How does Emma Heesters Translate the Song ‘Maafkan Aku’ into English?

Abstract

The present research aims to analyze the translation techniques applied to the song lyrics Maafkan Aku by Tiara Andini, translated by Emma Heesters. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the research focuses on understanding how the translator adapts the song lyrics from Indonesian to English. The data comprises the original Indonesian lyrics and their English translation, both available on YouTube. Data were collected through direct observation of the lyric video and the documentation of the song lyrics. The data collection methods employed are observation and note-taking, where the researcher recorded the translation techniques used. The data were analyzed using interactive model, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research reveals that nine translation techniques were used, including amplification, established equivalence, discursive creation, reduction, modulation, compensation, literal translation, linguistic amplification, and particularization. The most frequently applied techniques were amplification and established equivalence, which preserved the emotional message and ensured fluency in the target language. The study concludes that while some techniques were used less frequently, all contributed to maintaining the naturalness of the translation and adapting it to the cultural context, highlighting the importance of preserving emotional nuances in song lyrics translation.