AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE TRANSLATION OF IDIOMS IN SOME ENGLISH VERSIONS OF TRUYỆN KIỀU BY NGUYỄN DU

Abstract

The translation of idioms in poetry is one of the most difficult and challenging tasks for every translator. This research focused on the translation of idioms in two English versions of Truyện Kiều by Nguyễn Du: The Tale of Kiều by Huỳnh Sanh Thông (1983) and The Kim Vân Kiều by Vladislav Zhukov (2004). A descriptive and contrastive analysis was carried out on the basis of the framework by Catford [5] and Newmark [23]. With this, the research aimed to find out the similarities and differences between the two English versions as well as to generalize the most effective and frequently used procedures in the rendering of idioms. The results reveal that paraphrase may be the best procedure in translating idioms of Truyện Kiều. Besides, literal translation is also considered to be the successful one if it secures referential and pragmatic equivalence to the original, or if translators add notes or footnotes to the item translated. The research also provided some recommendations on translation work as well as on English teaching and learning. Firstly, the translator must have a good knowledge of the culture, custom and characteristics of the places where source language is formed and used. Simultaneously, s/he also chooses the most appropriate procedures for her/his translation. Secondly, translators may use the procedure literal translation in translating idioms. However, this procedure should not be applied extensively, but should be used with careful consideration. The study will also help to put forward some suggestions for further research.