Essay On Literal Translation

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Translation is an operation of translating language, sentences, or text from one language (Source Language) into any other language (Target language). In translating a text, there are many translation methods can be applied. They are free translation, semantic translation, idiomatic translation, and any other methods. Furthermore, every single method has different characteristics. Moreover, when students are going to interpret a text, they possess their own thinking to apply the methods of translation. One of the methods that occasionally applied in translating a text is the literal translation. Literal translation can be regarded as the basic skill in translation. Literal translation is designed to translate the original adequately, keeping the original message, form, structure and so on. Therefore, some students are inclined of using literal translation when they are starting to interpret a text.
In a textbook of translation, Peter Newmark (1988) has discussed more than twenty translation procedures. They were literal translation, naturalization, free translation, etc. On the other hand, Catford (1965, p. 21) asserted that to get the equivalent of the target language, translation divided based on extensive, level, and ranks. Extent divided into full and partial translation, level are total and restricted translation, whereas ranks are rank bound, word for word, and literal translation. Catford argued that literal translation begins with translating word by word, but the translator can change it to make the word or sentences appropriate to the target language. However, Larson (1984, p. 15) stated that the literal translation as linear translation whereby it is useful to learn the source language, but it does not help the receiver...

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...yze the factors that influence students’ tendency of using literal translation in translating a journal article. Additionally, this study may be advantageous for English teachers and interpreters to help their pupils to translate text. Besides, it may be beneficial for students who will conduct their research that related to this topic.
To add up, literal translation is not one of method that can be employed in translating a text. Moreover, the words should not be translated literally without paying attention the meaning and context. Consequently, based on the different assumptions by the expert on this method and it is applied in the beginning operation of translation that show problems that have to be solved. Therefore, the research that will be conducted entitled “An analysis of the students’ tendency of using literal translation in translating journal articles”.

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