Maung Maung Myint Thein (University of Technology) - Practical translation methods

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Translation​

( There are three ways of translating. They are:

( 1) Metaphrasing

Also called round or round recurve.

A literal translation is a translation that accurately conveys the meaning, vocabulary, and sentence structure of the original text without any additional modifications. It is used in translating legal documents and contracts.

(2) Interpreting in a proper Burmese manner

A proper Burmese translation preserves the original author's tone and is translated in a way that is easy for the Burmese reader to understand. It involves making changes to the order, making moderate changes to the sentence structure, and making word substitutions to make it more readable.

(3) Adaptation, refinement, and adaptation

Adaptation goes beyond the level of translation and involves modifying the original text. It is translated with omissions or additions to make it more understandable to the audience.

Things to note when translating

( 1) Different sentence structure

You must understand the differences in sentence structure when translating from English to Burmese and from Burmese to English.

e.g. U Ba beats the cat.

U Ba (Subject) ( Doer) beats (Verb) ( Beats) the cat (Object) ( The one being beaten) Subject + Verb + Object is written. Burmese translation - U Ba beats the cat. ( Subject + Object + Verb)

( 2) The need to know the meaning of a phrase ,

eg (1) Sweet potato cannot be translated as sweet potato.

The phrase "sweet potato" means sweet potato.

eg(2) philosopher's stone = အမှင်း

(3) Instead of writing " for your eyes only" , write "Confidential"

(3) Idiom (compound phrases)

When two or three letters are added to an English word, its original meaning changes and it becomes an idiom.

eg Look = see.

Look for = search.

Look after = take care of.

Add, stop.

Put on = wear.

Put Off = postpone.

Put Out = ( fire) put out.

( 4) Fiction translation

When two or three letters are added to an English word, its original meaning changes and it becomes an idiom.

eg (1) If you translate Closed his eyes directly, you can translate it as (ເຮື່ອງຄານອ

eg (2) "I to die and you to live"

" My path is the path of death. Your path is the path of life."

eg(3) "Love and be silent" ( a) “Love and be silent”

( Short, direct translation, just interpretation, and it's lost its beauty)

(b) “If you love me, love me, don’t tell me.”

( This is a more touching translation)

(c) “Love is love, be silent” (a more appropriate translation)

Translated by Saya Min Thuwan

From the play King Lear

eg(4) "Nothing, my lord" ( a) “Nothing, my lord”

( It's too short and too soft.)

(b) “Nothing” (slang)

(c) “None” (still soft)

(d) “Natti”

( Everyone understands, is clear, and is as proud as the original word)

(From the book King Lear , translated by Sayar Min Thuwan )

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Translation​

Things to note when translating

( 1) Don't translate a word by word.

eg exploit (v) = explore, investigate.

Exploitation of man by man means taking advantage of others for personal gain.

eg They failed to exploit their historical opportunities.

They did not make good use of the opportunities given to them by history. (x)

They did not seize the opportunities that history presented. (v)

( 2) When translating, it is necessary to be careful about terminology. The original English language often changes over time.

eg (1) International = International

(2) Capitalism = capitalism (past) /capitalism/capitalist economic system (present)

(3)Economics = Economics (Economics)

(4)Secretary = ស្រានក

(5) Imperialism = system of expansion (imperialism)

(6)Philosophy = Abhidhamma/Philosophy/Worldview

(7) Great Powers (past) Great Powers (present)

(8)Big Four = Big countries

(9)Curfew = Sundown curfew (formerly) Night curfew (now) Day curfew (if applicable)

( 3) Please note that the usage of Burmese and English words is different.

eg Mahatama Gandhi begins to take light meal today.