In the translation process, transformation refers to the act of substituting an expression from the source language with an equivalent expression in the target language. This substitution is crucial for conveying the original meaning effectively across different linguistic systems.
Understanding Transformation in Translation Studies
Based on insights from translation studies, the term "transformation" is used to describe the relationship between the expressions found in the original text (source language) and the translated text (target language). It highlights the substitution in the process of translation of one form of expression by another. This change from the source form to the target form is often referred to figuratively as conversion or transformation.
Essentially, transformation is the core mechanism by which the translator moves from the linguistic structure and vocabulary of the source language to those of the target language while preserving the intended meaning.
Why Transformation is Necessary
Every language has its own unique structure, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. A direct word-for-word substitution rarely results in a natural or even correct translation. Transformation is necessary because:
- Syntactic Differences: Sentence structures vary significantly between languages. A passive voice in one language might be best translated using an active voice in another.
- Lexical Gaps: There might not be a single word in the target language that perfectly matches a word in the source language. The translator must transform the concept using different words or phrases.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Idioms and fixed phrases cannot be translated literally. They require transformation into an equivalent idiom or explanation in the target language.
- Cultural Context: References to cultural concepts, units of measurement, or social norms may need to be transformed or adapted to be understood by the target audience.
Examples of Transformation
Let's look at a simple example to illustrate the concept of transformation:
Source Language (English): "He is cold-footed."
A literal translation would be incorrect in many languages. The transformation involves understanding the meaning (being afraid or hesitant) and finding an equivalent expression in the target language.
Target Language (Example - Hypothetical Transformation):
| Source Expression | Target Transformation | Notes on Transformation |
|---|---|---|
| "cold-footed" | An idiom meaning "afraid" or "hesitant" in English. | Transformed into a phrase or idiom conveying fear/hesitation in the target language, not a literal description of feet. |
More complex transformations can involve changing sentence structure, noun phrases to verb phrases, or complex sentences to simpler ones, all in the service of conveying the original meaning naturally in the new linguistic context.
The Role of the Translator
The translator's role in transformation is not merely mechanical substitution. It requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages and cultures. Translators analyze the source text's meaning and intent and then strategically apply transformations to create a target text that is:
- Accurate: Conveys the original meaning correctly.
- Natural: Reads smoothly and correctly in the target language.
- Appropriate: Suits the context, audience, and purpose of the translation.
In essence, transformation is the dynamic process of reshaping the linguistic form to maintain semantic and pragmatic equivalence across languages.
