Tóm tắt Explicitation strategies in translation of military terminology in military texts from English into Vietnamese

Tóm tắt Explicitation strategies in translation of military terminology in military texts from English into Vietnamese

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Công trình được hoàn thành tại:

Trường Đại học Ngoại ngữ - Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội

Supervisor: 1 Assoc Prof Dr Lê Hùng Tiến

2 Dr Huỳnh Anh Tuấn

Luận án sẽ được bảo vệ trước Hội đồng chấm luận án tiến sĩ họp tại:

Trường Đại học Ngoại ngữ, Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội vào hồi 08 giờ 30 ngày 19 tháng 11 năm 2024

Có thể tìm hiểu luận án tại:

Thư viện Quốc gia Việt Nam

Trung tâm Thông tin - Thư viện, Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Context and Rationale of the Study

The translation of military terminology from English to Vietnamese is an important area of linguistic research, particularly as military texts often contain highly technical, specialized terms that have a significant impact on national defense and security In the context of globalization and deeper international integration, military documents, strategies, and defense-related information from English-speaking countries are increasingly translated and widely used in Vietnam Accurate translation of military terminology is, therefore, crucial

Explicitation strategies help translators ensure that terms and concepts are rendered clearly, understandably, and appropriately according to the cultural and national context

of the target language However, applying explicitation strategies in the translation of military terminology from English to Vietnamese remains a challenge, especially when dealing with linguistic, cultural, and technical differences between the two languages

This study aims to analyze and clarify the use of explicitation strategies in translating military terminology, thereby identifying effective methods for accurately conveying terms and ensuring precise transmission of information in military texts

1.2 Aims, Objectives, and Research Questions

Main Objective: The primary aim of this study is to explore the use of explicitation

strategies in translating military terminology from English to Vietnamese

Specific Objectives:

terminology from English to Vietnamese

translating military terminology

Research Questions:

1 What explicitation strategies are used in the translation of military terminology?

2 How and why are these strategies employed?

1.3 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the use of explicitation strategies in the translation of military

terminology from English to Vietnamese, specifically targeting military training manuals

The study examines 115 texts from the military manuals "Corps Operations FM 3-92" and "Division Operations ATP 3-91" These texts were translated by translation experts

from the Research Institute of the Ministry of National Defense The study will identify and categorize explicitation strategies, including obligatory explicitation, expansion, pragmatic explicitation, and register explicitation A mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to gain a better understanding of military translation practices

1.4 Research Methodology

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods Specifically, the study follows an Explanatory Sequential Design, which includes three stages:

1 The first stage is a qualitative analysis to identify patterns and trends

2 The second stage involves quantitative analysis to determine which explicitation strategies are most and least frequently used

3 The final qualitative stage explores the findings in more detail, investigating the underlying reasons and objectives of these strategies, as well as providing a comprehensive view of explicitation in the translation of military terminology

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research on explicitation strategies in the translation of military terminology makes a significant contribution to the field of translation studies, particularly in the area

of military translation First, it enhances the understanding of translation strategies by providing a thorough analysis of explicitation, shedding light on the complex decision-making processes involved in conveying military terminology across languages and cultures Moreover, the study offers practical guidance for translators, improving the quality and accuracy of translated military texts, thus ensuring effective communication

A comparative analysis of English and Vietnamese military texts also helps to better understand the impact of linguistic and cultural differences on the translation process

1.6 Structure of the Study

The study is organized into six chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of the research

questions, and scope

• Chapter 2 reviews the literature on explicitation strategies and challenges in the translation of military terminology

approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods

strategies in the translation process

study and proposes directions for future research

CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL OVERVIEW

Chapter two provides an overview of the theoretical framework related to explicitation in translation, particularly in the context of translating military terminology The goal is to establish a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the study by providing

an overview of key concepts and an analytical framework for explicitation strategies in the translation of military terminology

2.1 Military Texts and Military Terminology

Military texts and military terminology are closely interconnected and play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and effective communication within the military environment Military texts include documents, directives, strategic plans, and reports that convey important information between commanders and military units These texts require clarity, detail, and precision, as the accuracy of the information can directly affect the outcomes

of military operations

Military terminology refers to specialized terms that represent concepts and methods of warfare in the military field These terms are not only technical but also help create a unified understanding and action within armed forces They are essential tools for conveying precise professional concepts in military texts

The relationship between military texts and military terminology is complementary: terminology helps clarify the messages in military texts, while military texts provide the context for the correct understanding of these terms Therefore, the accurate use and translation of military terminology are crucial, particularly in international military cooperation contexts where accuracy and shared understanding are key

In military translation, achieving equivalence is critical, as even minor discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings and have serious consequences on military

operations However, absolute equivalence is not always attainable due to cultural, societal, and linguistic differences between source and target languages

Translation strategies are methods and techniques that translators use to resolve equivalence issues during the translation process These strategies may include:

- Literal translation: Translating word-for-word, maintaining the structure and vocabulary

of the source language

- Adaptation: Modifying content to better suit the cultural context of the target language

- Explicitation: Clarifying or explaining ambiguous elements in the source text to help the target reader understand better

Depending on the type of text and the purpose of translation, the translator will choose appropriate strategies to ensure accuracy and effectiveness in conveying information from one language to another, while maintaining naturalness and clarity in the target text

2.3.2 Categorization of Explicitation Strategies

Nida (1964) described explicitation through “additions,” including completing incomplete expressions, adjusting grammar, and clarifying implicit meanings in context Blum-Kulka (1986) proposed the explicitation hypothesis, suggesting that the translation process inherently leads to greater clarity in the target text compared to the source text

Séguinot (1988) classified explicitation into three types: providing additional information, clarifying implicit meanings, and emphasizing important elements in the translation Vanderauwera (1985) divided explicitation into techniques such as using exclamations, expanding concise passages, adding conjunctions, and supplementary information Klaudy (2009) classified explicitation into four categories: obligatory, optional, pragmatic, and inherent in translation Klaudy's classification helps address various challenges in translation, from grammatical differences to cultural knowledge gaps When translating military terminology from English to Vietnamese, explicitation becomes an essential strategy for clarifying specialized terms and ensuring accuracy Applying a combination of Klaudy’s and Nida’s theories allows translators to handle both grammatical and cultural elements in military texts effectively

2.4 Deployments and Functions of Explicitation in the Translation of Military Terminology from English to Vietnamese

2.4.1 Obligatory Explicitation

Obligatory explicitation in military translation involves adding information to ensure the translation adheres to the linguistic and syntactical rules of the target language For example, the English term "Defense of the River Line" is translated into Vietnamese

as "phòng ngự theo tuyến vật cản nước," with the addition of "vật cản nước" to clarify the river's role as a defensive obstacle Similarly, "Bolster Defense" is translated as "Củng cố công sự phòng ngự," where "công sự" (fortifications) is added to clarify the type of defense being strengthened The term "Defense Receipts" is translated as "Tổng số tiền đưa vào quỹ bộ quốc phòng từ nước ngoài," with additional information about the source and purpose of the funds These added details make the translation clearer, avoiding ambiguity and ensuring cultural and contextual appropriateness in the target language

2.4.2 Amplification

Amplification explicitation in military translation involves adding information to ensure that military terms and concepts are clearly understood in the target language For example, the sentence "The commander must consider that the loss of a platoon position may compromise the entire company's defense" is translated into Vietnamese as "Người chỉ huy cũng phải cân nhắc tới tình huống khi mất một trung đội có thể gây nguy hiểm cho toàn bộ khả năng phòng ngự của đại đội," where the word "khả năng" (capability) is

added to emphasize the defensive capability of the company, not just a static defense position Amplification is also important when explaining acronyms like "DEFCON," as

in "Trạng thái sẵn sàng phòng ngự (DEFCON)," to provide clear information to the reader Adding such information helps readers understand the context correctly and ensures accuracy in military texts Amplification aids in conveying full meaning and aligning it with the tactical and operational military context

2.4.3 Pragmatic Explicitation

Pragmatic explicitation in military translation involves adding explanatory information to clarify military terms and concepts, helping readers from different cultural backgrounds understand the intended meaning For instance, the term "Collective Defense" (Phòng thủ tập thể) is further explained as "a concept where an attack on one country in the alliance is considered an attack on all countries," helping readers better understand the principle of collective defense in alliances like NATO This additional explanation is necessary because different cultures may have different understandings of military concepts, especially if they are not familiar with Western military organizations

or strategies Furthermore, pragmatic explicitation helps transform implicit concepts into clear knowledge, as in explaining "hỏa lực sát mặt đất" (close-air support) to clarify the type of firepower targeting ground-level objectives This ensures that military terms are correctly understood and avoids confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with specialized military language

2.4.4 Register Explicitation

Register explicitation in military translation involves adjusting the level of formality of the language to suit the context and culture of the target audience For example, the term "Defense troops" is translated into Vietnamese as "Quân phòng ngự," which emphasizes the formality and seriousness of the military context This adjustment ensures that the reader recognizes the appropriate level of formality and tone of the term Another example is "Defense transport," translated as "Vận tải phục vụ phòng ngự," which clarifies the purpose and scope of the term within the military context while maintaining its formality Military terms like "Lực lượng đặc nhiệm" (Special Forces) not only reflect accuracy in meaning but also convey the position and importance within the military hierarchy, ensuring a proper understanding of military units and structures

2.5 Corpus-based Approach

2.5.1 Corpus-based Translation Studies

The corpus-based approach has become a significant method in translation studies, allowing for systematic analysis of trends and translation strategies across large sets of texts In military translation studies, this approach is particularly useful for identifying strategies such as explicitation and evaluating their effectiveness in conveying military terminology from English to Vietnamese By using large datasets, research can uncover repeated translation patterns and difficulties in translating specialized military terms This approach not only enhances translation quality but also provides valuable insights into the cultural and contextual factors influencing translation While it has some limitations, such

as an inability to fully capture the translator's intentions, it remains an essential tool in the study and improvement of translation, especially in specialized fields like military translation

2.5.2 Types of Corpora

The corpus-based approach (CTS) utilizes various types of corpora, including monolingual, bilingual, parallel, and comparable corpora, to analyze translation strategies and language patterns in translation studies These corpora serve different purposes, from analyzing language change to surveying translation strategies, and can be classified as either synchronic or diachronic When applied to military translation studies, particularly

in analyzing explicitation strategies for military terminology, CTS helps identify common grammatical patterns and strategies This research contributes to a deeper understanding

of the military translation process and provides valuable information for both academic research and practical translation

Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research Paragigm

The epistemology of the research is relational, focusing on the relationships between the factors involved in the translation process This approach helps understand the explicitness involved in translating military terms from English to Vietnamese, with factors like context, culture, and language differences having a significant impact on translation decisions The ontology of the research is non-singular reality, suggesting that there is no single, absolute reality in the meaning of language and translation Translation

is not a simple process; it is always influenced by cultural, contextual, and linguistic differences Therefore, explicitness in translation can vary according to the translator, culture, and specific context This reinforces the idea that every translation is a transformation and there is no singular "correct" way of translating

The axiology of the research is value-laden, emphasizing the practical value of the research, especially in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of translation Studying explicitness strategies helps translators improve their military translation skills, ensuring accuracy and contextual appropriateness Understanding when and how to use explicitation also assists translators in handling complex military terms, thereby improving the quality of translations

3.2 Research design

The research follows an explanatory sequential design, which is a method in methods research where quantitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by qualitative data collection and analysis to explain and elaborate on the findings

mixed Phase 1 (Qualitative Methodology): This phase focuses on analyzing military translation examples to identify explicitness strategies such as amplification, obligatory explicitation, and register markedness For example, when translating terms like "air support" or "rules

of engagement," translators may add explanatory information to clarify the meaning for the reader

- Phase 2 (Quantitative Methodology): This phase measures the frequency of explicitation strategies in the translations, showing that amplification is the most commonly used strategy

- Phase 3 (Qualitative Methodology): This phase explores the reasons and contexts behind the translation choices, shedding light on why and how translators apply explicitness strategies, providing insights into the decision-making process in the military translation environment

3.3 Research Method

The study combines quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate explicitness strategies in military translation between English and Vietnamese The quantitative approach relies on a parallel English-Vietnamese military corpus to analyze explicitation strategies, including amplification, obligatory explicitation, and register markedness This method helps identify the frequency and trends of these strategies in military texts while supporting the accurate translation of military terms The qualitative approach complements the quantitative method by exploring the reasons and contexts behind the translation choices, such as through thematic analysis or interviews with professional translators The qualitative approach deepens the understanding of cultural and contextual factors affecting explicitation strategies, particularly in highly specialized military texts The combination of both methods ensures a comprehensive and in-depth analysis, with the qualitative data explaining the quantitative results and clarifying the motivations and decisions of the translator This research also contributes to improving the quality of military translations, especially in the English-Vietnamese context, where there is limited research on this subject

3.4 Analytical Framework

The analytical framework for this thesis is based on four explicitness strategies identified by Nida (1964) and Klaudy (2009) These strategies were carefully chosen to support the analysis of military texts translated from English to Vietnamese, considering the specialized nature of military language The four strategies are:

or concepts that might be unclear in the target language For example, military terms that carry cultural or technical nuances may need additional context to ensure the reader understands the meaning Amplification is often used to clarify vague terms, acronyms, or complex concepts by providing more detail or information about processes This strategy

is crucial in military translation because it fills in gaps when there is no direct equivalent

in the target language, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring clarity in specialized contexts The main goal of amplification is to enhance understanding and ensure that the meaning of the original text is conveyed accurately to the target audience

Obligatory Explicitation: This strategy occurs when a term or concept in the source

language lacks a direct equivalent in the target language or could lead to misunderstanding It requires the addition of explanatory information to clarify the meaning In military translation, this is especially important for technical or legal terms where there is no direct correspondence in the target language Obligatory explicitation ensures that implicit information in the source text is made clear in the target language, helping the reader understand the full meaning This strategy bridges language or cultural gaps and prevents misinterpretation, which is especially critical for specialized military terms requiring high accuracy

Register Markedness: This strategy relates to translating language choices that reflect a certain level of formality, technicality, or tone This strategy highlights shifts in communication style, such as using formal military terms or polite language when addressing superiors in the military Translators adjust the tone according to the target audience, for instance, translating terms differently depending on whether the text is addressed to soldiers or civilians In the military context, markedness is crucial because communication often involves hierarchical structures where respect, authority, and professionalism must be conveyed through language Using the appropriate level of formality is necessary to ensure that the translation meets the cultural and situational expectations of the target audience, particularly in serious military contexts

Pragmatic Explicitation: This strategy involves adding cultural knowledge or contextual information that might not be shared between the source and target language

In military texts, some idioms, cultural references, or background information may be assumed in the source language but not understood by the target audience Pragmatic explicitation requires the addition of contextual or background information to make the text relevant to the culture and context of the reader Pragmatic explicitation helps ensure that the message is accurately conveyed, particularly in cross-cultural military collaborations where knowledge and expectations may differ This approach bridges gaps

in shared understanding, ensuring that the text is transmitted with the intended meaning and does not cause confusion

3.5 Data Collection Procedure

3.5.1 Corpus Construction

To ensure comprehensive data for the research, a bilingual English-Vietnamese