizing Van Doorslaer’s (2007) framework, the researchers analyzed two key textbooks: "Introducing Persian Architecture" by Pope and "Abbasid Guest House" by Ouliaienia This analysis aimed to apply Van Doorslaer’s model to better understand the translation process and its implications for accurately conveying the nuances of Persian architectural concepts.
4 main strategies, including Direct Transfer, Word for Word Translation, Interpretation, and Domestication, which were applied in the translation of CSIs in their research
Figen Oztemel Akbay (2017) did research to demonstrate the preferred translation strategies in dealing with CSIs translation In her research “Transmission
This article explores the translation of cultural specific items (CSIs) in "Dear Shameless Death" by Latife Tekin, focusing on the original text "Sevgili Arsız Ölüm" and its English counterpart The research identifies the CSIs present in both versions and analyzes the translation strategies employed, utilizing Venuti’s domestication and foreignization frameworks alongside Peter Newmark’s categorization Additionally, a collaborative study by Seif Sheshnav and Deedari in 2004 examined the translation strategies for CSIs in Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth," where three translators rendered the text into Persian, applying Pavlovic and Poslek’s classification and Davies’ strategy framework Further studies by Daghoughi and Hashemian (2016) and Brigita Brasienė (2013) also contributed to the understanding of CSIs and translation strategies in various literary works, highlighting the complexities involved in translating cultural nuances.
Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London , which describes the life of the poor in Paris and London in the 1920s
Another study on this topic was from the incorporation of the two scholars: Rafael Matielo and Elaine B Espindola With the topic “Domestication And
The article "Foreignization: An Analysis Of Culture-Specific Items In Official And Non-Official Subtitles Of The TV Series Heroes" examines the translation of culture-specific items (CSIs) using the concepts of domestication and foreignization The North American TV series "Heroes" serves as the source material for this analysis Translators faced numerous challenges due to cultural differences while translating the subtitles Ultimately, the study identified and categorized a total of 42 CSIs.
Significance of the study
This study is significant for three main reasons, emphasizing both research and practical implications Firstly, it contributes to existing literature on translation techniques for culture-specific items (CSIs) from Vietnamese to English, focusing on the novel "Dumb Luck." By examining the cultural similarities and differences in translating these items, the research aims to identify key factors that influence the translation process Ultimately, this study seeks to enhance understanding of the various translation techniques employed by translators, guided by the frameworks of Newmark and Baker.
This study aims to significantly enhance existing research on translation strategies for culture-specific items (CSIs) and provide valuable insights for future investigations The diverse strategies analyzed offer essential guidance and serve as rich resources for related topics Additionally, the researcher addresses the study's limitations and offers recommendations for further research Consequently, this work can serve as a valuable resource for future researchers seeking a deeper understanding of the procedures and strategies involved in translating CSIs.
This research aims to provide translators with valuable insights into the translation of culture-specific items (CSIs) from Vietnamese to English, particularly in the context of the work "Dumb Luck." It outlines effective translation principles and strategies that can enhance the understanding and application of various techniques in translating CSIs By equipping translators and students with these methods, the study seeks to improve their translation skills while ensuring the original structure and style are preserved Ultimately, this study serves as a vital resource for those involved in the translation of culture-specific items, facilitating better practices and broader knowledge in the field.
Scope of the study
The study focuses on the translated version named “ Dumb Luck” of Peter Zinoman and Nguyen Nguyet Cam.
Objectives of the study
This study is intended to:
• Examine the strategies applied in translating culture-specific items from Vietnamese to English
• Analyze the techniques applied in translating CSIs In “Dumb Luck” By Vu Trong Phung:
• Discover the common strategies used in the process of translating CSIs from Vietnamese to English
Organization of the study
There are five chapters in the study as described below:
In Chapter 3 (section 3.2), the research aims and questions are outlined, utilizing a case study methodology to address these inquiries The novel "So Do," along with its English translation by Peter and Nguyen Nguyet Cam (section 3.3.2), serves as the focal case study The research process unfolds in three stages: investigating related studies, collecting data from the case study, and drawing conclusions from the analyzed data (section 3.3.3) Chapter 4 will present the results derived from this data collection.
Conclusion
This chapter provides an overview of the study, outlining its rationale, significance, objectives, scope, and organization The following chapter will delve into the Literature Review, where the theoretical framework of the research will be explored.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
This chapter presents the theoretical background of the study, focusing on the literature regarding culture-specific items, including proper names and common expressions It addresses the challenges associated with their translations and outlines various strategies for translating these items Additionally, section 2.4 introduces the novel "Dumb Luck," which serves as the case study for this research The chapter concludes with a summary of the key issues discussed.
Definition of Key Terms
The concept of "Culture" is multi-faceted, including some aspects such as the nation’s history, geographical conditions, economy, religion, and customs Nord
According to Nguyen Quang (1998) in "Intercultural Communication," culture encompasses the shared backgrounds of individuals, shaped by factors such as nationality, ethnicity, and religion, and is reflected in common language, communication styles, customs, beliefs, attitudes, and values Furthermore, as noted in 1997, it is essential for individuals within a society to be familiar with the complete set of norms and conventions that define their culture.
Culture is often likened to an iceberg, with much of its influence hidden beneath the surface, making its effects on individuals difficult to perceive To truly grasp the nuances of both the source and target languages, it is essential to study not only the language itself but also the associated culture According to Matsumoto (1996), culture encompasses a unique set of attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors that are transmitted across generations, shaping individual identities.
Culture encompasses the social behaviors and norms of human societies, serving as a fundamental concept in anthropology It includes a wide array of phenomena passed down through social learning, as noted by Larson (1984) and Matsumoto (1996), who emphasize that culture consists of shared beliefs, attitudes, values, and rules among a group of people This cumulative deposit of knowledge and experience also encompasses religion, hierarchies, notions of time, spatial relations, and material possessions, shaping the identity and interactions of communities.
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping human language, as it influences customs and values reflected in culture-specific words and phrases Understanding Cultural Specific Information (CSI) within each culture is a challenging yet essential task, highlighting the importance of considering CSI in communication.
2.2.1.1 Definition of culture-specific items
Scholars and linguists worldwide have identified terms that reflect cultural significance, though defining this concept can be challenging The term "culture-specific item," as noted by Aixela (1997) and Davies (2003), is the most widely recognized in research Other variations include "cultural words" (Newmark, 2003) and "culture-bound phenomena" (Baker, 1992; Newmark, 2003; Robinson, 2003) Dizdar (2014) also refers to these as cultural words, while Gambier (2007) prefers "culture-specific references." Despite the diversity of terminology, "culture-specific" remains the most accepted term among researchers.
In 2003, the term "Culture-specific items" (CSIs) gained widespread acceptance among scholars globally, highlighting the influence of cultural diversity on these items Consequently, this study adopts "culture-specific item" as its foundational term, utilizing the abbreviation "CSI" to enhance readability and avoid redundancy.
Culture-specific items (CSIs) are defined by various scholars, highlighting the complexity and diversity of cultural expressions Lewis (2010) acknowledges the vastness of cultural diversity, while Aixela (1996) identifies CSIs as terms tied to specific cultural concepts that may be unfamiliar to target text readers Nord (1997) emphasizes that cultural phenomena unique to one culture (X) may not exist in another (Y), reinforcing the significance of culture in translation Terestyényi (2011) further notes that specific cultures contain unique concepts and items without direct equivalents in others, making their understanding essential for effective translation Translators face challenges when conveying CSIs due to differences in cultural meanings, as Aixela (1996) points out Chesterman (2012) adds that source language concepts may be entirely foreign to the target audience, encompassing aspects like religious beliefs, social traditions, or specific foods The term "culture-specific" encapsulates these unique definitions.
Ulrika Persson (2015) defines culture-specific items (CSIs) as concepts unique to a particular culture, encompassing areas such as flora, fauna, food, clothing, housing, work, leisure, politics, law, and religion Examples of CSIs include traditional garments like Ao dai, Sari, and Kimono, which are emblematic of their respective cultures Similarly, Mona Baker (1992) contributes to the understanding of CSIs in her research.
Certain words in the source language may convey concepts that are unfamiliar to the target culture, whether they pertain to abstract ideas, religious beliefs, social customs, or specific foods These concepts are commonly known as 'culture-specific' (Baker 1992, p 21).
Mona Baker (1992) and Ulrika Persson (2015) describe Culture-Specific Items (CSIs) as culture-specific concepts that represent non-equivalence at the word level, making them challenging for individuals from different cultures to understand Aixela (1997) categorizes these items into proper nouns and common expressions, with the latter encompassing various objects, institutions, habits, and opinions For a thorough investigation, a more detailed classification of CSIs is necessary to address a wider array of concepts and ensure that readers can fully grasp the content of the target text.
2.2.1.2 Classification of culture-specific items
CSIs are varied and enormous, therefore to translate culture-specific items effectively, classification of CSIs into categories is needed for the translation process
Cultural-specific items (CSIs) are categorized differently by various scholars, leading to significant variations in classification Systematic analysis of CSIs necessitates their division into distinct categories and subcategories Numerous researchers, including Baker, Newmark, Espindola, Gambier, and Aixela, have made efforts to categorize these items, highlighting the complexity and diversity of CSI classification in cultural studies.
Peter Newmark (1988) divides CSIs into five categories, including “ecology”,
“material culture”, “social culture”, “organizations, customs, and ideas'', and finally
In his exploration of culture-specific items, Newmark identifies twelve translation procedures, categorizing them into distinct groups: Ecology, which encompasses local flora, fauna, and geographical features; Material culture, including food, clothing, and housing; Social culture, relating to work and leisure concepts; Organizations, customs, and activities, which cover political, social, legal, and religious dimensions; and finally, Gestures and habits He elaborates that the Ecology category includes elements such as animals, plants, and landscapes, while Material culture features specific items like Ao dai and Banh Chung Social culture pertains to work and leisure concepts, and the organizations category addresses the institutional terms that reflect a country's political and social life.
"gestures and habits," refers to people's various behaviors in specific situations, especially when greeting each other with a handshake or kiss
Newmark (2010) identified six categories for culture-specific items (CSIs), including ecology, public life, social life, personal life, customs and pursuits, and private passions Additionally, CSIs can be classified into types such as proper nouns and titles of literary works Aixela (1997) further categorized these items into two groups: proper nouns and common expressions, with common expressions representing a significant portion of culture-specific items.
In the present analysis, the categorization of CSIs proposed by Aixela is used Aixela
Proper names can be classified into two categories: conventional names that lack inherent meaning and names that carry historical and cultural significance (1997) Aixela explains that common expressions encompass objects, institutions, habits, and opinions unique to each culture, which do not qualify as proper names Consequently, cultural-specific items (CSIs) that do not fit into the proper names category are classified as common expressions These groups also differ in capitalization rules, with proper names being capitalized while common expressions are not Gambier (2006) further divides CSIs into six sub-groups, including references to systems, food and measurements, sports, institutions, notable individuals and events, and the legal system.
Espindola (2006) categorizes Cultural Signifiers (CSIs) into various types, including toponyms, anthroponyms, forms of entertainment, means of transportation, fictional characters, local institutions, measuring systems, food and drink, scholastic references, and religious celebrations Toponyms refer to place names, while forms of entertainment encompass various amusements and hospitality Means of transportation involve the movement of people and goods, and fictional characters include works of imagination Local institutions serve communities in areas such as health, education, and politics The measuring system includes units like height and weight, while food and drink cover substances like coffee and wine Scholastic references pertain to educational topics, and religious celebrations include specific holidays such as Tet.
Translation of culture-specific items
2.3.1 The difficulty of culture-specific items translation
Culturally significant, culturally specific items (CSIs) are fundamental to both Vietnamese and English languages, reflecting deep cultural meanings Examining CSIs is crucial for understanding cultural nuances However, translating CSIs presents numerous challenges for translators, highlighting the complexities of conveying cultural context across languages.
Translating culturally specific items (CSIs) poses significant challenges due to the inherent differences between cultures Newmark (1988) emphasized that while "cultural words" are tied to specific languages, they cannot be translated literally Larson (1984) noted that these cultural disparities complicate the search for equivalent lexical items The difficulty of finding counterparts from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) increases as cultural differences widen Shuttleworth and Cowie (1997) highlighted that translating cultural and linguistic terms is a sensitive task that requires various approaches, viewing cultural translation as a tool for cross-cultural research Meyer (2006) asserted that translation involves numerous decisions, necessitating caution at every stage to minimize errors Newmark (2010) further supported this by stating that culture represents the primary barrier to achieving effective translations, making the rendering of CSIs a critical area of focus in translation studies.
Shọffner and Wieserman (2001) highlight the challenges translators face when dealing with Culture-Specific Items (CSIs) during the translation process, as conventional methods often fall short Translating CSIs is particularly difficult due to their deep ties to the cultural context of the source culture Consequently, translators must assess the gains and losses of meaning associated with CSIs, which can vary significantly between different cultures.
Translating culture-specific items (CSIs) poses significant challenges for translators, often leading to untranslatability According to Baker (1992), the non-equivalence in translation of CSIs is a prevalent issue faced by many translators Researchers have noted that the intricacies of cultural interrelation make CSI translation particularly problematic Petrulione (2012) highlighted that identifying suitable equivalents for culturally charged terms is one of the most challenging aspects of translation Consequently, translators frequently make arbitrary decisions when dealing with CSIs, which can hinder target readers' understanding of diverse cultures.
Translating culture-specific items (CSIs) poses significant challenges for translators, as highlighted by Nida (2015) These items carry rich cultural and historical connotations, making their translation complex For instance, the term "Bun Bo Hue" exemplifies how deeply rooted cultural references can complicate the translation process, requiring translators to navigate the intricate connections between language and culture.
"Bun Bo Hue" is a culturally significant dish that embodies Vietnamese traditions, making it difficult to find an exact English equivalent This unique culinary term often leads to challenges in translation, as it is not widely recognized in English-speaking cultures Such discrepancies in translation are common across various languages with distinct cultural contexts.
Transforming culturally significant items (CSIs) is challenging due to the need for highly qualified translators who can effectively navigate complex expressions Many CSIs incorporate historical references or wordplay, making it difficult to maintain their original meaning and impact during translation.
2.3.2 Translation strategy for culture-specific items
Translating culture-specific items (CSIs) poses challenges, yet various theorists have proposed different methods for effective translation Padmavathy and Thangavel (2011) emphasize the importance of creating new terms or clarifying the source language's meaning to convey CSIs accurately Translators must carefully tailor their translations to suit the target audience, recognizing that not all elements need to be translated due to cultural differences Maintaining the original meaning of cultural terms is crucial, while selecting target language words that evoke similar reactions as their source counterparts is essential Chesterman (2012) outlines eight procedures for translating CSIs, including using a more general term, employing cultural substitution, utilizing loan words with explanations, paraphrasing with related or unrelated words, omitting certain elements, and providing illustrations.
In the realm of translation strategies for cultural-specific items (CSIs), Davies (2003) identifies six key approaches: globalization, localization, omission, addition, transformation, and preservation Venuti emphasizes two primary strategies—domestication and foreignization—highlighting the translator's choice between maintaining the source text's characteristics or adapting them for the target audience Furthermore, Newmark (1988) outlines twelve translation procedures for CSIs, including transference, cultural equivalent, and literal translation, among others He also proposes five specific strategies for addressing CSIs: transference, cultural equivalent, descriptive equivalent, componential analysis, and transonym.
Shọffner and Wieserman (2001) propose four key translation strategies for handling Culture-Specific Items (CSIs): loanword, calque, substitution, and explanation These strategies are essential for effectively translating CSIs to align with the expectations of the target audience.
Venuti's strategies of foreignisation and domestication highlight the dynamics between source and target languages in translating culture-specific items (CSIs) In contrast, Davies's approach, noted in 2006, is frequently referenced by researchers translating works like So Do Mona Baker (1992) further contributed to this discourse by proposing various techniques to address non-equivalence in translation She identified eight procedures for word-level non-equivalences, including using a more general term, opting for a neutral word, paraphrasing, employing related words, cultural substitution, and incorporating loan words with explanations These techniques are essential for effectively translating culture-specific items.
The categorization of CSIs translation proposed by Davies serves as a contemporary theoretical foundation for analyzing the data in this study By combining Davies' and Baker's strategies, the research aims to yield more relevant and detailed insights compared to previous studies Consequently, the anticipated results from this combined approach are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of CSIs translation strategies.
Furthermore, the researcher is hoping that the result of this study will be accurate and effective for further analysis
Translators often need to select words in the target language that evoke similar effects for target readers as those in the source language, as noted by Padmavathy and Thangavel Chesterman (2012) identified eight effective translation procedures for handling Cultural-Specific Items (CSIs), which include: using a more general term (superordinate), opting for a neutral or less expressive word, employing cultural substitution, utilizing loan words with or without explanations, paraphrasing with related or unrelated terms, omitting certain elements, and illustrating concepts.
In the realm of translation strategies for cultural-specific items (CSIs), Davies (2003) identifies six methods: globalization, localization, omission, addition, transformation, and preservation Venuti emphasizes two primary approaches—domestication and foreignization—where translators must choose between maintaining the source text's characteristics or adapting them for the target audience Additionally, Newmark (1988) outlines twelve translation procedures for CSIs, including transference, cultural equivalent, and literal translation, among others He further refines his approach by proposing five specific strategies: transference, cultural equivalent, descriptive equivalent, componential analysis, and transonym.
Shọffner and Wieserman (2001) propose four key translation strategies for handling culture-specific items (CSIs): loanword, calque, substitution, and explanation They emphasize that employing these strategies is crucial for effectively translating CSIs to align with the expectations of the target audience.
Translation strategies of CSIs adopted in Dumb Luck
According to Davies (2003), there are a total of 7 translation strategies that translators can adopt to translate CSIs which can be categorized into the following techniques:
According to Davies (2003), when a cultural-specific item (CSI) in the source language (SL) lacks an equivalent in the target language (TL), translators typically resort to a strategy of copying the original term into the translated text (TT) without modifications While this approach helps maintain the original meaning, it may create challenges for the target audience in terms of understanding the intended message.
Preservation in translation is referred to by various scholars using different terms Pedersen (2005) calls it "retention," while Aixela (1996) uses the term "repetition." Pizzuto (2010) identifies this strategy as "borrowing," and Newmark (2004) refers to it as "transference."
(1988), in the transference strategy, the translators opt for transferring the ST into the
In the context of translating cultural-specific items (CSIs), the term "TT" refers to the use of a loan word without translation, which is recognized as a loan word According to Baker's framework, this approach involves employing a loan word accompanied by an explanation, while Chesterman categorizes it as a combination of loan and calque (Baker, 1992; Chesterman, 1997).
Davies categorizes preservation strategies into two main types: preservation of form and preservation of content Preservation of form retains the original terms from the source text in their translated form, such as Deepwood Motte and Dreadfort In contrast, preservation of content focuses on translating the underlying meaning of cultural concepts literally, without maintaining their original form or providing additional explanations.
In translation, addition serves as a crucial strategy to enhance clarity and provide contextual information when the source language (SL) may confuse the target reader This approach is essential when the original terms are not relatable, allowing translators to effectively explain concepts for better understanding When preservation leads to ambiguity, addition becomes necessary Various scholars have categorized this strategy differently; for instance, Newmark (2004) identified techniques such as descriptive and functionally equivalent methods, along with notes and glosses for external explanations Aixelá (1996) differentiated between "extra-textual gloss," which includes footnotes and prefaces, and "intratextual gloss," where explanations are embedded within the text Similarly, Davies identified two subcategories of addition: internal and external.
Omission in translation, as defined by Davies (2003), occurs when a challenging cultural-specific item (CSI) is left out, resulting in readers being unaware of its existence This can involve either partial or total omission of CSIs from the source text (ST) in the target text (TT) Davies emphasizes that if additional explanations render the original term meaningless, translators should consider removing them Moreover, when an adequate equivalent for a CSI in the source language (SL) cannot be found, it is advisable to omit the CSI altogether, as the translation process may demand significant time and effort without yielding satisfactory results.
Frequent use of the deletion strategy in translation can adversely affect its effectiveness Aixelá (1996) refers to this approach as "Deletion," aligning it with Davies' omission strategy This method involves omitting culturally specific items that may not be essential for the target audience's understanding, leading translators to choose their exclusion in the target text (TT).
Dimutriu (2004) argues that excessive omission in translation can lead to failure, as it may create confusion for readers This is evident in the French translation of a song title from Rowling's Harry Potter series, where the humor is lost While translators may choose omission to convey only essential information, it is crucial to use this strategy judiciously to avoid redundancy, cultural taboos, or unnecessary cultural misunderstandings Ultimately, effective use of omission requires careful consideration by the translator.
Globalization is a key strategy in translation, as noted by Davies (2003), particularly in the promotional materials of translation and editing services These companies aim to effectively engage diverse global audiences by ensuring their content is "globalized." This involves replacing culture-specific terms with more general or neutral language that resonates with a broader readership By doing so, translators enhance the accessibility and comprehension of cultural references, allowing a wider audience to connect with the original meaning in the source language.
Globalization techniques have gained prominence in translation to cater to the needs of a multicultural readership, facilitating large-scale communication Despite diverse cultural backgrounds, readers can engage with more generalized terms Scholars have also adopted this approach under various terminologies; for instance, Newmark calls it Naturalisation, while Baker refers to it as translation by a more general word Newmark's concept of Naturalisation involves generalizing a culturally specific item (CSI) by employing a culture-free term or introducing a new specific term in the target text (TT).
Localization, in contrast to globalization, involves translators selecting appropriate equivalents in the target language (TL) to replace culture-specific items (CSIs) from the original text, enhancing clarity for the target audience This strategy is particularly effective for adapting cultural references to resonate with the target readers For instance, in the French translation of J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series, British dishes were substituted with popular French specialties, such as replacing Christmas cake with bûches de Noël, a traditional French Christmas cake By employing localization, translators ensure that the impact of the translated CSIs in the target text mirrors that of the original, maintaining cultural relevance and reader engagement.
Various scholars have approached localization using different terminology, merging the concepts of localization and globalization into a unified strategy For instance, Hervey and Higgins (2002) describe this approach as "cultural transplantation," where elements of the target language's indigenous culture replace those in the source text As a result, the localization process ensures that terms are translated in a manner familiar to the target audience, enhancing their understanding.
In translation, the strategy of adjusting certain parts of the text without altering its meaning is crucial for enhancing reader comprehension This approach, referred to as adaptation by Pizzuto and cultural substitution by Baker, aims to make original concepts more relatable to the audience (Pizzuto 2010; Baker 1992).
This strategy involves creating a new Cultural Specific Item (CSI) in the target text (TT) to achieve equivalent effects in the target language (TL), thereby clarifying the meaning of the original CSI for the reader While Aixelà (1966) regards this technique as the least common, it can still enhance understanding This approach is akin to Newmark's concept of idiomatic translation, where the essence of the original message is preserved, but the nuances shift due to the incorporation of colloquial expressions and idioms not present in the source language (SL).
Translating culture-specific items (CSIs) requires profound knowledge and strong linguistic skills, as the task involves finding equivalent meanings and functions in the target language Baker (1992) identified strategies for effectively translating CSIs, viewing them as instances of non-equivalence at the word level Her suggested strategies include using a more general or neutral word, paraphrasing, employing related or unrelated terms, cultural substitution, loan words with explanations, omission, and illustration to convey the intended meaning accurately.
2.4.2.1 Translation by a more general word (superordinate)
This strategy helps to overcome the difficulty in finding the counterpart of a specific norm with no specific equivalent in the TT when compared to the source language.
2.4.2.2 Translation by a more neutral/less expressive word
Conclusion
This chapter defines key terms such as translation, culture, and culture-specific items, and reviews their classifications It discusses translation strategies for both general translation and the specific translation of culture-specific items, referencing the works of notable researchers The researcher lays the groundwork for further exploration in section 2.3, highlighting Aixela's (1997) classifications of culture-specific items into proper nouns and common expressions, as well as Davies and Baker's strategies for translating these items The conclusion emphasizes the limitations faced in translating culture-specific items, prompting the researcher to seek more efficient methods and effective strategies for improved translation outcomes.
METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter is divided into three key sections: it begins with the research aims, followed by the research questions outlined in section 3.2 The subsequent section (3.3) details the research methods, data collection, and procedural aspects of the study.
In the final section, the researcher summarizes what has been discussed in the methodology chapter.
Research aims and research questions
This study aims to analyze the strategies used in translating culture-specific items from Vietnamese to English, focusing on the literary work "So Do." By examining various translation methods, the researcher seeks to identify the most effective strategies for conveying cultural nuances The findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights for translating culture-specific items, particularly within the realm of literature.
To achieve the objectives, the study seeks answers to the following Research Questions (RQs):
1) What strategies were used in the translation of culture-specific words in Dumb Luck?
2) What are the most common techniques used in the translation of culture-specific items in Dumb Luck?
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive quantitative and qualitative approach to evaluate the translation of culture-specific items (CSIs) in the text "Dumb Luck." By utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the research aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the data, allowing for the analysis of the frequency of various translation methods applied to CSIs The qualitative aspect facilitated data collection, while the quantitative aspect provided justifications for the chosen translation methods The research focused specifically on culture-specific items within "Dumb Luck" as the primary text for examination.
This research focuses on the literary work "So Do" to examine how translators employ various strategies when translating culture-specific items from Vietnamese to English Case studies are crucial for researchers as they provide in-depth insights into specific aspects or situations The significance of case studies is well-established and emphasized by numerous scholars across diverse research fields.
According to Yin (1984), a case study is an empirical inquiry that explores a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, particularly when the boundaries between the phenomenon and its context are not distinctly defined, utilizing multiple sources of evidence.
Case studies enable researchers to investigate real-life phenomena and gather relevant data for their studies By thoroughly examining these case studies, researchers can develop a comprehensive understanding of various incidents and situations, as well as the relationships between them.
Case studies allow researchers to present a comprehensive view of specific situations or complex issues, as noted by Rule and John (2011) They provide an opportunity to delve deeply into a particular case while also acquiring extensive knowledge about related topics in real-life contexts.
According to Tellis (1997), researchers can effectively conduct observation, reconstruction, and analysis of case studies to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, enabling them to present clear explanations and achieve desirable outcomes in their research.
Case study research enables the exploration and understanding of complex issues by analyzing reports from past studies This method is particularly effective for holistic and in-depth investigations of social and behavioral problems By utilizing case study methods, researchers can transcend quantitative statistical results and gain insights into behavioral conditions from the perspective of the actors involved Given these advantages, this paper asserts that case study research is an appropriate method for addressing the proposed questions of the study.
Dumb Luck features numerous culture-specific terms that may be unfamiliar to English readers Vu Trong Phung masterfully crafts a vivid depiction of the world and human experience, employing a rich array of puns, a comical tone, and unexpected twists throughout each chapter.
So Do, published in 1938, is a notable novel by Vu Trong Phung, regarded as one of the greatest Vietnamese writers of the twentieth century This study focuses on So Do, which has gained widespread appeal due to its clever plot, diverse characters, humorous tone, and richly drawn language Additionally, Dumb Luck is the first of Phung's major works to be translated into English by Peter and Nguyen Nguyet Cam For more details, refer to Chapter 2, section 2.4.
It remains one of Vietnam's most popular and controversial novels
The novel "So Do," featuring nearly 20 complete chapters, showcases a rich tapestry of culture-specific elements throughout its narrative This vibrant work is a compelling representation of diverse cultural themes and experiences.
Vu Trong Phung skillfully incorporated numerous culture-specific elements in his novel, utilizing these items to vividly portray the customs, behaviors, actions, and habits of each character.
You can access translated chapters from a publicly available resource on the Internet, specifically Google, which serves as a comprehensive source of information, including webpages, images, and videos Google offers various special features to help you find precisely what you need Notably, "Do" represents the first translation of a significant literary work.
Vu Trong Phung is considered one of the greatest Vietnamese writers of the twentieth century, with his works being translated into English by Peter Zinoman and Nguyen Nguyet Cam, both affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley Currently, only their translation is available, limiting opportunities for comparative analysis of translation strategies This study concentrates on this singular translation, examining Vietnamese proper names and common expressions from the novel "So Do," alongside their English equivalents The primary objective is to identify strategies for translating culture-specific items, drawing insights from both the original text and its translation.
This research was conducted along three main stages
• Stage 1: Research document and framework identification:
In this phase, the researcher gathered references and relevant prior studies to acquire essential information and foundational knowledge for the research Building on insights from these studies and reference materials, the researcher established a theoretical background and framework for further analysis Chapter 2 effectively addresses the first research question.
• Stage 2: Analyzing the case study
Stage 2 comprises 4 steps as follows:
+ Step 1: Tabulation of culture-specific items
The source text in So Do was meticulously analyzed line by line to identify culture-specific items All identified cultural elements in the original paper were then compared with their English translation counterparts.
+ Step 2: Categorization of culture-specific items