Translations of National Literature: Existing Translation Works as Means to Promote Better Understanding among Nations

ผู้ดูแลระบบ — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:00:32 +0000

Malithat Promathatavedi

Abstract

This paper traces the history of translation from ancient time to the present, especially the translation of literature. The translation of literary works in Thailand also has a long history going back to the Sukhothai Period. Through trade and cultural connection with countries in Asia and the intrusion of Western ideology
and technology, there have been broader scopes of translation. In the first stages translation was of a religious nature. During the turbulent times in history when Thailand was still waging wars with neighboring countries there were many literary works in reference to the wars, most of them glorifying the heroic deeds
of various Thai kings who had fought to maintain peace and sovereignty of the country. In the country-building periods it was time to concentrate on the intellectual side. Eminent writers and poets vied to present their works to the court and artists in all fields produced their works of art. There were poems praising the splendor of the architecture of palaces and temples, the royal barge procession, and even the exquisite cuisine and floral arrangement. After World War II regional cooperation among countries in Southeast Asia has resulted in the launching of several bi-lingual volumes of the Anthology of ASEAN Literatures and the S.E.A. Write Award-Winning Stories in English translations as an attempt to make the literatures and cultures of ASEAN known to the world. In comparison to works translated from foreign languages into Thai, there are fewer Thai literary works being translated into foreign languages. The modern trend in the age of globalization is the translation of romances and thrillers. There is a shift of translation purposes from entertainment to business and economic development and the source and target languages of translation vary. A good translation can promote better
understanding among nations, thus linking people all over the world together in a world made smaller by globalization.

Keywords: translation, national literature, ASEAN, S.E.A. Write Award

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Thai Translation Terminology

ผู้ดูแลระบบ — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:14 +0000

Maneerat Sawasdiwat Na Ayutthaya
Faculty of Liberal Arts
Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi

Abstract

The aim of this study is to propose a practical guideline for the development of translation quality and standards by applying translation strategies from the book Thai Translation Terminology. Studies reveal that traditional Thai translation has to adapt itself to global trends. Individual literary translations have evolved into an entire translation industry as products and services vie for position in the creative socio-economic environment. The quest for appropriate practical guidelines especially with regard to translation strategies or techniques has been addressed in many research themes. Moreover the demand to determine appropriate translation methods for the teaching and training of translation to serve both Thailandûs translation industry and the ASEAN community together with the need to create a framework for developing qualified translators and their translations are important on the agenda of the National Language Policy of Thailand. To fill this translation gap, the book Thai Translation Terminology, the first of this type in Thailand was translated and compiled by the researcher, based on the internationally used Translation Terminology edited by Jean Delisle, Hannelore Lee-Jahnk, Monique Cormier under the auspices of the International Federation of Translators and the International Permanent Conference of University Institutes of Translators and Interpreters. The book comprises more than 200 terminologies covering core translation strategies and translation critical issues. Each entry includes Thai definitions with explanations and translation samples selected from more than 160 qualified resources ranging from prose, verse, literature, textbooks, documentaries, advertisements, and movies, etc. In order to confirm its practicality, the book, which is updated annually, has been used for more than three years at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi as a reference for translation strategies in translation classes. Studentsû feedback on the book confirm that it is both applicable and useful to their translation practice. In addition, the book has been regularly presented for review, update and improvement at various public discussions attended by gatherings of translation scholars and professional translation experts, in both national and international conferences to sustain its continuous applicability.

Keywords: terminology, translation, Thai translation terminology, translation strategies, translation quality and standard

translation – ราชบัณฑิตยสภา

Translations of National Literature: Existing Translation Works as Means to Promote Better Understanding among Nations

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Thai Translation Terminology

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