INTRODUCTION
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
An overview on translation
The concept of "translation procedure" has been discussed by numerous linguists, although they often use varying terminology; some refer to it as "procedure," while others opt for "method." Distinguishing between translation procedures, procedures, and methods presents a significant challenge in the field of linguistics.
Translation procedures are defined as the translator's conscious strategies for addressing specific challenges encountered during the translation process According to Krings (1986), these procedures are integral to navigating concrete translation tasks, while Loescher (1991) emphasizes their role in tackling problems within a text or its segments.
Besides, Newmark (1995: 68) clearly distinguishes translation methods with translation procedures: “while translation methods relate to whole texts, translation procedures are used for sentences and the smaller units of language”
In brief, translation procedure can be basically understood as ways of choosing appropriate translation methods and procedures applied in particular cases
In my thesis, I adopt Peter Newmark's translation procedures framework from his book "A Textbook of Translation" (1995), where he categorizes translation methods into twelve distinct types.
Literal translation is a crucial procedure in translation studies, warranting its own dedicated chapter Newmark (1995: 69) defines literal translation as a process that can occur at various levels, from word to word and group to group, but notes that as the unit of translation increases in length, achieving a one-to-one correspondence becomes increasingly rare He further emphasizes that translating beyond the word level presents greater challenges Additionally, Newmark (1995: 70) points out that highly specific or technical terms are less influenced by contextual factors.
Literal translations are more probable when there is a cultural overlap between languages, as common objects often have direct one-to-one translations However, many languages also exhibit peculiar lexical gaps Additionally, a term for a common object may carry multiple meanings or senses in different contexts.
Specific features: This type of procedure is mostly used when translating SL words / phrases / text with available meanings presented in the dictionary into TL words / phrases / text
In English, the words "tooth," "gum," and "lip" each correspond to a single Vietnamese translation: "răng," "lợi," and "môi," respectively Consequently, translators must utilize these direct translations to convey the intended meanings accurately.
The second type of translation procedure is the transference, which was discussed in “A textbook of translation” (1995: 81)
Transference, as defined by Newmark, refers to the process of incorporating a source language (SL) word into a target language (TL) text during translation This procedure is particularly applicable to names of all living individuals and many deceased persons.
Geographical and topographical names, including newly independent countries like Zaire and Malawi, should be retained unless recognized translations exist This also applies to names of periodicals, newspapers, untranslated literary works, films, private companies, and public institutions Street names and addresses are similarly exempt from translation unless they have established equivalents The debate surrounding the transference of these names centers on cultural respect versus the translator's responsibility to convey meaning and explanation (Newmark, 1995: 82).
Specific features: This procedure is applied usefully in translation the materials and chemicals that have in the TL words the similar pronunciation or transcription as the SL words
The English term "alginate," commonly used in dental molding, is translated into Vietnamese as "al-gi-nat," which closely resembles the pronunciation of the original English word.
Another type of procedure is the naturalization translation In his book, Newmark (1995:
82) said: “The procedure succeeds transference and adapts the SL word first to the normal pronunciation, then to the normal morphology of the TL” It means the SL and the TL words or phrases have the similar way of pronouncing and their word-forms
This procedure shares characteristics with transference, as it conveys similar pronunciation or morphology from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL) For example, the English word "abscess" retains a comparable pronunciation in the target language.
TL as “áp-xe”, therefore its equivalent in the dictionary is “áp-xe” as well
Every context has its own cultural aspects The translator needs to consider the cultural equivalents to produce more appropriate TL
According to Newmark (1995: 82), the procedure involves an approximate translation where a source language (SL) cultural term is represented by target language (TL) cultural terms He emphasizes that the primary aim of this procedure is to enhance or complement another translation method used in tandem.
Specific features: This procedure has its advantage when the TL words need a cultural factor translation
The English word "gum" can be translated to "lợi" in Northern Vietnam and "nướu" in Southern Vietnam, highlighting regional dialect differences However, speakers familiar with both dialects do not typically distinguish between the two terms.
As it is stated by Newmark (1995: 83), the procedure is usually applied to cultural words,
The translation of cultural terms often necessitates the use of a neutral, culture-free word or the introduction of a new specific term This approach effectively generalizes the source language term, making it the most accurate method for translating and decentralizing culturally specific words.
The procedure of decentralizing a cultural word stands in contrast to traditional cultural translation methods Although this approach is seldom employed in isolation, it is typically combined with other techniques, like the transference procedure, to create a "couplet" in translation, as noted by Newmark (1995: 83).
An overview on terminology
Terminology encompasses two key aspects: it is both the discipline focused on the study of concepts and their designations within any subject area, and the specific set of terms that represent the specialized language of that field (Valeontis & Mantzari, 2006) Unlike general words, terms have a distinct reference to specific conceptual entities, properties, or relations that form the knowledge base of a subject (Backer, 1998) In Vietnam, notable linguists such as Nguyen Van Tu, Do Huu Chau, and Nguyen Thien Giap have contributed significantly to the study of terminology Nguyen Van Tu (1968) described terminology as fixed words or phrases that denote scientific, manufacturing, or cultural concepts Similarly, Do Huu Chau (1998) emphasized that terminology consists of specialized words used in scientific or technological contexts, while Nguyen Thien Giap (1999) defined it as a component of a language's special lexis that accurately names concepts within various specialized fields Collectively, these definitions suggest that terminology comprises fixed expressions that precisely represent concepts in specific subject areas.
Sue Ellen Wright and Gerhard Budin (1997:160) writes “Medical terminology is highly- structured and therefore lends itself to logical classification schemes.”
According to Charline M Dolfka in her 2012 book "Dental Terminology," dental terminology focuses on the study of words and terms specifically associated with dental sciences She emphasizes that there are standardized rules and conventions governing the formation, pronunciation, pluralization, and meaning of these terms.
In medical terminology, numerous words denote proximity to anatomical structures, with many dental terms derived from the names of bones or specific structures However, a significant portion of these terms is often based on the names of dental procedures.
2.2.2.1 Formation of the dental words
Also, in the same part, she writes “Dental terms are usually formed by a combination of small words or syllables linked in a “building block” or word chain”
When analysing the structure of a dental word, some considerations to observe include the following:
• A prefix: qualifies the word by indicating such things as the quantity, color, size, condition or location A word may or may not have a prefix
• A root: provides the basic foundation for the word A dental term may have more than one root When two roots are combined, a combining vowel (usually “o”) is used to connect them
• A suffix: is sometimes added to a root (s) to qualify or describe the meaning The combining vowel (o) placed after the root is not used when the suffix itself begins with a vowel
• A word may be easier to analyse by beginning with the suffix and working toward the beginning of the word
• Many word structures have multiple meanings, either from Greek, Latin, or French languages
Charline M Dolfka (2012:3), in the book “Dental terminology” divides Dental terminology into areas of interest like the following:
(1) Operative dentistry: general information about the working dentistry industry
(2) Practice and facilities setups: Updating of duties, services, and employment concerns as well as new instrument information
(3) Emergency care: new guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillation
(4) Examination and prevention: the importance of proper and thorough patient health information data and examination concerns as well as diagnostic testing
(5) Pain management and pharmacology: descriptions of anxiety abatement controls as a method of pain reduction
(6) Radiography: digital radiography, biological effects and safety
(7) Cosmetic dentistry: tooth reconstruction, gingival reductions and augmentation, implant placement and other cosmetic procedures
(8) Prosthodontics: material combination, makeup and uses of the requirements for practice
(9) Endodontics: charting and diagnosis of pulpal conditions as well as new instruments such as flowmeters, loupes, microscopic surgical instruments and methods
(10) Oral and maxillofacial surgery: various surgical procedures for maxillofacial treatment, bone reconstruction, implant placement as well as surgical participation in esthetic dentistry
(11) Orthodontics: direct or indirect banding or brackets, lingual or invisalign braces, anchor devices
(12) Periodontics: periodontic treatment in cosmetic dentistry,
(13) Pediatric dentistry: development and growth concerns of the child patients as well as control and sedation of the child
(14) Dental laboratory procedures: computer-assisted systems in the area of dental restoration and appliances
(15) Implantology: system of the methods of implanting a total false tooth (including both crown and root) in to the clients’ alveolar bone
Each section of the dental terminology system encompasses unique content tailored to its specific functions and missions, as detailed in the book "Dental Terminology" referenced in this thesis.
Each field of research has its technical terms and descriptive terms These types of terms are not the same in both form and usage
Data sources for this article include the dictionary "Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt" published by the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology at Ho Chi Minh Pharmaceutical - Medical University in 1993, and the book "Dental Terminology" authored by Charline.
M Dofka, published by Delmar, Cengage Learning, 2012 For the later book, I have used it to compare and contrast the English meanings of the terms in order to understand the nature of them
In the "Dental and Maxillofacial Terminology" dictionary, I have compiled approximately 450 terms essential for my work as a translator These terms are categorized into technical and descriptive terms, following the classification by Newmark (1995: 153).
About 250 words / phrases of all are the technical terms, which occupies approximately 55%, and the rest of words / phrases are the descriptive terms, which occupies 45%
In "Writing That Works" by Walter E Oliu, Charles T B, and Geraid J A (1998), technical terms are described as words that hold significance exclusively within a specific specialized industry, rendering them incomprehensible outside of that context.
As mentioned above, these 250 technical terms are of academic and professional styles, and the rest 200 descriptive terms are of popular style
In the dental field, many terms are modified with prefixes to create derivative words that convey specific meanings These prefixes can indicate various aspects such as number, color, size, location, or condition (Charline M Dofka, 2012, 4-5-6) The terms with prefixes are sourced from "Dental Terminology, 2012," while their definitions are referenced from the dictionary "Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt, 1993."
The examples are in the table below:
Word meanings (Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt, 1993)
: sự chẻ đôi : cung ẳ (hàm) : sự nở to, phình : vêt rạch, vết khắc : lệch vị trí
: cấy ghép : nghiến hàm trong : ở khe răng
: (thuộc) nội nha : (thuộc) nha chu : khớp cắn lệch : sự không mọc được răng : tiền hàm
In her book "Dental Terminology" (2012), Charline M Dofka defines a suffix as an element added to the end of a root word or combining form to modify its meaning Suffixes cannot stand alone and are typically joined to a root element using a combining vowel, usually "o," unless the suffix begins with a vowel, in which case the combining vowel is omitted.
Gingivectomy, derived from the root "gingivo" meaning gum and the suffix "ectomy" indicating surgical excision, refers to the surgical removal of gum tissue This term combines these two elements, reflecting the procedure's purpose of excising affected gum areas.
Suffixes serve as crucial word endings that transform nouns or verbs into adjectives, highlighting relationships and descriptions By adding these suffixes, one can easily convert verbs into nouns and enhance the meaning of the original words The following examples illustrate this transformative power of suffixes effectively.
Word meanings (Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt, 1993) trainee, employee … patient, recipient … surgeon examiner, practitioner physician dentist, orthodontist doctor, donor
: người được huấn luyện, người làm công : bệnh nhân, người thụ hưởng
: bác sĩ phẫu thuật : người khám bệnh, thực tập sinh : bác sĩ điều trị
: nha sĩ, bác sĩ chỉnh nha : bác sĩ, người hiến tặng
Suffixes are essential in dental terminology as they modify root elements to convey processes, uses, or healing aspects For instance, suffixes like “-ectomy” indicate surgical removal, while “-trophy” denotes development Additionally, suffixes such as “-algia” are used to signify pain Understanding these suffixes is crucial for analyzing complex dental words effectively.
Meanings (Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt, 1993) odontalgia : sự đau răng
: sự cắt chóp (răng, hoặc lợi) : sự phát triển xương
: phẫu thuật nướu / lợi : tế bào xương
Newmark (1995: 146) stated that “Eponyms, in my definition, are any words derived from proper names”
Many dental terms are named after renowned individuals who were pioneers in their field, often being the founders or first inventors of specific concepts Notably, these terms lack direct translations in Vietnamese, highlighting their unique significance The following table provides a clearer illustration of this phenomenon.
: cầu Maryland : cầu California : góc răng dưới mặt phẳng Frankfort : mão Richmond
(Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt, 1993)
Acronyms have become prevalent in non-literary texts, often used to lend an artificial prestige to their referents, prompting curiosity about their meanings (Newmark, 1995) In cases where a standard equivalent term is unavailable, a descriptive term is typically employed instead.
Summary of the chapter
This chapter explores Newmark's (1995) translation procedures and the nuances of technical translation, focusing on the diverse styles within the field It delves into dental terminology, highlighting its formation through the use of prefixes, suffixes, and roots Additionally, it outlines key areas of interest in dentistry as identified by Charline M Dofka (2012), including operative dentistry, emergency care, pain management, radiography, cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, dental laboratory procedures, and implantology.
The last but not least is the types of dental terms which are divided into technical terms and descriptive terms, based on the theory of Newmark (1995)
The next chapter appears to deal with the research methodology of the thesis
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research questions
This study sought to build a theory in answer to the following research questions:
Research question 1: What are the translation procedures used in the communication between dentists and patients / clients?
Research question 2: What translation procedures are effective?
Methodology
A mixed method study is ideal for research that aims to collect and classify data from reliable sources while also explaining and analyzing theoretical aspects As noted by Creswell and Plano Clark (2011), this approach combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within a single study or series of studies The central premise is that integrating these two methodologies offers a more comprehensive understanding of research problems than relying on either approach independently.
Mixed methods studies are most beneficial when combining quantitative and qualitative data offers a deeper understanding of the research problem than either method alone According to Creswell (2008), these approaches are essential when one type of research, whether qualitative or quantitative, fails to adequately address the research problem or answer the research questions effectively.
In the research process, data collection and classification are followed by a detailed analysis grounded in Newmark's (1995) translation procedures theory This analysis aims to identify effective translation strategies As outlined in chapter two of the thesis, twelve specific translation procedures are explored to determine the most useful methods for translating dental terms from English to Vietnamese.
The researcher
As a researcher and translator/interpreter, I facilitate communication between dentists and patients at the Hoan Kiem Dental Clinic in Hai Phong City.
Prior to this thesis, I primarily utilized literal translation methods; however, technical terms often posed comprehension challenges for listeners To enhance communication effectiveness, I occasionally resorted to using Google Translate.
This thesis has helped to provide more procedures in translation that I can apply in the process of doing my real job as a translator.
Study participants
The thesis examines interactions between Dr Tuan Vu and five patients—Tarzan, Johnson, Rui, Saiful, and Rum—who participated in approximately 20 dialogues at Hoan Kiem Dental Clinic in Hai Phong City These patients hail from Malaysia, England, and Singapore The dental treatment process typically involves four to five appointments, which include examination, primary treatment, prescription, post-treatment care, and hygiene maintenance.
3.5.1 Quantitative data a Sources of quantitative data
There are two main sources of data in the thesis: one has been verified and published and the other is subjective and has not been verified
The verified source is from the dictionary “Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt” (1993) and the book “Dental Terminology” (2012)
The information is gathered from direct dialogues between doctors and patients at Hoan Kiem Dental Clinic, which are documented in a memo book, as well as indirect consulting conversations conducted through social media platforms such as Zalo, Messenger, and Viber, connecting the clinic's fan page, Nha Khoa Hoan Kiem Hai Phong, with clients.
As a translator and medium consultant bridging the gap between doctors and patients, I focused on utilizing literal translation techniques for my thesis This study aims to explore various translation procedures, drawing on the dictionary "Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt" (1993) as a key reference.
In my research, I compiled a total of 450 words and phrases that are frequently utilized in my daily work This collection includes 250 technical terms, accounting for 55% of the total, and 200 descriptive terms, which make up 45%.
The article analyzes a total of 250 technical terms, categorized into four distinct sources: 50 terms derived from direct dialogues, accounting for 20%, another 50 terms from indirect conversations, also representing 20%, 100 terms sourced from the book “Dental Terminology” published in 2012, making up 40%, and finally, 50 terms extracted from the dictionary “Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt” from 1993, which comprises the remaining 20%.
The article identifies a total of 200 descriptive terms, with 100 terms sourced from the 1993 dictionary "Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt," accounting for 50% of the terms Additionally, 50 terms are derived from direct dialogues, making up 25%, and another 50 terms come from indirect conversations, also representing 25% Notably, no descriptive terms were found in the 2012 publication "Dental Terminology," indicating a 0% contribution from that source.
The qualitative data presented involves a questionnaire designed to assess the satisfaction of foreign patients regarding the translator's performance following their dental treatment The results of the survey revealed four distinct levels of satisfaction: Satisfied, Dissatisfied, Indifferent, and Other ideas.
In today's rapidly evolving society, a wide array of study tools is available, encompassing both direct communication methods and social media platforms such as Zalo, Messenger, Facebook comments, and Viber.
One more useful instrument / tool is the researcher’s memo book, in which I have taken all the necessary notes from the advantages and disadvantages of my job
Phone, mails, forums or other online means are not used in this thesis
The initial phase of quantitative data analysis involves data preparation, transforming raw data into a coherent and interpretable format In this thesis, the researcher narrows a diverse range of data sources to a focused list of 450 commonly used words and phrases in doctor-patient communication This data is categorized into two main groups: technical terms and descriptive terms Furthermore, the technical terms are further subdivided into four categories based on their word or phrase formation, including prefixes.
21 added terms, suffix-added terms, eponyms, abbreviation or acronyms and letter- consisted terms
After the initial stage of data preparation, both descriptive and inferential statistical methods are utilized for analysis This study employs Newmark's (1995) translation procedures, focusing primarily on the translation of technical terms Out of the twelve procedures identified, nine are specifically applied to technical terms, while only two are used for descriptive terms The thesis examines the similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of these translation procedures.
Qualitative data analysis is the process of moving from the qualitative data collected into some form of explanation or interpretation of the subject under investigation
This thesis presents the organized results of a questionnaire aimed at assessing patient satisfaction regarding the impact of translation services at Hoan Kiem Dental Clinic in Hai Phong City.
This chapter outlines the research methods employed to address the research questions, utilizing a mixed-method study approach It details the procedures, study participants, data collection methods, and analysis techniques used in the research Peter Newmark's (1995) translation theory on translation procedures serves as a framework for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data These methodologies have facilitated the development of effective translation procedures for dental terms from English to Vietnamese, benefiting interpreters, doctors, and patients The subsequent chapter will present the results and illustrate the application of the methodology described herein.
Data analysis
The initial phase of quantitative data analysis involves data preparation, transforming raw data into a comprehensible format In this study, the researcher focuses on a diverse range of sources, filtering them down to a list of 450 commonly used words and phrases in doctor-patient communications The data is categorized into two main groups: technical terms and descriptive terms Furthermore, technical terms are subdivided into four categories based on their word or phrase formation, starting with prefixes.
21 added terms, suffix-added terms, eponyms, abbreviation or acronyms and letter- consisted terms
Following the initial stage, the data is prepared for analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods This study utilizes Newmark's (1995) theoretical framework on translation procedures to effectively translate various types of terms, with a primary focus on technical terms Out of the twelve translation procedures identified by Newmark, nine are employed for technical terms, while only two are utilized for descriptive terms The thesis examines the similarities and differences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these translation procedures.
Qualitative data analysis is the process of moving from the qualitative data collected into some form of explanation or interpretation of the subject under investigation
This thesis presents organized questionnaire results that assess patient and client satisfaction regarding the effectiveness of translation services at Hoan Kiem Dental Clinic in Hai Phong City.
Summary of the chapter
This chapter outlines the research methods employed to address the research questions, utilizing a mixed-methods approach It details the study's procedures, participant demographics, data collection methods, and analysis techniques The analysis is informed by Peter Newmark's (1995) translation theory, which aids in examining both quantitative and qualitative data These methodologies have facilitated the development of effective translation procedures for dental terminology from English to Vietnamese, benefiting interpreters, healthcare professionals, and patients The subsequent chapter will present the results and validate the methodology discussed herein.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Translation procedures for descriptive terms
In this thesis, I have compiled over two hundred descriptive terms, encompassing both single and compound expressions However, due to space limitations, I have chosen not to list all of them here Readers are encouraged to refer to any English-Vietnamese dictionaries for a comprehensive view.
In terms of using appropriate translation procedures, I have found three following popular procedures:
In the same way as translating technical terms, translating descriptive terms needs the literal translation procedure
I have listed a few terms to illustrate in the source of the dictionary “Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt” (1993)
: bàn chải : băng cuộn : xương : trục : thích nghi, quen, vừa : có tính chất mài mòn, bào mòn : cấp tính
: chăm sóc răng miệng : sâu răng
: lan tỏa : lệch, trật : nhổ (răng)
This type of procedure is also used in translating dental descriptive compound terms
This table below illustrates the cases of shift-of-words procedure and transposition of word order procedure
: rìa cắt : hàm giả cố định từng phần : lực nhai
: bộ răng giả hỗn hợp : hàm giả hoàn tất : răng mọc ngầm : răng hai chân / chân đôi : mọc răng bị động : góc mặt
(Source: “Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt” (1993))
When translating dental descriptive terms, it is essential to apply omission in certain instances, specifically by leaving out prepositions such as "of," "for," or "with" to prevent redundancy The examples are provided in the table below.
Adjustment of the denture borders
Assortment of root canal files
: sự lắp khít bờ hàm giả : bộ dũa ống tủy
: cắn đối đầu : phòng ngừa sâu răng : sự mắc kẹt răng : tương quan hàm : chết tủy
: kim tiêm : kim chọc dò
This section focuses on the translation methods for dental descriptive terms While working as a translator at Hoan Kiem Dental Clinic in Hai Phong City, I encountered numerous descriptive terms and discovered that effective translation requires a nuanced understanding of both dental terminology and context.
To effectively use descriptive terms, only three key procedures are required Given their inherent popularity in various texts, additional methods like paraphrasing, synonymy, or descriptive equivalence are unnecessary for enhancing comprehension.
Translation procedures applied in translating dental terminology from
Translating technical terms presents challenges due to differences in form, collocational patterns, and the lack of lexical equivalents in the target language To effectively address these issues, suitable translation procedures are essential In my investigation of translating dental terminology from English to Vietnamese, I have identified several translation procedures based on Peter Newmark's theoretical framework (1995).
In translating dental terms from English to Vietnamese, I have utilized various procedures including literal translation, transference, naturalization, description, shift or transposition, omission, and paraphrasing It is crucial to reiterate these translation methods to guide not only researchers but also anyone interested in the effective translation of dental terminology.
However, some procedures have the similar features, they are grouped into one type of procedure, such as transference and naturalization, synonymy and paraphrasing.
Literal translation
The fundamental procedure for translating terms across various contexts involves applying existing meanings to words and phrases In the realm of dental terminology, utilizing this approach significantly enhances communication between translators, doctors, and patients, fostering a clearer understanding for all parties involved.
Transference or naturalization procedures
Loan words and naturalized words share similarities, as both undergo adaptation and transfer, starting with the pronunciation of the source language (SL) and then incorporating the morphology of the target language (TL) This section of the thesis categorizes these two processes together.
Loan words, also known as naturalized words, play a significant role in translating chemicals and materials for dental treatments This is particularly evident with dental acronyms and eponyms used when the source language concepts lack direct equivalents in the target language For further examples, please refer to appendices 1 and 2 at the conclusion of the thesis.
Translation by descriptive equivalence procedure
When SL dental terms lack direct equivalents in the TL, the translator or interpreter must articulate their meanings using original phrasing to ensure clarity for the audience For further details, please refer to Appendix 3.
Translation by using shift or transposition procedures
Shift or transposition occurs due to structural differences between the source language (SL) and the target language (TL) This process often involves altering word order or shifting words during translation For detailed examples, please refer to Appendix 10.
Translation by using procedure of omission
Reduction procedure is necessary when translating the complex terms in the form of norminal group which contains a prepositional phrase to make the translation sound natural in the TL (appendix 11)
Translation by using synonymy or paraphrasing procedures
Summary of the chapter
Translating dental terms from English to Vietnamese presents significant challenges due to the complexity of word structures and the unpredictable combinations of word elements Translators must not only have a strong grasp of terminology and word derivatives but also possess a deep understanding of the dental field to accurately convey treatment messages and prescriptions from doctors to patients, as well as to communicate patient expectations back to the doctors Analysis of translation procedures for technical and descriptive terms reveals several strategies that translators can employ, including literal translation, transference or naturalization, descriptive equivalence, shift or transposition, synonymy or paraphrasing, and omission The choice of procedure depends on the term structures and the specific goals of the user.
CONCLUSIONS
Summary of key findings
5.1.1 To answer the research question 1: “What are the translation procedures used in the communication between dentists and patients or clients?”
This thesis aims to identify the most frequently used translation procedures in the communication between dentists and their patients Effective communication is recognized as a multi-stage process, requiring translators to focus on various phases: pre-treatment, during treatment, and post-treatment While translating dental terminology is a crucial task, it plays a vital role in enhancing patients' understanding of the treatment process.
In the consultant pre-treatment stage, translators must employ various translation procedures, including literal translation, cultural equivalence, omission, and shift/transposition, to effectively understand and categorize the client's requirements and desires based on their cultural background.
During the while-treatment stage, commonly used translation procedures include descriptive equivalence, synonymy, paraphrasing, transference, and naturalization These methods are essential for effectively communicating the doctor's prescriptions and treatment methods to patients and clients.
In the post-treatment stage, procedures such as transference and naturalization are employed to translate chemicals, medicine, or materials effectively Additionally, translators apply similar techniques as those used in the pre-treatment stage to ensure the care and development of the patient's source.
In brief, in order to communicate more effectively between doctors and patients, all the translation procedures are flexibly used and they are all important
5.1.2 To answer the research question 2: “What translation procedures are effective” a Translating technical terms
- For simple technical terms (such as: nouns, verbs, adjectives): We apply the literal translation procedure
- For acronyms or abbreviations: We use transference or naturalization procedure to translate
- For eponyms: We use transference or naturalization procedure as well
- For terms related to cultural elements: We use the cultural equivalence to translate
- For technical terms of in-depth dental field: We use descriptive equivalence to add more information to the terms
- For terms containing technical prefixes, suffixes or formed by roots: We use the procedures of synonymy or paraphrasing to change them into the popular words / phrases
- For compound technical terms that formed by a phrase of a participle and a noun: We use the procedure of shift or transposition to translate
- For technical terms followed with prepositions: We omit the translation of prepositions to make it shorter and more easily-understood b Translating descriptive terms
- For short, simple descriptive terms: We use literal translation procedure
- For compound descriptive terms formed with “participle (V.ing / V.ed) + noun”: We use the procedure of shift or transposition to translate
- Terms followed with prepositions: We use omission translation procedure to avoid redundance
This study presents key findings alongside a glossary of essential terms, designed to assist translators, doctors, patients, and theorists in effectively translating dental terminology from English to Vietnamese.
A consistent use of dental terms will be made, guaranteeing the quality of future translations in the related fields.
Limitations of the study
There are two limitations that need to be addressed regarding the present study
The study's primary limitation lies in its research methodology, as the quantitative data is somewhat limited The researcher relies predominantly on her memo book and secondary sources, including dental dictionaries The only participant in the study is the researcher herself, acting as a translator, with no direct interviews conducted between doctors and patients The researcher draws on her memories and notes, along with the book "Dental Terminology" (2012) by Charline M Dofka, published by Cengage Learning, and references from Vietnamese dictionaries.
“Thuật ngữ Răng Hàm Mặt” (1993)
The second limitation pertains to the researcher’s knowledge of the dental field, which is complex and challenging to navigate To gain a deeper understanding, the researcher frequently consults with doctors for detailed explanations and studies foundational texts on dental treatment However, the overall expertise in this area remains quite limited.
Implications of the study
A professional translator must effectively convey the meaning of source language (SL) text to target language (TL) while accurately translating terminology To achieve success in translation across various fields, it is essential for translators to possess in-depth knowledge of the specific domain, particularly in translating terminology in a natural manner that preserves the essence of the terms in the TL This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of dental terminology, assisting translators in avoiding confusion when translating dental terms Key considerations for translating dental terms are outlined below.
To effectively translate technical terms, translators must first categorize them into appropriate groups and identify suitable translation procedures For short and simple words or phrases, literal translation is often employed In contrast, transference or naturalization is used for loanwords such as chemical names, eponyms, and acronyms Academic and professional terms, including those with prefixes or suffixes, are typically translated using paraphrasing and synonyming Additionally, shift or transposition procedures are necessary for phrases that require rearranging word order due to grammatical differences between English and Vietnamese As new concepts and objects emerge in the source language that may be unfamiliar to target language readers, translators can utilize descriptive procedures to provide clearer explanations.
In translating descriptive terms, common procedures such as synonymy, paraphrasing, and descriptive equivalence are often unnecessary due to their popularity Instead, translation relies heavily on literal translation, shifts or transpositions, and omission procedures to convey meaning effectively.
In conclusion, the study indicates that translators can enhance their effectiveness in translating dental terminology by utilizing appropriate methods, provided they possess a thorough understanding of the grammatical and semantic characteristics of both the source language (SL) and target language (TL) This research aims to serve as a valuable resource for translators and anyone interested in the field of dental translation.
5.3.2 For EFL teaching and learning
English for Odontology is now an official subject in medical universities in Vietnam, providing essential reference material for both teachers and students in this specialized field Current textbooks primarily focus on grammar and communication, lacking comprehensive vocabulary on specific dental terms and their translation from English to Vietnamese This thesis addresses this gap, serving as a valuable resource for dental professionals, including doctors and nurses in clinics, who require accurate terminology for effective communication and practice.
Learners must acquire a comprehensive understanding of English for Odontology to effectively utilize it in the future It is essential for them to first grasp new vocabulary and then fully comprehend the text This thesis aims to contribute to the teaching and learning of English for Specific Purposes (ESP).
This study analyzes authentic documents to investigate the translation procedures of dental terms, focusing on their structural features It identifies common methods for translating single, compound, and complex dental terms, highlighting specific strategies employed in the translation process.
Due to time constraints, the researcher was unable to gather as many materials as anticipated, resulting in some topics, including textual and pragmatic equivalence in dental texts, remaining unexplored The thesis rationale highlights the researcher's keen interest in the intersection of dental treatment and tourism, specifically within the realm of Dental Tourism.
Here below are the researcher’s suggestions for further study which will be of great intest and use for anyone concerning the translation of Dental terminology:
- A study on the pragmatic use of Dental treatment context
- A study on the grammatical features of Dental terminology
- A study on Dental tourism field (the combination of dental terms and tourism terms)
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Charline M Dofka's "Dental Terminology" (2012) provides essential insights into dental vocabulary, crucial for professionals in the field Creswell and Plano Clark's "Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research" (2nd edition, 2001) offers a comprehensive guide on integrating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies Additionally, Denzin and Lincoln's "Handbook of Qualitative Research" (1994) serves as a foundational resource for understanding qualitative research principles and practices Together, these works contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in their respective areas, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and research design in both dental and social sciences.
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Adrenalin a-đờ-rê-na-lin
Alabaster thạch cao al-ba-trơ
Alginate al-gi-nat (chất lấy dấu)
Amalgam a-mal-gam (chất hàn)
Anti-histamine chất kháng his-ta-min
Corticoid cooc-ti-cô-it
Kennedy’s classification : phân loại Kennedy (phân loại mất răng) Angle’s classification : phân loại Angle (phân loại khớp cắn)
Gonion : điểm góc hàm dưới Gôn-hông
Frankfort plane : mặt phẳng nằm ngang Frankfort
Hutchinson triad : tam chứng Hutchinson
Ivy loop wiring : buộc vòng Ivy / nút buộc Ivy
Buccal sheft : thềm (của xương hàm dưới) phía má
Rubber dam clamp : cặp đê cao su (để điều trị tủy)
Frankfort mandibular incisor angle : góc răng dưới mặt phẳng Frankfort
Steel’s facet : mặt răng giả lùa
APPENDIX 3: Descriptive equivalence procedure for single terms
English terms Vietnamese descriptive equivalents
Cartridge Ca-trít (ngăn cách các răng để hàn)
Interocclusal Khoảng hở sinh lý (giữa hai hàm)
Crown (1) thân răng (răng thật); (2) mão, chụp, mão thay thế (răng giả)
Rest Sự nghỉ (của hai hàm) Khi hàm không làm gì cả (không nhai, ko nói, ko vận động) thì hàm được gọi là ở tư thế nghỉ
Trật khớp hàm có thể xảy ra do chấn thương hoặc tự gây chấn thương, chẳng hạn như khi ngáp.
Alveoclasia là tình trạng tiêu xương ổ răng, xảy ra khi cơ thể không đủ canxi để duy trì sự phát triển của xương ổ răng, dẫn đến tiêu xương Hiện tượng này thường gặp ở răng sữa, khi chân răng tự tiêu hủy để nhường chỗ cho răng khôn mọc lên Anaraxia, hay còn gọi là khớp cắn hở, là tình trạng răng không chạm nhau.
Ankylocheilia Tật dính môi Còn gọi là phanh môi bám thấp
Ankyloglossia Tật dính lưỡi Còn gọi là phanh lưỡi bám thấp
Cone Côn, nón, chóp Thực chất là ống tủy nhân tạo
Cretinism Chứng độn Còn gọi là đệm nền hàm
Endolith Sỏi tủy răng Còn gọi là canxi ống tủy
Tương quan thích nghi giữa hai hàm là yếu tố quan trọng trong chức năng nhai, nuốt, nói và nghiến Hai hàm của người bình thường hoạt động một cách tự nhiên và nhịp nhàng Để đạt được sự thành công trong điều trị nha khoa, kết quả cần mang lại sự tiện lợi và thuận lợi cho hoạt động của hai hàm.
Bite wing film Phim cắn cánh Còn gọi là phim X-quang răng
Idiopathic erosion Tiêu thân răng hình nêm Còn gọi là mòn cổ răng Posterior palatal seal Đê khẩu cái sau Để làm hàm tháo lắp
English terms Synonyms Vietnamese meanings
Buccal Cheeky / cheek thuộc má
Cast Mould / mold / impression khuôn đúc
Bud Overlap mầm (răng) cắn phủ
APPENDIX 5: Paraphrasing independent root words English terms Translation by paraphrasing Vietnamese meanings
Mandibular Lower jaw : hàm dưới
Pulp Bone marrow : tủy xương
Maxillary Upper jaw : hàm trên
Dentate With teeth : có răng
Edentate Lose teeth : mất răng
Eyelet Attachment : mắc cài (trong chỉnh nha)
Flange False gum / artificial gum : lợi / nướu giả
Canine Eye tooth : răng nanh
Cacosmia Trouble with badly smelled breath : chứng hôi miệng
Cervix Tooth neck : cổ răng
Clearance Space between the two jaws : khoảng hở giữa hai hàm
Cavity Tooth hole : lỗ răng / lỗ trám