Translation Methods in the Translation of Metaphors in Haiku Ni Okeru Basho No Kokoro from Japanese into Malay

(Kaedah Penterjemahan Metafora Bahasa Jepun kepada Bahasa Melayu dalam Haiku Ni Okeru Basho No Kokoro)

Abstract

This article examines the aspect of the transfer of meaning in the translation of metaphors in a Japanese text titled Haiku Ni Okeru Basho No Kokoro (Matsuo Basho, 1644-1694), which has been translated into Malay by Leyla Shuri, (2012) under the title Sukma Basho dalam Haiku. This study aims to identify the method used in translating dead metaphors. Analysis of equivalence of meaning was carried out to evaluate the output of the translation, that is, whether certain meanings are lost as a result of under-translation or inaccurate translation procedures adopted in the translation process. The findings show that the translator has the tendency to translate dead metaphors as live metaphors in the target text, which results in the translated text being mostly an under-translation, whereas the retention of universal metaphors in the source text, whenever compatible with the culture of the target language, results in an ideal translation. It can be concluded that an important factor in producing quality haiku translations is to understand the cultural elements of the metaphors in the source language.

Keywords: haiku, metaphors, translation procedures, cultural compehension, equivalents