Vietnam National University University of Languages and International Studies
Vietnam National University University of Languages and International Studies
Vietnam National University University of Languages and International Studies
HANOI – 2018
TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION 1
1. Research aim and question 1
2. Scope of the study 1
3. Contribution of the study
CONCLUSION 19
1. Recapitulation of key findings 19
2. Implications 20
2.1 Implications for theory 20
2.2 Implications for research 20
2.3 Implications for practice 20
3. Limitations and further research avenues 21
INTRODUCTION
1. Research aim and question
The overarching aim of this study is to assess the English-Vietnamese translation of culture-specific references
(CSRs) in a literary text from the functional-pragmatic perspective of House’s model (2015). After operating
House’s functional-pragmatic model in English-Vietnamese translation context, theoretical supplementations for
such context are drawn out. In order to fulfill the overarching aim, the English literary text “Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone” (2014) is chosen. This text was written in English by the renowned British novelist J. K.
Rowling. Secondly, this text has become a literary phenomenon since its first publication in 1997. Thus, it
accommodates a number of CSRs, which is relevant for the research aim. The research aim is formulated into
the following research question: To what extent are English culture-specific references in “Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone” (2014) and their Vietnamese translations equivalent from the functional-pragmatic
perspective of House (2015)?
2.Scope of the study
The study focuses on assessing English-Vietnamese translation of three categories of CSRs at the lexical level in
a literary text, namely proper names, personal reference, and regional dialects. These CSR groups are thorny
problems that the translators often confront when translating a literary text. Translating these three groups entails
translating two cultures, which poses huge challenges for the translators. They occur in the chosen literary text
with high frequency, which contributes to the plot development of the narrative. Besides, these three groups are
linguistic features embedded within the underlying attitudes and the pragmatic purposes of the literary author,
which merits attention.
3. Contribution of the study
Theoretically, this study provides new evidence on the use of Attitudinal Resources in uncovering the author’s
underlying attitudes embedded in the text. Methodologically, the textual analysis from the functional-pragmatic
perspective has been reinforced with the analysis from the interviews of the author, the translator, and other
translators and an expert in the field. The detailed description of data collection procedures and analysis would
be of usefulness for other researchers to replicate the study. Practically, the study supplies the translators in
general the translation strategies in dealing with culture-specific references in a literary text, which serves as a
beneficial reference for translators, publishing houses, and would-be translators.
1
1.1.3 Person reference forms
Another strain in translating an English literary text into Vietnamese is that it contains remarkably diverse forms
in Vietnamese for “I-you” dyad in English to show the dynamical interpersonal relationship among characters in
the text. This study places the main focus on the English-Vietnamese translation assessment of “I-you” dyads in
person reference system. In English literary texts, the authors use “I-you” dyads to denote the interpersonal
relationship between characters and reveal the status, social class of the characters and even depict the
characters’ traits.
1.1.4 Regional dialects
Regional dialects denote varieties classified geographically. In literary texts, regional dialects tend to be linked
with the pragmatic purposes of the literary author to characterize protagonists. This study focuses on
investigating the translation of regional dialects as one of the most aching problems in the translation process.
Although translating proper names, person reference forms and regional dialects are thorny problems, the
number of studies with a view to assessing the translation of these three groups in a literary text remains limited,
particularly in English-Vietnamese translation context. Thus, this calls for further studies into the translation
assessment of these three groups, especially in the context of English-Vietnamese translation.
2
Individual textual function
Register Genre
(Generic purpose)
Language/Text
- Genre
The term “genre” is used to denote particular text types (Derewianka, 1990, p. 18).
House’s model is operationalized as follows: (1) analyzing the ST register (Field, Tenor, Mode) to create the ST
profile; (2) describing the Genre of the ST; (3) making the statement of the ST function (ideational and
interpersonal functions); (4) a similar procedure is conducted with the TT to make the statement of the ST
function (ideational and interpersonal functions); (5) comparing the ST and TT profiles; the comparison of the
two textual profiles reveals the extent to which the translation text matches the ST; (6) the statement of quality is
provided.
3
House’s model (2015) is named as the functional-pragmatic model for the following reasons. Regarding the term
“function”, House’s model (2015) is partly based on Halliday’s (1973) theory in terms of two functional
components. Regarding “pragmatics”, it is accentuated that a text must be located into its situational and cultural
contexts in which the text is embedded. It means that the function of a text should be defined pragmatically.
Additionally, translation is the preservation of meaning across two different languages and cultures. To preserve
meaning, the concept of equivalence in House’s model links to the pragmatic meaning. The pragmatic meaning
refers to the use of language in contexts or the intended meaning. In relation to this study, the functional-
pragmatic perspective is understood as the functions (or meanings) of CSRs (proper names, person reference,
regional dialects) embedded in the ST and TT in their situational and cultural contexts. Moreover, the notion of
“culture filter” should be taken into account. According to House (2015, p. 68), culture filter is “a means of
capturing socio-cultural differences in expectation norms and stylistic conventions between the source and target
linguistic-cultural communities”.
4
Due to these aforementioned reasons, House’s model (2015) is adapted to serve as the theoretical framework of
this study in order to fit the research aim of this study. House’s adapted model (2015) is explicated as follows:
5
Figure 1.10 Theoretical framework of the study
(Adapted from House’s model, 2015)
Extent of equivalence
Context of situation –
Register analysis
(Field-subject matter; Tenor-
participant relationship; Mode-
means of communication)
Language embedded in
Target Text:
proper names, person
reference forms,
regional dialects in
Functions
textof proper names, person reference forms, regional
dialects in Target text in contexts
6
Language
Context
Contextembedded
of of in –
situation
Source
Register
Culture –Text:
analysis
genre
proper names, matter;
(Field-subject person Tenor-
referencerelationship;
forms,
participant Mode-
regional dialects in
means oftext
communication)
Functions of proper names, person reference forms, regional
dialects in Source text in contexts
7
Reconstruct based on cultutal filter Note: “function” is used interchangeably
with “meaning” in this study
8
It should be noted that the above theoretical framework for this study is primarily in line with House’s model
(2015) with the reorganization and supplementations to fit the research aim of this study. This theoretical
framework presents a holistic view to the main points discussed by House (2015) in the section 1.4.2.
Regarding the operationalization of the above theoretical framework, in line with House’s model (2015), it starts
from the analysis of “text” and the language embedded in a text. In this study, the model starts from the analysis
of “text” and the three groups of proper names, person reference and regional dialects embedded in the text.
Notably, the text and the three groups of CSRs embedded in the text are put into its situational and cultural
contexts. The analysis of the text in situational context is realized via Register analysis of Field, Tenor and
Mode. Besides, context of culture, which refers to customs, practices, habits, etc. that are shared and accepted in
a community, is critical in adequately assessing the translation of CSRs. In this model, context of culture also
refers to “Genre” defined as “text type”. The definitions of Field, Tenor and Mode, and Genre are in line with
House’s functional-pragmatic model (2015). The use of such theoretical framework in this study is to fit the aim
of the study.
Secondly, translation is a process of transferring from the source to the target culture; thus, cultural filter, as a
means of capturing socio-cultural differences between the source and target linguistic-cultural communities, is
located in the theoretical framework of this study.
Thirdly, in line with the major steps in House’s model (2015), both the status of ST and TT are reflected in the
theoretical framework of this study. Major steps are (1) analyzing the ST register (Field, Tenor, Mode) to create
the ST profile; (2) describing the Genre of the ST; (3) making the statement of the ST function (ideational and
interpersonal functions); (4) a similar procedure is conducted with the TT to make the statement of the ST
function (ideational and interpersonal functions); (5) comparing the ST and TT profiles; the comparison of the
two textual profiles reveals the extent to which the translation text matches the ST; (6) the statement of quality is
provided Equivalence serves as the relationship between the ST and TT. Therefore, both the status of both the
ST and TT in the operation of the framework are made clear.
Finally, since three groups of CSRs (proper names, person reference and regional dialects) in the text are
embedded within the attitudes of the author who created the text. Therefore, Attitudinal resources of Appraisal
theory are incorporated into the theoretical framework of this study in line with House’s model. Attitudinal
resources of Appraisal theory, in line with research aim, are presented in the following section.
CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Research design
Descriptive research fits the aim of this study that is to describe the extent of equivalence between English CSRs
and their Vietnamese translation in a literary text.
2.2 Research methods
In line with the philosophical points of interpretivism, the qualitative approach is adopted as the primary method
in this study to describe the in-depth meanings of CSRs in a literary text.
The descriptive and comparative procedures in line with the Theoretical framework (See Figure 1.10) were
narrated as follows:
- Step 1: Describe the ST function
+ Analyze Field, Tenor, Mode (describe the functions/ meanings of the CSRs in their context of situation)
+ Describe Genre of the ST (describe the functions/ meanings of the CSRs in their context of culture)
+ Describe the function of the ST in which the functions of CSRs contribute to the function of the entire text.
- Step 2: A similar step is conducted to describe the TT function
- Step 3: Comparison
The functions of CSRs (in relation to the overall function of the ST function) are compared with the functions of
the target CSRs (in relation to the overall function of the TT function) in order to find out similarities and
differences and reach the quality statement of the translation.
Besides, quantitative numbers are present in terms of the frequency of translation strategies adopted by the
translator in this study. Via examining the predominant translation strategies to achieve functional equivalent
from the functional-pragmatic perspective of House (2015), the research findings yield practical suggestions in
terms of translation strategies in dealing with CSRs for translators and publishers. As justified in section 2.3.1
Qualitative analysis, qualitative analysis is employed to reach the statement on translation quality, which fulfills
the overarching aim of the study. The focus of the present study is to gain insights into meanings, functions of
CSRs as well as English-Vietnamese translation assessment of CSRs in the chosen literary text. Hence, it is the
qualitative method that serves as the primary method of the present study to address the initial research question.
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Select the ST and TT
Phase 1 Linguistic-textual
analysis from House’s
functional-pragmatic
Collect the Culture-specific references in the ST and TT adapted framework
Phase 2
Note: Support
11
The purpose of these interviews is to strengthen the qualitative assessment of the researcher about the translation
quality of CSRs in order to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
with two translators and an expert.
2.5 Data analysis
Two data sets were obtained from the data collection. The primary sources of data include the Source Text (ST-
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2014), the Target Text (TT-Harry Potter và Hòn đá phù thuỷ, 2016),
the three categories of proper names, person reference forms and regional dialects in the ST and their equivalents
in the TT. The primary sources of data were analyzed and assessed from the functional-pragmatic perspective of
House (2015).
The secondary sources of data, employed to triangulate with the textual analysis of the primary sources of data
from the functional-pragmatic perspective, include the interview transcripts of the ST author, the translator, and
interviews with two other literary translators and an expert in the field. The interview data was transcribed,
coded and analyzed in line with thematic analysis to serve the research aim.
CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Proper names
3.1.1 Findings of English-Vietnamese translation assessment of proper names
This section offers the answer to the research question in terms of proper names. The findings show that 35
proper names of main characters carry ideational and interpersonal functions, contributing to the function of the
whole text. In other words, these names carry contextual meanings and are linked with the pragmatic purposes of
the author. The non-translation strategy is adopted in dealing with these names in the TT, which entails
“Partially functional equivalence” in comparison with ones in the ST. The examples of proper names in the ST
and TT are provided as follows:
ST TT ST TT
1 Draco Malfoy Draco Malfoy 6 Ravenclaw Ravenclaw
2 Voldemort Voldemort 7 Scabber Scabber
3 Filch Filch 8 Sprout Sprout
4 Fluffy Fluffy 9 Peeves Peeves
5 Fang Fang 10 Phyllida (Spore) Phyllida (Spore)
STATEMENT OF QUALITY
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Although the proper name “Draco Malfoy” carries ideational and interpersonal functions in the ST, it remains
non-translated in the TT. The ST analysis reveals that the name “Draco Malfoy” is embedded with the pragmatic
purposes and underlying attitudes of the ST author. Accordingly, non-translation strategy leads to Partially
functional equivalence in the TT as compared with the ST.
There is a myriad of other proper names performing both ideational and interpersonal functions, contributing to
the function of the whole text. The non-translation strategy results in “Partially functional equivalence” in the TT
as compared with ones in the ST (See Appendix A).
Linked with “Partially functional equivalence”, another salient point to be discussed is the choice of non-
translation strategy adopted by the translator. There are a number of advantages underlying the choice of non-
translation of proper names in a literary text. Firstly, proper names are recognized to be almost untranslatable
due to linguistic and cultural differences between the two languages and cultures. Secondly, the non-translation
of proper names serves to preserve the British cultural exoticism of the ST. Thirdly, the non-translation of proper
names seems to be a careful choice for the translator to avoid the possible distortion in meanings in the main
text. Besides, the “HPPS” belongs to the fictional text type about an imaginary world of wizards; thus, the non-
translation of proper names helps to inspire the imagination of the readers. Fourthly, it should be noted that the
aforementioned cases are proper names in a literary text. The non-translation of proper names gives a hand in
maintaining the aesthetic form of a literary text. The linguistic-textual choices of the translator are also
governed by contextual factors, including the structural characteristics and the constraints of the two languages
involved in translation as well as the ST with its linguistic-aesthetic features that belong to the norms of usage
holding in the source lingua-cultural community (House, 2015).
Moreover, if translated, there would be side effects not similar to those intended in the ST. For example,
“Draco”, rooted in Latin for “dragon”, evokes the negative connotation in Western culture since dragon is
inherent in the evil because it stems from the dragon image of Satan in the Bible (Nguy ễn Văn Trào, 2014).
However, “Rồng” or “Long” provokes positive connotation in Vietnamese culture (Trần Ngọc Thêm, Nguyễn
Ngọc Thơ, 2011).
Therefore, compensation strategy is recommended. There are flexible ways of compensation. Practically, to
compensate for the linguistic and cultural differences, adopting non-translation plus “footnotes” is suggested for
literary proper names in the “HPPS”. The number of footnotes should be medium for the avoidance of
distracting and disturbing the readers during reading process, especially in dealing with a literary text. Besides,
non-translation of proper names within the main text plus end-of-book glossary is preferred for these reasons.
The use of end-of-book glossary is convenient and optional for various types of readers, including experts,
educated layman or the uninformed1.
Chapter 6 Chương 6
(Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) (Harry Potter và Hòn đá phù thuỷ)
15
ST ANALYSIS
FIELD
This excerpt is about the first meeting among three characters, Harry, Ron, and Draco Malfoy at the
wizarding school. A high density of adjectives is employed to describe the traits of characters (Eg: pale, thickset,
mean, better, wrong”, etc).
TENOR
Author’s temporal, social and geographical provenance: unmarked English is used.
Author’s stance: As justified, Attitudinal resources of Appraisal Theory are adopted in order to explore the
author’s attitude.
Analysis of author’s attitudes towards the relationship between characters
Appraising items Appraiser Attitude Appraised
Affect Judgment Appreciation
pale Harry Draco
-
reaction
thickset Harry Draco’s friend
-
reaction
(extremely) mean Harry Draco’s friend
-
propriety
carelessly Harry Draco
-
tenacity
much better (than others) Draco himself
+
valuation
wrong (sort) Draco Ron
-
reaction
bravely author Harry
+
tenacity
The use of lexical items denoting negative affect reveals the disapproving attitude among the characters. Draco
adopts a negative attitude towards Ron via the use of lexical means such as “wrong sort, riff-raff”. Harry and
Ron also take a negative attitude towards Draco via lexical means such as “look extremely mean, carelessly,
snigger, coolly”. In line with the author’s interview, she reveals that Harry and Ron are not on good terms with
Draco.
Social role relationship
+ Relationship between the author and the readers: symmetrical
+ Relationship among characters themselves: symmetrical among Harry, Ron, and Draco. They are male
students at the same age attending the magical school.
Social attitude: marked by informality. Spoken language is used in the extract.
Participation: participation is complex with both monologue and dialogue.
MODE: “written to be read as if spoken”.
STATEMENT OF FUNCTION: the ideational function is manifested by the lexical means of adjectives to
describe the traits of the characters. There is the predominance of relational processes to introduce about
characters. The negative attitude and distance among characters are revealed via the Attitudinal resources
analysis. The ST analysis also shows the informality among these students.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ST AND TT
ST-TT comparison of Excerpt 1
Source Text profile Target Text profile
Field Subject matter boarding school Field Subject matter boarding school
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life of wizards life of wizards
Tenor Author’s a British novelist Tenor Translator’s a Vietnamese
provenance provenance novelist, a
translator
STATEMENT OF QUALITY
In this excerpt, “tao-mày” in the TT is functionally equivalent to “I-you” dyad in the ST. “Tao-mày” in
Vietnamese, which denotes the Horizontal relationship Type I (Nguyễn Quang, 2018), is used to express the
anger and hostility between two students of the same social status in the informal situation.
Firstly, “tao-mày” conveys the ST author’s attitudes. The Vietnamese translation also recreates the negative
attitude of Harry and Ron towards Draco (Eg: look extremely mean-hung tợn, carelessly-hờ hững, snigger-cười
khẩy, coolly-lạnh nhạt) and Draco’s negative attitude towards Ron and Harry (Eg: wrong sort-đám tầm thường,
riff raff-đám giẻ rách).
Secondly, the choice of “tao-mày” contributes to the overall informal atmosphere of the situation. Such
informality is recreated in the TT via the use of colloquial language (Eg: hang around- giao du, riff raff-đám giẻ
rách, rub off on-có ngày cũng tiêu ma, go the same way-đi vào vết xe đổ). Thus, “ tao-mày” contributes to the
overall informality of the excerpt situation.
Thirdly, the choice of “tao-mày” gives a hand in reflecting the distance in terms of the relationship between
Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. In Vietnamese, “tao” and “mày” also imply strong disrespect and arrogance.
Based on this context, the choice of “tao” and “mày” functions as a vehicle to show the distance and the hostile
relationship between Draco and Harry, Ron in an informal situation. Thus, “tao-mày” is functionally equivalent
“I-you” dyad in the ST in accordance with the examined situational and cultural contexts.
3.3Regional dialects
3.3.1 Findings of English-Vietnamese translation assessment of regional dialects
This section aims to offer the answer to the research question in terms of regional dialects:
The findings show that “Partially functional equivalence” is gained between regional dialects in the TT in
comparison with ones the ST. The findings also reveal the compensation strategy adopted by the translator in
order to recompense for the linguistic and cultural differences in translating regional dialects across cultures. The
compensation strategy includes “neutralization” in combination with the use of colloquial language to depict the
unique personality of the character.
In the “HPPS”, Hagrid is the only character to speak the West Country dialect in Britain. The examples of
Hagrid’s regional dialect are given below:
ST TT
Chapter 4-“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” Chương 4-“Harry Potter và Hòn đá phù thuỷ”
"Couldn't make us a cup o' tea, could yeh? It's not been an Không có trà nước gì sao? Chà! Chuyến đi thiệt là vất vả.
easy journey..."
"Yeh look a lot like yet dad, but yeh've got yet mom's Con giống cha con lắm, nhưng đôi mắt của con thì lại
eyes." giống mẹ.
"Anyway -- Harry," said the giant, turning his back on the Nhưng lão khổng lồ quay lưng về phía ông bà Dursley, nói
Dursleys, "a very happy birthday to yeh. với Harry: - Dù sao thì cũng chúc mừng con một sinh nhật
vui vẻ nhé Harry.
Got summat fer yeh here -- I mighta sat on it at some Có chút quà cho con đây. Không chừng ta có đè mông lên
point, but it'll taste all right." nó một chút, nhưng mà mùi vị nó vẫn ngon lành.
"Call me Hagrid," he said, "everyone does. An' like I told Cứ gọi ta là bác Hagrid. Và như ta đã nói với con rồi đó, ta
yeh, I'm Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts là người giữ khóa ở Hogwarts
ST ANALYSIS
FIELD
The text covers the subject matters of boarding school life, mysteries, adventures set in both the real-life British
context and the unreal wizarding world. In this narrative, Hagrid is a half-giant gamekeeper who loves animals
and is a loyal friend to Harry Potter.
TENOR
Author’s temporal, social and geographical provenance
The dimension of language user is marked by the use of West Country dialect of Hagrid. The identification of
the character’s dialect is based on the comparison between non-standard marks present in Hagrid’s speech and
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Trudgill and Hannah (2013) study of English dialects. In the author’s interview (1999), she affirms that: “Hagrid
was West Country […].
In terms of social class, West Country accent tends to be regarded as a provincial one, related to more
undereducated or agricultural communities (Agha, 2003). Received Pronunciation is widely recognized as the
standard accent, and “ the great majority of native speakers of this accent are of middle-class or upper-class
origin, educated in private schools and […] universities” (O’ Cornor, 2015, p. 131). It is in line with the story in
which Hagrid is the Key Keeper of the school, and he was kicked out of the school when he was thirteen.
Guarding tends to be regarded to have a lower educational or professional background than other professors at
the school. Thus, the analysis indicates that Hagrid represents a lower social group.
Based on the aforementioned analysis, it can be interpreted that though Hagrid is often regarded as less educated
than others, he is simple and warm-hearted like people from West Country. It is inferred that disregarding the
physical appearance and the way to speak, what matters is one’s heart and personality. As the author accentuates,
differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. Ergo, the
use of West Country dialect in this literary text performs multiple functions of revealing social status, education
and characterizing the protagonist, which are linked with the pragmatic purposes of the author.
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Social attitude: Informal, intimate.
Participation: complex
MODE: written as if spoken
GENRE: fiction
COMPARISON BETWEEN ST AND TT
ST-TT comparison of regional dialects
Source Text profile Target Text profile
Field Subject matter boarding school Field Subject matter boarding school
Tenor Author’s a British novelist Tenor Translator’s a Vietnamese
provenance provenance novelist, a
translator
Author’s positive attitude Translator’s positive attitude
Stance towards Hagrid Stance towards Hagrid
Social role symmetrical Social role symmetrical
relationship relationship
Social attitude informal Social attitude informal
Participation simple & Participation simple &
complex complex
Mode Written as if spoken Mode Written as if spoken
Genre Fiction Genre Fiction
STATEMENT OF QUALITY
The ST-TT comparison shows that “Partially functional equivalence” is gained between the regional dialect in
the TT in comparison with ones the ST. In other words, the marked regional dialect in the ST is not fully
rendered into Vietnamese. It can also be seen that compensation strategy is adopted in making up for the
linguistic and cultural differences. In the “HPPS”, compensation strategy includes “neutralization” in
combination with the use of colloquial language to depict the unique personality of the character.
There have been attempts in using colloquial words to feature the friendliness and the level of language of
Hagrid. However, a minor number of colloquial words in TL remains inadequate to convey the peculiarity of
Hagrid’s speech. The vernacular language, which to contributes to sharpening the fact that though Hagrid is a
less-educated person, he is warm-hearted and trusted, is not recreated in the TT. Thus, “Partially functional
equivalence” is gained between the regional dialect in the TT in comparison with ones the ST.
Underlying “Partially functional equivalence”, firstly, it should be noted that regional dialects are purposefully
employed in the ST. In the context of this study, translating West Country dialect into Vietnamese poses the
following dilemma, which leads to the choice of “neutralization” with the use of colloquial language.
Firstly, if a specific regional dialect in Vietnamese for Hagrid were adopted, there would be the sensitivity of
being discriminated regarding regional dialects among the target Vietnamese readers. Accordingly, if a specific
regional dialect in Vietnamese were adopted for Hagrid in the TT, the target readers of the chosen specific
regional dialect in Vietnamese might have the feeling of being considered as “a kind of very country” with the
20
inferior social status and the poor education. Secondly, a specific regional dialect of a province in Vietnamese
(Eg: Thanh Hoá) might leave the target Vietnamese readers in general confused or not have the similar feelings
as the ST author intends in the ST. Thus, “neutralization” serves as a trade-off to minimize the undesirable side-
effects. Moreover, the compensation strategy is recommended. In combination with “neutralization”, “colloquial
language” is employed to feature the social status, the friendliness and the level of language of the character.
There have been several attempts adopted by the translator in using colloquialism to feature the friendliness and
the level of language of Hagrid, such as “nha”, “đứa”, “tiêu”, “độp”, “cuốn gói cho lẹ”, “cả đống bọn quái”,
“đuổi phứt”. A minor number of colloquial words in TL remains inadequate to delineate the peculiarity of the
Hagrid’s speech. Thus, an increase in the number of colloquial words plays a part in expressing the distinctive
features of Hagrid.
The qualitative and quantitative analysis yields the following key findings. Regarding proper names, the non-
translation strategy is adopted for purposeful proper names, which entails “partially functional equivalence” in
the Target Text (TT) as compared with ones in the Source Text (ST). Accordingly, compensation strategy (non-
translation plus end-of-book glossary) is recommended to compensate the linguistic and cultural differences in
translating meaningful names in a literary text. Regarding person reference forms, the neutral “I-you” dyad has
been translated into 50 equivalent variants in Vietnamese, which indicates functional equivalence in accordance
21
with situational and cultural contexts. Regarding regional dialects, regional dialects in the ST, which are
embedded with the pragmatic purposes of the author, have virtually been neutralized in the TT. This strategy
entails partially functional equivalence in the TT as compared with ones in the ST. Accordingly, the
compensation strategy is recommended with the choice of “neutralization” in combination with “colloquial
language” to highlight the unique traits of the character. It is revealed that cultural filter is inevitable in
translating across cultures. In this study, the reasons underlying the translation strategies adopted by the
translator are also pointed out.
Theoretically, this study provides new evidence on the use of Attitudinal Resources in uncovering the author’s
underlying attitudes embedded in the text. The study also suggests the compensation strategy for House’s model
in English-Vietnamese translation context. Methodologically, the textual analysis from the functional-pragmatic
perspective has been reinforced with the analysis from the interviews of the author, the translator, and other
translators and an expert in the field. The detailed description of data collection procedures and analysis would
be of usefulness for other researchers to replicate the study. Practically, the study supplies the translators in
general the translation strategies in dealing with culture-specific references in a literary text, which serves as a
beneficial reference for translators, publishing houses, and would-be translators.
2. Implications
3.1 Implications for theory
The theoretical implications drawn from the findings of this study concern the applicability of House’s
functional-pragmatic model for English-Vietnamese translation assessment of three groups of CSRs. Since there
exist the deep layers of attitudes and values underlying the linguistic surface of proper names, personal
reference, regional dialects, the supplementation for House’s model with the use of Attitudinal resources of
Appraisal theory has facilitated the researcher to uncover the author’s implied attitudes embedded in the CSRs in
the literary text.
3.2 Implications for research
First, from the findings of this study, this study echoes the need of conducting research on TQA from an
interdisciplinary approach, including linguistic and cultural studies. Second, the use of multiple sources of data
is recommended in conducting research on TQA to guarantee trustworthiness of the study.
3.3 Implications for practice
First, the findings of this study have shown the role of text analysis in both TQA theories and actual translation
practice. Second, as reflected in the findings, it is vital for the translators and translator trainees to gain a
profound understanding about not only two languages but also two cultures.Third, translation strategies are
recommended for translating CSRs from English to Vietnamese. Particularly, the compensation strategy is
recommended in dealing with purposeful proper names and regional dialects in a literary text.
REFERENCES
Vietnamese references
Nguyễn Quang, (2018). Chủ quan tính và khách quan tính trong hệ thống xưng hô Việt và Anh. Tạp chí Nghiên
cứu Nước ngoài, 34(1), 16-34.
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Trần Ngọc Thêm, Nguyễn Ngọc Thơ, (2011). Nguồn gốc con rồng dưới góc nhìn văn hoá. Khoa học xã hội và
nhân văn. ĐHQG TP HCM.
English references
Agha, A. (2003). The Social Life of Cultural Value. Language and Communication, 23(2003), 132-273.
Catford, J, C. (1965). A Linguistic Theory of Translation: an Essay on Applied Linguistics. London: Oxford
University Press.
Derewianka, B. (1990). Exploring How Text Works. Virginia: Primary English Teaching Association.
Halliday, M. A. K. (1973). Explorations in the Functions of Language. London: Arnold.
Halliday, M. A. K. & Hasan, R. (1985). Language, Context and Text: Aspects of Language in a Social Semiotic
Perspective. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
House, J. (2015). Translation Quality Assessment. Past and Present. Routledge: New York.
Katan, D. (2014). Translating Cultures: An Introduction for Translators, Interpreters and Mediators.
Manchester: St. Jerome.
Martin, J. R. & White, R. R. (2005). The Language of Evaluation: Appraisal in English. UK: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Oxford. Prentice Hall.
Nord, C. (1997/ 2014). Translating as a Purposeful Activity: Functionalist Approaches Explained. Manchester:
St. Jerome.
O’Connor, E. (2015). “Othering” via Speech in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Grassroots Writing Research Journal, 5(2), 129-139.
Reiß, K. (translated by Rhodes, F. E). (1971). Translation criticism: Potentials and Limitations. London and
New York: Taylor and Francis Group.
Steiner, E. (1998). A Register-based Translation Evaluation: An Advertisement as a Case in Point. Target, 10(2),
291-318.
Trudgill, P. & Hannah, J. (2013). International English: A Guide to the Varieties of Standard English. London,
NewYork: Routlegde, Taylor & Francis.
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