An analysis of English - Kiswahili translation of sampled pesticides instruction leaflets
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Odinga, Jeniffer Naika
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Accurate translation of information in the pesticides instruction leaflets is
necessary in that it informs users on the intended use and directions to be
followed.This enhances communication among those who can not understand
instructions in the source language text. As a result, cases of misuse and
mishandling of pesticides that lead to negative consequences are curbed. However,
research that assesses the need for accurate translation of information from
English-Kiswahili with respect to pesticides instruction leaflets in Kenya remains
scarce. This study therefore sought to assess the translation from English (source
text) to Kiswahili (target text) in the sampled pesticides instruction leaflets with a
view to establishing the effects of mistranslation on small scale horticultural
fanners in Ruiru District. In this regard, the study sought: to identify and
categories the mismatches in meaning in the English- Kiswahili translation of
sampled pesticides instructions leaflets, to examine the interpretation of target text
by target audience and lastly to determine the effects of the mistranslations on
small scale horticultural fanners. A qualitative research design is used to describe
the mismatches in meaning between the source and the target texts. Data was
collected from 10 purposively sampled pesticides instruction leaflets from two
manufactures. This was done using content analysis technique where the researcher
read through each of the sampled leaflets with a view to noting any mismatches in
meaning between the source and the target texts. On the other hand, unstructured
interview schedule was used to elicit data on the respondents' interpretation of the
target text and the effect of this interpretation on themselves. These respondents
were 20 in number and were purposively selected.The Interpretive Theory by
Seleskovitch (1960-1980) is used in the analysis of the mismatches in meaning
between the source and target text while the Speech Act Theory by Austin (1962)
is used to analyze the respondents' interpretation of the target text and the effects
of the same interpretation on themselves.This study found out that there are
mismatches in meaning between the source text (English) and the target text
(Kiswahili) in the sampled pesticides instruction leaflets.It was further discovered
that these mismatches in meaning could be categorized into: Syntactic, Ambiguity,
Addition and Omission categories. In addition, the findings indicated that the
target respondents interpreted the target text at two levels. Firstly, those who
interpreted the target text contrary to what the original text intended stood at 56%
while those who interpreted the target text as intended by the source text were
44%. Lastly, the study found out that the negative effects experienced by the target
respondents as a result of their execution of mistranslated instructions was at 33%.
On the contrary, the positive effect experienced by the target respondents stood at
66%. This study consequently recommends that the translators of information in
the pesticides instruction leaflets be professionals who are competent in both
English and Kiswahili languages. As a result, cases of negative effects on target
audience will be reduced.
Description
A thesis submitted to the school of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of master of arts (English and Linguistics) of Kenyatta University, November 2016