Translating Javanese Culture Expressions in a Novel: Techniques and Quality

Abstract

Translating cultural terms from Javanese is an area of interest because this language has numerous various cultural fixed expressions that challenge the translator in conveying the intended message to target readers. This study investigates the Javanese fixed expressions, as well as the translation techniques employed to translate them, for three novels: Burung-Burung Manyar (The Weaverbirds), Pengakuan Pariyem (Pariyem’s Confession), and Para Priyayi (Javanese Gentry). Relying on content analysis design and a qualitative approach, this study analyzes 32 Javanese expressions obtained from the above three novels. The data is analyzed using domain, taxonomy, componential, and thematic analysis, as well as through an evaluation by experts in a focus group discussion. The results reveal that seven types of Javanese fixed expressions are used in the studied novels. When translating these expressions, translators tend to employ the description and deletion techniques, while the use of modulation, adaptation, established equivalent, and explicitation techniques tend to produce the best translations.