Volume 03 Issue 12-2023
142
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
142-146
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
Translation, which is considered as one of the intricate and complex art forms, has a huge influence in communication,
and intercultural exchange processes. In this scientific article, the art of translation, and the potential of all bilingual
people to become translators are discussed by shedding light on the individual`s skills and abilities. The article also
emphasizes that being bilingual itself is not enough for being a professional translator, and it aims to provide with
other skills that are sufficient to ensure competence in the process of translation.
KEYWORDS
Translation, compound bilingualism, coordinate bilingualism, meta-linguistic skills, training and individual
opportunities.
INTRODUCTION
With global trade, travel, and communication
becoming more widespread, the need for translation in
today`s globalized world becomes increasingly vital.
Because translation plays a crucial role in fostering
effective communication, overcoming linguistic
barriers, promoting global understanding, and
allowing people to exchange ideas, and learn from
different cultures, and perspectives. That`s why many
books have been translated until now and this process
is still continuing in the present day. But, why is the
Research Article
THE ART OF TRANSLATING; CAN EVERY BILINGUAL BECOME A
SUCCESSFUL TRANSLATOR?
Submission Date:
December 19, 2023,
Accepted Date:
December 24, 2023,
Published Date:
December 29, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume03Issue12-24
Abdikhamidova Sevinch Obidjon Kizi
2nd Grade, Faculty Of English Philology And Translation Studies Samarkand State Institute Of Foreign
Languages Samarkand/Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 12-2023
143
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
142-146
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
only value of translation apparent today, while hard
work and efforts behind it go unnoticed?
At first glance, the art of translation seems only to
convert a written text or speech from one language to
another; however, while converting, its original
meaning, tone, and style should also be carried. It
appears to be an attempt to resolve an unsolvable
issue, as every translator is inevitably confronted with
either adhering excessively to the uniqueness and style
of their own culture, or striving for complete
faithfulness to the original language. Finding a balance
between these two proves to be not only challenging
but ultimately unattainable.
The process of translation is definitely an art, but a
complicated one which requires the ability to deeply
understand both the source and the intended target
language. That`s why translators face numerous
challenges while translating. What makes this process
even more complex is the fact that all languages are
not perfectly equivalent at all. Each of them has its own
unique vocabulary, grammar, and syntax structures.
Even, cultural references and lots of idiomatic
expressions of two or more languages completely
differ from each other. Sometimes, some words and
concepts might not have a direct meaning in another
language, leading translators to find creative solutions,
and to bridge both cultural and linguistic gaps of
different people from all over the world. Despite these
difficulties, accuracy and huge responsibility is required
from translators all of the time.
The process of translation can occur anytime when
there is a need to convert information or text from one
language to another. It can happen in various contexts,
such as literature, business, legal documents, or
communication between individuals who speak
different languages. But it will never take place unless
there are at least two languages. For this reason
translation and bilingualism are two concepts that are
absolutely connected to each other.
What is Bilingualism?
The term bilingualism originates from the combination
of "bi" and "lingua," indicating the ability to use two
languages. Complete fluency in two languages is
referred to as bilingualism. Typically, individuals first
acquire proficiency in a single language, commonly
known as their first language or mother tongue.
Additional languages are then acquired to varying
levels of proficiency under diverse circumstances.
Individuals who grow up speaking these acquired
languages become bilingual, although the process of
learning a second or subsequent language is distinct
intellectually, as it is built upon the foundation of
mastering one's first language.
There are lots of languages spoken worldwide. Every
person knows at least one language which is acquired
during
childhood,
and
regularly
used
for
Volume 03 Issue 12-2023
144
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
142-146
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
communication
and
writing.
Nevertheless,
considerable amount of people prefer, or forced to
learn additional languages. And every person has the
ability to acquire proficiency in a second language,
whether it would be a language from within their own
country or a completely different language from
another country. Nowadays, there are numerous
institutions and schools that provide courses for
learning foreign languages. Additionally, many colleges
and universities have incorporated foreign language
courses into their regular curriculum.
But, why everyone prefers to learn another language
in addition to their native languages? Because, being
bilingual not only enhances one's linguistic skills, but
also offers greater mental flexibility, and improved
listening skills. It enhances one's comprehension of
their native language and exposes them to different
cultures. Moreover, possessing knowledge of multiple
languages increases career prospects and provides
further job opportunities.
Coordinate and Compound Bilingualism
The categorization of compound and coordinate
bilingualism has been examined deeply. There are
generally two types of bilingualism that can be
distinguished based on how the two languages were
acquired. The first type is when someone can speak
both languages equally well. The second type is when
someone has two native languages. For example,
Russian children who lived in Central Asia during the
times of Soviet Union learned Russian from their
parents and an Uzbek language from their teachers or
friends. In the case of the second type of bilingualism,
it is important to understand what is meant by "mother
tongue" and how languages are acquired.
A coordinate bilingual refers to someone who has
acquired two languages in different settings and at
different times like the first type of bilingualism. This
means that one language is learned at home while the
other is learned outside of home, such as at school or
in the neighborhood. Being coordinate bilingual means
being proficient in a second language for practical use,
but not necessarily speaking it fluently. For instance,
someone may speak excellent Uzbek but struggle with
English. In the mind of a coordinate bilingual, words
and phrases are associated with unique concepts.
Therefore, the associations for words like "choy" and
"tea" would be different for them. Usually, one
language, often the first language learned, is dominant
and can influence the thinking in the second language.
A compound bilingual is someone who has learned two
languages simultaneously from infancy, with both
languages being used equally well like the second type
of bilingualism. This is also known as true or perfect
bilingualism. For compound bilinguals, words and
phrases in different languages represent the same
concepts. For example, a Uzbek-English language
speaker of this type would understand that "choy" and
Volume 03 Issue 12-2023
145
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
142-146
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
"tea" refer to the same thing. Typically, these speakers
are fluent in both languages.
The
relationship
between
Translation
and
Bilingualism
In fact, being bilingual has many advantages. For
instance, people who can speak two languages have a
unique way of understanding words that goes beyond
what is written in the dictionary. This can also be
explained psychologically. Bilingual individuals often
encounter words within specific contexts, influenced
by their surroundings and personal experiences, which
shape their understanding of these words. Their
mental and emotional states play a huge role in how
they interpret and assign meanings to the words when
they hear or read them. But does this mean that all
bilinguals can have the capability to become
professional translators?
Translation is often seen as a valuable ability that is
thought to be only accessible to bilingual individuals. It
is not commonly believed to be a skill that can be
naturally performed by any bilingual child although
some scholars argue that all bilingual children have the
capability to translate from a very young age. It is true
that translation is a skill that requires bilingual
proficiency, but that does not mean being bilingual
alone does guarantee proficiency in translation. While
being bilingual is important, it is not enough to be
proficient and efficient in translation. Each translator's
unique style, terminology, and way of conveying
meaning are another most important things in the
translation process. Other factors such as natural
talent, education, and cultural knowledge are also
necessary to be a good translator.
Training and individual opportunities for bilinguals
Bilingual individuals have lots of opportunities to
become professional translators compared to ordinary
people who know only one language. But, if they want
to pursue a career in translation they should also need
some language training activities. Nowadays, many
colleges and universities are offering degree programs
and online courses in translation and interpretation
studies. Language training courses are extremely vital
for those who want to become successful translators;
because, they provide bilingual individuals with the
foundation skills and knowledge to become proficient
and efficient translators. For example, they help them
to develop a deep understanding of both their source
and target languages, including grammar, vocabulary,
idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances. Training in
translation also covers ethical considerations such as
confidentiality, accuracy, and impartiality, which are
essential for maintaining standards in the field.
All in all, we cannot deny the fact that the science of
translation is not limited to a specific time or place, as
it continues to enrich cultures by the numerous works
of bilingual translators. But, we cannot say that
Volume 03 Issue 12-2023
146
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
142-146
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
bilingualism is the same thing as being a good
translator. And, the art of translating is the result of a
combination of both bilingual proficiency and other
meta-linguistic skills.
REFERENCES
1.
Dr S. O. Kolawole. (2012). Is every bilingual a
translator?
(8
p).
http://translationjournal.net/journal/
2.
Togato, Giulia & Pedro Macizo Soria. (2022).
"Translation and Bilingualism through the lens
of Cognition" (21 p). @ ENTI (Encyclopedia of
translation & interpreting). AIETI.
3.
John W. Schwieter & Aline Ferreira. (2018).
Bilingualism, translation, and interpreting.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359
770912
4.
M. E. Malakoff. (1992). Translation Ability: A
Natural Bilingual and Metalinguistic Skill (15 p).
Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.
5.
Rakhmatov Furkat. (2022). The art of
translation and the history of translation
studi
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