‘Slang is a language that rolls up its sleeves, spits on its hands and goes to work.’ This is how American poet Sandburg described the linguistic phenomenon of slang in the New York Times in 1959 (quoted in Crystal 2006: 117). His definition accurately expresses the spirit of slang, but somewhat exaggerates its virtue. Nevertheless, Sandburg’s definition has become an often quoted phrase. His quotation already indicates the peculiarity of slang, which sparked my interest in analysing the relationship between such a complex linguistic manifestation and the compound human activity of translation. Therefore, this essay aims to explore the questions evolving around the translation of slang and gives examples by reference to the novel From Here to Eternity (1951) by US American writer James Jones (1921-1977). The novel was translated into several languages, inter alia into German by Otto Schrag (1951) and into Hungarian by Szíjgyártó László (1975). The novel’s abundance in slang expressions means a great challenge for the translator and thus offers insightful material for the exploration of translation theory and practice.
After a general introduction of the linguistic phenomenon of slang, including a theoretical analysis of its characteristics, functions and its linguistic features as well as a brief overview of slang in literature, chapter three shall introduce Jones’s novel with the focus on its slang elements. Furthermore, the first part of chapter four is dedicated to explore the translatability of slang on the basis of Hervey and Higgins’ theory of compromise and compensation by giving German and Hungarian translation examples of the novel. Moreover, subchapter 4.2 will examine the translation methods with regard to Jones’s novel by focusing on the different traditions of American, German and Hungarian slang usage. Subchapter 4.3 shall continue to analyse the German and Hungarian translations of slang specifically in reference to From Here to Eternity. Throughout the essay certain linguistic items chosen from the novel will be analysed and German and Hungarian examples will be contrasted to the English original.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Slang in General
- Characteristics and Functions
- Linguistic Features
- Slang in Literature
- Slang in James Jones' From Here to Eternity
- Translatability of Slang
- Compromise and Compensation
- American, German and Hungarian Slang in Comparison
- Translating Slang of From Here to Eternity
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay explores the challenges and complexities of translating slang, using James Jones's From Here to Eternity and its German and Hungarian translations as case studies. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of slang translation, comparing and contrasting approaches across different linguistic and cultural contexts.
- Defining and characterizing slang's linguistic features and functions.
- Analyzing the presence and role of slang in James Jones's novel.
- Exploring the theoretical framework of compromise and compensation in slang translation.
- Comparing and contrasting slang usage and translation strategies across American, German, and Hungarian.
- Investigating the practical application of translation theories to the specific slang used in From Here to Eternity.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay by defining slang and highlighting its complexities. It introduces James Jones's From Here to Eternity as a rich source of slang and a prime example for exploring slang translation. The chapter establishes the essay's central question regarding the translatability of slang and outlines the methodology used to address this question through the examination of the novel's German and Hungarian translations. The author's personal interest in the topic is also briefly explained.
Slang in General: This chapter provides a theoretical overview of slang, examining its characteristics and functions. It addresses the difficulties in defining slang due to the lack of substantial research. The chapter highlights slang as a group-marked linguistic variant used for demarcation, rebellion, and group cohesion. It explores the connection between slang and the personality psychology of the speakers, drawing upon Chapman's approach which suggests that slang serves as a defense mechanism and a way to express rebellion against societal norms. Key features and functions of slang are explained, setting the foundation for later chapters.
Slang in James Jones' From Here to Eternity: This chapter delves into the specific use of slang in James Jones' novel, From Here to Eternity, highlighting its abundance and significance within the narrative. It prepares the groundwork for the following chapter that analyzes the translation of that slang into German and Hungarian. The chapter would likely analyze the social contexts and functions of the slang employed within the novel, setting the stage for understanding translation challenges.
Translatability of Slang: This chapter focuses on the core theme of the essay: the translatability of slang. It explores the concept of compromise and compensation in translation, using Hervey and Higgins' theory as a framework. The chapter uses examples from the German and Hungarian translations of From Here to Eternity to illustrate various translation methods and approaches, and compares and contrasts slang usage in American, German and Hungarian, providing insightful analysis of cultural and linguistic nuances in slang. It lays the groundwork for the concluding subchapter analyzing the translation of slang in From Here to Eternity specifically.
Keywords
Slang translation, compromise and compensation, From Here to Eternity, James Jones, German translation, Hungarian translation, linguistic features of slang, sociolinguistics, translation theory, cross-cultural communication.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Slang Translation in James Jones' From Here to Eternity
What is the main topic of this essay?
This essay explores the challenges and complexities of translating slang, using James Jones's From Here to Eternity and its German and Hungarian translations as case studies. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of slang translation, comparing and contrasting approaches across different linguistic and cultural contexts.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include defining and characterizing slang's linguistic features and functions; analyzing the presence and role of slang in James Jones's novel; exploring the theoretical framework of compromise and compensation in slang translation; comparing and contrasting slang usage and translation strategies across American, German, and Hungarian; and investigating the practical application of translation theories to the specific slang used in From Here to Eternity.
What are the main chapters and their contents?
The essay includes an introduction that sets the stage and outlines the methodology. A chapter on slang in general provides a theoretical overview, examining its characteristics, functions, and difficulties in definition. A chapter focuses on the specific use of slang in James Jones's novel. The core chapter explores the translatability of slang, focusing on compromise and compensation in translation, using examples from the German and Hungarian translations of From Here to Eternity. The essay concludes with a summary of findings and overall conclusions.
What theoretical frameworks are used in the essay?
The essay utilizes Chapman's approach to slang as a defense mechanism and a way to express rebellion against societal norms, as well as Hervey and Higgins' theory of compromise and compensation in translation.
Which languages are compared in the analysis of slang translation?
The essay compares and contrasts slang usage and translation strategies across American English, German, and Hungarian, analyzing cultural and linguistic nuances in slang.
What is the significance of James Jones' From Here to Eternity in this essay?
From Here to Eternity serves as a rich source of slang and a prime example for exploring slang translation challenges. The essay analyzes the slang used in the novel and its translation into German and Hungarian.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Slang translation, compromise and compensation, From Here to Eternity, James Jones, German translation, Hungarian translation, linguistic features of slang, sociolinguistics, translation theory, cross-cultural communication.
What is the overall objective of the essay?
The essay aims to investigate the challenges and successful strategies involved in translating slang, using a specific literary work and its translations as empirical examples. It seeks to contribute to the understanding of slang translation theory and practice.
- Quote paper
- Robert Stolt (Author), 2010, The Translation of Slang, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/151739
