The Importance of SFL in Translation Studies

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 15 views

Introduction

In recent years, the involvement of linguistic theory in the study of translation has become increasingly visible. These theories can replace the intuition of translators in overcoming the problem of translation and providing the opportunity to explore the best translation practices. One of the linguistic theories related to meaning is systemic functional linguistics (SFL), which views grammar as a series of options for the expression of meaning. Most translation studies involving SFL theory tend to focus on translation products. This research focuses on the process of translation and translation products using SFL metapholstery theory, involving student and professional translators.

The Importance of SFL in Translation Studies

Systemic functional linguistics (SFL) is a linguistic theory that views language as a system of meaning. It provides a framework for understanding how language is used to convey meaning and how it is structured. In the context of translation studies, SFL can provide a deeper understanding of the translation process and the challenges that translators face. By analyzing the language used in translation, researchers can identify patterns and trends that can inform the development of more effective translation practices.

Research Purposes

This research aims to:

Investigate Time Management in Translation: Investigate how student translators and professionals manage their time in the translation process.
Explore the Use of Pause in Translation: Find out how student and professional translators take a pause during the translation process.
Identify Metaphysical Shift in Translation: Identify the shift in transitivity, mood, and theme elements conducted by student and professional translators in the translation process.
Design a Model of Translation Process: Designing a model of translation process from English (SL) to Indonesian (TL) using SFL metaph function theory.

Methodology

The methodological approach used in this study is qualitative, using interactive analysis models techniques. Four translators, both students and professionals, were involved in this study. The text used is a historical text of 230 words, with the readability of the source text is measured using the formula for the readability of the SMOG. Data was collected using an integrated problem report and decision (IPDRS), retrospective questionnaires, translogs, and camtasia. Data analysis is carried out using a hard thinking protocol (TAPS) and interactive data analysis model.

Data Collection Methods

The data collection methods used in this study include:

Integrated Problem Report and Decision (IPDRS): This method involves collecting data on the problems faced by translators during the translation process and the decisions they make to overcome these problems.
Retrospective Questionnaires: This method involves collecting data on the translators' experiences and perceptions of the translation process.
Translogs: This method involves collecting data on the translators' thought processes and decision-making processes during the translation process.
Camtasia: This method involves collecting data on the translators' screen activities and keystrokes during the translation process.

Research Findings

The results of data analysis showed several important things:

Time Management in Translation

Student Translators: Student translators spend most of their time in the draft phase, while professional translators spend more time in the post-draft phase.
Professional Translators: Professional translators reach an average speed of 6 words per minute (WPM), while student translators reach an average speed of 4 WPM.

The Use of Pause in Translation

Student Translators: Student translators use pauses to solve related problems to find the right equivalent for words or terms in the source text (ST) and difficulties in conveying their understanding in the Target Language (TL).
Professional Translators: Professional translators use pauses to ensure that their translation is experienced and in accordance with TL grammar rules.

Metaphysical Shift in Translation

Student Translators: Metapholio shift carried out by student translators is more focused on form, while professional translators prioritize meaning.

Conclusion

This study shows that an understanding of linguistic theory, especially SFL, can provide a deeper insight into the translation process. By knowing how student and professional translators are different in time management, pause use, and focus on form or meaning, we can develop more effective models for the translation process. This is not only beneficial for translators, but also for academics and practitioners in the field of translation studies. Thus, this research contributes to the development of better translation practices and provides guidance to the development of a more relevant translation education curriculum.

Implications of the Study

The findings of this study have several implications for translation studies and practice:

Development of More Effective Translation Models: The study's findings can inform the development of more effective translation models that take into account the differences between student and professional translators.
Improved Translation Education: The study's findings can provide guidance to the development of a more relevant translation education curriculum that prepares students for the challenges of professional translation.
Enhanced Translation Quality: The study's findings can contribute to the development of better translation practices that prioritize meaning and accuracy.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations that should be noted:

Small Sample Size: The study involved a small sample size of four translators, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited Context: The study was conducted in a limited context, which may not be representative of all translation situations.
Methodological Limitations: The study's methodological approach may have limitations that affect the validity and reliability of the findings.

Q: What is Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)?

A: Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a linguistic theory that views language as a system of meaning. It provides a framework for understanding how language is used to convey meaning and how it is structured.

Q: What is the main focus of this research study?

A: The main focus of this research study is to investigate the translation process and translation products using SFL metapholstery theory, involving student and professional translators.

Q: What are the research purposes of this study?

A: The research purposes of this study are to:

Investigate how student translators and professionals manage their time in the translation process.
Find out how student and professional translators take a pause during the translation process.
Identify the shift in transitivity, mood, and theme elements conducted by student and professional translators in the translation process.
Designing a model of translation process from English (SL) to Indonesian (TL) using SFL metaph function theory.

Q: What are the data collection methods used in this study?

A: The data collection methods used in this study include:

Integrated Problem Report and Decision (IPDRS)
Retrospective Questionnaires
Translogs
Camtasia

Q: What are the findings of this study?

A: The findings of this study include:

Student translators spend most of their time in the draft phase, while professional translators spend more time in the post-draft phase.
Professional translators reach an average speed of 6 words per minute (WPM), while student translators reach an average speed of 4 WPM.
Student translators use pauses to solve related problems to find the right equivalent for words or terms in the source text (ST) and difficulties in conveying their understanding in the Target Language (TL).
Professional translators use pauses to ensure that their translation is experienced and in accordance with TL grammar rules.
Metapholio shift carried out by student translators is more focused on form, while professional translators prioritize meaning.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for translation studies and practice:

Development of more effective translation models that take into account the differences between student and professional translators.
Improved translation education that prepares students for the challenges of professional translation.
Enhanced translation quality that prioritizes meaning and accuracy.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations that should be noted:

Small sample size of four translators, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited context, which may not be representative of all translation situations.
Methodological limitations that may affect the validity and reliability of the findings.

Q: What are the future directions of this research?

A: The future directions of this research include:

Conducting a larger-scale study to confirm the findings of this study.
Investigating the translation process in different languages and contexts.
Developing more effective translation models that take into account the differences between student and professional translators.

Q: How can this research contribute to the development of better translation practices?

A: This research can contribute to the development of better translation practices by:

Providing a deeper understanding of the translation process and the challenges that translators face.
Informing the development of more effective translation models that take into account the differences between student and professional translators.
Guiding the development of a more relevant translation education curriculum that prepares students for the challenges of professional translation.