04051001870 nội dung a tale of two cities” and its vietnamese version of translation “hai kinh thành” a systemic functional comparison = a tale of two cities” và bản dịch tiếng việt “hai kinh thành” so sánh theo lí thuyết chức năng hệ thống
INTRODUCTION
Rationale of the study
This study compares the Vietnamese translation "Hai kinh thành" by Dang Thu with the English source text "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens The analysis is grounded in systemic functional linguistics (SFL) The choice of this topic is driven by several compelling reasons.
Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870) was a renowned English writer celebrated for his iconic novels and stories, recognized as a literary genius (Black, 2007) As the most popular novelist of his era (Bloom, 2007), Dickens's writing was shaped by various influences, showcasing a unique linguistic creativity and social commentary His experiences with harsh working conditions profoundly impacted his fiction, fueling his passion for socio-economic reform and labor rights Dickens empathized with the poor, becoming a powerful advocate for the working class His memorable, idealized characters often transcended their narratives, while his use of sentimental scenes highlighted the stark social realities he depicted Today, he remains one of the most widely read English authors.
"A Tale of Two Cities," a historical novel by Charles Dickens, was published in 1859 during a period when he embarked on a series of successful reading tours across England and Scotland, making 129 appearances in 49 towns from 1858 to February 1859.
"A Tale of Two Cities," set in London and Paris during the French Revolution, explores the tumultuous conditions leading to the Revolution and the Reign of Terror The novel captivated Victorian England, with one in ten people avidly reading and sharing Dickens' writings, highlighting its historical significance This enduring classic is celebrated as one of the greatest and best-selling novels of all time, making it a must-read for literature enthusiasts.
"A Tale of Two Cities" has been translated into various languages, including "Historia de dos ciudades" in Spanish, "Do Shehro Ki Dastan" in Hindi, "Eine Geschichte aus zwei Städten" in German, and "Paris Et Londres En 1793: Le Marquis de Saint-Evremont" in French Its influence extends beyond English literature, making a significant impact on world literature as a whole The Vietnamese version, titled "Hai kinh thành," was translated by Dang Thu and published in 2018.
This research aims to enhance the understanding of the similarities and differences between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT) within a linguistic framework Additionally, it seeks to assist individuals engaged in contrastive and comparative discourse analysis.
Aims, objectives and research questions of the study
This study aims to compare the English novel "A Tale of Two Cities" with its Vietnamese translation "Hai kinh thành," focusing on the similarities and differences between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT) through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) The objectives include analyzing the transitivity resources utilized in both texts and highlighting the key similarities and differences in their transitivity The findings are expected to demonstrate the significance of linguistic choices in transitivity for character and event development, ultimately revealing deeper aspects of the narrative.
3 relationship with the linguistic structures, which can be one of the most important criteria to compare the original to the translated ones
In order to achieve the aims and objectives above, the study focuses on the following research questions:
1 What transitivity resources are employed in "A Tale of Two Cities" and how are they employed?
2 What transitivity resources are employed in "Hai kinh thành" and how are they employed?
3 What are the similarities and differences between "A Tale of Two Cities" and its Vietnamese version of translation "Hai kinh thành" in terms of transitivity?
Scope of the study
The ST consists of three books, 45 chapters and about 500 pages The first chapter
The chapter "The Period" contains over 1000 words and approximately 100 simple clauses Comparing the two full texts would require significant time and effort, which exceeds the scope of this study Therefore, we will concentrate on analyzing "The Period" and its corresponding chapter "Thuở ấy" in the Vietnamese translation.
To effectively compare two subjects, a common theoretical framework is essential for identifying their similarities and differences This study utilizes systemic functional linguistics (SFL) as its guiding framework, which is a comprehensive linguistic theory encompassing various aspects such as transitivity, mood, and theme However, due to the scope of this research, it focuses specifically on transitivity for the comparative analysis of the two chapters.
Methods of the study
This study employs the quantitative method and qualitative methods To get the baseline data for the further analysis and discussion, the data collected from the ST and
The quantitative analysis of the TT is conducted, followed by a discussion of the results This discussion compares the findings based on Halliday's transitivity theory, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two sections of text.
The analysis focuses on the number of words in the source text (ST) and the target text (TT), specifically examining the count of simple clauses, while excluding clause complexes and relative embedded clauses For clarity in our analysis, we will employ specific notational conventions: three vertical strokes (|||) denote the boundary of a clause complex, two vertical strokes (||) indicate the boundary of a clause simplex, and square brackets ([ ]) signify the boundary of an embedded clause.
Significance of the study
This study aims to contribute to the application of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) by comparing two literary text extracts: the original English version and its Vietnamese translation The goal is to introduce a novel approach to interlingual and intercultural contrastive discourse analysis.
This study illustrates that Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) serves as an accessible language model, enabling researchers to interpret texts in a single language and facilitate comparisons across different languages.
The findings from this study can be used as reference for those who are interested in comparative or contrastive study between literary texts of source language and target language(s).
Design of the study
The study consists of five chapters:
Chapter 1 - Introduction - presents rationale, aims, objectives, research questions, scope, methods, significance and design of the study
Chapter 2 is the Literature review, which reviews the scientific and theoretical bases relevant to the comparison between the original text and translated text
Chapter 3 presents the Methodology of the study, including the context where the study is conducted; the subject and the instruments are used to collect data (by using charts, tables, statistics); and the procedures of data analysis
Chapter 4 – Findings and discusions are concerned with data analysis and findings It describes in some detail the data analysis process, and to give an explanation of the findings
Chapter 5 is the Conclusion of the study It summarizes the main issues, and concludes remarks of the study, points out the limitation of the study and makes suggestion for further research
LITERATURE REVIEW
Language as text
This section presents the definition of language and its function Besides, the levels of language and text meaning are also discussed
Language serves as a communication system through speech and writing, comprising sounds and written symbols used by specific communities (Collins, 2011; Oxford, 2010) Linguists adopt two main approaches: the formal approach, which analyzes the structural properties of language, and the functional approach, which examines the roles language plays in communication Language functions can be categorized into two types: transactional and interactional (Brown and Yule, 1983).
The functional dichotomies are also found in the functional approach about
Halliday's (1994) concept of 'ideational and interpersonal' metafunctions highlights two key aspects of language: making sense of our experiences and expressing social relationships (Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004) When grammar is systematically applied, it introduces an additional mode of meaning that aids in text construction This enabling function facilitates the interpretation of experiences and the enactment of interpersonal relationships Furthermore, the textual function plays a crucial role in organizing discourse, ensuring contextual relevance, maintaining cohesion, and clarifying the sequence of ideas.
The internal organization of natural language can best be explained in the light of
Language has evolved to serve seven key social functions, shaping its structure based on its practical uses (Halliday, 1973, p.34) Understanding how language is utilized provides insight into its organization and functionality This functional approach highlights the relationship between language use and the underlying structure of the linguistic system.
According to Halliday (1994) and Halliday and Matthiessen (2004), language is a complex semiotic system characterized by a network of systems rather than a mere set of structures They introduce the term "strata" to illustrate the multiple levels of language, with grammar serving as the central stratum or core This concept, referred to as lexicogrammar, emphasizes the interdependence of grammar and vocabulary, highlighting how words are structured within sentences and clauses.
Text functions as a complete representation of language at the semantic level, with its meaning shaped by the specific social context To convey meaning effectively, it relies on the lexicogrammatical stratum, which aligns with the systemic functional approach to language The graphophonic stratum, encompassing the sounds and symbols of the language system, ultimately expresses and realizes the central stratum Contextual choices play a crucial role in activating semantic choices.
The activation of turn influences lexicogrammatical choices, which in turn shape semantic and contextual decisions This activation-construal dialectic is limited to the central stratum, emphasizing that grammar is aligned with the semantic level of discourse Consequently, grammar serves as a valuable resource for constructing meaning.
2.1.3 Text as an organization of language
Normally we consider Text is the verbal record of a communicative event (Brown and Yule, 1983), but in this study the definition by Halliday and Hasan will be adopted
A text can be either spoken or written, and it may take the form of prose, verse, dialogue, or monologue According to Halliday (1976), a text is defined as a unit of language in use, characterized by its texture, which sets it apart from non-textual elements.
A text is defined as a semantic unit focused on meaning rather than form, emphasizing that its significance is determined by realization rather than size The cohesive relationships within and between sentences are crucial in establishing whether a group of sentences constitutes a coherent text, as these relationships create the texture of the writing.
Cohesion in a text arises when the interpretation of certain elements relies on others, highlighting the semantic relationships among them Additionally, a text is influenced by its situational context, which encompasses all extralinguistic factors relevant to the content This article aims to elucidate the relationship between cohesion and context in textual interpretation.
The relationship between language and social context
This section deals with the concept of ―context‖, how a text makes meaning within the context Then it clarifies the role of context in the linguistic model
The coherence of texts is influenced not only by their internal structure but also by the external context Fluency and continuity arise from both the elements within the text and the surrounding contextual factors.
Malinowski (1923) emphasized that the context of a situation shapes a text, making it a reflection of its cultural and situational background Halliday (1976) further developed this idea by providing a framework for understanding the characteristics of both texts and their corresponding situations in his work "Cohesion in English."
The concept of context is acknowledged as a distinct layer within the theoretical framework of linguistics (Halliday 1994, Chapter I) Additionally, the cultural context plays a crucial role by offering familiar elements and events that relate to the text's content, shaped by the specific socio-cultural background.
2.2.2 How a text makes meaning within the context of situation
Halliday and Hassan (1976) describe how the features of a situation shape the characteristics of a text, thereby influencing its meaning within a specific context The key features include field, tenor, and mode, each of which affects language usage in distinct ways These elements play crucial roles in determining the types of meanings conveyed in the text Additionally, Suzanne Eggins (2004) further explores the functions of each of these features.
The field of a text refers to its subject matter, overall event, and the writer's intention, aligning with the ideational metafunction The tenor focuses on the relationship between the speaker and listener or the writer and reader, encompassing the nature of social interactions among participants, which is realized through the interpersonal metafunction Lastly, the mode pertains to the construction of the text, including its type, genre, and rhetorical strategies, serving the function of the textual metafunction.
The three interdependent variables in the text relate to the configuration of situational features Their combined values create a register, representing a set of meanings and semantic patterns This combination results in a coherent text that is meaningful within a specific social context.
2.2.3 The role of context in the linguistic model
Context has played a crucial role throughout the development of SFL Inherited from Malinowski (1923, 1935) via Firth (1950 cited in Halliday and Hasan, 1976) at
10 general linguistic stage, context has been focused then used by Halliday in his writing
Halliday's 1961 model serves as the basis for the Scale and Category model, providing a scientific framework for understanding the nature and function of language He identifies the category of context as a distinct stratum, emphasizing its core role in lexicogrammar Halliday's model illustrates the interaction between various factors influencing language use.
Figure 2: Language and context: system and instance (Halliday, 1991; cited in Hoang, 2018, p 3)
This model presents two types of relations: realization along the vertical axis and instantiation along the horizontal axis On the horizontal axis, culture is instantiated in situations, while systems are instantiated in texts Conversely, the vertical axis shows that culture is realized in language, encompassing various linguistic strata such as semantics, lexicogrammar, phonology, and phonetics The cultural domain and register function at the sub-system level, with situation types and text types representing instance types Different perspectives on this model reveal various sets and relational directions Specifically, culture relates to system as situation relates to text through realization, while culture relates to situation as system relates to language through instantiation, influencing the remaining categories indirectly.
Instantiation refers to the connection between a potential and its specific instance within a given context While both concepts originate from the same source, they are perceived from varying temporal perspectives A system can be conceptually derived from its immediate instance, highlighting the relationship between the two.
The system represents a distillation of the relationships among key properties of instances, organizing possible features in various permutations Perturbations in one property can influence the system and its instances, impacting their social recognition Variable items within the context of a situation arise as culture evolves through human social practices This realization highlights the relationship between different strata, referred to as stratified phenomena.
Finally, Context consists of extra-linguistic factors, and is the highest stratum It is construed by language through four other strata.
The transitivity system and the experiential processes
This section presents the transitivity system in general and the experiential in particular It also gives a detail presentation on the types of circumstances
Halliday (1994) claimed that ―the English clause is a composite affair, a combination of three different structures deriving from distinct functional components”
Systemic functional grammar encompasses three metafunctions: ideational, interpersonal, and textual These metafunctions facilitate the expression of distinct semantic choices and shape the structural framework of clauses Transitivity structures elucidate the subject matter of the clause, detailing the types of processes along with their associated participants and circumstances This structural approach conveys representational or experiential meaning.
Halliday (1994, p.106) says “Our most powerful impression of experience is that it consists of „going-on‟– happening, doing, sensing, meaning, and being and becoming.”
The mode of reflection facilitates the creation of countless variations of events, emotions, and experiences Language empowers us to construct a mental representation of reality, guided by processes that shape our understanding The transitivity system categorizes our experiences into distinct types of processes.
There are two distinct types of "world": the external world, which encompasses actions, objects, people, and events that drive change, and the internal world, which reflects our thoughts and emotions.
The concept of the "12 worlds inside us" explores the relationship between our consciousness and imagination, focusing on how we represent the external world within our inner experiences Each of these worlds corresponds to distinct types of experiences: outer and inner Halliday identified six types of processes that shape our understanding: Material, Behavioural, Mental, Verbal, Relational, and Existential.
Experiential processes represent reality through the transitivity system, as highlighted by Halliday (1985, 1994; Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004) Hoang (2012) provides a Vietnamese translation and detailed analysis of the experiential function of the Vietnamese clause, contributing to the understanding of language organization principles In this context, three main components define a process: process type, participants, and circumstances, which together form a framework for interpreting our experiences of both the outer and inner worlds.
The six processes in the transitivity system serve distinct functions, highlighting the central role of lexicogrammar in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) for construing meaning The grammar of experience comprises three components that vividly describe how phenomena in the world are represented through linguistic structures The subsequent sections will provide a detailed explanation of each process.
Any actions like doing, creating or changing or affecting to the physical world can be considered as in the group of the material process
In this process, the key participants are the Actor and the Goal The Actor, an essential element, initiates an action or affects the Goal, which experiences the change or impact from the Actor The nature of the action can be influenced by the verbal group, whether it is intransitive or transitive, leading to the concept of 'transitivity' in this context For example, in the sentence "The boy is reading," "the boy" serves as the obligatory Actor.
13 its extension can be „The boy read the diary‟ where „the diary‟ becomes a thing suffering from the boy‘s action
In the sentence "She left the diary on the table," the phrase "on the table" serves as a circumstantial element linked to the material process of "leaves." Similarly, in "She gave me the diary," "me" represents the Receiver benefiting from the action of "gave," while "the diary" is the Goal and "she" is the Actor This representation can be expressed in two forms: active, as in "the boy read the diary," or passive, as in "the diary was read by the boy," with "the diary" remaining the Goal in both cases It is essential to expand our understanding of what constitutes these elements in sentence structure.
‗goings-on‘ to recognize the material process
The material process is typically concrete; however, it can be challenging to identify whether a process is material in certain contexts, such as in the phrases "the president resigned" or "the president dissolved the committee." This ambiguity complicates the distinction between the Actor and the Goal in these scenarios.
The discussed process type is one of three subsidiary categories that exhibit traits of both material and mental processes, encompassing actions such as breathing, coughing, smiling, and watching These behaviors exist at the intersection of material and mental activities, with the participant, known as the Behaver, typically being a conscious entity The nature of this process aligns more closely with the concept of doing, where the unmarked sense is present in the present In this context, the present simple tense is also utilized in unmarked situations, showing minimal distinction between forms, as illustrated by the examples "Why do you laugh?" and "Why are you laughing?"
The behavioral process is intricately linked to psychological and physiological behaviors, as we attribute emotions and actions to living beings rather than inanimate objects For instance, we say "she is crying" instead of "the table is crying," and similarly, we describe a pig snoring but not a tree When multiple participants are involved, we can observe a range of phenomena, such as throwing a ball into water, and we can also explore contextual matters through wh-adjuncts, like asking "what are you laughing at?"
The process of consciousness encompasses seeing, thinking, and feeling, and is classified as a mental process It includes three sub-types: perception, which involves sensory experiences such as seeing, hearing, and feeling; affection, which encompasses emotions like liking, fearing, loving, and hating; and cognition, which relates to thinking, knowing, and understanding.
In the mental process, participants are categorized as Senser and Phenomenon, where the Senser represents the conscious being that senses or feels, while the Phenomenon is what is sensed or felt For example, in the sentence "She liked the diary," "she" is the Senser and "the diary" is the Phenomenon Each sentence has a corresponding passive form, such as "The diary worries her" transforming to "She was worried by the diary." Additionally, verbs often exist in two-way processes with similar meanings, such as "like-please" and "fear-frighten." However, some verbs, like "suspect" and "guess," are commonly used in passive forms but lack clear pairs in meaning.
Participants in mental processes are typically human or human-like due to their consciousness, which is essential in material processes Anything credited with consciousness, whether animate or inanimate, can act as a Senser; for instance, an empty school may long for the return of students This phenomenon can be understood through the concept of MetaPhenomenon, which serves as a projection in indirect speech In contrast, a statement like "Mary was pleased by the fact that she has won a lottery" illustrates that certain facts cannot act or be acted upon While material processes can be examined using the verb "do," this verb cannot substitute for actions in mental processes (see Halliday, 1994; Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004, 2014; Hoang, 2012).
Tense serves as an indicator of mental processes, with the present tense being unmarked in material processes but marked in mental processes Conversely, the simple present tense is marked in material processes while remaining unmarked in mental processes.
Previous studies
Studies on contrastive/comparative discourse analysis are various; but the following is in focus:
Hanh Thu Nguyen (2012) conducted a transitivity analysis to explore how the main character's personality is depicted through language in "Heroic Mother" by Hoa Pham By examining Halliday's transitivity system, she highlighted the significant role of linguistic choices in shaping the character This linguistic analysis provides readers with deeper insights into the main character's portrayal.
Rym Ezzina (2015) utilized transitivity as a tool for discourse analysis, examining the relationship between linguistic structures and meanings in Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying a Lot of 49." The study concentrated on analyzing verbs according to various process types within the experiential metafunction, revealing power relations through the roles of participants in each process This analysis aimed to uncover the characteristics and techniques employed by Pynchon as a postmodernist writer.
Dr Nancy Anashia Ong‘onda (2016) from Mount Kenya University conducted a qualitative study analyzing newspaper headlines on terrorism in Kenya, focusing on the portrayal of Al-Shabaab through language Utilizing Halliday's theory of transitivity, the research aimed to explore how Kenyan reporters construct the image of Al-Shabaab By employing Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and transitivity analysis, the study identified the ideational meanings conveyed by grammatical choices It highlighted how linguistic features contribute to the negative representation of Al-Shabaab, demonstrating that grammatical selections in newspaper reports influence writers' perspectives and, consequently, shape readers' opinions.
Hoang Van Van (2018) conducted a comparative study of the famous Vietnamese poem "Bánh trôi nước" and its three English translations, utilizing systemic functional grammar as the theoretical framework This research provides a comprehensive analysis that uncovers significant similarities and differences between the original poem and its translations, as well as among the translations themselves, focusing on ideational, interpersonal, and textual meanings.
Summary
This chapter has provided a brief overview of SFL and previous studies related to the study
Language is defined as a complex network of systems, encompassing various strata, with text being a significant component within this structure.
In Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), context is viewed as a crucial layer within the linguistic system, significantly contributing to the construction of meaning in texts.
The transitivity system is a key metafunction in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), focusing on processes that represent our experiences, such as doing, thinking, and being This system categorizes six types of processes, enhancing our understanding of experiential models through different verb types Additionally, it distinguishes circumstantial elements from other components, particularly in relation to the functions of prepositional phrases.
Previous studies related to the topic have been reviewed, allowing the researcher to gain insights and avoid limitations This review aids in comparing and determining the analytical approach for the novel "A Tale of Two Cities." The next chapter will outline the research methodology.
METHODOLOGY
Data analysis
3.1.1 Techniques of data collection and analysis
The data are quantitatively taken from the source text "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens and the translated version by Dang Thu
The unit of analysis in this research is every clause in "A Tale of Two Cities" and
To establish baseline data for further analysis, both the source text and its translated version are evaluated for word count and analyzed for the number of simple clauses, excluding clause complexes and relative embedded clauses from this study.
For improved data analysis, I will adopt specific notational conventions: three vertical strokes (|||) will denote the boundary of a clause complex, two vertical strokes (||) will indicate the boundary of a clause simplex, and square brackets ([ ]) will signify the boundary of an embedded clause An example of this notation can be found in the Appendix.
Monsieur Defarge greeted the day while observing a white-haired figure focused on shoemaking The prisoner, having entered a coach, was followed by his daughter, but Mr Lorry paused on the step, desperately requesting his shoemaking tools and unfinished shoes In response, Madame Defarge informed her husband that she would retrieve the items and left the lamplight, knitting as she made her way through the courtyard.
Xin chào! Anh Defarge vừa nói và nhìn xuống mái đầu bạc đang cúi gầm làm giày Người tù chui vào cỗ xe, cô con gái lên theo, trong khi ông Lorry đang đặt chân trên bậc lên xuống chưa kịp vào thì kẻ đáng thương kia lại nài xin.
Chị Defarge lập tức yêu cầu chồng mình để chị ta đi lấy băng ghế thợ giày và những chiếc giày đang làm dở Trong khi đó, chị vẫn không ngừng đan tay, rời khỏi ánh đèn và băng qua sân.
Transitivity analysis
In this study, we focused on comparing the first chapter of the source text, "The Period," with its translated version, as a full text comparison was not feasible within the scope of our minor research.
The analysis of "A Tale of Two Cities" reveals approximately 108 clauses, while "Hai kinh thành" contains around 105 clauses This data collection is sufficient for comparing the two texts regarding experiential processes, participant density, and contextual circumstances.
The analysis of both the source text (ST) and the translated text (TT) revealed the presence of all six types of processes After collecting and analyzing the data through transitivity analysis, we compared the distribution of each process type in both texts to identify their similarities and differences Additionally, the experiential representation was qualitatively examined as a supplementary criterion for evaluating translation quality.
Each clause simplex was classified into the process type then all parts of the clauses were pointed out by their functions in terms of process types, participants, circumstantial elements
Participants in clauses serve different functions based on the type of process These clauses are analyzed into participants according to their roles, which can include full-participant forms such as Actor, Goal, and Receiver for material processes, or Senser and Phenomenon for mental processes Additionally, participants can be categorized in the attributive mode as Carrier and Attributive, or in the identifying mode as Token and Value, particularly for relational processes For further details, please refer to the appendices.
English I received a letter from the Bank
Vietnamese tôi đã nhận được thư của Ngân hàng
English No human intelligence could have read the mysteries of his mind
Vietnamese không trí tuệ nào có thể hiểu được những điều bí ẩn trong tâm trí ông
English (Indeed) they were at sea
Vietnamese Chúng ở ngoài khơi (thật đấy)
English It was the best of times
Vietnamese Đó là thời tuyệt nhất
Behavioural Behaver Behavioural Range/Phenomenon
English Some men kneeled down
Vietnamese Có người quỳ xuống
Verbal Verbiage Verbal Sayer Verbal Receiver
English „Why, look at you all!‟ bawled this figure , addressing the inn servants
Vietnamese -A, coi tụi bay kìa! Chị ta quát tháo đám giúp việc
English There was a king with a large jaw
Vietnamese Có một vị Vua cằm bạnh
Certain clauses may be missing one or more participants, which I will indicate with a blank space if necessary In some instances, a blank may still serve a function due to the transformation between process types Examples of each process type can be found in Appendix 2, where they are analyzed in relation to process types, participants, and circumstances.
Circumstantial elements are present in all types of processes, categorized into nine types: Location, Extent, Manner, Accompaniment, Role, Cause, Contingency, Matter, and Angle Each clause in the novel will be labeled according to these types of circumstances, with a detailed list provided in the appendix.
Summary
This chapter has presented the framework of the research methodology in analysing the novel according to the transitivity system First, the techniques of data collection and analysis are shown
Second, the contextual analysis and clause boundaries are clearly depicted to helps readers understand the analysis procedure and how the data are collected
The analysis of the novel will focus on the various types of processes, participants, and circumstances, comparing their distributions in both the source text (ST) and target text (TT) The findings from this analysis will be detailed in the following chapter.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
Findings
4.1.1 The transitivity resources as employed in "A Tale of Two Cities"and its Vietnamese version of translation "Hai kinh thành, and how they are employed
Both the ST writer and the translator predominantly utilized the material process type, accounting for 63.89% in English and 52.38% in Vietnamese The relational process followed as the second most used, comprising 20.37% in English and 28.57% in Vietnamese The verbal process type represented 7.41% in English and 8.57% in Vietnamese Additionally, the existential process was noted at 4.63% in English and 2.86% in Vietnamese, while the behavioral and mental processes each accounted for 1.85% in English and 3.81% in Vietnamese.
Each process type comprises various components, and transitioning from one process type to another impacts all associated components The choice of process types in a text extract is determined by the writer's intent, focusing on actions, states, or emotions This article will further explore the transitivity resources utilized in both source and target texts, highlighting their arrangement and drawing comparisons between the similarities and differences of the original and translated versions.
4.1.2 The similarities and differences between "A Tale of Two Cities" and its Vietnamese version of translation "Hai kinh thành" in terms of processes and participants
The following chart provides the rate of process distribution in both versions
Figure 3: The percentage distribution of the process types in the source text
MaterialMentalRelationalBehavioralVerbalExistential
The analysis of the translated text reveals a similar distribution of process types compared to the source text The total number of simple clauses remains relatively unchanged Notably, the number of material processes decreases from 69 in English to 55 in Vietnamese, reflecting a drop in percentage from 63.89% to 52.38% Conversely, mental processes see an increase from 2 (1.85%) to 4 (3.81%), while relational processes rise from 22 (20.37%) to 30 (28.57%).
2 (1.85%) to 4 (3.81%) while existential processes are down from 5 (4.63%) to 3 (2.86%), and there are few verbal clauses which nearly keep nearly unchanged in number (8-9) and slightly increase from 7.41% to 8.57%
There are some big differences in terms of the material and relational processes in both versions To be clearer, the next chart shows the results for illustration
Figure 5: The distribution of the process types in both versions
Material Mental Relational Behavioral Verbal Existential
Material Mental Relational Behavioral Verbal Existential
Figure 6: The trend of the process types in both versions
The blue line in the charts represents "A Tale of Two Cities," while the red line corresponds to the translated text, "Hai kinh thành." Both versions exhibit similar slopes; however, the relational peak in "Hai kinh thành" is sharper, indicating a steeper mountain formed by mental, relational, and behavioral processes compared to "A Tale of Two Cities." This suggests a greater presence of mental and behavioral processes in "Hai kinh thành." Additionally, the existential foot in the source text is higher than in the translated text, reflecting fewer existential processes in the latter Furthermore, the material top in "A Tale of Two Cities" is significantly higher than that in "Hai kinh thành," highlighting a notable decrease in material processes.
Figure 5 shows a balanced distribution of all process types in both texts Mental and behavioral processes exhibit greater volatility due to their lower frequency, resulting in a higher variation amplitude compared to other processes In the first chapter, the translated text features fewer material processes but an increase in relational processes, while the remaining chapters remain largely unchanged.
A tale of two citiesHai kinh thanh
The analysis of the 31 kinh thành reveals a reduced use of existential processes, with some source text transformed into relational processes A vertical analysis highlights the changes in the translated text compared to the source text, while the accompanying table provides a clearer horizontal analysis of both texts.
Table 1: The distribution of each process type in English and Vietnamese texts
Table 1 illustrates the internal stability of various process types, highlighting that material and relational processes dominate in both chapters, indicating their significance between the source text (ST) and target text (TT) Following these, verbal and existential processes are noted Notably, mental and behavioral processes exhibit considerable volatility, with changes from the source to the target text at 33.33% and 66.67%, respectively Additionally, horizontal analyses further detail these findings.
Figure 7: The number of participants in both versions
Table 2: The distribution of participants in English and Vietnamese texts
The findings in Table 2 reveal several key points: Certain participant types, including Actor, Carrier, Sayer, Verbiage, Token, Value, Existent, and Behaver, maintain a percentage distribution closely aligned with the source text Additionally, the number of Attributes is reasonably similar to the source, while the number of Goals diverges significantly due to process transformation Notably, the counts for Receiver and Target exhibit considerable changes, whereas the Range remains unchanged at 0% Lastly, the Actor count is relatively close to the source, showing a slight decrease from 22.86% to 20%.
4.1.3 The similarities and differences between "A Tale of Two Cities" and its Vietnamese version of translation "Hai kinh thành" in terms of circumstantial elements
The following chart shows the number of circumstantial elements in the novel
The total number of circumstantial elements remains relatively stable, increasing slightly from 81 in the source text (ST) to 82 in the target text (TT) The chart illustrates the distribution of various circumstantial types, with significant increases in the manner category (from 21 to 29) and a notable decrease in location (from 46 to 33) Other categories such as Role, Angle, Contingency, and Matter are present in smaller quantities, with some at 0% Extent and Cause also represent substantial portions of the circumstantial elements Additionally, there are minor increases in Circumstances of Accompaniment (from 2 to 4) and Matter (from 0 to 1), while Angle decreases from 1 to 0 The following pie charts provide a clearer view of the percentage distribution for each category.
Figure 9: The percentage distribution of circumstances in both versions
In the analysis of circumstantial elements, location and manner are the most significant, comprising 56.79% and 25.93% in the English version, while in the Vietnamese version, they account for 40.24% and 35.37%, respectively The extent element shows a notable increase from 6.17% in English to 13.41% in Vietnamese Conversely, the elements of accompaniment, angle, and matter are the least prevalent, with English percentages of 2.47%, 1.23%, and 1.07%, compared to 4.88%, 0%, and 1.22% in Vietnamese This highlights substantial differences between "A Tale of Two Cities" and its Vietnamese counterpart.
The term "Hai kinh thành" refers to a specific location characterized by its unique manner and extent In contrast, other elements exhibit a broader range of variation, although their quantities remain relatively small due to the limited number of factors compared to location and manner.
Table 3: The distribution of circumstantial elements in English and Vietnamese texts
Table 3 reveals varying percentages of circumstantial elements across chapters The significant shifts in Manner and Location influence the density rate in the translated text "Hai kinh thành," with Extent also contributing to this transformation In contrast, Matter and Angle remain closely aligned with their representation in "A Tale of Two Cities," as they exhibit volatility.
Discussions
The data presented in Figures 3 and 4 indicate that "The Period" begins with a rich tapestry of events and descriptions, showcasing relational processes alongside material processes set against the backdrop of two major cities, London.
The dominance of material and relational processes in the text indicates that the writer aimed to establish a comprehensive context for readers to grasp the overarching themes of the story In contrast, the lower ranking of verbal, mental, and behavioral processes suggests a lack of detailed descriptions regarding character situations and interactions Additionally, existential processes serve to highlight key elements, adding an extra layer of focus for the audience.
The analysis of Figure 4 reveals an increase in the behavioral process type in both versions, attributed to the heightened interactions and scenes among characters from the source text to the target text Additionally, the mental process type also sees an uptick, indicating that the target text writer places greater emphasis on the characters' feelings and emotions in the translation Notably, there is an increase in verbal communication, while existential focus diminishes in the translated text compared to the source, reflecting differences in language expression and the transformation of process types.
In Chapter 1 of "A Tale of Two Cities," the narrative introduces the harsh realities faced by common people under two monarchies, highlighting the use of brutal capital punishment as a means to deter crime The text vividly depicts chaos and injustice through material processes and relational descriptions, illustrating the severity of the situation In contrast, the translation "Hai kinh thành" emphasizes relational and mental processes, shifting the focus from realism to the emotional experiences of individuals This approach reflects a deeper exploration of internal feelings rather than external circumstances, influenced by cultural, environmental, and generational factors.
The primary distinction between the source text (ST) and its translated version lies in the use of Material and Relational processes The ST focuses on physically describing events, making characters and situations relatable for insiders, while the translated version emphasizes relational processes, reflecting social and cultural contexts, but incorporates fewer material descriptions.
The narrative in "36" may seem distant to some readers seeking a comprehensive understanding To address this, the translator employs a strategy that emphasizes the intricate relationships among characters and their connections to the surrounding context.
The verbal process remains largely stable in number, making it prominent for readers This communicative method is well-balanced in both texts While the source text emphasizes reality in the first chapter, the target text enhances the emotional experience for readers by incorporating additional elements To effectively convey strong emotions, the use of behavioral verbs such as "quỳ," "ngủ," "giậm chân," and "đứng yên" is essential.
The transformation of processes alters the participants involved in events, shifting from Material to Verbal (e.g., "insisted on" – "gán cho") and from Material to Relation (e.g., "were conceded" – "trở nên," "attained" – "vừa tròn") In some cases, the processes remain unchanged, as seen in terms like "sentencing" – "tuyên án."
Material Spreading her golden hair aside over her shoulders
Vuốt mái tóc vàng xõa tung của cô gái ra hai bên vai
Of his own desire? Vì ông ấy muốn thế? Mental
Material Rolled his eyes about Đảo mắt nhìn Behavioural
Material It was raised for a moment Mái đầu ấy ngẩng lên một chút Behavioural
Material The two spectators started Ông Lorry và Defarge giật mình
Material His daughter fell upon her knees before him
Cô con gái của ông bèn quỳ gối trước mặt cha
Relational Mr Lorry had been idle Ông đã ngồi thừ ra đó Behavioural Relational The gentleman… had nothing left for it
Quý ông không biết làm gì hơn là
Material She came to the Bà quyết lòng tránh cho con Mental
The transformation of circumstantial elements occurs due to changes in word order, affecting aspects such as accompaniment and location For instance, phrases like "with such humane achievements" and "with a sack and a knife in it" illustrate these changes While alterations in manner and location are prominent, changes in extent and accompaniment are less evident The Vietnamese translation often includes more manner elements but tends to lose many circumstantial elements related to location The following table provides examples of these transformations and omissions.
Relational Opened the coach door as his custom was
Mở cửa xe theo thói quen Manner
Location After a pause, he added Sau một thoáng ngập ngừng… Manner Location were wrapped over the ears Trùm kín tai Goal
Relational Than its busy inhabitants are Hơn là đáy lòng sâu kín của cư dân hối hả nơi đây
The circumstantial elements can appear or dissapear, and Location is an example for this case and it depends on the translator‘s line of ideas
When a translator emphasizes relational processes over mental ones, the focus shifts from characters' emotions to their relationships, allowing readers to easily visualize the events This approach enhances the logical connections between characters and elements within the story Additionally, when the translator openly conveys emotional feelings, mental and verbal processes become more prominent Lastly, behavioral processes serve to evoke past events; as readers become more familiar with the narrative, the reliance on these processes diminishes.
With nearly the same total number of processes as source text, the translated version conveyed the close story along the original It provides enough events and
The analysis of 38 situations reveals a balanced translation of various elements such as events, emotions, and relationships, as assessed through transitivity While there are variations in the frequency of process types due to cultural and linguistic differences, readers can still grasp the main narrative The translation leans more towards mental and relational processes, indicating a character-oriented approach, in contrast to the author's situation-and-thing-oriented trend, which features fewer material processes.
Linguistic structures play a crucial role in conveying information about characters, themes, and the overall direction of a story, influencing readers' experiences differently across various versions of a novel As previously analyzed, material and existential processes relate closely to the outer world, focusing on tangible events and realities, thus offering a more objective perspective In contrast, mental and verbal processes delve into the inner world, providing a subjective reflection of the writer's intentions and thoughts regarding the plot, characters, and themes.
The differences between the Source Text (ST) and Target Text (TT) highlight how experiential representation varies The ST enables readers to visualize the story's context and events, benefiting those with prior knowledge, while those unfamiliar with the themes may struggle to engage fully Conversely, the TT offers a more subjective interpretation, focusing on the translator's insights, which aids readers lacking familiarity with the story, characters, or author This shift in perspective can lead to a reading experience that diverges from the ST However, when the TT remains faithful to the ST, readers can achieve a similar understanding of the narrative's period and essence.
Changes in process types influence other components, including participants and circumstances, by shifting the focus of the narrative When a writer emphasizes events or objects, the external world becomes more prominent in the reader's mind, leading to detailed descriptions of locations and actions Conversely, if a translator lacks experience or confidence regarding the events, subjective interpretations may intrude, although they still rely on the underlying reality.
Determining the best translated version of a text is challenging due to varying criteria such as grammar, vocabulary, cohesion, content, and the writer's intention An important factor in evaluating translation quality is the experiential representation, as readers engage with literature for diverse purposes The translation that best meets these needs will be considered the most effective, allowing us to identify which target text (TT) is suitable for specific audiences.