Translation

Translation is a complicated task, during which the meaning of the source-language text should be conveyed to the target-language readers. In other words, translation can be defined as encoding the meaning and form in the target language by means of the decoded meaning and form of the source language. Different theorists state various definitions for translation.

Furthermore, translation has been stated by Bell (1997:5) as the expression in another language (or target language) of what has been expressed in another, source language, preserving semantic and stylistic equivalence.

The definition leads to several basic understandings in translation that:

1.      Translation doesn’t change the information of the text to be translated.

2.      Translation doesn’t change the meaning or the content.

3.      Translation doesn’t change the style of the text being written or spoken.

These basics are supported by the definition that translation is the replacement of a representation of a text in one language by a representation of an equivalent text in second language.

Text in different languages can be equivalent in different degrees (fully or partially equivalent); equivalence of:

·         context or

·         grammar or

·         word for word or

·         phrase for phrase or

·         sentence to sentence

For example:

When we translate “keep” in different sentences it will get different meaning because of different context.

1.       I will keep the gold in a very save place. Keep → menyimpan

2.      Keep the best for last. Keep → menyimpan, menjaga.

3.      Keep a distance. Keep → jaga, menjaga.

Those sentences give us examples the equivalence of context, semantics, and word for word at the same time. The reasons can be interrelated because the meaning of the word is determined by the context.

Exercises:

I.        Word to word translation.

Translate these sentences into Indonesian

1.      Gold is precious for its value and beauty.

2.      The golden medals had been kept in a secret place.

3.      People can save gold coins in bank.

4.      The fire fighters can save more if there is an alert to inform them.
5.   Increasingly, computer-related health injuries are a leading cause of workplace occupational hazards

II.      Translate these sentences into English

1.      Persatuan Insinyur Indonesia (PII) menilai industri-industri yang berkembang sekarang ini belum mampu menumbuhkan kreativitas sumber daya manusia karena masih berbasis lisensi.

2.      Hal itu diungkapkannya saat kuliah umum bertajuk “Mahasiswa Menatap Masa Depan: Menuju Insinyur Berkelas Dunia” yang diprakarsai PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia dan Universitas Diponegoro Semarang.

3.      Industri yang membeli lisensi atau teknologi tentu tidak menumbuhkan kreativitas dan inovasi karena SDM hanya berperan melakukan pengoperasian dan pemeliharaan perangkat keras.

4.      Karena membeli teknologi apa adanya, maka peran insinyur tidak maksimal.

5.       Ini berbeda dengan negara-negara lain yang industrinya selalu mengembangkan teknologi, misalnya Thailand.

6.      Misalnya, industri gula yang dibangun di Indonesia sejak 1900 sampai sekarang masih minim modifikasi teknologi sehingga produk yang dihasilkan akan ketinggalan dengan negara-negara lain.

III.    Translate these sentences into Indonesian.

1.      The computer technology program transforms students into technology leaders in a sustainable global economy.

2.      This is achieved by presenting students with a strong foundation in the concepts, theories, and practices that serve as the basis for the varying aspects of information technology.

3.      Students have the opportunity to develop expertise in specialty areas of interest through electives in higher level technology courses.

4.      Since the purpose of information technology is to facilitate the goals and objectives of a business or organization, students are required to complete the minor in business administration.

5.      With an understanding of how organizations operate, students will be able to move effectively design systems and networks that will support the needs of the business or organization.

Translating a text

 Translate this text into Indonesian.

When carrying out restorations or modification to our own or another property we should always be careful to build-in a margin of safety to the construction, for obvious reasons. Similarly we should always take the same degree of care with our own safety and future health. Everyone knows that asbestos can be a health hazard, but are we all aware that wood dust, cement dust, metal and noise can also be dangerous.

The most at-risk part of the body is the eyes. When using any power tool and a lot of hand tools, the eyes should be protected from dust and flying debris. One piece of swarf in the eye can lead to blindness. We should all get into and maintain the habit of wearing safety spectacles or googles at all times when working with tools.

Spectacles give protection against first impact, but should only be used with hand tools. Power tools, because of their higher work-rate, produce waste at a much higher rate and the eyes should then be protected by goggles which provide protection against secondary impacts. Full face screens are available, which flip-up, and can provide a margin of head protection as well as eye protection.