DIFFICULTIES IN DEALING WITH “UNTRANSLATABLE” CASES OF KOREAN LANGUAGE MAJORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI

Ngoc Huyen Nguyen1,
1 Faculty of Korean Language and Culture, VNU University of Languages and International Studies, No.2 Pham Van Dong, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam

Main Article Content

Abstract

This research uses a synthesis and analysis method, in combination with practical surveys to investigate common difficulties encountered in translation, particularly when dealing with “untranslatable” cases, by students of the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture at the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. It identifies typical difficulties such as: not knowing how to convey the original text's contents, being unable to check vocabulary with dictionaries, lacking understanding of cultural differences, and not knowing how to research materials. The research points out that the primary cause of these difficulties stems from linguistic and cultural differences between the two languages, highlighting the importance of enhancing language proficiency and understanding various cultural aspects instead of just learning the foreign language. Therefore, the research proposes several solutions to address these difficulties and improve skills in dealing with “untranslatable” cases, with a focus on improving students’ cognition and strategic use of language for both source and target languages besides language learning.


 

Article Details

References

Catford, J. C. (1965). A linguistic theory of translation: An essay on applied linguistics. Oxford University Press.
Dinh, H. V. (2019). Translatability or untranslatability. Hanoi National University Press.
Doan, T. Q. (2020). Comparative study of titles in English pop songs and those in their translated versions based on Newmark’s model. VNU Journal of Foreign Studies, 36(5), 102-112.
Ha, M. T. (2024). Challenges in teaching intermediate and advanced Vietnamese–Korean translation and interpreting: Insights from VNU–USSH. In Proceedings of the International Conference: Standardizing Korean Translation and Interpretation Training in Vietnam. King Sejong Institute Hanoi 1, VNU-USSH.
Le, H. A. (2011). Some recommendations for improvement on the quality of translation teaching. VNU Journal of Foreign Studies, 27(4), 246-255.
Le, H. T. (2010). Translation equivalence and equivalence in English–Vietnamese translation. VNU Journal of Science, 26(3), 141-150.
Le, T. G. C. (2015). On some approaches to equivalence in translation. Journal of Science and Technology - University of Danang, 4(89), 51-56.
Nguyen, H. C. (2006). Methods and procedures of translation - Issues of linguistics. Hanoi National University Press, 21-50.
Nguyen, T. K. T. (2017). A survey of translation evaluation at tertiary level in Vietnam. Journal of Science and Technology Development, 20(1).
Nghiem, T. T. H. (2024). Proposing translation quality assessment criteria for Korean translation training programs in Vietnam. In Proceedings of the International Conference: Standardizing Korean Translation and Interpretation Training in Vietnam. King Sejong Institute Hanoi 1, VNU-USSH.
Nida, E. A., & Taber, C. R. (1969). The theory and practice of translation. Brill.
Pham, Q. L. (2008). Translation and grand narrative. Da Mau. https://damau.org/2204/dich-va-dai-tu-su
Pöchhacker, F. (2004). Introducing interpreting studies. Routledge.
Tran, T. H. (2023). Vietnamese–Korean translation textbook: From theory to practice. National University Press.
Tran, T. H., Nguyen, T. T. V., & Do, T. H. (2022). Best practices in interpreter/translator training in South Korea for improving interpreter/translator training in Vietnam. VNU Journal of Foreign Studies, 38(1), 69-90.