Categories of semantic shift proposed in Mujiyanto (2001); generalization, specification, substitution, reversal, deviation. The description each categories are as follow;
1. Substitution
The following semantic shift appeared because the specific words or sentence in the source language are substituted with the target language item in the process of translation in order to adapt the source text (ST) with the rules of language which is acceptable in the target language. Substitution occurs when the translator replaces a specific item or expression of source language with a target language item.
The examples of substitution such the word ‘make’ in the source text (ST) actually means ‘membuat,mencapai’ if it translated literally. In order to convey the original message from the source text (ST), the word ‘make’ is translated into ‘keburu’. The word ‘make’ in the context of the sentence means to manage to reach something or go to a place or position. Then, it is translated into ‘keburu’ (reach).
The examples of substitution such the word ‘make’ in the source text (ST) actually means ‘membuat,mencapai’ if it translated literally. In order to convey the original message from the source text (ST), the word ‘make’ is translated into ‘keburu’. The word ‘make’ in the context of the sentence means to manage to reach something or go to a place or position. Then, it is translated into ‘keburu’ (reach).
2. Specification
Specification is the change of word from specific to general one. Example; Specification In the sentence ‘It must be a couple miles to Eastdown’ , the translation of the word ‘a couple miles’ shows semantic shift that is specification if we compare the product of translation in the column of back translation (BT) and the column of source text (ST). It is translated into ‘tidak jauh lagi’ (not much longer) in the target language. The word ‘a couple miles’ has connotation almost finish, or almost arrive in the context of this sentence.
3. Generalization
Generalization is the change of word that has specific meaning into general one. Generalization happens when the translators transfer the specific word in the source language into general word in the target language.
Example ; the word ‘in trouble’ is translated into ‘kenapa’(why) in the target text (TT). After looking at back translation (BT), there is no significant gap between source text (ST) and target text (BT) in the first sentence. The word ‘in trouble’ indicates whether something bad is going on. Whereas, in the context of the sentence, ‘in trouble’ is used in interrogative to show that the speaker gives attention to someone. Then, it is translated into ‘kenapa’ which has more general meaning and wider context in the target language. The word ‘kenapa’ (why) is used in any imperative sentence and it does not only refer to any particular problem. It can be used to inquire reason, even asking about what is going on.
Example ; the word ‘in trouble’ is translated into ‘kenapa’(why) in the target text (TT). After looking at back translation (BT), there is no significant gap between source text (ST) and target text (BT) in the first sentence. The word ‘in trouble’ indicates whether something bad is going on. Whereas, in the context of the sentence, ‘in trouble’ is used in interrogative to show that the speaker gives attention to someone. Then, it is translated into ‘kenapa’ which has more general meaning and wider context in the target language. The word ‘kenapa’ (why) is used in any imperative sentence and it does not only refer to any particular problem. It can be used to inquire reason, even asking about what is going on.
4. Reversal
Reversal means a change of meaning to the opposite of what it was. Reversal emerges because the words used between source language and target language are in the opposition or contrary.
Example; Sentence ‘stay where you are’ actually means ‘tetap di tempat’, but it is translated into ‘jangan bergerak’ (don’t move) in the target language. The sentence shows us that there is the change of meaning from positive to negative.
Example; Sentence ‘stay where you are’ actually means ‘tetap di tempat’, but it is translated into ‘jangan bergerak’ (don’t move) in the target language. The sentence shows us that there is the change of meaning from positive to negative.
5. Deviation
The last category of semantic shift is deviation. Deviation involves shift in meaning that entails different aspects between source language and target language. Deviation is the change of word from course or turn away something what is unusual. It occurs when there are changes in focus and other kinds of possible change or lack correlation between form and meaning.
Example; The word ‘fool’ in the sentence ‘you can’t fool me’ is translated into ‘tutup mulut’ (shut up) in the (TT). Although the message that would like to be conveyed is the same, but in the process of translation deviation is appeared. ‘Tutup mulut’ or ‘shut up’ with ‘you can’t fool me’ have different concepts. Actually, it is possible if it is translated into ‘kamu tidak bisa membodohiku’. Maybe the translator would like to give more expression in this sentence. Then it is translated into ‘tutup mulut’.
Example; The word ‘fool’ in the sentence ‘you can’t fool me’ is translated into ‘tutup mulut’ (shut up) in the (TT). Although the message that would like to be conveyed is the same, but in the process of translation deviation is appeared. ‘Tutup mulut’ or ‘shut up’ with ‘you can’t fool me’ have different concepts. Actually, it is possible if it is translated into ‘kamu tidak bisa membodohiku’. Maybe the translator would like to give more expression in this sentence. Then it is translated into ‘tutup mulut’.
Reference
Mujiyanto, Y. 2001. Modulasi dalam Penerjemahan; Kasus Peng-Indonesia-an Tindak Tutur Directive Berbahasa Inggris. Lingua Artistika. Tahun XXIV. No. 1 Hlm. 40-54. Semarang: Universitas Negeri Semarang.
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