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ABSTRACT
Idioms are considered one of the most challenging aspects of literary translation because their meanings are often figurative, culturally specific, and difficult to translate literally. This study investigates the strategies used in translating English idioms into Vietnamese in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and its Vietnamese version Harry Potter và Chiếc Cốc Lửa. The research aims to examine how idiomatic meanings and stylistic effects are preserved in translation.
The study adopts a qualitative comparative approach with quantitative support. A total of 158 idioms were collected from the source text and analyzed together with their Vietnamese equivalents translated by Lý Lan. The analysis is primarily based on Baker’s framework of idiom translation strategies, including translation by paraphrase, idioms of similar meaning and form, idioms of similar meaning but different form, and omission.
The findings reveal that paraphrase is the most frequently used strategy, especially when direct equivalence between English and Vietnamese cannot be achieved. Other strategies, such as idiomatic substitution and omission, are also employed depending on cultural and contextual factors. The study further shows that idioms contribute significantly to characterization, emotional expression, and narrative style in the novel. The study highlights the importance of cultural adaptation and contextual interpretation in literary translation.
Keywords: idioms, translation strategies, English–Vietnamese translation, literary translation, idiomaticity.
Biography
Huong Nguyen is a senior lecturer and a Vice Dean of the Faculty of English, at the University of Foreign Language Studies - the University of Da Nang (UFLS-UD). She holds an MA in TESOL and a PhD in Applied Linguistics and Translation Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia. She is deeply engaged in language and translation teaching as well as teacher education. As an active participant in interdisciplinary research teams in Australia and Vietnam, she has published extensively on linguistics, translation, and educational technologies. With her expertise, experience, and dedication, she mentors postgraduate and undergraduate students in their theses and research projects. Additionally, she possesses skills in student administration, international cooperation, language learning material development, and testing and assessment.
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