The Nature of Translation

Translation has various definitions since in this field many experts have their own idea about the notion of translation. Each of the definition is proposed a the different point of view. As stated by Meriam- Webster dictionary in Larson, translation consists of changing from one state or form to another, to turn into one’s own or another language change of form. It means that translation is one activity transferring meaning from one language to another language. So students can understand the meaning by translation
Moreover, Catford says that, translation is replacement of textual material in one language (source language or SL ) by equivalence textual material in another language ( target language or TL). It means, translation is a process where translator tries to find closest meaning from one language to another language, translator needs much relevance literature and knowledge. Moreover, translation is a complex skill which needs not only knowledge but also sequence of integral process
Furthermore, Nida and Taber concluded the nature of translation as follow :
a. Reproducing a message. Translation purpose is producing the messages. In this case, grammatical and adjusment should be arranged in good order
b. Equivalence rather than identity. A translator should focus on reproducing of message rather than conversation of form of utterance
c. Natural equivalence. A translator will give the result of translation to reader as natural as she/he can. Its mean, a good translation will be read by receptor/ target language readers as they read their own language
d. Closest equivalence. A translator should strive for the closest language equivalent both of the resource language and target language.
e. Priority of meaning. Meaning becomes priority of translation, because translation mainly sends a process of transferring messages.
f. Sifnificance of style. Thougth style is secondary to content, it is nevertheles important.
So, it can be concluded that translation is a process where the translator should try to find out equivalent word and style that becomes objective of translation. A meaning of a word should be conveyed as close as natural by using equivalent words. In getting accurate meaning translation not only concern about analyzing linguistic aspect but also concern in culture context.
In translating a text, it is not simply translated because there are some important matters that have to be considered. In this context, according to Newmark, a translator has to have a flair and a feel for his own languae. It means that a translator has to transfer the information from the source language into the target language without any ambiguity.
Based on definiton above, it can be concluded that in translation process a translator should try to find the equivalence word and style that become the main objective.