Transitivity Shifts in Translating of the Novel “Laskar Pelangi” From Indonesia into English

The aims of the research are to investigate the transitivity shift in the texts and to
analyze the possible meanings behind the shifts that occur. The research
employed a qualitative method which attempts to define, classify, analyze, and
describe the collected data. The researcher used transitivity of Halliday (1985) and
transitivity shift of Calzada Perez (2007) as the tools of analysis. It can be seen
that the transitivity shift occured in the speeches. The translators used more active
clauses in the target text and use more than one processes in the clauses of the
target text. The target texts are more understandable because it is explained
clearer. From the findings about transitivity shift, it was found that the transitivity
shifts happened in order to adapt the target language so that the translated text
can be understood by the target audiences and it should be natural. In addition, it
may be that the translators are unaware of his or her decision on making the
shift.The translator may do it without any intentions.However, almost any
decision in translation is consciously or unconsciously guided by translator’s
background (point of view, ideology or cultural values). In conclusion, the
translators tend to leave the reader in peace as much as possible by bringing the
text as close as possible to the target text or home to the reader.