Connotation VS Denotation

Salam to all,

In this entry I would like to discuss the differences between Connotation and Denotation and how will it affect the interpretaion of meaning.

Connotation:
 a word's connotation is things or attributes that the word brings to mind, any idea or notion suggested or associated with the word

Denotation:
a word's denotation is its reference to the things it designates, its direct, explicit meaning. 
 
Why do we need to know about these two words when we want to translate a text, an article or any written forms? Well, basically when we use certain dictionary to translate from one language to another; let's say we want to translate from English to Bahasa Malaysia, we are using the denotation approach.

But when we tranlate some words (from English to BM too) using the Connotation approach, we need to be aware of the cultures, customs or even the current slang in the intended language- BM. 

I reckon I better use some examples to give a clearer picture here. Let's say we want to translate this sentence: She has a slim figure and a nice smile.

Original sentence: She has a slim figure and a nice smile.
Denotation: Wanita tersebut mempunyai badan yg ramping dan senyuman yang menawan.
Connotation: Perempuan itu mempunyai badan yg ramping dan senyuman yang menawan.

The word "She" can be translated into the neutral tone word or the negative tone word. As "wanita" and "perempuan" are both refering to "she" but "perempuan" sometimes has negative connotation.

What makes this blog special?

Hi to all,

In this first entry, I would like tell you what makes this blog special to me. I've been putting off this idea
of creating a blog specifically dedicated to offer services in translating (BM-English or vice versa), writing or creating advertisement in English, proof reading and any other possible interpreting services.

I don't have any related certificates in translating. But I took translation subjects when I was studying TESL (Teaching English as Second Language) in UKM. I have some experiences in doing this translating jobs since 2001. I've done editing, proof reading, translating and even co-writing ecademic papers when I was working in USM, Malaysia. I also had helped some of my friends who are doing her
phd research here in University of Waikato in New Zealand.

So, in short, if you are interested to get some helps in interpreting, I could be contacted via e-mail or just drop a comment here and we'll communicate via e-mail afterwards. You can check out my e-mail address at the top of the sidebar.