Processing Information in Translation

In translation, translators often encounter a problem where the vocabulary of two languages cannot correspond or overlap due to differences between the languages, leading to lexical gaps and conflicts caused by cultural differences. Trying to forcefully substitute similar words may not only seem inaccurate but also lose the original charm of the text. For example, in Chinese, the phrase "出淤泥而不染" is usually used to describe a person with high moral character who remains pure even in adverse circumstances, unaffected by external influences. However, when translated, it is usually rendered as someone with noble character, conveying the general meaning correctly but lacking some cultural nuances. In Chinese, people understand this phrase as describing the purity of a lotus flower, which later became metaphorical for describing people. By using the association with the lotus flower, simply translating it as having noble character misses the cultural significance behind it, illustrating the cultural barriers between languages. While translation may not fully convey the cultural meaning of the original text, it can be more specific during translation, incorporating the imagery of the lotus flower: just like a lotus born from the mud, untainted and morally upright.

In translation, there are also instances of context supplementation where there may be information gaps between the original text and the translated text due to various reasons. Context supplementation is based on enriching, adjusting, and aligning information based on the context to connect separated pieces of information, achieving cognitive coexistence between the original text and the translated text. This requires translators to carefully read the context, determine the correct context, supplement any missing information, and then translate it into the target language. Additionally, translators may encounter language enrichment where some words in one language carry implicit meanings beyond their literal translations, and the differences between languages may result in the loss of some implicit meanings in the translation. Translators need to infer the hidden information conveyed in the original text and accurately understand its meaning. For example, the common Chinese usage of "吧" implies uncertain judgment or reluctance, conveying information through contextual form. Translators need to consider how to perfectly express the implicit meaning in the translation, as such information should not be avoided and is a focal point and challenge in translation.

Chinese often exhibits polysemy, where a single word may have multiple meanings. Translators cannot rely solely on the superficial literal meanings, as this may lead to usage errors. Implicit information plays a crucial role in translation, requiring special attention to understanding the original text and choosing appropriate words to ensure accuracy and appropriateness in translation. The essence of translation lies in finding the true meaning of the original text and converting it into another language that is easy to understand, a process that demands long-term and extensive efforts from translators.

Translation: Information Interpretation and Transmission

The core of translation lies in information, with a hierarchy in the arrangement of information. Translators need to accurately interpret the information in the original text in order to free the translated text from the constraints of the original and truly convey the underlying message of the original. This article uses an example of my experience translating video subtitles to explore some points to pay attention to in translation.

Example1: 

Source Text: The black British experience isn't similar to the adolescent confusion of having to choose between opposing identities.

Initial Translation: 英国黑人的迷茫与一般的青春期困惑不同，他们必须在对立的身份之间做出选择。

The underlined part here is a mistranslation. In the original text, "需要在对立身份中做出选择" modifies "青少年困惑," not "英国黑人."

Revised: The growth of British Black individuals differs from the confusion faced by teenagers who must make choices among various conflicting identities.

The revision corrected this point and placed the modifier before the subject to avoid ambiguity.

Example2: 

Source Text: In one of his many essays about Playtime, Jonathan Rosenbaum suggests that, there are many ways to look at this film, if you want to find the connections between supposedly disconnected detailslike characters for example.

Initial Translation: 乔纳森·罗森鲍姆在他其中一篇关于《玩乐时间》的论文中提出：看这部电影有很多种方法，如果你想要搞清楚细节之间的联系，这些细节本不应该联系起来，比如这些角色。

The underlined part serves as a modifier, and the initial translation chose to place it after the main clause; however, this treatment is rather awkward. The four words in the original text are of moderate length and can be placed before "联系."

Revised: In one of his many papers on "Playtime," Jonathan Rosenbaum suggests that there are numerous ways to watch this film, especially if you want to uncover the connections between seemingly unrelated details, such as the relationships among the characters.

The revision separates the introductory part to avoid overly long sentences. Since this translation is intended for video subtitles, lengthy sentences can hinder the audience's comprehension speed. Additionally, the revised translation employs more formal language, aligning better with academic writing style.

Example3: 

Source Text: Like here, an apparent script is performed by monsieur Hulot's friend to the wife of the man with a blue folder.

Initial Translation: 比如这里，显然，于勒先生朋友的所作所为就像是给拿着蓝文件夹的男人的妻子看的一样。

The phrase "an apparent script is performed by" in the original text does not align well with Chinese expression habits. Therefore, the initial translation changed the passive voice to active voice for better audience understanding.

Revised: For example, at first glance, it seems as if Mr. Yu and the man with the blue folder's wife are acting out a scene together.

The reviser's translation uses the term "对手戏 (acting out a scene)" to succinctly convey the meaning of the original text, efficiently transmitting the information in the translated text.

In conclusion, a translation needs to stay faithful to the original while also being adaptable, using the most appropriate methods to convey the information contained within.

◀️：Exploring the Differences in Expressions between Chinese and English from Context and Word Order

▶️：Exploring the Extension of Meaning in Russian-to-Chinese Translation