Mátyás Bánhegyi: The Effects of Politics and Ideology on the Translation of Argumentative Political Newspaper Articles
›
Chapter 8: Results and discussion
›
8.4 Discussion of results of CDA analysis
›
8.4.1 CDA analysis of Source Text 1 and its four translations
›
8.4.1.4 Ideology

8.4.1.4 Ideology

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Within the Ideology component of the TDSI Model, the following aspects will be examined: social beliefs and personal beliefs as well as the reproduction of ideology surfacing in argumentation, implicature, stylistic features and lexical choice, formulaic language and the distinction between US vs. THEM (cf. Section 4.6.3).

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

As discussed in detail in Section 4.5.2.4.4, social beliefs refer to the information a group of people sharing the same characteristics (in our case, supporting the same party or ideology) deem true and taken for granted (such as e.g. the identity of a group) while personal beliefs are similar beliefs but they are shared by an individual. On the microlevel, these beliefs surface, on the one hand, as evaluative beliefs, i.e. beliefs that cannot be assessed through objective criteria, and, on the other hand, as opinions, i.e. beliefs based on moral and/or other personal judgement. Below, the source and target texts will be analysed to reveal, explain and compare instances of evaluative beliefs and opinions.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In Source Text 1, the following evaluative beliefs are found in the form of propositions: magyar közélet kalandora [adventurer of the Hungarian public life] (sentence 8), where the term adventurer depicts the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber as unreliable and untrustworthy and thus ideologically positions him as a non-ally. In sentence 8, the use of the phrase kürtölte tele a világot [cried to the world] presents a non-objective picture through the affective connotations of the word cried, which suggests making much ado about nothing and consequently undermines the professional reputation of the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber. Economists advocating the health care reform are termed komoly közgazdászok [respectable economists] in sentence 11, which signals the professional recognition of these experts and the support of the health care reform. The source text article, which urges the continuation of further reforms in health care, terming the Prime Minister reformer miniszterelnök [Prime Minister committed to reforms] in sentence 26, ideologically positions reforms as a positive effort worth continuing. Obviously, the evaluative beliefs detailed above function as social beliefs shared by those supporting the government-initiated health care reforms and consequently the policies of MSZP. Therefore, these social beliefs also contribute to the formation of a group identity (pro health care reform and pro-MSZP groups). In sum, ideologically the article supports reforms in health care and presents a negative picture of those opposing such reforms through evaluative beliefs.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In Source Text 1, the journalist voices the following opinions of his: a kompenzáció nem feltétlenül a gyengeség jele [compensating is not necessarily a sign of weakness] (sentence 1); Erőt is mutathat [It can also show strength] (sentence 2); a hitet elvvé kövíteni azonban a politika területén már igencsak veszélyes [making principles out of beliefs is quite dangerous in the field of politics] (sentence 14); Vagyis a józan kompromisszum mértékével kompenzálni kell [to the extent of a healthy compromise compensating is a must] (sentence 22); azért, mert ez a kormányzás felelőssége [because this /i.e. compensating/ is the responsibility of governing] (sentence 22). The journalist expresses his own personal beliefs through opinions in these phrases and clauses with reference to the relationship between social power relations and compensation (sentences 1 and 2), dangerous political practices (sentence 14) and the need for compensation in the actual political climate (sentence 22). These personal beliefs indicate the journalist’s personal commitment to the issue of health care reforms and to the future political career of the Prime Minister, the government and MSZP and thus represent pro health care, pro-government and pro-MSZP ideology.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Target Text 1 reproduces all the above evaluative beliefs and opinions without exception. The evaluative beliefs in the text are: President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber running amok (sentence 7), complaining at every forum (sentence 8), well-respected economic experts (sentence 10) and an advocate of reforms (sentence 26), while opinions reproduced are: compensation is not a sign of weakness (sentence 1), It can also show strength (sentence 2), to make principles out of beliefs in politics is a risky business (sentence 14), So compensation, in a dose of healthy compromise, is a must (sentence 22) and because it is the responsibility of the government (sentence 22). The replication of evaluative beliefs and opinions is not surprising given the fact that a pro-MSZP article is translated by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for MSZP. This seems to indicate that the ideological content of evaluative beliefs and opinions in Source Text 1 is reproduced in Target Text 1 without any alteration, which may be explained by the fact that the article, the translator and the client share the same ideology, i.e. no other ideologies interfere with the translation.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Target Text 2 has been translated by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for Fidesz, which influences the ideology displayed by the text. Evaluative beliefs are only partly reproduced: a dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life, Mr. István Éger, President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber (sentence 8), and an advocate of reforms (sentence 26) are retained. However, the evaluative beliefs in kürtölte tele a világot [cried to the world] and komoly közgazdászok [respectable economists] are completely missing in Target Text 2 and are phrased as had been explaining (sentence 8) and economic experts (11). The phrase explaining does not suggest making fuss and economic experts are no longer termed respectable. The fact that some of the reproduced evaluative beliefs are phrased differently from the phrasing of Target Text 1 (e.g. dangerous adventurer in Target Text 2 instead of running amok in Target Text 1) in an ideological sense can potentially further support or weaken the ideology expressed in the phrases concerned. Even if such lexical choice is potentially capable of influencing the absolutely uncontested nature of the ideology expressed, these lexical choices are not powerful enough in themselves to undermine the ideology expressed in the article. This will be discussed in more detail in this section below with reference to stylistic features and lexical choice.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Opinions, on the other hand, are retained without exception in Target Text 2: compensation is not necessarily a sign of weakness (sentence 1), It might also show strength (sentence 2), to make principles out of beliefs in politics verges on foolhardiness (sentence 14), So compensation, in a dose of healthy compromise, is a must (sentence 22) and because it is the responsibility of a government (sentence 22). The fact that some of the reproduced opinions are phrased differently from the phrasing of Target Text 1 (e.g. the use of might in sentence 2 of Target Text 2 as opposed to can in sentence 2 of Target Text 1) can potentially further support or weaken the ideology expressed in the phrases concerned. Even if such choice of lexis can interfere with the ideology expressed, these lexical choices have no capacity to undermine the ideology expressed in the article. This issue will be touched upon below in more detail in connection with stylistic features and lexical choice.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Target Text 5 translated by Fidesz supporter Translator 2 for MSZP seems to retain the majority of evaluative beliefs and opinions expressing ideology. The following evaluative beliefs are retained: a dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life (sentence 9), respectable economic experts (sentence 12), PM committed to reforms (sentence 31). Nonetheless, the ideologically positioning phrase kürtölte tele a világot [cried to the world] (sentence 8 in Source Text 1) is translated as telling the world (sentence 9), which is ideologically neutral in phrasing. This indicates the translator’s sympathy towards the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber and his refusal to reproduce the ideology expressed in this expression of Source Text 1.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

All opinions of Source Text 1 are expressed in Target Text 5: Compensation, however, is not necessarily a sign of weakness (sentence 1), It can show strength, too (sentence 2), turning beliefs into principles is a shaky venture in politics (sentence 17), a healthy compromise must be offered as compensation (sentence 25) and because it is the responsibility of any government (sentence 26). Interestingly enough, one opinion that is not present in Source Text 1 surfaces in Target Text 5 due to explicitation. Sentence 24 of Source Text 1 contains the phrase tetszettek volna… To combat the problems of the differing pragmatic knowledge of non-Hungarian receivers of the target text and Hungarian receivers of the source text, who know that this phrase refers to a situation that cannot be changed at present but could have been altered if in the past radical changes had taken place, Translator 2 uses explicitation and writes And it is exclusively their problem (sentence 29) with reference to GP’s lack of funding. The use of this sentence results in an ideologically positioned interpretation. The ideology here is that this phrasing suggests it is only GPs who are responsible and explicitly states that the government abdicates all responsibility. This suggests that Translator 2 has reproduced the ideology suited to the client’s expectations. Therefore, it seems that the translator pushes his own political convictions to the background and retains the ideology present in the source text wherever textually possible to satisfy the client sharing the same ideology as the source text.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The reproduction of ideology in Target Text 6 is of a different kind. In this case Fidesz supporter Translator 2 translates for Fidesz. Only one evaluative belief is retained out of the four in Source Text 1. While the evaluative belief PM committed to reforms (sentence 31) is retained, the others are omitted or manipulated. The addition of allegedly in the phrase an allegedly dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life (sentence 9) undermines the original ideologically negative picture of the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber by discrediting the coiner of the phrase, the journalist. The equivalent of the ideologically loaded phrase kürtölte tele a világot [cried to the world] (sentence 8 in Source Text 1) is translated as telling the world (sentence 9), which is ideologically neutral in phrasing. As opposed to the phrase in Target Text 5 respectable economic experts (sentence 12), the adjective respectable is omitted in sentence 12 in Target Text 6, which undermines the original ideologically positive picture of these highly professional experts and downgrades them to some simple experts.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Interestingly, all opinions are reproduced in Target Text 6: Compensation, however, is not necessarily a sign of weakness (sentence 1), It can show strength, too (sentence 2), turning beliefs into principles is a foolhardy venture in politics (sentence 17), a healthy compromise must be offered as compensation (sentence 25) and because it is the responsibility of any government (sentence 26). The reason for the retension of all of the opinions might be that evaluative beliefs are easier to spot for translators than opinions on the micro-level due to translators’ immediate affective associations in connection with such lexical items. These affective associations may potentially trigger translators’ refusal of reproducing the ideology expressed by the text if this ideology is not shared by them or their client.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

For the purpose of summarising the findings of the reproduction of evaluative beliefs and opinions in Target Texts 1, 2, 5 and 6, Table 8.1 and Table 8.2 provide a quick overview. The tables show the evaluative beliefs and opinions of Source Text 1 as well as the equivalent beliefs and opinions reproduced in the different target texts. The number of the sentence in which the given belief and/or opinion appears is provided in parentheses.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Table 8.1: Evaluative beliefs in Source Text 1 and in its four translations
Evaluative beliefs in Source Text 1
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 1
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 2
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 5
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 6
(No. of Sentence)
Remark
magyar közélet kalandora (8)
President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber running amok (7)
a dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life (8)
a dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life (9)
allegedly dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life (9)
kürtölte tele a világot (8)
complaining at every forum (8)
complaining at every forum (8)
---
---
In Source Texts 5 and 6, this is not an evaluative belief.
komoly közgazdászok (11)
well-respected economic experts (10)
---
respectable economic experts (12)
---
In Source Texts 2 and 6, this is not an evaluative belief.
reformer miniszterelnök (26)
an advocate of reforms (26)
an advocate of reforms (26)
PM committed to reforms (31)
PM committed to reforms (31)
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Table 8.2: Opinions in Source Text 1 and in its four translations
Opinions in Source Text 1
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 1
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 2
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 5
(No. of Sentence)
Target Text 6
(No. of Sentence)
kompenzáció nem feltétlenül a gyengeség jele (1)
compensation is not a sign of weakness (1)
compensation is not necessarily a sign of weakness (1)
Compensation, however, is not necessarily a sign of weakness (1)
Compensation, however, is not necessarily a sign of weakness (1)
Erőt is mutathat (2)
It can also show strength (2)
It might also show strength (2)
It can show strength (2)
It can show strength (2)
a hitet elvvé kövíteni azonban a politika területén már igencsak veszélyes (14)
to make principles out of beliefs in politics is a risky business (14)
to make principles out of beliefs in politics verges on foolhardiness (14)
turning beliefs into principles is a shaky venture in politics (17)
turning beliefs into principles is a foolhardy venture in politics (17)
Vagyis a józan kompromisszum mértékével kompenzálni kell (22)
So compensation, in a dose of healthy compromise, is a must (22)
So compensation, in a dose of healthy compromise, is a must (22)
a healthy compromise must be offered as compensation (25)
a healthy compromise must be offered as compensation (25)
azért, mert ez a kormányzás felelőssége (22)
because it is the responsibility of the government (22)
because it is the responsibility of a government (22)
because it is the responsibility of any government (26)
because it is the responsibility of any government (26)
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

It appears that translators mostly reproduce evaluative beliefs and opinions of Source Text 1 if they are translating for clients who share the ideology of the source text (as in the case of Target Texts 1 and 5). If that is not the case, they cut back on the reproduction of evaluative beliefs and opinions to a lesser extent (Target Text 2) or to a greater extent (Target Text 6) and produce target texts approximating the ideology of the client. Therefore, it can be stated that social beliefs sharing the ideology of the client are mainly reproduced, personal beliefs of the journalist are mostly reproduced, whereas the translators’ personal beliefs are only included if these beliefs reflect the ideology shared by the client.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The second aspect of the component of Ideology addresses the reproduction of ideology. Below, it will be discussed how ideology is reproduced in Source Text 1 and its translations through argumentation, stylistic features and lexical choice, implicature, formulaic language and the distinction between US vs. THEM. Argumentation is a feature of texts that is capable of reproducing ideology. Argumentation targets logical persuasion: as described in Sections 3.6 and 7.9.1.2, logical persuasion is expressed in the gist of the argumentative newspaper articles, i.e. in the macrostructure affected by the superstructure. Therefore, the reproduction of ideology in the argumentation of Source Text 1 and its translations will be analysed with reference to the gists of the texts in order to investigate whether translators reproduce the ideology expressed in the argumentation of the source text.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The gist of Source Text 1 translated literally into English is as follows (with explanatory remarks in parentheses):
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In the same announcement, he [the Prime Minister] also said that people had made the most financially favourable decision for them, but they must come to realize that this does not lead anywhere. Since then he has been trying to explain, hand in hand with Mr. János Kóka, that general practitioners will, due to Fidesz’s (Hungarian Civic Union) referendum campaign, suffer the loss of a monthly sum of HUF 150,000. And the government is not in a position to compensate for this. It is not important what we think: what cannot be ignored now is the votes of the some 3 million people who this time took the trouble to cast a ballot and signalled that they do not want to pay those fees. The government has obligations. The amortization expense repealed earlier has to be restored, which is approximately a monthly HUF 70,000 per medical praxis. PM Gyurcsány’s basic interest lies with this: if he is serious about the idea of a multi-fund health insurance system and considers himself an advocate of reforms, then he definitely needs to give it a chance that he successfully faces another closely reform-related question. And that [failure of the Prime Minister to successfully carry on with the health care reform] would be impossible to compensate.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The argumentation in the target text features the following arguments and ideology. The first step in the argument is that people do not want to pay the visit fee but sooner or later somebody has to pay for these services. In connection with this point, there is no reference to the fact that people pay health contributions from their salaries so they are not provided with free health care services. Here the ideology at play is to try and convince people that they are taking health care services for free and that they should pay extra once they want to use any of the services.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The next step in the argument is that GPs will suffer a financial loss due to the future repeal of the visit fee, and the government is not willing to compensate for this in any way. The ideology expressed here entails purposefully not referring to certain facts in connection with the issue on the table: namely that with the concurrent introduction of the visit fee the government repealed GPs’ depreciation expense and that the government could compensate for GPs’ loss of income by reinstating the depreciation expense.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The next step in the argument is that the will of the voters must be observed and thus the visit fee must be repealed. Still, the government is responsible for providing health care and must make sure that health care services are functional. The ideology expressed here is to emphasize the democratic operation of the government respecting the will of the voters and the fact that the government does care for the citizen’s well-being.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The subsequent step in the argument is that the funding of the depreciation expense must be restored, which is also in the interest of the Prime Minister. On condition that he is not able to solve this problem, he no longer needs to be the Prime Minister. The ideology expressed here is as follows: the problem presented by the repeal of the visit fee is shown as a simple problem to which a simple solution can be found. If the Prime Minister is incapable of solving even this simple problem, he will have to resign and a new prime minister must be found. This signals impatience towards him and concern for maintaining MSZP’s power in the government at a time when it was feared that Fidesz might provoke early general elections. The main point in the ideology expressed by the argument is that MSZP must remain in power after the Social Referendum.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In our understanding, the main ideology expressed in Source Text 1 is retained in all target texts as the steps of the argumentation are identical with the steps described above. Thus, argumentation is not manipulated by translators. However, the different lexical choices of the gists of the four translations signal translators’ different ideological interpretations of the arguments as the reproduction of ideology can happen through stylistic features and/or lexical choice. Below, lexical choice in the four gists (provided in Section 8.3) will be compared to reveal in what ways choice of lexis supports or undermines the ideology expressed in the referent gists.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The gist of Target Text 1 rendered by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for MSZP pictures the Prime Minister in a situation that is not of his making and which is difficult to cope with. In connection with the situation of not having to pay the visit fee, sentence 5 uses the phrase does not lead anywhere, sentence 6 talks about the Prime Minister trying to explain that GPs will suffer a financial loss as a result of the Referendum and sentence 7 states that the government is not in a position to compensate for the loss of income. This suggests that the Prime Minister is no way to blame for the financial and political situation that set in after the Social Referendum. Apart from that, the gist of Target Text 1 is hopeful about the future of the Prime Minister. Sentence 26 communicates that the Prime Minister must get another chance to prove that he can be successful in his reform-related policy: definitely needs to give it a chance that he successfully faces another closely reform-related question. Sentence 28 declares that his failure would be impossible to compensate, i.e. the Prime Minister must retain power. This suggests that Translator 1 seems to be concerned about the political career of the Prime Minister. Consequently, the ideology of Source Text 1 is manipulated: Translator 1 pictures the Prime Minister as a pitiful political actor in a difficult situation and expresses concern about the political future of Prime Minister Gyurcsány, which Source Text 1 does not highlight. It must be noted that after the Referendum MSZP’s political rhetoric blamed Fidesz for all negative consequences of the Social Referendum and pictured MSZP as a victim. The ideology included by Translator 1 further reinforces this rhetoric and the ideology expressed in the gist of Source Text 1.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The gist of Target Text 2 rendered by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for Fidesz pictures the Prime Minister as a tyrant and reveals scepticism about his political career. Sentence 5 contains the phrase in connection with the Prime Minister’s interpretation of the Referendum results can no longer be tolerated with reference to voters’ unwillingness to pay the visit fee. Sentence 7 states the government will not compensate for GPs’ loss of income. These two phrases show the government’s determination to act against the public will expressed at the Referendum through failing to execute its duties. The Prime Minister’s success in dealing with further reform related issues is described by the phrase can possibly face, which sounds very tentative through the modal. Sentence 28 takes it for granted that another failure on the part of the Prime Minister will be impossible to compensate. The ideology of Source Text 1 is manipulated: the tyrannical Prime Minister no longer needs to be in power and he is doomed to failure. This coincides with Fidesz’s political rhetoric after the Social Referendum. The ideological manipulation detailed above on the part of Translator 1 is due to the fact that the client of Target Text 2 is Fidesz. It must be pointed out that Target Text 2 presents an intriguing ideological scenario: the arguments reproduce MSZP’s ideology, while certain lexical elements that of Fidesz. Still, the pragmatic situation of posting this translation on the web page of Fidesz seems to position and guide readers in their interpretation of the gist of Target Text 2 in favour of Fidesz’s ideology.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The gist of Target Text 5 rendered by Fidesz supporter Translator 2 for MSZP shows no instances of ideological manipulation through either style or lexical choice. Even in the case of lexical items potentially yielding themselves for manipulation, such as the items pointed out above, no further ideology is included on the part of Translator 2. Therefore, the ideology of Source Text 1 is reproduced without any supporting or undermining ideology.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The gist of Target Text 6 rendered by Fidesz supporter Translator 2 for Fidesz includes further pro-Fidesz ideology by using irony to downplay the politicians opposing Fidesz, by portraying the government in a tyrannical role and by providing hope that the Prime Minister will not be able to retain power for long. The irony is found in sentence 7, which talks about a little contest between PM Gyurcsány and Kóka claiming the result of the Referendum will be disadvantageous for GPs. Sentence 8 talks about the fact that the government will by no means compensate, which implies that the government is determined to act against the public will expressed at the Referendum. Sentence 33 provides hope claiming that no compensation will be possible at last, i.e. the Prime Minister will have no other choice but to resign. Here the original ideology of Source Text 1 is undermined by an opposing ideology reproduced by Translator 2. Still, the pragmatic situation of publishing this translation on the web page of Fidesz guides readers in their interpretation of the gist of Target Text 6 in favour of Fidesz’s ideology. It seems that in terms of lexical choice translators reproduce the ideology contained in Source Text 1 and concurrently manipulate the target texts through including ideology shared by the actual client.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Stylistic features and lexical choice can reproduce ideology elsewhere than exclusively in the gist. This will be examined below. In Source Text 1, ideology is not reproduced by stylistic features or lexical choice other than the instances described above. In the translations, however, lexical choice other than the ones described above does reflect ideology. This suggests that translators added further and different ideology in their translations. To illustrate this, a few examples are given and explained below.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The phrase magyar közélet egyik veszélyes kalandora [one of dangerous adventurers of Hungarian public life] (sentence 8) of Source Text 1 is rendered as President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber running amok (sentence 7) in Target Text 1 and as a dangerous adventurer of Hungarian public life, Mr. István Éger, President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber (sentence 8) in Target Text 2. The fact that the client of Source Text 1 is MSZP explains the choice of running amok: this presents the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber as a politically unskilled and immature representative and undermines the professional reputation of not only the Hungarian Medical Chamber but also that of the medical profession, which is in line with MSZP’s rhetoric and serves the political interests of MSZP wishing to further health care reforms. Target Text 2 produced for Fidesz does not add further ideology here, which is due to the fact that Fidesz in its Referendum campaign was supported and allied with the Hungarian Medical Chamber on professional grounds. In a similar fashion, Fidesz supporter Translator 2 uses the phrase dangerous adventurer in his target text for MSZP (sentence 9 in Target Text 5) and allegedly dangerous adventurer for Fidesz (sentence 9 in Target Text 6). The above-described party ideologies are reproduced by the translators in their choice of lexis for the different clients.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Sentence 2 Erőt is mutathat [It can also show strength] of Source Text 1 is rendered with the help of the modal can in Target Text 1, 5 and 6. Target Text 2 translated by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for Fidesz, however, features the modal might, which suggests less likelihood and doubt in the Prime Minister’s capacity. This is due to Translator 1’s efforts to create a text expressing ideology welcomed by Fidesz.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The translation of the clause veszíteni is úgy tud, ahogy veszíteni kell in sentence 3 of Source Text 1 is also revealing. MSZP supporter Translator 1 in Target Text 1 for MSZP writes: when he loses, de does so like a gentleman (sentence 3), while in Target Text 2 for Fidesz the following appears: when he loses, de does so with his head high up (sentence 3). Fidesz supporter Translator 2 in Target Text 5 for MSZP writes: he is able to lose in style (sentence 4), while in Target Text 6 for Fidesz: he is able to lose like a loser (sentence 4). It is obvious that when the ideology shared by the client and the source text article is the same (Target Texts 1 and 5), translators reproduce the ideology of the source text, whereas if the ideology of the source text differs from that shared by the client (Target Texts 2 and 6), translators, in their choice of lexis, reproduce the ideology shared by the client rather than the ideology of the source text.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The reproduction of ideology can be carried out by implicature. An instance of implicature signalling ideology is found in sentence 12 of Source Text 1 in the phrase három-egész-valahánymillió embernek [about three million people]. Through the use of this phrase, the journalist of Népszabadság in the article implies that the exact figure is irrelevant and thus collectively ignores the people voting against the health care reform, which is in line with MSZP’s political perspective of picturing voters as irresponsible citizens.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The above phrase is translated as some 3 million people in sentence 11 of Target Texts 1 and 2, in which the original ideology of the article is reproduced by MSZP supporter Translator 1 irrespective of whichever party the client is. This seems to suggest that Translator 1 agrees with the ideology expressed in Source Text 1.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The same phrase, however, is rendered as in excess of 3 million in sentence 14 of Target Texts 5 and 6, where the original ideology of the article is refused by Fidesz supporter Translator 2 irrespective of whichever party is the client. This phrase implies that the number of voters is over 3 million, which is a quite high figure in terms of those opposing the reform. This seems to suggest that Translator 2 refuses to reproduce the ideology expressed in Source Text 1.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Implicature is also present in the following phrase of Source Text 1: milyen ember az ilyen [what a man he is!] in sentence 9. This phrase is contextualised in the frame of presenting the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber as unreliable and untrustworthy and thus presents negative evaluation of the President. The same negative implicature is retained in all four target texts in the form of exclamations: What his motives are! in sentence 9 of Target Text 1, Such a person! in sentence 9 of Target Text 2, What a person! in sentence 10 of Target Text 5 and What a person! in sentence 10 of Target Text 6.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Implicature plays an important role with reference to the political message of a text. In Sections 3.6 and 7.9.1.2, it was argued that political messages realise emotive persuasion and that lexical choice in political messages plays a crucial role in inducing emotive persuasion. It has also been claimed that due to the shortness of political messages, such a message builds on the implicature in the context of the full text from which the political message in question has been construed. It follows from this that the ideological interpretation of political messages is only possible once the ideology of the texts from which they have been construed has been established.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In order to explore how translation potentially alters political messages, the political message of Source Text 1 will be analysed and compared with the political messages of the four translations of Source Text 1. The political message of the article Kompenzáció, which is made up sentences 6 and 28, is as follows: Azóta pedig koalíciós elnöktársával, Kóka Jánossal szinte versengve bizonygatják, hogy a háziorvosok a Fidesz népszavazásával nagyon rosszul jártak, hiszen úgy 150 ezer forint havi fixet kiszavaztak a zsebükből. És akkor azt már nem lehet kompenzálni.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

This (translated verbatim into English for our purposes, with explanatory remarks in square brackets) reads like this
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Since then he [the Prime Minister] and Mr. János Kóka have been competing with each other to explain that, as a result of Fidesz’s referendum campaign, General Practitioners thus will lose app. HUF 150,000 per month. And this [failure of the Prime Minister to successfully carry on with the health care reform] will be impossible to compensate.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In view of the ideology contained in the full text of Source Text 1, the above political message implies that it is not only health care reforms that are at stake but also the future of the reform-oriented Prime Minister, who is irreplaceable. The ideology in the political message is to ensure the continued power of the MSZP government.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The political message of Target Text 1, which is made up sentences 6 and 28 and has been translated by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for MSZP, is as follows:
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Since then he [the Prime Minister] has been trying to explain, hand in hand with Mr. János Kóka, that general practitioners will, due to Fidesz’s (Hungarian Civic Union) referendum campaign, suffer the loss of a monthly sum of HUF 150,000. And that [failure of the Prime Minister to successfully carry on with the health care reform] would be impossible to compensate.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The translation reproduces the ideology contained in the full text of Source Text 1, and through the use of the auxiliary would makes the fall of the Prime Minister appear less likely. In the MSZP supporter audience this emotively generates sympathy towards the Prime Minister and hope in his political survival, which is line with MSZP’s ideology.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The political message of Target Text 2, which is made up sentences 6 and 28 and has been translated by MSZP supporter Translator 1 for Fidesz, is as follows:
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Since then they [the Prime Minister and Mr. Kóka] have been overdoing each other with Mr. János Kóka in proving that general practitioners will suffer the loss of a monthly sum of HUF 150,000 due to Fidesz’s (Hungarian Civic Union) referendum campaign. And it [failure of the Prime Minister to successfully carry on with the health care reform] will be impossible to compensate.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The translation reproduces the ideology contained in the full text of Source Text 1, but through the use of the auxiliary will makes the fall of the Prime Minister appear quite likely. In the Fidesz supporter audience this emotively generates a feeling of victory over the Prime Minister and hope in his political fall, which supports Fidesz’s ideology.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The political message of Target Text 5, which is made up sentences 7 and 33 and has been translated by Fidesz supporter Translator 2 for MSZP, reads as follows:
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Since then, him [the Prime Minister] and Coalition partner President Mr. János Kóka have been competing to prove that general practitioners will come very badly off the Fidesz (Hungarian Civic Union) initiated referendum, as, due to this, they will incur a monthly HUF 150,000 loss. And in such a situation [failure of the Prime Minister to successfully carry on with the health care reform], no compensation would be possible.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The translation reproduces the ideology contained in the full text of Source Text 1, and through the use of the auxiliary would makes the fall of the Prime Minister appear less likely. In the MSZP supporter audience this emotively generates sympathy towards the Prime Minister and hope in his political survival, which is line with MSZP’s ideology.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The political message of Target Text 6, which is made up sentences 7 and 33 and has been translated by Fidesz supporter Translator 2 for Fidesz, is the following:
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Since then, him [the Prime Minister] and Coalition partner President Mr. János Kóka have been having a little contest to prove that general practitioners will come very badly off the Fidesz (Hungarian Civic Union) initiated referendum, as, due to this, they will incur a monthly HUF 150,000 loss. And in such a situation [failure of the Prime Minister to successfully carry on with the health care reform], no compensation will be possible at last.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The translation reproduces the ideology contained in the full text of Source Text 1, and through the use of the auxiliary will and the inclusion of at last, makes the fall of the Prime Minister appear quite likely and pictures it as a long-awaited event. In the Fidesz supporter audience this emotively generates a feeling of victory over the Prime Minister and hope in his political fall, which clearly reflects Fidesz’s ideology. From the above, it seems that the political message is translated to reflect the ideology shared by the client.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The reproduction of ideology can happen through formulaic language. Formulaic language reproducing ideology does not appear in Source Text 1 or in its translations, thus we shall skip this point. The reproduction of ideology can present itself through making a distinction between US vs. THEM. The US vs. THEM distinction is present throughout Source Text 1. As the article has been written with a pro-government perspective, the government is pictured in a positive way whereas those opposing the government in a negative way. Sentence 3 in Source Text 1 talks about the winner’s generosity exhibited by the Prime Minister and him not making any criticism towards the opposition after his winning the general elections in 2006. Sentences 10 and 11 refer to numerous GPs and reliable economists supporting health care reforms. In relation to the compensation of GPs for their loss of income due to the repeal of the visit fee, sentence 22 of Source Text 1 talks about the government’s responsibility for finding a solution. These ideas are juxtaposed by the negative presentation of those opposing the health care reform: sentence 8 pictures the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber as an amateur and a politically unreliable adventurer, in sentence 12 reference to the approximate and not exact number of voters favouring the repeal of the visit fee implies belittling towards these voters. This negative criticism is further developed in sentence 22, where those opposing the visit fee, including Fidesz, the President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber and all others, are portrayed irresponsible in contrast with the responsibility governing entails.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The US vs. THEM ideological distinction is reproduced in all target texts in the referent target sentences: in Target Text 1 in sentences 3, 9, 10, 21; in Target Text 2 in sentences 3, 10, 11, 22; and in Target Texts 5 and 6 in sentences 4, 11, 12, 26. The presentation of this distinction, however, is supported or alternatively undermined by lexical choices in these sentences signalling ideology. For further details, see the discussion on the choice of lexis in this section above. It appears that the US vs. THEM distinction is retained in the translations but the lexical choice appearing in the referent sentences can (further) support or undermine the effectiveness of the ideology behind the distinction.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

In terms of the reproduction of ideology in Source Text 1 and its translations, it can be concluded, based on the analysis of data, that the translators produce their target texts primarily with the client in mind. They reproduce or occasionally manipulate (support or undermine) the ideology of the source text to satisfy their clients, while the majority of the ideology expressed in Source Text 1 is reproduced in the target texts. It is noteworthy that translators rarely include their own ideology if that opposes the ideology of their actual client.
 
chevron_left
chevron_right
Tartalomjegyzék navigate_next
Keresés a kiadványban navigate_next
A kereséshez, kérjük, lépj be!
Könyvjelzőim navigate_next
A könyvjelzők használatához
be kell jelentkezned.
Jegyzeteim navigate_next
Jegyzetek létrehozásához
be kell jelentkezned.
    Kiemeléseim navigate_next
    Mutasd a szövegben:
    Szűrés:
    Kiemelések létrehozásához
    MeRSZ+ előfizetés szükséges.
      Útmutató elindítása
      delete
      Kivonat
      fullscreenclose
      printsave