Translation Techniques According to Molina and Albir
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Translation technique is defined as the realization of the translation process i.e. method and strategy of translation. According to Molina & Albir (2002, p.508), it refers to translation products and works for the micro-unit of the text. However, translation techniques are constantly misunderstood with the term method and strategy translation due to the confusion between the translation process and translation product. Furthermore, Molina states that over-lapping terms make it difficult to be understood as well,
“Terminalogical diversity and the operlaping terms make it difficult to use these terms and to be understood. The same concept is expressed with different names and the classifications vary, covering different areas of problems. In one classification one term may oper-lap another in a different system of classification. The category itself is given different names, for example, Delisle uses procedure, translation strategy, etc.”
___(ibid., p.506)
However, there is a clear distinction to distinguish method, strategy, and technique of translation (The writer merely emphasizes the definition of translation techniques and a little bit of explanation about the method to make it clearer). It is mentioned by Molina & Albir (ibid.), “The translation method affects the way micro-unit of the text are translated: translation techniques (p.508).” It means that the translation methods and techniques are connected to each other. The translation technique can be seen and analyzed by which translation method is used by the translator, for example, literal or adaption method which is used by the translator. The translator who uses adaptation method somehow leads to translation techniques that tend to be figurative or adapted, for example, discursive creation. It works the opposite if the translator employs literal method which leads to more literal translated texts e.g. literal translation.
According to Molina & Albir (ibid., p.509), translation techniques have five basic characteristic, they are:
a. They affect the result of the translation
b. They are classified by comparison with the original
c. They affect micro-unit text
d. They are by nature discursive and contextual
e. They are functional
In light of the above, there are 18 translation techniques proposed by Molina & Albir (ibid., p.509-511):
1. Adaptation
This technique is used to replace a source text (ST) cultural or social element with one from the target text (TT) which is more familiar to target readers, e.g. to change biscuit (UK) to cookie (US).
2. Amplification
This technique is employed to introduce details that are not formulated in ST by adding some words (addition) or information, paraphrasing, making it explicit, or creating a footnote to make the translation clear and help target readers understand the text. In detail, Molina states, “This includes SCFA’s explicitation (Vinay & Darbelnet), Delisle’s addition, Margot’s legitimate and illigitimate paraphrase, Newmark’s explicative paraphrase and Delisle’s periphrasis and paraphrase. Footnotes are a type of amplification. Amplification is in opposition to reduction.”
Example:
ST : Doing her thesis, she drinks a cup of coffee.
TT : Sambil mengejakan skripsinya, dia meminum secangkir kopi.
3. Borrowing
This technique is used to take a word or expression straight from another language. There are two types of borrowing i.e. pure and natural borrowing. Pure borrowing refers to the word ST which is purely loaned by TT without any change e.g. keyboard (English) to keyboard (Indonesian). A translator uses pure borrowing frequently because no equivalence is found in TT for the word. Meanwhile, natural borrowing means the word in ST is naturalized by the spelling rules in TL. It aims to make the translated word more acceptable and common in TL.
Example:
ST : The medical forum will discuss about Tourette syndrome this week.
TT : Forum medis akan membahas tentang sindrom turette minggu ini.
4. Calque
It is a literal translation of a foreign word or phrase and it can be lexical or structural.
For example:
ST : The Ministry of Defense takes responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jakarta.
TT : Menteri Pertahanan bertanggungjawab atas serangan teroris di Jakarta.
5. Compensation
This technique is to introduce an ST stylistic effect or element of information in another place in the TT because it cannot be reflected in the same place as in the ST.
Example:
ST : A flock of bird flies to the north.
TT : Sekawanan burung terbang ke arah utara,
6. Description
This technique uses description to describe words or expressions from ST which is not understood in TT.
Example:
ST : Gado-gado
TT : A traditional cuisine of Indonesia that consists of vegetables and special local ingredients.
7. Discursive Creation
This technique is employed to establish a temporary equivalence that is totally different, unpredictable, and out of context. It is commonly used for translating book titles or any sort of literary text.
Example:
ST : Love is an open door.
TT : Cintamu yang indah.
8. Established Equivalent
This technique applies recognized terms or expressions in a dictionary or language used as equivalence in TT. The meaning and style of ST are the same as TT.
Example:
ST : Cold
TT : Dingin
9. Generalization
This technique is employed to use neutral or more general terms e.g. to translate Indonesian terms becak, bajaj, bemo, delman into vehicle in English. This technique is in opposition to particularization.
10. Linguistic Amplification
This technique is used for adding linguistic elements. It is frequently employed in consecutive interpreting and dubbing. It is in opposition to linguistic compression.
Example:
ST : Absolutely right!
TT : Ya, itu benar sekali!
11. Linguistic Compression
It is opposed to linguistic amplification, hence its use is for suppressing linguistic elements to make it brief due to the consideration of time and space. It is commonly employed in subtitling and simultaneous interpreting.
Example:
ST : Let it go
TT : Bebaskan
12. Literal Translation
This technique is used to translate words, terms, or expressions word for word. This technique will be properly applied when the form coincides with the word and meaning.
Example:
ST : Your smile is as sweet as the honey.
TT : Senyummu semanis madu.
13. Modulation
This technique is employed to change the point of view, focus, or cognitive category in relation to the TT.
Example:
ST : Watch your step!
TT : Awaslah!
14. Particularization
It is the opposite of generalization, therefore this technique creates TT more specific, concrete, and precise than ST e.g. translating vehicle in English to becak, bajai, bemo, delman in Indonesian.
15. Reduction
This technique is opposed to amplification which signifies that it suppresses information items of ST into TT. This is including omission and implicitation.
Example:
ST : I’ve been searching my whole life.
TT : Seumur hidup.
16. Substitution
This technique is used to substitute paralinguistic elements (signs, gestures, etc) into linguistic elements or vice versa.
Example:
ST : (A nodding head). (Hindi)
TT : No. (English)
17. Transposition
This technique is employed to change grammatical categories. It is including a shift of class, unit, structure, and level/rank. The following example is changing the word class from the noun peace (eng) into the verb berdamai (Ind).
Example:
ST : I make peace with the past.
TT : Aku berdamai dengan masa lalu.
18. Variation
It refers to the change of linguistic or paralinguistic elements (intonations, gestures) which affects linguistic variation, such as style, changes of textual tone, social and geographical dialect, etc. For example change of dialectal indicators for characters when translating for the theater.
Example:
ST : The party talking or the chocolate fondue
TT : Sebabkan pesta ataupun makan coklat itu.
For further reading, I suggest you to read a journal by Molina and Albir:
Translation Techniques Revisited: A Dynamic and Functionalist Approach (2002)
Read other related posts:
Definition of Translation According to Many Experts
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