HANOI PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY N02 FOREIGN LANGUAGE FACULTY TRAN THI THU PHUONG APPLICATION OF FORMAL AND DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE TO THE TRANSLATION OF “BỊ”AND “ĐƯỢC” INTO ENGLISH (SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH) SUPERVISOR: NGUYEN VAN DEN, M.A Hanoi, 2013 i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to take this chance to express my greatest gratitude to Mr Nguyen Van Den, M.A., my supervisor, for invaluable support and masterful guidance as well as indispensable suggestions throughout the process of writing the thesis Besides, I wish to thank all the lectures at Hanoi Pedagogical University Number 2, especially the lecturers in the Foreign Language Faculty for their dedicated instructions during my years of university work I also wish to thank my brother, who is Dinh Van Diep, for his materials in relation to Vietnamese passives and my close friends for their enthusiasm and kindness in helping me collect valuable reference documents and conducting the survey Last, I owe a debt of gratitude to my beloved family, for their whole – hearted encouragement and endless support ii ASBTRACT It is understandable that words in Vietnamese shoulder diversity of semantics as well as of syntactic structures One word can possess more than one meaning and can serve more than one grammatical function This is absolutely true for the case of bị and In different contexts, these words may have different functions and meanings, thus making it possible for speakers to express different meanings in different syntactic roles As a consequence, learners tend to make errors concerned with translation of bị and into English Therefore, this research work entails studying the functions and meanings of bị and and structures formed by bị and as well as conducting a survey for error analysis Besides, it is essential to find out the application of formal and dynamic equivalence to get clear methods in translation of bị and in certain types of structures Based on the results of the survey, the types of errors and causes have been found Solutions to the problems have been suggested iii STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP Title: Application of Formal and Dynamic Equivalence to the Translation of “Bị” and “Được” into English (Graduation paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in English) I certify that no part of this report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgements and that the report is originally written by me under strict guidance from my supervisor Date submitted: May 2013 Student Supervisor Tran Thi Thu Phuong Nguyen Van Den, M.A iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS i ABSTRACT ii STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP iii TABLE OF CONTENTS iv PART ONE INTRODUCTION I Rationale II Research presupposition III Research objectives IV Research scope V Research tasks Vi Research methods VII Significance of the proposed research VIII Design of the research work PART TWO DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER ONE: OVERVIEW OF TRANSLATION THEORY I.1 Literature review in brief I.2 Overview of translation theory I.2.1 Translation definition I.2.2 Translation methods and procedures I.2.2.1 Word – for – word translation I.2.2.2 Literal translation I.2.2.3 Free translation I.2.2.4 Idiomatic translation I.2.2.5 Abbreviations I.2.2.6 Loan word translation v I.2.3 Translation strategies I.2.4 Translation equivalence 10 I.2.4.1 Dynamic translation 11 I.2.4.1 Formal translation 12 I.2.4.3 Modification of dynamic equivalence and formal correspondence 13 CHAPTER TWO: GRAMMATICAL FEATURES AND MEANINGS OF BỊ AND ĐƯỢC II.1 Verbs in Vietnamese 14 II.1.1 Dependent and independent verbs 14 II.1.2 Transitive and intransitive verbs 15 II.2 Grammatical features of bị and 15 II.2.1 Bị and play a necessary role in forming passive constructions 16 II.2.2 Bị and act as real verbs 19 II.2.3 Bị and act as modal verbs 20 II.3 Meanings of bị and 21 CHAPTER THREE: COMMON ERRORS IN THE TRANSLATION OF BỊ AND ĐƯỢC INTO ENGLISH III.1 Survey 24 III.1.1 Purpose of the survey 24 III.1.2 Population of the survey 25 III.1.3 Type of the survey 25 III.1.4 Construction of the test 25 III.1.5 Preparation of the survey 26 III.1.5.1 Tests items 26 III.1.5.2 Arrangement of the test items 26 III.1.6 Administration of the try – out 27 III.1.6.1 Preparation of the try – out 27 III.1.6.2 Try – out 27 III.1.7 Methods of data analysis 27 vi III.1.8 Results of the survey 27 III.2 Common errors and causes 28 III.2.1 Common errors in the translation of sentences in which bị and act as real verbs 28 III.2.2 Common errors in the translation of sentences in which bị and act as modal verbs 29 III.2.3 Common errors in the translation of sentences in which the word denotes results 30 III.2.4 Common errors in the translation of sentences in which bị and act as auxiliary verbs 31 III.2.5 Common errors in the translation of sentences in which bị and appear in special expressions 32 CHAPTER FOUR APPLICATION OF FORMAL AND DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE TO THE TRANSLATION OF BỊ AND ĐƯỢC INTO ENGLISH IV.1 Application of formal equivalence to the translation of bị and into English 33 IV.1.1 Application of formal equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as functional words in passive constructions 33 IV.1.2 Application of formal equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as real verbs 35 IV.2 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of bị and into English 37 IV.2.1 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as function words in passive constructions 37 IV.2.2 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as real verbs 40 vii IV.2.3 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as modal verbs 41 IV.2.4 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and appear in special expressions 42 IV.2.4.1 References to 42 IV.2.4.2 References to bị 43 PART THREE CONCLUSION CONCLUSION 45 REFERENCES 47 APPENDICES 50 viii PART ONE INTRODUCTION I RATIONALE People’s life is changing day by day Exchange and learning from each other are essential culture demands of human beings One of the methods to satisfy these demands is studying foreign languages There are thousands of different languages to choose from, but at the top of the list is English As it is spoken all over the world and people learn it as their first or second language Thanks to English the distance between people and countries is becoming shorter and shorter Realizing the importance of English most people nowadays have been learning English However, few of them deeply understand this language as well as its cultural characteristics through the meaning of words As they not realize that behind a word there are many things to discuss So, sometimes they are surprised by the diversity in the meaning of a word in communication and academic writing It is certain that one of the most effective ways to understand the expression in one language of what has been expressed in another is translation Thus through translation, highly advanced international communities can be created despite their differences or similarities in culture and their level of civilization and superiority As Vietnamese students who are learning English, we would like to research into the application of formal and dynamic equivalence to the translation of bị and in Vietnamese into English Actually, we chose these words as we think that behind these words there must be many interesting structures and expressions, especially those relating to culture Moreover, bị and play many roles in forming sentences They can act as ordinary verbs or modalities in simple sentences or auxiliaries in passive constructions That is why English learners have to face many difficulties in translating bị and in Vietnamese into English For example: Nam bị hai Nam was received a two Furthermore, as a prospective translator, I would like to make a contribution to English translation in Vietnam For the reasons above, this study is conducted which focuses on common errors in the translation of bị and into English and the application of formal and dynamic equivalence to translation of bị and into English II RESEARCH PRESUPPOSITION With regard to the error quoted above, the problem is with translation The correct versions could be: Nam got a two [for his math] Some questions are raised: What are the semantic and syntactic structures that the words bị and possess? What kinds of errors in translating bị and into English are made by the third – year English majors at Hanoi Pedagogical University N02? What is the application of formal and dynamic equivalence to the translation of bị and into English? III RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The study is aimed at the following goals: To find out the semantic and syntactic structures that the words bị and possess To find out the kinds of errors in translating bị and in Vietnamese into English made by the third – year English majors at Hanoi Pedagogical University N02 To find out the causes of the errors in translating bị and in Vietnamese into English made by the third – year English majors at Hanoi Pedagogical University N02 IV.2.2 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as real verbs In reality, there are some verbs preceded by bị and may cause difficulties for learners when considering whether the sentences where bị and serve as main verbs are active or passive For example: 14 Bố mẹ chết nhục nhã His parents died of humiliation His parents were killed by the humiliation It is the reason why we should select the verb for the sentence In the case we choose the verb ‘die’, and then the sentence would not be considered as a passive sentence since the verb itself expresses a passive state suffered by the agent However, if we make use of the verb ‘kill’, then the structure would be in passive voice since the verb expresses an action which requires an actor In this case, it is the humiliation that his parents must suffer It is also clear that the recognition of the functions of bị and in the Vietnamese language is not an obstacle as long as the hearer considers the semantic role of these two words in the sentence In some other cases, bị or is present in a sentence construction with the role of a real verb but that sentence is translated into an English passive construction The mentioned types of sentences are shown as follows: The first sentence pattern is S+ bị/được+ V(intransitive) (S: subject; V: verb) For example: Nhật bị tan rã In this example, bị acts a real verb and cannot be omitted According to formal equivalence theory, it is impossible to translate this sentence into passive form However, applying dynamic equivalence, the reaction or response is based on the comprehensive reception of the message, it can be translated that “The Japanese enemy has been destroyed.” The second type is S+ bị+ noun/noun phrase For instances: Anh bị tù 40 Similarly, this type of sentence is not a passive one because bị acts as the real verb However, in order to produce the same response in the contemporary reader that the original did on its audience, the sentence can be translated as follows: “He was imprisoned” Other examples: Anh ta bị trói suốt đêm (He was tied overnight.) Bà mẹ vợ bị xe cán (His mother- in- law was cashed by a car.) Con thỏ bị đạn (The rabbit is hit with bullets.) IV.2.3 Application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of sentences in which bị and act as modal verbs As theory, in passive constructions, the predicator is an embedded clause in which the subject can be absent and the predicate must be a transitive verb The subject in the embedded clause and the subject of the passive sentence not refer to the same object This requirement is to distinguish bị and as content words in passive voice and bị, as modal verbs However, in order to meet the demand of translation that the dynamic equivalence presents, translators should produce the same impact on the original wording did upon the source language audience As a consequence, most sentences in which bị and act as modal verbs are translated into English passive voice sentences in which bị and act as auxiliary verbs For example: Lan xem kịch (Lan is allowed to go to the theater.) Chúng để xe (We are allowed to park our cars here.) Tượng mà đồng q ( If this statue was made of copper, it would be so valuable.) 41 IV.2.4 Application of dynamic equivalence in the translation of sentences in which bị and have special expressions According to Nida (1982), it is not the identity of situational relevant features that is the main criterion for equivalence, but rather the identity of the receiver’s reaction In other words, translation allows the replacement of much of the text, with all its particular resonance and associations, with something new and completely different, but which theoretically affects the reader the same way Therefore, in order to produce dynamic equivalence in translation, the translator has to bear in mind the context of the particular messages such as intonation, rhythm of sentences, style and the culture as a whole Bị and are the words which convey many grammatical features as well as meanings Translation of these words not only base on syntactic features but also semantic characteristics Vietnamese has various ways of transferring opinions; some of them are not included in any kind of grammatical sentences As a result, the translator has to base on the meanings of bị and được, as well as the context in which they appear, and the real information which the speakers would like to refer to translate sentences which include bị and The following ways of translation is naturally based on the meanings of bị and as well as the cultural factors in Vietnamese sentences IV.2.4.1 Reference to According to Nghiêu (2002), except the meaning of “receiving” which is positive in value, has two more meanings Firstly, “được” denotes results as in: Món ăn (This food is eatable.) Therefore, to translate “được” in the case of denoting results into English, we should use positive adjectives Secondly, expresses abilities as in: Tôi lái xe (I can drive a car.) 42 In this utterance, we can use various ways to translate into English as follows: - Use “can”: Tôi ăn cay (I can eat spicy food.) - Use “able to”: Cái cửa bị kẹt anh mở (The door was stuck, but he was able to open it.) - Use “how to”: Cô bơi (She knows how to swim.) - Use “capable of”: Cơ đỗ cô thật chăm (She is capable of passing the exams if she tries harder.) - Use “have/ has the ability”: Anh định (He has the ability to make decisions.) - Some other special expressions: 16 a Anh ta làm việc (He is quite an expert at this sort of work.) b Cơ giáo viên (That girl is a really good teacher.) c Cái đồ nết dăn đe ( How can that spoilt child be trained?) d.Cũng đấy! (That sounds quite good!) IV.2.4.2 Reference to bị Considering the following sentences: 17.a Body chị bị đẹp b Cơ gái bị xinh The speakers in the above sentences want to express his compliment on the girl’s body form, the girl’s beauty…However; these sentences normally express positive meaning than negative meaning The words “hơi bị” makes sentences meaning more positive In this case, we can translate as following: 43 a Your body is so nice b That girl is so beautiful In conclusion, formal and dynamic equivalence help to create an atmosphere of treating different languages and cultures from an entirely new perspective in order to promote interlingual communication and understanding between peoples Through seeking dynamic equivalence, the communication between languages and cultures, and the formidable task of translation become at all possible The translators, by finding equivalence in translation can show the tentative nature of assertions, invite the readers as intelligent individuals, to join and decide which equivalence is accurately render the ideas, concepts and words of original text 44 PART THREE CONCLUSION Since its very beginning, translation has not ceased to play its indispensable role of transferring messages across languages and cultural barriers Although the practice of translation is honored for its noble task, huge efforts are needed to improve the quality of translations Thus, the study on translation as the transformation of a written text in one language to that in another language has been carried out long before the formation of this thesis and undoubtedly will be continued ever after What the study attempt to in this thesis is to contribute to that great research work by pointing out the application of formal and dynamic to the translation of bị and into English This is to show translators, especially would- be translators who are still studying in various universities in Vietnam to become translation professionals, the potential traps they may get caught in when rendering Vietnamese texts into English Taking this point into consideration, the writer has examined the previous literature on the theory of translation, especially on Vietnamese translation and translation equivalence Everything related to the translation theory such as definition, translation methods and procedures has been introduced and clarified Then the author looked at the grammatical features and meanings of bị and Hopefully, the student will have a full look at this category Then a survey was conducted with the aim of testing the student’s understanding about the roles of bị and in sentences and finding their common errors in translation of bị and into English The outcome of the survey proves that the third- year English majors at Hanoi Pedagogical University N02 often make mistakes in the translation of bị and into English The mistakes can be in the realm of linguistics or misunderstanding Specific examples are taken form personal communication and from previously published books By the classification and examples cited, the writer attempted to help readers of this thesis, especially would-be translators and inexperienced students to be fully aware of what mistakes they may easily make before seeking ways to avoid them 45 Chapter four of this thesis discusses the application of formal and dynamic equivalence to the translation of bị and to English and which equivalence a translator may employ when translating bị and to English in which he may risk turning his translation into a combination of words Some of them are emphasized for they are likely to help translators much in their professional practice In conclusion, I want to significantly contribute to the study of EnglishVietnamese translations in universities through this thesis In my opinion, it can be considered a companion of all people who are seeking to improve their English – Vietnamese translation skills as well as the quality of their translations Hopefully, readers of this thesis can find it useful in their future work and study or at least see it as a reference worth looking at Although I have made great effort, mistakes and shortcomings are unavoidable I would be much grateful to welcome all possible comments from readers to accomplish the work 46 REFERENCES Alexander, L.G (1990) Longman English grammar practice for intermediate students Essex: Longman Anh, N.T (2000) Tiếng Việt có thái bị động không? Hanoi: Journal of Linguistics, 5, 37- 47 Baker, M (1992) In other words – a course book of translation Roudledge: London & New York Ban, D.Q (2009) Ngữ pháp Việt Nam Hanoi, Vietnam: Hanoi National University of Education Press Bao, B.T., & Dang, X.T (1999) Interpreting and translation coursebook Hanoi, Vietnam: University of Foreign Languages Ban, D.Q., & Thuan, N.T (2000) Lại bàn vấn đề câu bị động tiếng Việt Hanoi: Journal of Linguistics, 7, 14- 21 Basil H., & Ian M (1990) Discourse and the translator - language in social life series Essex: Longman Bien, L (1991) Từ loại tiếng Việt đại Hanoi, Vietnam: Hanoi National University of Education Press Catford, J.C (1965) A linguistic theory of translation Oxford: Oxford University Press Con, N.H (2011) Vietnamese passive sentences from a typological perspective Hanoi: Basic of Vietnamese grammar Con, N.H., & Dien, B.T (2004) Dạng bị động vấn đề câu bị động tiếng Việt Journal of Linguistics, 7, 8, 55- 91 Dien, B.T (2005) Các phương thức chuyển dịch câu bị động từ tiếng Anh sang tiếng Việt Journal of Science of Hanoi National University: Foreign Languages, 3, 36- 42 Den, N.V (2003) The negative effects of the Vietnamese words “bị” and “được” on the formation of English passives M.A thesis Duc, D.V (1986) Ngữ pháp tiếng Việt – Từ loại Hanoi: University of Social Sciences and Humanities Press 47 Hao, C.X (2001) Hai phép cộng trừ ngôn ngữ Hanoi: Journal of Linguistics, 10, 1- 12 Hao, C.X (2002) Tiếng Việt sơ thảo ngữ pháp chức Ho Chi Minh City: Society and Science Press Hoa, L.T (1985) Nhận xét cách dùng từ “ được, phải, bị mắc, chịu” số văn kỷ XVII Journal of Linguistics, 3, 21- 27 Jakobson, R (1959) On linguistic aspects of translation Research paper Lakoff, R (1971) Passive resistance Chicago: Chicago Linguistics Society Larson, M L (1984) Meaning – based translation University Press of America Loc, N.V (2000) Các mơ hình kết trị động từ tiếng Việt Research paper Newmark, P.A (1988) A Textbook of translation London: Prentice Hall Nida, E.A (1964) Towards a science of translating Leiden: E.J Brill Nida, E.A (1982) Translationg meaning San Dimas, Cal: English Language Institude Nida, E.A., & Taber, C.R (1982) The theory and practice of translation E.J Brill, Leiden Nghieu, V.D (2002) So sánh ngữ nghĩa, ngữ pháp “được”, “bị”, “phải” tiếng Việt với “ ban”, “ t’râu” tiếng Khmer Journal of Linguistics, 3, 13- 24 Quirk, R., & GreenBaum, S (1973) A university grammar of English Hong Kong: Longman Group Ltd Than, N.K (1977) Động từ tiếng Việt Hanoi, Vietnam: Social Sciences and Humanities Press Thuan, N.T (1999) Các động từ tình thái “phải, bị, được” xét từ phương diện ngữ dụng học (Hành động ngôn ngữ) Hanoi: Journal of Linguistics, 9, 30- 42 Thuan, N.T (2002) Tình thái câu chứa động từ tình thái “nên”, “cần”, “phải”, “bị”, “được” Hanoi: Journal of Linguistics, 9,10, 42- 51, 51- 58 Thuyet, N.M (1986) Vai trò “bị”, “được” câu bị động tiếng Việt Research Paper 48 Tien, L.H (2010) Tương đượng dịch thuật tương đương dịch Anh Việt Journal of Science of Hanoi National University: Foreign Languages, 26, 141- 149 Walker, E., & Elsworth, S (2000) Grammar Practice for Upper- intermediate Students Essex: Longman 49 APPENDIX SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE Name:………………………………… Class:………………………………… Time: 90 minutes Part A: Could you please give some personal information? How long have you been learning English? What type of translation you prefer? A English – Vietnamese translation B Vietnamese – English translation What is your Vietnamese – English translation like? A Excellent B Good C Rather good D Not very good Part B: Please the exercises below I Identify the role of bị and in the sentences below (Real verb, auxiliary verb or modal verb) Khu trại tăng gia bị bỏ quên bên bờ thác nước Cảnh vật y nguyên thể bị thời gian bỏ sót Các ngả đường rừng bị hịa bình bỏ hoang, qua lại Đội bạn bị thua 2-0 Tơi mừng anh giúp 50 Đơi giày Tượng làm đồng quí Máy bay bị hỏng máy Nam chơi 10 Tôi giải II Translate the sentences into English 11 Dao dùng để gọt trái (peel - gọt) 12 Nhà vua bị họ Mạc sai người vào ngục giết chết 13 Ngày sinh nhật, em nhận quà bố 14 Tôi không quen bị đối xử ( accustom, treat) 15 Em bé mẹ rửa chân cho 16 Tường chủ nhà treo đầy tranh (cover) 17 Tơi bị đói 18 Tơi bị gió thổi bay mũ 19 Anh Nam bị bọn côn đồ hành ( beat) 51 20 Lớp kĩ sư đào tạo chưa đến nơi đến chốn.( train) 21 Cái áo bị đẹp 22 Hồi cậu ta không vào trường cao đẳng (fail, get into) 23 Cái đồ nết dăn đe được.( spoilt child, train) 24 Lúc ấy, Quốc tế ca dịch sang tiếng ta rồi.( international independence song) 25 Tôi phép xem phim bạo lực ( action movie) 26 Mai thét lên bị gục ngã xuống sàn.( scream) 27 Tơi ngửi thấy có mùi bị cháy 28 Các sinh viên bị bắt có chủ ý ( arrest) 29 Các sinh viên bị bắt để tránh rắc rối.( fuss- rắc rối) 30 Cậu kiếm vòng bạc đâu vậy?( bangle – vòng) 31 Anh bị hụt hẫng sau chia tay 32 Body chị bị 33 Anh hát 52 34 Cô họa sĩ 35 Bia uống 36 Tơi cảm thấy bị chống thay đổi đột ngột ấy.( dizzychống) 37 Con chó dạy khơng 38 Tôi mệt đến mức bị thiếp mê mệt 39 Tơi mừng anh giúp 40 Nó bị vỡ tan tành mà Thank your for your cooperation! KEY I Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb Real verb Modal verb Modal verb Auxiliary verb Real verb 10 Real verb II 11 This knife is used to peel fruit 12 The king was killed by a person obeying Mac’s order 53 13 On my birthday, I received my father’s present 14 I am not accustomed to being treated like that 15 The child has his feet washed by the mother 16 The wall is covered with pictures 17 I am hungry 18 I had my hat blown off in the wind 19 Nam has been beaten by a group of ruffians 20 These groups of engineers have not been trained to meet the requirement 21 At that time, he failed to get into college 22 The blouse is so nice! 23 How can this spoilt child be trained? 24 By that time, the international independence song had been translated into Vietnamese 25 I was allowed to watch an action movie 26 Met let out a scream and collapsed on the floor 27 I smell something burning 28 The students were purposely arrested 29 The students were arrested to avoid a fuss 30 Where did you get that silver bangle? 31 He was at a loss after breaking up with her 32 Your body is so nice! 33 He can sing 34 She is a really good painter 35 This beer is drinkable 36 I feel a bit dizzy because of her change 37 This dog cannot be trained 38 I was so tired that I fell into a deep sleep 39 I am glad to have had your help 40 It got smashed 54 ... domination of words 32 CHAPTER FOUR APPLICATION OF FORMAL AND DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE TO THE TRANSLATION OF BỊ AND ĐƯỢC INTO ENGLISH IV Application of formal equivalence to the translation of bị and into English. .. illustrated the application of formal equivalence to the translation of bị and into English The second one displayed the application of dynamic equivalence to the translation of bị and into English. .. CHAPTER FOUR APPLICATION OF FORMAL AND DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE TO THE TRANSLATION OF BỊ AND ĐƯỢC INTO ENGLISH IV.1 Application of formal equivalence to the translation of bị and into English