Indonesian-English Translation Strategies of Idiomatic Expressions within A Bilingual Indonesian Folklore

Abstract

Indonesian folklore or traditional stories are an integral part of language learning for both Indonesian and English subjects, especially if presented in a bilingual format. These literary works frequently include idiomatic expressions to add nuance and aesthetics within them. This research aims to identify the translation strategies of idiomatic expressions from Indonesian to English within traditional stories or folklore. The study employed a descriptive qualitative research method. The data were gathered from a book entitled “Indonesian Stories for Language Learners” containing Indonesian folklore having idiomatic expressions within the text. The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique by referring to the six strategies of idiomatic translation. As a result, correctly translating the idiomatic expressions is necessary. Translating Indonesian idiomatic expressions into English requires a particular strategy because of their unique connotational nature as expressions.The study employed a descriptive qualitative research method. The data were gathered from a book entitled “Indonesian Stories for Language Learners” containing Indonesian folklore having idiomatic expressions within the text. The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique by referring to the six strategies of idiomatic translation. The analysis result showed five translation strategies employed by the translator to translate Indonesian idiomatic translation. Those strategies are namely (1) using an idiomatic expression of similar meaning and form, (2) the omission of a play on an idiomatic expression, (3) paraphrasing, (4) using an idiomatic expression of similar meaning but dissimilar form, and (5) the omission of an entire idiomatic expression. The most frequently used strategy is an idiomatic expression of similar meaning and form.