The Application of a Functionalist Approach to Translation - Case Study Example

The Application of a Functionalist Approach to Translation and Useful in Analyzing Selected Text and Translations Generally Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course: Date: Table of Contents 1.0.Introduction 3 2.0.Nords Functionalist Approach and the Selected Text 4 3.0.Functionalist Approach Selected Text and Language Delimitation 4 4.0.Purpose of Translation in the Selected Text 8 5.0.Understanding Translation Orientation in the Selected Text 10 6.0.Skopos in Relation to Selected Text 12 7.0.The Model for the Analysis of the Selected Text (Source Text) 15 8.0.Conclusion 15 1.0. Introduction The integration of Skopos theory and the functionalist model have been critical in the process of understanding different texts and their translations. As such, there is need to approach translations by discussing ways in which the application of a functionalist approach to translation can be essential in the process of analyzing the selected text and by extension, the processes of translations generally. The aim of this essay is to show the combination of these theories as applied to the investigation of linguistic specificities regarding translations of a given text. As such, the Functionalist Approach of Translation as proposed by NORD (1997) is exemplified within the selected text and its application is described within the context of Skopos theory. The text chosen discusses about e-Distance Learning and its translation provided with an aim of helping the essay effectively apply tenets of the Skopos theory and the functionalist model. The essay further recognizes that the multidisciplinary approaches of translation studies have made it necessary to conclude on the adequacies translators have to ponder over when to produce translations that attain the editors or readers expectations (Xiaowei 2000; Colina 2009). In order to provide point of connection between the translated text and Skopos theory and the functionalist model, it is paramount to provide contexts of the text and relate it to the two theories so as to satisfy the thesis statement of this essay. It is expected that the provision of the linked between the text selected, Skopos theory and the functionalist model will help in the clarification of ways in which the text as translated is developed and how the theory and the model provide guidance in meeting readers/editors expectations. 2.0. Nords Functionalist Approach and the Selected Text An understanding of functionalist approach as proposed by Nord can be best understood by providing a link to the selected text. Functionalist approach provides a broad conceptualistion of ways in which Functionalist Approach of Translation as the case with the selected text functions. The process will entail specification of the importance and roles of source text (ST) when it comes to the target-oriented translation process, the language involved (Arabic and English as it is in this case), and levels of direction to what seems to be more relevant when it comes to the production of a target-oriented translation. 3.0. Functionalist Approach Selected Text and Language Delimitation The research conducted by Nord (1994) noted that, “there can be no process of translation without a source text, there has to be a certain link between the Source Text and Target Text” (p. 28). However, the quantity and quality of the link Nord (1994) argues about has been developed further by the translation skopos. Accordingly, it has been agreed by different studies that the skopos provide the best criteria for the processes of decision as to which elements of the ST-in-situation can be maintained or reserved and which from source text may, or must be adapted to the target situation (Colina 2008; Pöchhacker 1995; Chiyu 2004). Relating this argument within the premise of the text selected, skopos ideologies were well implemented as there are parts of the selected text that were preserved and others adapted. For instance, an expression such as تشمل عبارة التعلّم عبر وسائل الاتصال الإلكترونية مساحة واسعة من التطبيقات in the text would mean “…learning words include through electronic means of communication and a wide area of ​​applications” but application of skopos ‘preserved’ and ‘adapted’ means that the TT did not provide “…learning words include through electronic means of communication and a wide area of ​​applications.” In other words, what Nord insinuates with regard to this case is that in as much as Functionalist Approach remains to be essential with regard to the TT, the process of translation is not meant to neglect in any way, the significance of the ST as the theory is concerned and highlights the essentiality of the production of a TT that can be accepted highly by the target readership. It is because the text selected and its translation would have opted for “…learning words include through electronic means of communication and a wide area of ​​applications” as the translation of the Arabic sentence but since the English translation may not be highly accepted by the target readers, the aspect of ‘adapt’ and ‘reserve’ was applied in attaining the correct translation. To this connection, other studies have supported Nord (1994) perspective arguing that in Western culture, there are two distinct points that are essentially expected from a TT, “how TT functions but at the same time, being loyal toward the ST sender and the intended message’ (Schäffner 2004, p. 58). According to Schäffner (2004), being loyal means that one should be in tune with the intention of ST, and not simply with regard to structure of the ST. Accordingly, the selected text applies the principles of loyalty as proposed by Functionalist Language. The importance of ST (ST in this case being the selected text) is to enlighten readers on the significance of e-Distance Learning and its applications or advantages to the current generation. As such, the translated text has tended to ignore the structure of the text only focusing on the intention of ST. As a matter of fact, when the two texts are compared (ST and TT) it can be noted that the process of translation did not put much emphasis on the structure of ST but the intention of TT. Studies such as Lauscher (2000) have supported this view adding that in the process of translation, there comes a time when translators must recognise that each text can have a different function; however the translator should be loyal to the intention of ST, by adapting the structure of the TT to a different skopos (function). In order to have a clear idea of the message contained in ST and its intention in totality, the translator will have the duty of analysing the ST carefully (Martín de León 2008). Relating this argument to the selected text and its translation, it is apparent that the translator read ST in the light of her/his experience as a critical recipient as well as translator especially in the translation of this expression, “CD-ROM. ان التعلّم عبر وسائل الاتصال الإلكترونية عملية تفاعلية، أو بالأحرى، إنه يوفر فرص التفاعل التعليمي. إن هذا التفاعل يجعلها متميّزة عن مجرد* النشر بالوسائل الالكترونية” The way translation of this word has been made means that experience held by the translator forms a framework into which the process of translation effectively integrates the findings of each new ST reception. Basically, the English version of the expression above indicates the translator’s knowledge regarding the source culture (Arabic) which has enabled the translator to reconstruct the possible reactions of a ST recipient (research by Martín de León (2008) indicates that in this case, the TT skopos is requiring an imitation of the ST functions by the TT). Furthermore, the case presents a situation where the translator’s knowledge is of the target culture (TC) which again, has allowed him/her to expect possible reactions of a TT recipient and as a result, verify the functional adequacy of the process of translating the text produced. The relationship between the text quoted above and skopos theory and the functionalist model is that, in order for the TT to attain its objective, it is essential that the process of translation fulfill some requirements as follows: Having sufficient knowledge of both source and target language as well as culture Knowledge on how to deal with the two languages so as to analyse the ST can produce a TT Knowledge research that helps the process of translation to complete the work Produce a TT as well as develop a research that enables completion of his or her work Martín de León (2008) maintained that translators have the obligation of bearing that s/he is not the sender of the ST message but instead, a producer of text in the targeted culture. Therefore, in the realm of translation competence, such should be noted as a process which is far from being a simple process as it demands a high level of command of both languages as it is the case with the text presented. The translator must have good command of English and Arabic languages in order to put into consideration skopos theory and the functionalist model. Furthermore, regarding the two languages that have been in involved in translation action of the text, it seems essential to note that the delimitation of what languages are concerned in a translation study is worthy considering because as Nord (2006) observed, ‘language can exist in different geographical varieties’ (p. 61) therefore providing specific signs for language variation in a given context, affecting how the translator should analyse the ST. In this respect, the comparison between ST and TT in the selected text further indicates that political and cultural conditions have been identified precisely in the process of translation. The statement,“والترويج بشكل فعّال لمنافع مجتمع المعلومات للشعوب حول العالم. إن أهدافه الرئيسية من هذا العمل هي:” when compared to the TT is an indication that the process of translation has identified the following: Who orders the translation of the ST Who has produced the ST The ST itself The TT itself and Who receives the ST and Translates it Studies have observed that the process of translation cannot be related merely to the purpose of the ST, but basically to ways in which the TT is expected to operate in the context of the targeted audience and at the same time, basing on the communicative functions of the ST (Naude 2002; Schäffner and Wiesemann 2001). 4.0. Purpose of Translation in the Selected Text Functionalist approach provides framework for analyzing the selected text and processes of translation and at the same time, expresses the significance of understanding the functions of a translation. This understanding on the other hand, helps in knowing that the ST in the selected text is not the main reference to the process of translation. Yong (2005) cites Nord (1997) to say that it has to be the intended purpose of the translated text that explains and determines methods of translation and approaches, and not the function of the ST. Applying this concept to the text identified, the selected text is not having a function instead, the intended function can be assigned to the given text by the recipient in the process of reception. That is, it is the responsibility of the reception to complete the communicative context or situation and make a definition of the function of the text as provided. Putting it practically from the text selected, part of the text read, ‘…the strategic importance of long term investment in human resources is, unfortunately, too often forgotten. An excellent way in which to respond to the rapid changes in modern society and to tackle unemployment, which is a concern common to both Europe and the Mediterranean region, is to continuously update skills through initiatives such as e-Distance Learning.” The text quoted is part of TT of the selected text and as a Functionalist Approach would have it, it is the recipient to understand and completes the communicative situation concerning elements such as ‘…tackle unemployment, which is a concern common to both Europe and the Mediterranean region.’ From this excerpt it is apparent that the text as quoted is merely a communicative act and should be completed by the recipient. Still on purpose of translation in the selected text, Hague, Melby and Zheng (2011) seem to share Nord’s position when they observed that ‘functions of the translation do not have to be the same as that of the original’ (p. 223). Relating the quotation with the selected text, the implication is that one of the purposes of the translator is to make a consideration on what is anticipated from the process of translation and the purpose it will have on the target context. As such, the purpose for translating the selected text was premised on the following: The specific orientation of translation of the selected text (it was target-text oriented rather than source-text oriented) Translation strategies fitting into each situation and work better according to the purpose (skopos) determined (in this case, the translation was strategic to fit distance learners and internet class students) Understanding purpose for translating a text has been put succinctly in different researches. A case is the research by Vermeer (2006) who wrote on “Skopos and Commission in Translation Action.” According to the study, any translation should be regarded as an action with specific purpose and thus presents an explanation for the concept of skopos, as ‘a technical term for the purpose or aim of a translation (p. 223). Relating this research to the selected text, the translator of e-Distance Learning began by acknowledging that; “Education is one of five sectors in which EUMEDIS funds Information Society Pilot Projects. EUMEDIS incorporates 5 education projects in total. This issue of The Bulletin focuses on MED NET’U – Mediterranean Network for Unified Distance Learning – and MEDFORIST – Education for e-Business – two projects which have achieved significant results so far in the innovative field of “e-Distance Learning”. The remaining 3 projects – AVICENNA, ODISEAME and MVU – will be covered in more detail in later issues of The Bulletin.” Relating the above excerpt to Vermeer’s (2002) “Skopos and Commission in Translation Action”, the translator in the selected text seemed to be stressing that any translation work needs to be distinct and clear regarding the aims of a translation work. After knowing the purpose of the translation, the translator in this text produced a TT that covered the need of the targeted client as well as the readership’s expectations. Following the Functionalist Approach and Skopos Theory, the translator in the text as quoted above must have been aware of her/his decisions and actions thus helping this essay understand “Purpose of Translation in the Selected Text” 5.0. Understanding Translation Orientation in the Selected Text The best way of understanding the orientation of the text selected is by borrowing Vermeer’s presentation and orientation of every text (i.e the TT oriented towards the target culture or ST oriented towards the source culture) (Vermeer 1996). Consequently, such orientation will help the processes of translation to define the role of both TT and ST. Studies have defined this factor (translation orientation) by adding that source and target text to show some levels of disparity or divergence from each other quite often, not only in the distribution and formulation of the content but also concerning the goals which have been set for each, and in terms of which the arrangement of the content is determined (Reiss and Vermeer 2014; Nord 2014; Jun and Xiaoying 2003). Nord (2014) seems to be in agreement with the points above when she added that translation is the process of producing a functional TT maintaining the link with a specific ST that can be specified in accordance with the anticipated or demanded function of the TT (in other words translation skopos). The understanding from Nord (2014) is that in as much as not following a source-text oriented translation production may not be applied, it is essential to keep a relationship between the TT and ST. At this point, the selected text has adhered to Nord’s perspective in the following way; the ST had: التعرف على ومناقشة التحديات الرئيسية عن طريق التعاون في بحوث تقنيات المعلومات والاتصالات؛ and TT had: “identify and address major challenges through cooperation in ICT research” Basing on expressions provided above it is apparent that what Nord argued about has been presented succinctly. The two statements show that the translator has kept a close relationship between ST and TT. In as much, it has been recognized in different other studies that how far the relationship goes will be dependent on the translation skopos as well as on the decision of which elements from ST the translator can preserve and at the same time, elements the translator can adapt (Schaffner 1997). At some point, it is even based on elements to be ignored or left out of the TT. Schaffner (1997) in his research noted that every single TT should be addressed to a recipient-in-situation that is different from the one to whom the ST is addressed to. As a matter of fact, it is because of this that the translation of التعرف على ومناقشة التحديات الرئيسية عن طريق التعاون في بحوث تقنيات المعلومات والاتصالات؛ to “identify and address major challenges through cooperation in ICT research” has had different adaptations of some elements as the same Arabic words could have been translated as: “identify and discuss the key challenges through cooperation in information and communication technologies research.” One consideration regarding the translations that have been provided from the text selected is that it is authentic texts, which according to Nord (2005) perspective, “are produced for a native speaker recipient who can receive the test in a given situation which will often facilitate comprehension” (p.154). STs as it is with the selected text are often not produced so as to be translated and the target contexts as well as culture are definitely different from the source culture and context. As a result of this point, translators are advised to be equipped with strategies which enhance their process of translation. 6.0. Skopos in Relation to Selected Text The selected text needs to be reviewed in terms of skopos as related to intratextuality and intertextuality. One premise on which skopos theory is based in that the workability of the brief is based on the culture targeted. The ST is therefore part of the belief and as such, receivers will be able to make the text meaningful. However, what is important in this case is that different receivers will find different meanings which are provided by the text. The text selected according to skopos theory is regarded as an offer of information. As such, the offer is directed from the originator of the text to its recipient. According to Vermeer (1989), the translation is therefore a secondary offer of the information regarding information that was originally offered in a different language but within another culture. The statement below has been extracted from the selected text and it is part of the translated text. From this text there is one aspect that can be connected to skopos and the aspect of intratextuality and intertextuality. “Improved access is achieved through transforming workplace practices and removing significant barriers to organizations adopting e-Distance Learning, as well as targeting policies to increase information literacy. Dramatic changes in hardware and software and the continued mainstreaming of technologies into our lives through e-Commerce and Entertainment also provide a powerful and unstoppable force for the growth of e-Distance Learning.” From the text above it is apparent that the translator was aware of the fact that the doctrine or the norm of the target language may not necessarily be accommodated or go in line with those of the source language. It is for this reason that a kind of adjustment (accommodation) in the target text will have to be considered or it is needed to help translators arrive at a common point concerning the problem (Colina 2009). Subsequently, the text as quoted above when compared with the original shows that a TT can be considered as an offer of information that has been formulated by a translator in a target language and culture regarding an offer of information in the source language and culture. Furthermore, the translator was in a position to produce a text that can be regarded as meaningful to the culture of the receiver. Going by Vermeer’s points of view, the TT should be made in a way that it conforms to the standard of what the study terms as ‘intratextuality coherence’ (Vermeer 2006 p. 362). As a matter of fact, this point has been explicitly explained in his book that collaborated Reiss (Reiss and Vermeer 2014). For the text cited above to communicate and considered understandable, it has been coherent with the situation of the receiver just like skopos theory provides. However, it has to be noted that a text being coherent with can be taken as a text being synonymous with part of the receivers’ context and situation of use. According to Reiss and Vermeer (2014) what is significant is that there exist a link between TT and ST since skopos theory considers a translation as an offer of information about a preceding offer of information. As a matter of concern, Vermeer called this link (the link between TT and ST) ‘intertextual coherence (Vermeer 2006). The intertextual coherence link holds between target and source texts. The type of the coherence however, is dependent on two aspects: The translation on skopos and The translator’s interpretation of the ST The link between ST and TT has been expanded in other studies who found that intertextuality is considered as the relationship between a text and other texts which are sharing features with it (Vermeer 2006). Relating these views to the text selected an excerpt as shown below further helps in understanding that there is intertextual coherence because ST is faithful to TT. “The strategic importance of long term investment in human resources is, unfortunately, too often forgotten. An excellent way in which to respond to the rapid changes in modern society and to tackle unemployment, which is a concern common…” From the text above, there are some elements involved in the process of translating that stretches beyond the text as quoted above. For instance, when the text above is compared to its ST it is apparent that the translator was not interested in what skopos consideres as ‘transliteration’ and thus aspects such as tone, mood, sound and response may have been ignored but the relationship as postulated by Reiss and Vermeer (2014) maintained. 7.0. The Model for the Analysis of the Selected Text (Source Text) The source text as identified must be analysed within a framework of a given model so as to understand the applicability of TT and of Skopos theory and the functionalist model. Reiss and Vermeer (2014) have called for the need to have a model source, (also known as translation-oriented) text analysis which can be applicable to all text specimens and types of texts and which can be used in any translation context text. When this essay applies Reiss and Vermeer (2014) views to the selected text then the process of translation will provide translator with the needed comprehension of the function as well as features present in ST, thus facilitating this essay to understand the translator’s general analysis of the ST as well as guiding this essay precisely on the entire process of translations as it took place. Generally, Reiss and Vermeer (2014) found that applying model for the analysis of a selected text then translators will have translation approaches that are more adequate to the functions and purposes of a given translation. The first approach applied is that the selected text has been characterized both by intratextual features (syntactic, semantic and stylistic) and extratectual (pragmatic) elements. From the one hand, recognizing these elements means that the text should be analysed in terms of its content and particular structure. 8.0. Conclusion The essay discussed ways in which the application of a functionalist approach to translation can be useful in analyzing the selected text and translations more generally. From the first hand, the essay adopted skopos theory which the study has considered as a functionalist theory that shifts from the linguistic equivalence to the functional appropriateness of the target text. By evaluating the selected text (both the English and Arabic versions of the selected text) the essay revealed that skopos theory has been used widely in the text. For instance, in the texts that have been quoted in the essay, it was apparent that the application of a functionalist approach to translation as used when the translator could add, explain, omit or replace source linguistic elements at the expense of cultural issues or concepts with the aim of attaining functional equivalence. While this resulted in the loss of different elements such as misinterpretation of the source culture, it was the best way of keeping the relationship between TT and ST. The essay has further noted that functionalism and skopos theory often give the translator freedom as well responsibility to contextualize the text from ST. The main agenda driven by skopos theory can be paraphrased as the translation purpose that justifies the procedure of translation. References Chiyu, C., 2004. Type and Strategy: Functionalism in Translation Typology [J]. Chinese Translators Journal, 3, p.000. Colina, S., 2008. Translation quality evaluation: Empirical evidence for a functionalist approach. The Translator, 14(1), pp.97-134. Colina, S., 2009. Further evidence for a functionalist approach to translation quality evaluation. Target, 21(2), pp.235-264. Hague, D., Melby, A. and Zheng, W., 2011. Surveying translation quality assessment: A specification approach. The Interpreter and translator trainer, 5(2), pp.243-267. Jun, W. and Xiaoying, G., 2003. On the Application of Functional Approach to Literary Translation [J]. Foreign Languages and Their Teaching, 11, p.011. Lauscher, S., 2000. Translation quality assessment: Where can theory and practice meet?. The translator, 6(2), pp.149-168. Martín de León, C., 2008. Skopos and beyond A critical study of functionalism. Target, 20(1), pp.1-28. Naude, J.A., 2002. An overview of recent developments in translation studies with special reference to the implications for Bible translation. Acta Theologica, 22(1), pp.44-69. Nord, C., 1994. Translation as a process of linguistic and cultural adaptation. Teaching translation and interpreting, 2, pp.59-67. Nord, C., 1997. A functional typology of translations. John Benjamins. Nord, C., 2005. Text analysis in translation: Theory, methodology, and didactic application of a model for translation-oriented text analysis (No. 94). Rodopi. Nord, C., 2006. Translating for communicative purposes across culture boundaries. Journal of translation studies, 9(1), pp.43-60. Nord, C., 2014. Translating as a purposeful activity: Functionalist approaches explained. Routledge. Pöchhacker, F., 1995. Simultaneous interpreting: A functionalist perspective. Hermes, Journal of Linguistics, 14(3), pp.31-53. Reiss, K. and Vermeer, H.J., 2014. Towards a general theory of translational action: Skopos theory explained. Routledge. Schäffner, C. and Wiesemann, U., 2001. Annotated texts for translation: English-German: Functionalist approaches illustrated (Vol. 20). Multilingual matters. Schaffner, C., 1997. From'good'to'functionally appropriate': Assessing translation quality. Current issues in language & society, 4(1), pp.1-5. Schäffner, C., 2004. Metaphor and translation: some implications of a cognitive approach. Journal of pragmatics, 36(7), pp.1253-1269. Vermeer, H.J., 1989. Skopos and commission in translational action. Readings in translation theory, pp.173-187. Vermeer, H.J., 1996. A skopos theory of translation:(some arguments for and against). TextconText-Verlag. Vermeer, H.J., 2006. Luhmann's" social Systems" Theory: Preliminary Fragments for a Theory of Translation. Frank & Timme GmbH. Xiaowei, C., 2000. Reflections on Certain Methods of Translation Based on Functional Concept of Translation [J]. Chinese Translators Journal, 4, p.001. Yong, F.A.N., 2005. Translation Errors in the Light of Skopostheorie——Examples from the Web Profiles of Some Leading Universities in China [J]. Journal of Pla University of Foreign Languages, 1, p.015. Read More

The research conducted by Nord (1994) noted that “there can be no process of translation without a source text, there has to be a certain link between the Source Text and Target Text” (p. 28). However, the quantity and quality of the link Nord (1994) argues about has been developed further by the translation scoops. Accordingly, it has been agreed by different studies that the scoops provide the best criteria for the processes of decision as to which elements of the ST-in-situation can be maintained or reserved and which from source text may or must be adapted to the target situation (Colina 2008; Pöchhacker 1995; Chiyu 2004). Relating this argument within the premise of the text selected scoops ideologies were well implemented as there are parts of the selected text that were preserved, and others adapted.

Functionalist Approach remains to be essential about the TT, the process of translation is not meant to neglect in any way, the significance of the ST as the theory is concerned and highlights the essentiality of the production of a TT that can be accepted highly by the target readership. It is because the text selected and its translation would have opted for “…learning words include through electronic means of communication and a wide area of ​​applications” as the translation of the Arabic sentence but since the English translation may not be highly accepted by the target readers, the aspect of ‘adapt’ and ‘reserve’ was applied in attaining the correct translation.

To this connection, other studies have supported Nord (1994) perspective arguing that in Western culture, two distinct points are essentially expected from a TT, “how TT functions but at the same time, being loyal toward the ST sender and the intended message’ (Schäffner 2004, p. 58). According to Schäffner (2004), being loyal means that one should be in tune with the intention of ST, and not simply concerning the structure of the ST. Accordingly, the selected text applies the principles of loyalty as proposed by Functionalist Language. The importance of ST (ST, in this case, being the selected text) is to enlighten readers on the significance of e-Distance Learning and its applications or advantages to the current generation. As such, the translated text has tended to ignore the structure of the text-only focusing on the intention of ST. As a matter of fact, when the two texts are compared (ST and TT) it can be noted that the process of translation did not put much emphasis on the structure of ST but the intention of TT. Studies such as Lauscher (2000) have supported this view adding that in the process of translation, there comes a time when translators must recognize that each text can have a different function; however, the translator should be loyal to the intention of ST, by adapting the structure of the TT to a different skopos (function). To have a clear idea of the message contained in ST and its intention in totality, the translator will have the duty of analyzing the ST carefully (Martín de León 2008).

Martín de León (2008) maintained that translators have the obligation of bearing that s/he is not the sender of the ST message but instead, a producer of text in the targeted culture. Therefore, in the realm of translation competence, such should be noted as a process that is far from being a simple process as it demands a high level of command of both languages as is the case with the text presented.

The translator must have a good command of English and Arabic languages to put into consideration skopos theory and the functionalist model. Furthermore, regarding the two languages that have been involved in translation action of the text, it seems essential to note that the delimitation of what languages are concerned in a translation study is worth considering because as Nord (2006) observed, ‘language can exist in different geographical varieties’ (p. 61) therefore providing specific signs for language variation in a given context, affecting how the translator should analyze the ST.

Read More