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SOURCE LANGUAGE BIAS TARGET LANGUAGE BIAS
SEMANTIC/COMMUNICATIVE
Figure 1.
(Newmark, 2001)
1.3.2 Comparison Between Semantic and Communicative Translation
As the chart above shows, semantic translation, similar to literal translation, aims at source language and is faithful to the original, while communicative translation, similar to free translation, aims at target language and is idiomatic. The differences of the two translation are detailedly listed in the following chart.
Semantic Translation Communicative Translation
Close to the original Second reader
Content of massage/informative ‘force’/effective
Complex, awkward, detailed, concentrated Smooth, simple, clear, direct, conventional, particular register
Pursues the thought-processes Pursues the intention of the transmitter
Over-translate Under-translate
Chart 1.
(Newmark, 2001)
Furthermore, Newmark held the view that “Whilst a semantic translation is always inferior to its original, since it involves loss of meaning, a communicative translation may be better, since it may gain in force and clarity what it loses in semantic content.” (Newmark, 2011) However, in communicative translation as well as in semantic translation, provided that equivalent-effect is secured, the literal word-for-word translation is not only the best, it is the only valid method of translation.
2. Profanity
2.1 Definition of Profanity
There often exist hot debates on the definition of profanity.
Profanity, as defined by Merriam Webster, is “an offensive word or sentence” or “ offensive expression”(Merriam Webster, 2004). It can also be called vulgar language, swearing or bad words. From Webster’s definition, we can find out some requirements are needed to become a profanity. First, a profanity must be offensive. “Tree” and “table” can’t become profanities, because they can’t offend anyone. Second, it has its definite meaning of offence and should not be too gentle. A profanity is used to express one’s negative emotion about a person or an event. If it is too gentle, it just sounds like a normal talk and cannot have any effect. Third, it must violate a taboo. For example, racialism has ever been deeply rooted in American’s mind, so racialism-oriented words are often considered to be offensive. Nigger is a good example and is strictly banned in American public place. Fourth, a profanity must be to cause the hearer’s shock, anger or uncomfortable feeling with attention. Fifth, a profanity must exist in the real world and it must be hated by the average.
Usually, it gives people a sense of impoliteness, rudeness or offence. It is a unique kind of communicative form and people don’t use it very often in daily life. It is only when we are very angry or in bad emotion that we tend to use it. Therefore, profanity serves the function of giving out people’s terrible feelings.
2.2 Function of Profanity
Profanity, as a special form of communication, has its own functions. According to Steven Pinker(2007), there are five possible functions of swearing based on purpose. They are abusive swearing , cathartic swearing, dysphemistic swearing, emphatic swearing and idiomatic swearing. Abusive swearing is used to abuse, intimidate or insult others, such as “Fuck you”. Cathartic swearing is used to free us of the feelings of anger or frustration we hold and allow expression for them. For example, when overthrowing a coffee cup, we are likely to say, “Aww. Fuck! Damn this coffee.” Such expression belongs to cathartic swearing. Dysphemistic swearing is used to make provocative statements or express strong negativity. “He fucks her!” is an example. Emphatic swearing is used to emphasize magnitude. For instance, it was so fucking big. In addition, idiomatic swearing is used to arouse the hearer’s interest, to show off or to express informal setting to peers, like fuck, man. Therefore, profanity has various functions, not only used to express one’s strong emotions.