Lexical Transformations in the Translation of Definite and Indefinite Articles in French sentences into Indonesian

sajarwa sajarwa, Noor Diana Arrasyid, Tuan Nguyen Thanh

Abstract


Abstract

Definiteness is a discourse property inherent to noun phrases, highlighting the identification of a unique referent. This property exhibits variability across languages, notably in the lexical transformations observed when translating French definite and indefinite articles into Indonesian. "Lexical transformation" here signifies alterations in the lexical meaning during the translation of these articles. This research aims to delineate the forms and underlying reasons for such lexical transformations and their consequent implications in Indonesian language, both from linguistic and cultural standpoints. Drawing upon data from four French novels and their Indonesian translations, the study employs a descriptive-qualitative approach to explore the manifestation of definite and indefinite articles, the drivers of lexical transformations, and the impacts of these transformations on translations. The analysis indicates that French definiteness is characterized by markers of quantity, type, and informational status, while Indonesian definiteness markers are distinguished based on informational status, linguistic proximity, social relations, temporal context, and structural considerations. The examination of translations identifies instances of meaning narrowing, expansion, or shift. These modifications in lexical aspects are strategically implemented by translators to align with the target audience's preferences. Moreover, translation induces alterations in definiteness status, which subsequently influences the information patterns within sentences.In conclusion, definiteness in the Indonesian language is more varied in terms of forms and functions than definiteness in French. The lexical transformation in the translation of definite and indefinite articles encompasses a range of modifications, including the omission of markers and changes in definiteness status, which lead to the narrowing, expansion, or shifting of meanings.

Keywords


definiteness; translation; lexical transformation; social relations; information patterns

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v15i1.67422

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