Development of Strategy of English Translation

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the strategy of English translation. In daily life, we normally communicate with people both in native and foreign languages to exchange information, knowledge and others. Due to different languages, translation is required to transfer the message. As a result, there are several kinds of works of translation, e.g., books, magazines, articles, movie subtitles, songs and novels.

In terms of literary works, especially fiction or novels, figurative language is frequently applied in a story to gain the reader’s attention. Because of the rising popularity of English magazines, books, novels, they have been translated into target languages including Thai language. Readers expect to understand the story easily, and they may also learn some culture from the source language.

In translating, translators often encounter a variety of problems when they try to transfer the message across different cultures, especially with regard to idioms, metaphors, personifications and other figurative speech. Moreover, to keep the closest meaning of original words, the appropriate techniques or strategies should be applied to render the sense, style and culture of the language.

In this study, it sought to examine the strategies used to translate metaphors in young adult fiction. It is hoped that this study will improve translating skill with regard to both literal and figurative language. Additionally, it could help language learners compare and contrast metaphors and their Thai counterparts, and become familiar with different cultures. Finally, they can adopt a suitable approach for translating metaphors.