One Song, Seven Languages: An Analysis of the Process of Creating Singable Translations of “Dao Aksorn” (Star of Arts) Using Peter Low’s Pentathlon Approach
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Peter Low’s Pentathlon has been widely used for singable song translation. However, no comparison among using this approach for more than one target language at the same time has been studied. The objectives of this research are twofold: 1) to describe and analyze the process of creating singable translations of the Thai song “Dao Aksorn” (Star of Arts) adhering to Peter Low’s Pentathlon Approach (singability, sense, naturalness, rhythm, rhyme) while also considering the unique features of each target language; and 2) to compare these seven translations examining similarities and differences within the framework of the aforementioned translation approach.
Methods: The data for this research consist of the Thai original lyrics and the song’s translations in seven languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The research methodology involves an analysis of the translation process and the explanatory commentary for each target language, using word-for-word semantic transfer and back-translation as guidelines for comparison.
Results: The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Pentathlon Approach. Each translation addressed this principle to varying degrees. Notably, all translations maintained the song’s meaning and singability as the two most important aspects. During the translation process, synonyms were utilized along with the omission and addition of some words. This reflects an academic approach that prioritizes linguistic accuracy over considerations of rhythm, which may hold greater significance in a performance-oriented musical context.
Application of this study: The body of knowledge derived from this research has practical implications for teaching song translation in these target languages and can be further developed to promote Thai songs by translating them into foreign languages.
Conclusions: This study examines the application of Peter Low’s five principles of song translation—singability, sense, naturalness, rhythm, and rhyme—in translating the song “Dao Aksorn” into seven target languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The research aimed to analyze the translation process and compare the translated versions within a shared theoretical framework. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Pentathlon Approach in producing singable translations across typologically diverse target languages.
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