the translation strategy of idiomatic expression in
TRANSCRIPT
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION IN
ENGLISH INDONESIAN SUBTITLE OF THE INFILTRATOR MOVIE
An Undergraduate Thesis
Submitted to Faculty of Adab and Humanities
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
Degree of Strata (S1)
By
AJI FACHRIZAL
(1113026000027)
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ADAB AND HUMANITIES
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH
JAKARTA
2018
i
ABSTRACT
Aji Fachrizal, The Strategy of Idiomatic Expression in English Indonesian Subtitle
of The Infiltrator Movie. An undergraduate thesis: English Language and
Literature, Faculty of Adab and Humanities, State Islamic University Syarif
Hidayatullah Jakarta, 2017.
This study aims at examining the translation strategies used in translation
of idiomatic expression in the subtitle of The Infiltrator movie and how they dealt
with meaning. The aims of the research are: (1) to find out what kinds of
strategies that the translator uses to translate idiomatic expression in The
Infiltrator movie. (2) to find out how the strategy deal with the meaning
equivalence in translating idiomatic expression of The Infiltrator movie.
Moreover, the researcher presented qualitative method using theories by Fernando
and Mona Baker to reach research objective. The result of this research showed
that: Firstly, there are three types of idiom found in the subtitle. However, literal
idiom were the most used idiom types. There are 5 literal idioms, 3 pure idioms
and 2 semi-idioms. Secondly, there are 3 idiom translation strategies that used in
the target language subtitle. The most frequent translation strategies used in
translating the idioms are translation by paraphrasing. There are 6 idioms
translated by paraphrasing, 2 used similar meaning and form and 2 by similar
meaning but dissimilar form. There is no idiom translation found using translation
by omission. Lastly, dynamic equivalence is the most dealt equivalence in the
translation strategy. However, using those theories were impacted to a better
acceptance for all target audiences.
Keyword: Idiom, translation strategies, meaning equivalence.
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APPROVEMENT
The Translation Strategy of Idiomatic Expression in
English Indonesian Subtitle of The Infiltrator Movie
An Undergraduate Thesis
Submitted to Faculty of Adab and Humanities
In Partial Fulfillment for the Degree of Strata One
AJI FACHRIZAL
NIM: 1113026000027
Approved by:
M. Agus Suriadi, M.Hum.
NIP. 19780801 201411 1 001
(Day/Date: )
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ADAB AND HUMANITIES
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH
JAKARTA
2018
iii
LEGALIZATION
Name : Aji Fachrizal
NIM : 1113026000027
Title : The Strategy of Idiomatic Expression in English Indonesian
Subtitle of The Infiltrator Movie
The thesis entitled above has been defended before the Letters and Humanities
Faculty‟s Examination Committee on. It has already been accepted as a partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of strata one.
Jakarta,
Examination Committee
Signature Date
1. Drs. Saefudin, M.Pd (Chair Person) ___________ __________
19640710 199303 1 006
2. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum, (Secretary) ___________ __________
19781003 200112 2 002
3. M. Agus Suriadi, M.Hum. (Advisor) ___________ __________
19780801 201411 1 001
4. Danti Pudjianti, S. Pd., M.M., M.Hum.
19731220 199903 2 004 (Examiner I) ___________ __________
5. Moh. Supardi, M.Hum. (Examiner II) ___________ __________
19760620 201411 1 003
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AKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful All praises be
to Allah SWT, the one and only God, for the blessings that have allowed the
writer to finish this research. Peace and blessing are upon the greatest prophet
Muhammad SAW, his family, companions, and his followers.
This research paper is presented for English Letters Department, Letters and
Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University "Syarif Hidayatullah" Jakarta as a
partial of requirements for the degree of strata one. This work could not be
completed without a great help and support from many people. The writer gives
his eternal gratitude to his parents Rudi Gunawan and Eliya Puspitasari for their
never ending supports and his two beloved siblings Andre Krisnamurty and Elfira
Tiara Salsabila and also all others his family members who always support him
every time. All their financially and mentally supports makes the researcher could
finish his research.
The researcher also wants to give his thanks to some persons who have
contributed so much while this paper is in the process of research until it becomes
a complete work, they are as follows:
1. Prof. Dr. Sukron Kamil M.Ag., the Dean of Adab and Humanities
Faculty, State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta;
2. Mr. Dr. H. Muhammad Farkhan, M.Pd, the Assistant of Dean of Adab
and Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah
Jakarta;
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3. Mr. Drs. Saefudin, M.Pd, the Head of English Letters Department and
Ms. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum, the Secretary of English Letters
Department;
4. Mr. M. Agus Suriadi, M.Hum, the researcher‟s advisor, researcher‟s
thanks is for his time, guidance, kindness and contribution in correcting
and also helping him in finishing the paper.
5. All the lecturers and the staff of English Letters Department.
6. All researcher‟s friends in the English Letters Department, mostly to
“Apadah (Anam, Andi, Alvi, Budi, Danti, El, Elsya, Lana, Sari, Widya)”
and “Crowsa”.
Finally, the researcher realizes that this thesis is not perfect. Therefore, the
researcher would like to accept any constructive suggestion to make this thesis
better.
Jakarta, 30 November 2017
The Researcher
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TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ i
APPROVEMENT ............................................................................................................. ii
LEGALIZATION ............................................................................................................ iii
DECLARATION.............................................................................................................. iv
AKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENT .................................................................................................. vii
CHAPTER I ...................................................................................................................... 1
A. Background ........................................................................................................... 1
B. Research Questions ............................................................................................... 4
C. Objective of Research ........................................................................................... 5
D. Benefits of Research .............................................................................................. 5
E. Research Methodology ......................................................................................... 5
1. Research Methods ............................................................................................... 5
2. Research Instruments .......................................................................................... 6
3. Unit of Analysis .................................................................................................. 6
4. Data Analysis ...................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER II ..................................................................................................................... 6
A. Previous Research ................................................................................................. 6
B. Theoretical Framework ........................................................................................ 8
1. Process of Translation ......................................................................................... 8
2. Subtitling Translation (AVT) ............................................................................ 10
3. Theory of Figurative Expression ....................................................................... 11
4. Categorizing Idiom ........................................................................................... 12
5. Strategy of Translating Idioms .......................................................................... 15
6. Equivalence in Translation................................................................................ 18
CHAPTER III ................................................................................................................. 23
A. Data Description ................................................................................................... 23
B. Data Analysis ........................................................................................................ 25
CHAPTER IV.................................................................................................................. 32
A. Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 32
B. Suggestion ............................................................................................................. 33
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WORK CITED ................................................................................................................ 34
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................. 36
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Every language has its own idioms which develop according to the culture
of the source language. According to McCarthy and O‟Dell (2010: 6) idiom is a
combination of words that has a meaning that is different from the meanings of
the individual words themselves. If used in everyday language, they have other
meaning than the basic one you would find in the dictionary. Idioms are used in
our daily conversation and can also be found in movie dialogue. Since movie has
an oral language, then the problem that needs to be analyzed is how people put
their words into written form of language. To solving the problems, translation
activity is needed. The translator must make subtitle that is sometimes included
idiomatic expression from foreign language.
According to (Sayogie 6) translation is an attempt to transfer messages
from one language to another. Therefore, we cannot judge translations merely as
substitutes for text in one language to another. Thus, the essence of translation is
an attempt to revisit messages and a language into another. In doing the
translation of course there is something to be considered, one of which is the
selection of words, it is very important to make the translation result is not
ambiguous. Translators should also consider the point of view or culture between
languages when translating a thing.
2
A translation result can be considered successful if the messages, thoughts,
ideas, and concepts in the source language can be conveyed to the target language.
Translating results are considered successful if the subtitles can provide an
experience similar to the original text (Newmark 48). This will be difficult
because of differences in language and cultural systems between the source
language and the target language. A good translator should not only be able to
overcome the differences in language and cultural systems, but he should also be
able to capture the implicit message or message that is in the source language and
relay it back into the target language. This is important because the integrity of a
text is influenced somewhat by the implicit message or meaning contained in it.
Translating a text not only in the scientific field, but also on non-scientific
fields. One of them is to translate subtitle movie. At this time, movie can be
enjoyed in the cinema or just on television and of course It is accompanied by
many subtitle translators appear to provide subtitle facilities to movie lovers who
do not understand the original language of the film. As said Keitah (2013) subtitle
is a translation file in the form of writing or text of a movie that will be displayed
on a foreign film with the purpose of movie lovers can understand what is being
discussed by the characters in the film. On the other hand, with subtitle the
spectators of the movie can understand the contents of the movie and the meaning
of the idiomatic expression in that movie without misunderstanding and
ambiguity.
This is a lot of subtitle that is translated into several languages, especially
Indonesian language that allows the audience to receive messages delivered in the
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film. However, many subtitle makers are not completely perfect with no attention
to the techniques and procedures of translation are good and correct so that if
makes the received message to be difficult to understand. This explains that
translating the script of a movie is not easy, because to do the translation requires
precision in the selection of words for meaning and messages in the film delivered
correctly.
Translation techniques and procedures are also very important to produce
a good translation. (Sayogie 53) says that knowledge of translation procedures is
essential for translators. Therefore, translation techniques and procedures must be
properly studied in order that the translator can conform properly, either
grammatically or in the sense contained in the source language.
In this study, the researcher is interested to analyse the subtitle of the film
“The Infiltrator” by Brad Furman as the object of research. The Infiltrator is a
film that tells of a US Customs officer who revealed a money-laundering scheme
involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. When the researcher reads the
original subtitle and the translation of the subtitle, the author finds an irregular
translation in it.
• SL: He's nothing but a two-faced drug pusher.
• TL: Dia bukanlah siapa-siapa selain pengedar bermuka dua.
The phrase of drug pusher is translated into the target language into a
pengedar. In the source language, there are two words 'drug pusher', but the
translator only translates the phrase into one word 'pengedar'. If translated with
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real meaning, the drug pusher will be translated into a 'pendorong obat', drug
pusher is known as an idiom because if it is translated semantically the received
message will become odd. The translator considers the drug pusher and pengedar
to have the equivalence of meaning. The word pengedar in Indonesian culture has
a negative meaning and is associated with illegal drugs. So, it does not matter
when the translator translates the drug pusher into a pengedar, because it does not
change the message delivered from the movie script.
From the explanation above, the researcher wanted to further analyse
about subtitle translation of The Infiltrator film, especially on idiomatic
translation in subtitle text. This study is entitled "The Translation Strategy of
Idiomatic Expression in English Indonesian Subtitle of The Infiltrator Movie".
In this study, researchers focused on idiomatic translation strategy used by
translators to translate according to the context of English into Indonesian.
B. Research Questions
Based on what has been described in the background, it can be concluded
some research questions, which include:
1. What are type of strategies that used by the translator to translate Idiomatic
translation in the subtitle of The Infiltrator?
2. How does the strategy deal with the meaning equivalence in translating
idiomatic expression?
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C. Objective of Research
Based on the Research Question, then the following is the purpose of
research:
1. To know the strategies that the translator uses to translate idiomatic
translation in the subtitle of The Infiltrator.
2. To find the strategy deal with the meaning equivalencies in translating
idiomatic expression of the subtitle of The Infiltrator.
D. Benefits of Research
This research is expected to assist in finding translation procedures and
differences in content related to the meaning of the translation that occurred as a
result of the translation process in the subtitle of The Infiltrator. Therefore, this
research will complement and provide more information on translating subtitles in
general to the researcher himself and for readers who have an interest in the field
of translation in particular to translate subtitle film.
E. Research Methodology
1. Research Methods
The researcher uses qualitative methods to obtain the information which
contain idiomatic expressions in order to find conclusions that are available in the
subtitle. The researcher attempted to explain the accuracy of translation from the
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source language to the target language and to explain the reasons that reinforce the
results of the analysis obtained.
2. Research Instruments
The researcher acts as a research instrument for obtaining data research by
observing films, marking and classifying translation procedures on subtitle The
Infiltrator movie.
3. Unit of Analysis
The unit of analysis of this research is a subtitle of the The Infiltrator movie
by HeisenbergLab taken from subscene.com. The movie is produced by Broad
Green Pictures Studio and directed by Brad Furman. It was released in the United
States on July 13, 2016 with 127 minutes duration. This research unit is primarily
on the contained idiomatic translation.
4. Data Analysis
The collected data will be analyzed qualitatively with these steps:
a. First, the researcher analyzes types of idiomatic expression based on
Fernando‟s theory.
b. Second, the researcher analyzes idiom translation strategies which are used
to translate idiomatic translation in The Infiltrator movie according to
theories taken from Baker.
c. Researcher analyzed data that had been selected using equivalencies by
Nida and Idiom translation strategies by Baker;
d. Researcher report the results.
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CHAPTER II
IDIOMATIC TRANSLATION CONCEPT
A. Previous Research
Based on the study that has been done, there are some related researches on
translating idiomatic expression. First related study was done by Mg. M.
Frennandy Ngestiningtyas‟s research (2013) entitled "An Analysis on Idiom
Translation Strategies in The Rainbow Troops". His study is aimed at examining
the translation strategies used in the translation of idioms in the novel Laskar
Pelangi from Indonesian into English. His data were collected by listing the
idioms in the source text and their corresponding translation in the target text,
which is named, The Rainbow Troops. He also identified the idioms by
classifying the idioms found using McCarthy and O‟Dell‟s theory about the
classification of idiom types.
His obtained data were analyzed by using idiom translation strategies
proposed by Baker (2007). The most frequent translation strategies used in
translating the Indonesian idioms is translation by using similar meaning and
form. The other strategies that he applied are translation by using an idiom of
similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrasing. There is no
idiom found using translation by omission or ellipsis strategy in his research.
Another previous research related with the current research was done by
Rizky Febriawan Saputro‟s (2012) entitled “Idioms and Strategies of Translation
7
in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”. His research describes the translation
of idioms expression found in the novel Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
published by Bloomsbury and the strategies in translating idioms applied based on
Baker (2001). He provided a detailed description about the translation strategies in
translating idiomatic expressions found in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.
His study showed that the cultural difference becomes the main concern in
keeping the original meaning, especially when dealing with idiomatic expressions.
When translating idioms, he used some adjustment in the certain context to keep
the correct meaning, so the translated text is still readable and clear.
The last previous research related with the current research was entitled
“Translation of Idioms and Fixed Expressions: Strategies and Difficulties” by
Amir Shojaei (2012). His research tried to investigate and identify firstly some
existing obstacles in the process of translating Turkish-English idiomatic pairs and
suggest some weighty theoretical strategies to overcome such difficulties. His
study also aims to find the number of factors which should be considered in order
to translate idiomatic expressions correctly.
His research problem is almost similar with Febrian Saputro‟s research that
the cultural difference becomes the main concern in keeping the original meaning
in translating idiom but the difference was in the implementation. He made an
attempt to exemplify the difficulties and strategies regarding this problem so that
list of existing difficulties might be stated for the readers and translators of such
expressions. Both previous studies above showed that they have related focus with
8
the current study. The research focus was idiomatic expression. The differences
are also could be seen on the aim of the research. First previous research aimed to
translating idioms expression from Indonesian to English of the Andrea Hirata‟s
novel entitled “Laskar Pelangi”. He used his own perspective to the translation
method because the novel use informal language which it tells daily life story that
experienced by the reader‟s life. The second research purpose discovered the most
commonly applied strategy for translating idioms expression and also focused on
chosing the appropriate translation of the novel for the target readers. The last
research aims to suggest some weighty theoretical strategies to overcome such
difficulties in translating idiom from English to Turkish.
However, the current study attempted to address a research question. On
the types of strategies used to translate idiomatic expressions in the “The
Infiltrator” movie‟s subtitle into Indonesian. This study will also analyze the
translation strategies using Baker proposed four idiom translation strategies and
its impact to the translation equivalence. The idiom translation strategies are using
an idiom of similar meaning and form, using an idiom of similar meaning but
dissimilar form, translation by paraphrase, and translation by omission. This study
uses Eugene A. Nida and Charles R. Taber theory to find the meaning
equivalences in the translation.
B. Theoretical Framework
1. Process of Translation
In translation, there are several stages that must be passed by translator
commonly called the translation process. The following is the translation process
9
proposed by the experts. Sayogie (2014: 18) said that in the process of translation,
the translator performs a series of actions to devote their knowledge, skills,
abilities, and his habit of redirecting a message from the source language to the
target language through several stages using the procedure of translation,
translation methods and techniques of translation.
Nida and Taber explain the process of translation in three steps, the process of
translation according to Nida and Taber can be described as follows.: (1) analysis,
in analysis a translator explores the meaning and grammatical relationship of
source language; (2) transfer, the transfer of the meaning of which is in the mind
of the translator from the source language into the target language; (3)
restructuring, the meaning that has been transferred is restructured in order to
make the final message fully acceptable in target language. The translation
process steps described by Nida and Taber are both practical and comprehensive
in comparing equality in both source and target languages.
10
Picture 1.1 Translation process by Nida and Taber
The table from Nida and Taber above explain that the translation has process,
a translator must have knowledge about the culture of both source language and
target language. The translator must analyze the grammatical relationship and
semantic structure, so the process to translation can be transferred from SL to TL.
The translator must also translate carefully and check whether the transferred
material is already restructured or not in order to make the final message fully
acceptable in the receptor language.
2. Subtitling Translation (AVT)
According to Diaz-Cintas, subtitling may be described as a translation
practice that consists of rendering in writing, usually at the bottom of the screen,
the translation into a target language of the original dialogue exchanges uttered by
diff erent speakers, as well as all other verbal information that appears written on
screen (letters, banners, inserts) or is transmitted aurally in the soundtrack (song
lyrics, voices off ). As opposed to dubbing which completely erases the original
dialogue, subtitling preserves the original text, both aurally and visually, while
adding an extra layer of information. Given the multimedia nature of the material
with which they work, subtitle makers are expected to opt for solutions that strike
the right balance and interaction between all these audio and visual dimensions.
Linde and Kay also stated that subtitling was different from text translation in
a number of ways: there were additional visual and audio components including a
residual oral soundtrack; there was a change from oral to written language and,
11
finally, there were obligatory omissions in the source language (3). Moreover,
subtitling dubbing and voice over too is should synchronized with translational
parameters of image and sound (subtitles should follow what the characters are
doing on screen), and time (i.e. the delivery of the translated message should
coincide with that of the original speech) (Diaz-Cintas and Rameal 9).
3. Theory of Figurative Expression
According to Nida and Taber (2003), figurative expression is an expression
which is used in place of another meaning or expression which is not its synonym
but with which it has an association of ideas often mediated through a
supplementary component. Some types of figure of speech are metonymy,
synecdoche, idioms, euphemism, hyperbole, and symbol.
According to Larson (1998) metonymy is the use of words in a figurative
sense involving association. For example, "The kettle is boiling. ". However, a
kettle cannot boil. That sentence means the water is boiling, kettle is used to
associate water which is usually boiled in a kettle. Synecdoche is figurative sense
which based on part-whole relationships. For example, "give us this day our daily
bread. ", bread associates food, because bread is a part of food. Nyoman K.R.
(2009:446) states that synecdoche is divided into two types; Pars Prototo or part
for whole relationships and Totem Proparte or whole for part relationship.
Idiom is one class of figurative expressions which occurs in all language, but
which is very language specific. For example, "He has a hard heart." has the
meaning; he is indifferent to the needs of others.
12
Euphemism is a figurative expression which is used to avoid an offensive
expression or one that is socially unacceptable, or one that is unpleasant. For
example, The Jews avoided mention of the name of God by using the word
heaven.
Hyperbole is a metonymy or synecdoche with more said than the miter
intended the reader to understand. For example, I'm frozen to death, this
hyperbole has the meaning; very cold (1998:117).
According to Michelson in Ordudari's journal (2008) he considers a figure of
speech "an image transferred by something that stands for or represents something
else, like flag for county, or autumn for maturity."
Symbols can represent ideas embodied in the image without stating them.
Symbols can be subject to a diversity of connotations; therefore, both the poet and
the reader must exercise sensible discretion to avoid misinterpretation.
4. Categorizing Idiom
According to Fernando (35-36), idioms can be grouped into three sub-classes:
pure idioms, semi-idioms and literal idioms.
4.1. Pure idioms
A pure idiom a type of conventionalized, non-literal multiword expression
whose meaning cannot be understood by adding up the meanings of the words
that make up the phrase. For the example:
SL: Whatever you do, don‟t spill the beans!
TL: Apa pun yang kau lakukan, jangan sebarkan rahasia tersebut!
13
From the terms above, we know that „spill the bean‟ is a pure idiom, because
its real meaning has nothing to do with beans. Here is another example of pure
idioms: Let the cat out of the bag, kick at the cat, red neck.
4.2. Semi-idiom
A semi-pure, on the other hand, has at least one literal element and one with a
non-literal meaning. For the example:
SL: Don‟t worry, I will foot the bill.
TL: Jangan khawatir, aku yang akan membayar.
The example above showed that „foot the bill‟ is one example of a semi-idiom,
in which foot is the non-literal element, whereas the word bill is used literally.
Here is another example of semi-idioms: Fish out of water, middle of nowhere,
walking on eggs.
4.3. Literal idioms
Literal idioms are semantically less complex than the other two, and therefore
easier to understand even if one is not familiar with these expressions. For the
example:
SL: I love you from the bottom of my heart.
TL: Aku mencintaimu dari lubuk hatiku yang paling dalam.
From the example above, the idiom „bottom of my heart‟ will easily
understand because it uses the literal words. Here is another example of literal
idioms: Coming out, vicious cycle, on foot, on the contrary.
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Meanwhile, some idioms can be guessed if we hear them in context, that is,
when we know how they are used in a particular situation. For example, let us
take the idiom to be at the top of the tree. If we hear the sentence „John is at the
top of the tree now‟, we are not sure what this is saying about John. Perhaps it
means that he is in a higher position or that he is hiding. But if we hear the phrase
in context, the meaning becomes clear to us. The idiom means „to be at the top of
one‟s profession, to be successful‟.
However, some idioms are too difficult to guess correctly because they have
no association with the original meaning of the individual words. Here are some
examples: to tell someone where to get off, to bring the house down, to take it out
on someone. The learner will have great difficulty here unless he has heard the
idioms before. Even when they are used in context, it is not easy to detect the
meaning exactly. To get off usually appears together with bus or bicycle.
To knows the meaning of an idiom we must have to learn it as a whole
because we often cannot change any part of it. According to Berman (2000) “we
cannot normally change the words, their order, or the grammatical forms in the
same way as changing non-idiomatic expression”. In other words, idioms are
basically fixed expressions. If we found idioms, we cannot change the structure or
translate it per words, as idioms tied to each other; means we cannot delete or add
words.
Some idioms are fixed in some of their parts but not in others. Some idioms
allow only limited changes in the parts that are not fixed. For the example is the
15
idiom to take forty winks. The idiom means to take a nap for a short period of
time. We can only change the tense of the verb like to take/ have/enjoy forty winks
but we cannot say „fifty‟ winks. One cannot explain why this is wrong. We must
accept the idiomatic peculiarities of the language and learn to handle them.
5. Strategy of Translating Idioms
In providing ideal translation, some translators face difficulties on translating
idioms. Baker (2007: 68-71) summarized the difficulties involved in translating
idioms, such as: an idiom or fixed expression may have no equivalent in the target
language, an idiom or fixed expression may have a similar counterpart in the
target language, but its context of use may be different; they may have different
connotations or not be pragmatically transferable, an idiom may be used in the
source language in both its literal and idiomatic senses at the same time and this
play on idiom may not be successfully reproduced in the target language, and the
convention regarding idioms in written discourse, the contexts in which they can
be used and their frequency of use may be different in the source language and
target language.
According to Machali (2009: 3), translators might be mistaken in losing the
tone or meaning of idioms in translating them as they think of the idioms as
ordinary expressions. Therefore, in order to transfer the messages of idioms to be
translated accurately and efficiently, the translator must choose the most
appropriate strategy.
16
Therefore, Baker proposed four idiom translation strategies in her book “In
Other Words: A course book on translation” (2007: 72-78). The idiom translation
strategies are using an idiom of similar meaning and form, using an idiom of
similar meaning but dissimilar form, translation by paraphrase, and translation by
omission.
5.1. Using an Idioms of Similar Meaning and Form
This strategy is to translate idioms by using an idiom very similar in its
form and meaning to the source language idiom. It must express roughly the
same meaning and be of equivalent lexical items. For the example:
SL: Jeff has such a big head and thinks he's in charge of everything.
TL: Jeff sangat besar kepala dan berpikir bisa mengatur segalanya.
The idiom big head which means „someone who believes that they are
very clever or very good at an activity and who thinks that other people
should admire them‟ translated into „besar kepala‟ because both of target
language and source language has the same structure.
5.2. Using an Idioms of Similar Meaning but Dissimilar Form
Idiom or fixed expression in the target language which has a meaning
similar to that of the source idiom or expression, but which consists of
different lexical items. For the example:
SL: The children is playing cat and mouse in the house.
TL: Anak-anak sedang bermain petak umpet di dalam rumah.
17
The idiom playing cat and dog which means „alternate between kinds
of behavior when dealing with someone, often in matters of pursuit‟, can be
translated into bermain petak umpet. Even playing cat and dog has dissimilar
form with petak umpet, they have exactly the same meaning with the source
language.
5.3. Translation by Paraphrase
According to Baker, this is the most common way of translating
idioms when a match cannot be found in the target language or when it seems
inappropriate to use idiomatic language in the target text because of
differences in stylistic preferences of the source and target languages. For the
example:
SL: The old man is kick the bucket.
TL: Kakek itu meninggal dunia.
The idiom „kick the bucket‟ which means „die‟ have no match or
similar preferences in target language, if translated using literal translation it
become „menendang ember‟. So, it paraphrased into meninggal dunia which
more acceptable in the target language than translated literally.
5.4. Translation by Omission
According to Baker (2007, p.77) omission is allowed only in some
cases: first, when there is no close equivalent in the target language; secondly,
when it is difficult to paraphrase; finally, an idiom may be omitted for
stylistic reasons. For example:
SL: He might get up the juice to kiss me. (to build up the courage)
18
TL: Dia mungkin akan mencium saya.
The idiom „get up the juice‟ which mean has no close equivalent in
target language. It also difficult to paraphrase. So, this idiom can be translated
by omission into dia mungkin akan mencium saya.
6. Equivalence in Translation
Equivalence can be said to be the central issue in translation because every
translator always aims for meaning equivalence. Almost all translation scholars in
their theories somehow refer to the equivalence as the most crucial parts of
translation. Translation equivalence occurs when source language and target
language texts or items are related to the same relevant features of situation
substance. As stated in Shakernia (2014), Nida argued that there are two different
types of equivalence, namely formal correspondence and dynamic equivalence.
6.1.1. Formal Correspondence
Formal correspondence is quality of a translation that keeps the form of the
source text in the target language. It focuses attention on the message itself, in
both form and content. In such a translation one is concerned with such
correspondences as poetry to poetry, sentence to sentence, and concept to concept.
This means that the message in the receptor culture is constantly compared with
the message in the source culture to determine the standards of accuracy and
correctness.
19
6.1.2. Dynamic Equivalence
Dynamic equivalence is quality of a translation in which the message of the
original text has been transported into the target language that the response of the
target receptors is essentially like that of the original receptors. Nida said as
quoted in Shakernia (2014) that dynamic equivalence is 'the principle of
equivalent effect', where the relationship between receptor and message should be
substantially the same as which existed between the original receptors and the
message. The aim of dynamical equivalence is to take the effect on the recipient's
response as the first priority.
Meanwhile, unlike the Nida theory above, Catford's approach to
translation equivalence clearly differs from that adopted by Nida since Catford
had a preference for a more linguistic-based approach to translation and this
approach is based on the linguistic work. Those approaches are textual
equivalence and formal correspondence.
6.2.1. Textual Equivalence
The textual translation equivalence is that portion of target language text
which is changed only when a given portion of source language. Textual
equivalence comes into play when translation on the basis of formal
correspondence in not possible.
6.2.2. Formal Correspondences
Formal correspondence itself defines as any target language category (unit,
class, structure, element of structure, etc.) which can be said occupy, as nearly as
20
possible, the 'same' place in the 'economy' of the target language as the given
source language category occupies in the source language.
It is clear from explanations above, in this research, the researcher will use
Nida‟s equivalence theory to find out the emphasis or inclination for meaning
equivalence in „The Infiltrator‟ film in target language which are the formal and
dynamic equivalence.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH ANALYSIS
A. Data Description
In this chapter, the researcher tabulates the data which are the idiomatic
expression in the subtitle of „The Infiltrator‟ movie that produced by Broad Green
Pictures Studio and the Indonesian subtitle which was taken from subscene. Here,
the researcher tries to tabulate the collected data through the following table:
1. Idiomatic expression used in the movie.
2. The translation of English idiomatic expression into Indonesian.
3. Category of idiom
4. Idiom translation strategies
This study aimed to find idiomatic expression used by the actors and actresses
who made a dialogue in „The Infiltrator‟ movie and marks the words that are
considered as idiom. The researcher tries to analyze and to classify the selected
idiomatic expression by its type and analyze the idiomatic translation strategies
used in the translation whether they deal with the equivalence or not. The data are
as follow:
24
Table 3.1. Data Description
No. Idiomatic
Expression in SL
Idiomatic Expression
in TL
Categories
of Idiom
in SL
Idiom
Translation
Strategies
1. I am gonna watch
you wiggle away
Sekarang aku akan
melihatmu melenggok
Literal
idiom
Similar
meaning but
dissimilar
form
2. keep your eyes off
my girlfriend jangan lihat-lihat
pacarku
Literal
idiom
Translation
by
paraphrase
3. It's like my appendix
burst
Rasanya seperti usus
buntuku putus
Literal
idiom
Similar
meaning
and form
4. Get on the ground! Tiarap! Literal
idiom
Translation
by
Paraphrase
5. Oh, yeah. Piece of
cake Oh, ya. Gampang. Pure idiom
Translation
by
Paraphrase
6.
Watch out, you're
stepping on all the
bodies, man.
Hati-hati, kau
menginjak semuanya. Pure idiom
Translation
by
Paraphrase
7. Now, I'm gonna feed
the wire.
Aku harus memasang
kabelnya.
Semi
idiom
Similar
meaning
and form.
8.
So, I need a face-to-
face with the man
who runs Southern
Air Transport
Jadi, aku harus
berhadapan langsung dengan orang yang
menjalankan Southern
Air Transport
Pure idiom
Translation
by
paraphrase
9.
He's nothing but a
two-faced drug
pusher
Dia bukanlah siapa-
siapa selain pengedar
bermuka dua
Literal
Idiom
Similar
meaning but
dissimilar
form
10.
He's nothing but a
two-faced drug
pusher
Dia bukanlah siapa-
siapa selain pengedar
bermuka dua
Semi-
idiom
Translation
by
paraphrase
25
B. Data Analysis
From the tabulated data above, there are ten data of idioms. The researcher
will try to analyze and classify the idiomatic expression by using relevant theory,
then analyze the translation strategies used in the translation whether they deal
with the meaning equivalence or not.
Datum 1
SL: I am gonna watch you wiggle away.
TL: Sekarang aku akan melihatmu melenggok.
From the data above, the idiom wiggle away is classified into literal
idiom. According to Oxford Dictionary, the word wiggle mean is move or cause
to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements and the
away mean is maintaining a physical distance from someone or something. So, the
phrase wiggle away can be understood as moving or walk leaving something or
someone as the hips is jiggle. The speaker in the movie uses this idiomatic
expression when a man was watching a girl leaving him.
The researcher analyzes that the translator applies Baker's second strategy
of translating idiom with similar meaning but dissimilar form the source
language idiom has the same meaning with the target language idiom although the
form between two idioms is different. The translator translates wiggle away into
„melenggok‟ which has similar meaning and acceptable in the target language.
The translation is also using formal correspondence because source language
meaning is preserved in target language, and it shows that the translation tries to
replicate the content to preserve originality.
26
Datum 2
SL: Keep your eyes off my girlfriend.
TL: Jangan lihat-lihat pacarku.
The idiom „keep your eyes off‟ is classified into literal idiom because the
meaning is „to cause someone eyes from looking something‟ which can easily to
understand in the SL. The speaker in the movie using this expression to avoid
someone from looking his girlfriend.
The translator translating the English idiom into Indonesian is applies
Baker's second strategy of translates idiom with similar meaning but dissimilar
form. This idiom „keep your eyes off‟ translated into „jangan lihat-lihat‟ because
the source it has the same meaning with the target language but have a dissimilar
form. So, it can be assumed that this idiomatic expression is a kind of formal
correspondence in Indonesian language, because it tries to have naturalness and
be close to the source language message.
Datum 3
SL: It‟s like my appendix burst.
TL: Rasanya seperti usus buntuku putus.
The idiom „my appendix burst‟ was typed into literal idiom, because both
of the words are used literal meaning. The word burst which means break, and
appendix is used literally which according to the Cambridge Dictionary means a
small tube-shaped part that is joined to the intestines on the right side of the body
and has no use in humans if it is translated into Indonesian is „usus buntu‟.
27
The translator applies Baker‟s first strategy of translating idiom. It is the
idiomatic translation strategy by similar meaning and form. Therefore, this
translation dealt with formal correspondence because the message of the
translation is still keeping the natural meaning from the source language.
Datum 4
SL: Get on the ground!
TL: Tiarap!
From the data above, it showed that the phrase „get on the ground‟ is
categorized as literal idiom. The speaker who using the expression is police
whom trying to tell the civilian avoid the gunshot by prone.
The translator uses the translation by paraphrase to translate the idiom
into target language. The idiom „get on the ground‟ translated into „tiarap‟
because it has no exact match or similar preferences in the target language. So, it
translated into „tiarap‟ which more easily to understand and acceptable in the
target language.
It can be assumed that the translation dealt with dynamic equivalent in
Indonesian language because the translator wanted the target language reader to
understand the situation of the conversation in the movie. The translator adds the
preference that slightly changes the meaning from the source language and
accepted by the target receptor.
Datum 5
SL: Oh yeah. Piece of cake.
28
TL: Oh ya. Gampang.
This idiomatic expression is classified into pure idiom. This type of idiom
cannot be understood from individual words. The translator uses Baker‟s third
strategy which is translation by paraphrase. This idiom uses paraphrase strategy
because the form and the words in the target language are different from the
source language. The meaning of „piece of cake‟ according to the Cambridge
dictionary was something that is very easy to do. In the context of the movie, the
speakers used this expression to answers all the job that he did. So, the idiom
„piece of cake‟ translated into „gampang‟ in the target language is suitable with
the real meaning of source language idiom.
The translation also dealt with dynamic equivalent because it showed
from the uses of the common word in the target language that makes it really
simple for the reader or it can be said reader-oriented.
Datum 6
SL: Watch out, you're stepping on all the bodies, man.
TL: Hati-hati, kau menginjak semuanya.
From the data above, the idiom „watch out‟ is classified into pure idiom.
The idiom was translated into „hati-hati‟ in target language. The speakers in the
movie uses this expression to remind his friend to be careful while doing his job.
After knowing the meaning in translation and understanding the type, the
strategy used to translate this idiom is translation by paraphrase. It could be
seen from the translation, „watch out‟ was translated into „hati-hati‟ that was more
understandable for the receptor rather than if the idiom was translated by using
29
literal meaning. However, the translation was dealt with dynamic equivalence
because the translator not directly translate the idiom into the target language, but
they find out the real meaning first in the source language and find the correct
words which more acceptable in target language.
Datum 7
SL: Now, I'm gonna feed the wire.
TL: Aku harus memasang kabelnya.
From the data above, the idiom „feed the wire‟ can be classified into semi-
idiom. It called semi idiom because feed is the non-literal element, whereas the
word wire is used literally. However, it used the Baker‟s first strategy which is
similar meaning and form. The idiom „feed the wire‟ translated into „memasang
kabelnya‟ because the translation has same form and meaning. According to
Cambridge dictionary, feed is put something into a machine or system which
translated into memasang in the target language by the translator and wire mean is
thin metal thread with a layer of plastic around it, used for carrying electric
current which translated into kabel. Moreover, the speaker used this expression
while he put a cable into the camera.
The translation dealt with dynamic correspondence, because the
translator tries to transferred the same message from the source language to the
target language by adding more understandable idea in the translation.
Datum 8
SL: So, I need a face-to-face with the man who runs Southern Air Transport.
30
TL: Jadi, aku harus berhadapan langsung dengan orang yang menjalankan
Southern Air Transport.
The idiomatic expression above was classified into pure idiom. The idiom
face-to-face was translated into berhadapan langsung in target language. The
researcher analyzed that the translator applied Baker‟s third strategy of translating
idiom by paraphrasing the idiom. There are no exact words that match to
translates face-to-face to the target language. So, the translator put an additional
word to make the receptor in target language understand and translated into
berhadapan langsung. The translation also dealt with dynamic equivalence
because the translator added the idea to make the translation more complex and
acceptable by the audience in target language.
Datum 9
SL: He‟s nothing but a two-faced drug pusher.
TL: Dia bukanlah siapa-siapa selain pengedar bermuka dua.
From the data above, the idiom two-faced was classified into literal
idiom. The idiom was translated into bermuka dua in target language which both
of the words are uses the literal meaning. The strategy that used to translates the
idiom was Baker‟s second strategy, which is similar meaning but dissimilar
form. Two-faced translated into bermuka dua in target language which both of the
words imply a similar meaning although the from between two words is different.
The translation was dealt with formal correspondence because the translator
31
transferred the message of the translation without adding their idea and keeping
the original meaning.
Datum 10
SL: He‟s nothing but a two-faced drug pusher.
TL: Dia bukanlah siapa-siapa selain pengedar bermuka dua.
The idiomatic expression above was categorized as semi-idiom. It called
semi-idiom because only the word drug which has the literal meaning. After
knowing the type of idiom, the researcher analyzed that the translator applies
Baker‟s third theory which is translation by paraphrase, because in the source
language there are two words 'drug pusher' in the idiom, but the translator only
translated it into one word 'pengedar'. The word pengedar in Indonesian culture
has a negative meaning and is associated with illegal drugs. So, it does not matter
when the translator translates the drug pusher into a pengedar, because it does not
change the message delivered from the movie script and acceptable by the target
language receptor.
The translation also dealt with dynamic equivalent because the translator
tries to uses common words in target language culture that make the translation
simple for the target language reader.
CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
A. Conclusions
After analyzing the data and based on the research findings, the researcher
found all three types of idiomatic expression in the SL which were pure idiom,
semi-idiom, and literal idiom. It shows that literal idiom was the most used idiom
category in the movie because the idiom was easier to express rather than the
other two idioms. From this study the researcher concludes that the translation of
idiom is one of the most difficult challenges for translator. Therefore, translator
should know some strategies to translate the idiom because the selection of
appropriate idiomatic translation can affect the accuracy of translation.
The researcher was only found three out of four idiomatic translation
strategy that used to translating the idiom which were translation by paraphrase,
translation by using similar meaning and form and translation by using similar
meaning but dissimilar form. The most frequent idiomatic translation strategy
used by the translator to translate English idioms into Indonesian is translating by
paraphrase. The use of such strategies is quite helpful for translators in translating
idioms, since they are the most common way to translate idioms.
There are two types of equivalence which are used in the movie, there are
formal correspondence and dynamic equivalence. The analysis explains that
dynamic equivalence which was most collected in the movie. This translation is
often used dynamic equivalence in this movie, as dynamic focuses more on the
33
reader and target language. The impact of using dynamic equivalence in
translation is that it is easier for the audience to understand the translation.
Therefore, it can be concluded that good translation is target audiences could fully
understand the message from the source language.
B. Suggestion
According to the conclusion above, the researcher gives some suggestion
as below:
1. For the subtitle translators, the researcher recommends the translator to
learn more about the idiom both source language and target language. The
researcher also suggests to the translators to understand the culture and the
context of the idiom in order to produce an accurate idiomatic translation.
2. For the researchers who are interested in idiomatic translation, since the
idiomatic translation drawing the attention to be explored, it is necessary
to conduct further study. Therefore, it is expected for the researchers to
develop their research regarding idiomatic translation.
3. For college student who are interested in idiomatic translation, from this
current study the researcher hopes that the study can help others student
who want to do a research in the field of idiomatic translation.
4. For English Letter Department from Adab and Humanities Faculty of the
State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, to translating the
idiom knowing the cultural knowledge is needed. Therefore, in order to
produce a good idiom translation, it would be better to add knowledge
about idiomatic expression.
34
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APPENDICES
These appendices are taken from the internet on the web
https://subscene.com/subtitles/the-infiltrator-2016/indonesian/1416507
https://subscene.com/subtitles/the-infiltrator-2016/english/1415174
Genres: Biography | Crime | Drama
Synopsys: A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme
involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Release Date: 13 July 2016 (USA)
Runtime: 127 min
Production Co: George Films, Good Films
Director: Brad Furman
Writers: Ellen Sue Brown, Robert Mazur
37
The Plot Summary of The Infiltrator Movie
In 1986, federal agent Robert Mazur (Bryan Cranston) goes under covers
to infiltrate the trafficking network of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Working with fellow agents Kathy Ertz (Diane Kruger) and Emir Abreu (John
Leguizamo), Mazur poses as a slick, money-laundering businessman named Bob
Musella. Gaining the confidence of Roberto Alcaino (Benjamin Bratt), Escobar's
top lieutenant, Mazur must navigate a vicious criminal underworld where one
wrong move could cost him everything.
38
Datum 1
39
Datum 2
40
Datum 3
41
Datum 4
42
Datum 5
43
Datum 6
44
Datum 7
45
Datum 8
46
Datum 9
47
Datum 10