Cultural Terminology and Translation Methods

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 129 views

Introduction

The novel "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling has captivated millions of readers worldwide, and its translation into Indonesian, "Harry Potter and Relikui Death," has brought the magical world into local culture. However, translating unique cultural terminology in this story poses significant challenges for translators. This study analyzes the cultural terminology contained in the novel "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and its translation into Indonesian, with a focus on the translation methods used by the translators.

Cultural Terminology and Translation Methods

The results of this study show that there are 87 cultural terminology identified in the novel, which are divided into several categories. These categories include:

Ecology (11.49%)

This terminology includes things related to the natural environment in the magical world, such as magic creatures, magic plants, and magical places. For example, "Hippogriff" (half-bird's creature) is translated into "hippogriff" (loan), and "mandrake" (plants shouting) into "mandrake" (loan). The use of loan translation in this category is evident, as the translators have chosen to retain the original term to maintain its cultural connotation.

Material/Food (31.03%)

This category includes the names of specialties in the magical world, such as "Butterbeer" (carbonated drinks) which is translated into "butterbeer drinks" (explanation), and "treacle Tart" (traditional cake) translated into "Pai Treacle" (explanation). The translators have used a combination of loan and calque translation methods in this category, as they have chosen to explain the original term to make it more understandable to the target audience.

Socio-Cultural (2.29%)

This category includes traditions, rituals, and social norms that apply in the magical world, such as "house-elf" (magic creatures that become servants) are translated into "elf home" (Literal translation), and "Wizarding World" (the world of magic) becomes "magic world" (literal translation). The translators have used literal translation in this category, as they have chosen to retain the original term to maintain its cultural connotation.

Organization/Tradition (52.87%)

This terminology is related to institutions, organizations, and traditions in the magical world, such as "Ministry of Magic" and "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" (Hogwarts Magic School) became "Hogwarts Magic School" (literal translation). The translators have used a combination of loan and literal translation methods in this category, as they have chosen to retain the original term to maintain its cultural connotation.

Habits and Movements (2.29%)

This category includes ways to communicate and movements of the magical world, such as "Apparition" (how to move instantly) which is translated into "tangible" (literal translation), and "" Disililizing Charm" (disguised mantra) which is translated into "incubation" (literal translation). The translators have used literal translation in this category, as they have chosen to retain the original term to maintain its cultural connotation.

Translation Methods

The translation methods used by the translators in translating cultural terminology are:

Loans (47.12%)

This method is used for terminology that has a strong cultural connotation and is difficult to translate precisely, such as "dementors" (Azkaban prison bodyguards) which are translated into "dementors", and "phoenix" (fire bird) becomes "phoenix". The use of loan translation in this category is evident, as the translators have chosen to retain the original term to maintain its cultural connotation.

Calque (28.73%)

This method is done by translating terminology literally, such as "Quidditch" (magic sport) which is translated into "Kwiddit". The translators have used calque translation in this category, as they have chosen to translate the original term literally to make it more understandable to the target audience.

Literal Translation (22.98%)

This method is carried out by translating terminology directly, such as the "Ministry of Magic" (Ministry of Magic) which is translated into "Ministry of Magic". The translators have used literal translation in this category, as they have chosen to retain the original term to maintain its cultural connotation.

Equivalent (1.14%)

This method is used by replacing the terminology with a term equivalent to Indonesian, such as "House-Elf" (Elf House) which is translated to "ELF Home". The translators have used equivalent translation in this category, as they have chosen to replace the original term with a more understandable term in the target language.

Translation Shift

Analysis of the translation shift shows that there are 31 shifts in cultural terminology. The shift is divided into:

Structural Shift (77.41%)

This shift occurs when the structure of sentences or phrases in the source text changes in the target text, such as "he was the only one who could see it" to "the only one that can see it". The translators have used structural shift in this category, as they have chosen to change the structure of the sentence to make it more understandable to the target audience.

Unit Shift (19.35%)

This shift occurs when the smaller language unit in the source text changes in the target text, such as "he was the only one" to "the only one". The translators have used unit shift in this category, as they have chosen to change the smaller language unit to make it more understandable to the target audience.

Intra-System Shift (3.22%)

This shift occurs when the grammatical category in the source text changes in the target text, such as "he" to "he is". The translators have used intra-system shift in this category, as they have chosen to change the grammatical category to make it more understandable to the target audience.

Conclusion

This study shows that the translator "Harry Potter and Death Relikui" use various translation methods to face challenges in translating cultural terminology. Translators tend to use loan methods, calque, and literal translation. In addition, there is a significant structural shift in the translation process, which shows that the translator seeks to maintain the meaning and nuances of cultural terminology in the source text. This study provides insight into the strategy of translating cultural terminology in the novel "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and contributes to research on literature translation.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Translators should use a combination of loan, calque, and literal translation methods to translate cultural terminology.
Translators should be aware of the cultural connotation of the original term and choose the translation method that best maintains its meaning and nuances.
Translators should be aware of the structural shift that occurs in the translation process and choose the translation method that best maintains the meaning and nuances of the original text.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The study only analyzed the translation of cultural terminology in the novel "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and its translation into Indonesian.
The study only analyzed the translation methods used by the translators and did not consider other factors that may influence the translation process.
The study only analyzed the translation of cultural terminology and did not consider other aspects of the translation process, such as the translation of idioms, proverbs, and figurative language.

Future Research Directions

Based on the findings of this study, the following future research directions are suggested:

A study on the translation of cultural terminology in other novels and their translations into different languages.
A study on the translation methods used by translators in translating cultural terminology and their impact on the target audience.
A study on the cultural connotation of the original term and its impact on the translation process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides insight into the strategy of translating cultural terminology in the novel "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and contributes to research on literature translation. The study shows that translators use various translation methods to face challenges in translating cultural terminology and that there is a significant structural shift in the translation process. The study also provides recommendations for translators and future research directions.

Introduction

The novel "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling has captivated millions of readers worldwide, and its translation into Indonesian, "Harry Potter and Relikui Death," has brought the magical world into local culture. However, translating unique cultural terminology in this story poses significant challenges for translators. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on cultural terminology translation in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Q: What is cultural terminology translation?

A: Cultural terminology translation refers to the process of translating words, phrases, and expressions that are specific to a particular culture or language. In the context of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, cultural terminology translation involves translating magical terms, concepts, and ideas that are unique to the wizarding world.

Q: Why is cultural terminology translation important?

A: Cultural terminology translation is important because it helps to preserve the cultural connotation and nuances of the original text. It also enables readers to understand the cultural context and meaning of the text, which is essential for effective communication.

Q: What are the challenges of cultural terminology translation?

A: The challenges of cultural terminology translation include:

Lack of equivalent terms: In some cases, there may not be an equivalent term in the target language, which can make translation difficult.
Cultural connotation: Cultural terminology often carries a specific connotation or meaning that may not be easily translatable.
Contextual dependence: Cultural terminology often depends on the context in which it is used, which can make translation challenging.

Q: What are the common translation methods used in cultural terminology translation?

A: The common translation methods used in cultural terminology translation include:

Loan translation: This involves borrowing the original term and using it in the target language.
Calque: This involves translating the original term literally, often using a combination of words.
Literal translation: This involves translating the original term directly, without any changes.
Equivalent translation: This involves replacing the original term with a term that is equivalent in meaning.

Q: What are the benefits of using loan translation in cultural terminology translation?

A: The benefits of using loan translation in cultural terminology translation include:

Preservation of cultural connotation: Loan translation helps to preserve the cultural connotation and nuances of the original term.
Easy to understand: Loan translation can make the text easier to understand for readers who are familiar with the original term.
Cultural exchange: Loan translation can facilitate cultural exchange and understanding between different cultures.

Q: What are the limitations of using loan translation in cultural terminology translation?

A: The limitations of using loan translation in cultural terminology translation include:

Difficulty in pronunciation: Loan translation can be difficult to pronounce for readers who are not familiar with the original term.
Cultural insensitivity: Loan translation can be culturally insensitive if it is not done carefully.
Lack of cultural understanding: Loan translation can lead to a lack of cultural understanding if it is not accompanied by cultural explanation.

Q: What are the best practices for cultural terminology translation?

A: The best practices for cultural terminology translation include:

Careful consideration of cultural connotation: Translators should carefully consider the cultural connotation of the original term and choose the translation method that best preserves its meaning and nuances.
Cultural explanation: Translators should provide cultural explanation to help readers understand the cultural context and meaning of the text.
Collaboration with cultural experts: Translators should collaborate with cultural experts to ensure that the translation is accurate and culturally sensitive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cultural terminology translation is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration of cultural connotation, contextual dependence, and equivalent terms. By understanding the common translation methods used in cultural terminology translation, the benefits and limitations of loan translation, and the best practices for cultural terminology translation, translators can produce high-quality translations that preserve the cultural connotation and nuances of the original text.