Exploring Simile Translation Strategies: An Indonesian Perspective on ‘After You’ by Jojo Moyes

Nurul Hasana, Mariah Anggreni, Nanda Sholihah

Abstract

A problem or challenge may occur in the middle of the translation process. A translator should use effective translation strategies in order to resolve the problem and produce a clear and comprehensible translation for the target readers. This research explores the translation of English similes into Indonesian in Jojo Moyes' ‘After You’. The study aimed to identify and analyze the translation strategies employed by the translator based on Pierini's suggestion of simile translation strategies. This study investigated the intended meaning, translation strategies, and the readability of the translated similes.  Data  were  collected  and  categorized  by  the  comparison words:  "like/as",  "as if/though", "as…as…", and "a/some kind of". The findings revealed 70 similes translated using four different strategies, with the literal translation strategy being the most frequently employed due to its ability to maintain  the  form  and  familiarity  of  the  similes.  However,  the  strategies  not always  succeed in producing a readable translated version in the target language. Some aspects impact the translations still have medium to low readability levels. This research emphasizes the importance of translators possessing extensive and accurate knowledge, particularly in translating figurative language. Future researchers may find this study valuable as a reference for similar investigations.

 

Keywords

Translation strategies; simile; readability; comparison; meaning

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References

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