By Maung Maung Aye
Translation is the process of changing a text from the source language (SL) into the target language (TL). Different translation methods focus on words, meaning, style, culture, and readers. The main methods include word-for-word, literal, faithful, semantic, adaptation, free, idiomatic, and communicative translation.
Word-for-word translation is often demonstrated as interlinear translation, with the TL immediately below the SL words. The SL word order is preserved, and the words are translated singly by their common meanings, out of context. Cultural words are translated literally. The main use of word-for-word translation is either to understand the mechanics of the source language or to construe a difficult text as a pretranslation process.
In literal translation, the grammar of the source language (SL) is changed into the closest grammar of the target language (TL). The words are translated one by one and without considering the full context. It is often used as a pre-translation step. It helps the translator identify the problems that need to be solved.
Faithful translation tries to give the exact meaning of the original text. It follows the grammar of the target language. Cultural words are kept as close to the original as possible. It tries to preserve the original writer’s intentions and style. The translator tries to be completely faithful to the original text.
Semantic translation is similar to faithful translation. However, it gives more attention to the beauty and natural sound of the original text. The translator may change some words or expressions to make the translation sound natural. It tries to avoid awkward word-play, repetition, or unnatural expressions. Important cultural words may sometimes be translated using neutral or functional terms instead of direct cultural equivalents. Semantic translation is more flexible than faithful translation. It allows the translator to make small creative changes. It also allows the translator to use their understanding of the original text.
Adaptation is the freest form of translation. It is mainly used for plays and poetry. The main themes, characters, and plots are usually kept. The culture of the source language is changed to fit the target culture. The text may be completely rewritten. Adaptation can make old plays and poems suitable for modern readers.
Free translation gives the main content or meaning without keeping the original style. It focuses on the idea, rather than the exact words and form. It is often written as a paraphrase. A free translation can be much longer than the original. Sometimes it becomes so different that it may be considered “intralingual translation” rather than translation.
Idiomatic translation reproduces the message of the original text. It uses common expressions, colloquial language, and idioms. These expressions may not exist in the original text. Therefore, some small differences in meaning may occur. The main aim is to make the translation lively and natural.
Communicative translation tries to give the exact meaning of the original text. It makes the translation clear and easy to understand. Both the content and language should be acceptable to the readers. The translation should be natural and comprehensible for the target readership.
As regards the comments on these methods, only semantic translation and communicative translation fully achieve the two main aims of translation: accuracy and economy. A semantic translation is usually more economical than a communicative translation, unless the original text is badly written. In general, semantic translation stays close to the author’s language and style. Communicative translation focuses more on the language and needs of the readers. Semantic translation is mainly used for expressive texts. Communicative translation is mainly used for informative and vocative texts. Both methods deal with the following in a similar way: common or ordinary language, normal word combinations, technical terms, slang and colloquial expressions, standard notices, and phatic expressions.
In expressive texts, unusual language, metaphors, special words, and new words are translated closely whenever possible. In informative and vocative texts, these unusual features are often made more natural or simpler. Cultural elements are treated differently according to the type of text. In expressive texts, they are usually kept and explained using neutral terms. In informative texts, they may be transferred and explained. In vocative texts, they are often replaced by equivalent cultural terms. If the original text contains inaccurate information, these mistakes may be kept in an expressive text. However, the translator can comment on factual or moral mistakes when necessary. In a communicative translation, badly written or inaccurate passages should usually be corrected. Expressive texts are called “sacred texts”, but informative and vocative texts are “anonymous” texts. This is because the identity of the author is less important in informative and vocative texts.
Main difference between semantic and communicative translation. Semantic translation is more personal and individual. It follows the author’s way of thinking. It may over-translate because it tries to show small differences in meaning. However, it also tries to be concise and preserve the main meaning. C o m m u n i c a t i v e translation is more social. It focuses on the message and the main effect of the text. It tends to under-translate. It tries to be simple, clear, short, natural, and effective for the readers. A semantic translation is normally less successful than the original because some cognitive and practical meaning may be lost. A communicative translation can sometimes be better than the original because it is easier for readers to understand. Sometimes a semantic translation has to interpret the meaning, while a communicative translation has to explain it. Theoretically, communicative translation does not give the translator more freedom than semantic translation. In practice, however, it gives the translator more freedom because the translator is writing for a large and less clearly defined group of readers. In semantic translation, the translator mainly follows one clearly defined authority: the author of the source-language text.
To conclude, different translation methods have different purposes. Semantic translation focuses on the author’s meaning and style. Meanwhile, communicative translation focuses on clear communication for readers. Translators should choose the most suitable method according to the type and purpose of the text.
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