Proper nouns in translation Essay Example

Proper nouns in translation Essay Abstraction Proper nouns are considered to be so fiddling in interlingual rendition that sometimes transcribers pay no attending to them. Some transcribers are of the sentiment that there is no demand to interpret them at all. However, if we look profoundly into interpreting procedure, we realize that it is wholly contrary to the above-named scheme. Therefore, transcribers have suggested different schemes sing the interlingual rendition of proper nouns. They can convey about some problems for transcribers particularly in the class of interlingual rendition between different civilizations. Therefore, masterful attending must be paid to them. The survey intends to convey to the surface the schemes that have been used in interpreting proper noun in the plants Alice in Wonderland , David Copperfield and Little Prince . For this intent, we as research workers have chosen the Vermes’ ( 2003 ) manner of interlingual rendition schemes for rendering proper nouns. It has been manifested that the tr anscribers have preferred to utilize the transference scheme more than other schemes for interpreting proper nouns in the aforesaid plants for the interest of lucidity. We will write a custom essay sample on Proper nouns in translation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Proper nouns in translation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Proper nouns in translation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Introduction: Translating proper nouns is non a simple undertaking because it can convey some issues to the surface if they are mistranslated or non translated at all ; furthermore, transcribers have to be really careful when they want to interpret proper nouns. Assorted interlingual rendition schemes have been suggested by Hervey and Higgins ( 1986 ) , Newmark ( 1988 ) , Theo Hermans ( 1988, ) Vermes ( 2003 ) , Farzane Farahzad ( 1995 ) , Anthony Pym ( 2004 ) , Lincoln Fernandes ( 2006 ) , and Heikki Sarkka ( 2007 ) . Consequently, Vermes ( 2003 ) states that The interlingual rendition of proper names has frequently been considered as a simple automatic procedure of transference from one linguistic communication into another, due to the position that proper names are mere labels used to place a individual or a thing. ( ) the interlingual rendition of proper names is non a fiddling issue but, on the contrary, may affect a instead delicate decision-making procedure, necessitating on the portion of the transcriber careful consideration of the significances the name has earlier make up ones minding how best to render it in the mark linguistic communication. Newmark ( 1993, p. 15 ) believes that proper nouns are a interlingual rendition trouble in any text and it should be determined whether the name is existent or invented. In unliterary texts, transcribers have to inquire themselves what if any extra explanatory or classificatory information has to be supplied for the TL readership . Every linguistic communication has specific proper nouns, some of them are wholly related to the civilization of that linguistic communication. Consequently, these nouns can convey about particular apprehension jobs for the readers of that text. Proper nouns may convey specific significance and excluding this specific significance can sometimes destruct the whole interlingual rendition. Translating or maintaining proper nouns chiefly depends on the nature linguistic communication. The nature of the beginning and mark linguistic communication should be taken into history. Whether they are from the same household or proper nouns are trans-cultural names. All of them should be considered in the procedure of interlingual rendition. This shows the importance of rendering a name that may look so simple in the class of interlingual rendition and that it might have no attending. The text type is besides of premier importance. Whether the text is belong to the sphere of literature or non. Whether it is written for kids or non, but it should be translated for the kids readers ; and many other factors can impact the procedure of interpreting proper nouns. Children s literature encompasses narratives, books, magazines, and poems that are devoted to kids, hence, it has ever been critical for transcribers to render the proper names in kids literature in a proper manner so as to convey the significance more easy and do the interlingual rendition more comprehendible for the kids. When we talk about kids literature the construct of cultivating and foreignizing is highlighted. From our point of position, every transcriber should see different parametric quantities before interpreting any kinds of text as for kids literature this factor can be age. The chief intent of our research is based on the probe of the proper names in Children Literature. We, as research workers, have been led to believe that different transcribers have adapted different schemes to interpret proper names. We will to the full size up the schemes taken by these transcribers in Alice in Wonderland, David Copperfield and small Prince. In the aforesaid plant we have found different types of proper nouns all the three work follow the same form, hence, we merely reference Alice in wonderland in this subdivision. In Alice in wonderland we found 2 types of proper nouns. First, the names that explicitly refer to the author’s existent universe and original references particularly in the verse form of the narrative such as Mary Ann, Ada and Mabel which refer to the author’s existent universe we besides found proper nouns that explicitly refer to the original and historical references in the narrative such as Australia, London, Rome . Second, we found n ames that refer to fabricated characters such as Alice, Bill, and Pat ) LIT Different researches have been done with the same topic and assorted consequences have been produced sing interlingual rendition of proper nouns. Puurtinen ( 1995 ) suggested that the being of many foreign names with hard diction brings about myriad of obstructions for the immature kids due to their unnatural spelling and phonological sequences. Name signifiers such as Ahoshta Tarkaan clearly shed visible radiation on the phonological differences of between two linguistic communications. Hence, It is more preferred to alter the native proper noun in such a manner to rid of this phonological differences and do the reading easier for the kids. In the same line Lia Wyer ( 2003 ) besides suggested that some in some instances interlingual rendition of proper nouns can non be accepted due to some phonological and morphological differences in the two linguistic communications ; moreover, he pointed out that interpreting proper nouns to in kids sallies can be both negative and positive. Children sometimes find it hard to pronounce the native names, hence, in this instances interlingual rendition should be done in a manner to ease the readability for the kids.However, He claimed that when the phonological and morphological system of a proper noun in the beginning text is changed for the interest of readability in some instances this process destroys the nature of the beginning text. Sanaty Pour ( 2010 ) asserted that interpreting proper nouns can be a challenging and burdensome undertaking for both advanced and novice transcriber and overlooking the interlingual rendition of proper noun can be harmful both to the transcriber and the reader. Furthermore, she suggested that proper names are culture-bound names, hence, this should be taken into history when interpreting them particularly in kids literature because holding information about the civilization of the mark linguistic communication can assist the transcriber to reassign the proper noun in a manner which suits best to the civilization of the mark linguistic communication. Clouet ( 2002 ) compared the Gallic and Spanish interlingual rendition of proper nouns in Harry thrower and concluded that Spanish transcriber kept the proper nouns unchanged and added that the Spanish were of the sentiment that any version in the signifier of the proper noun would estrange the immature reader from the beginning text and the full significance.On the other manus, the Gallic transcriber opted to interpret and alter the signifier of proper nouns because they believed that readability is of premier importance for the immature reader and it should be done even at the monetary value of destructing the originality of the beginning text. Morarasu ( 2006 ) studied the interlingual rendition of proper nouns in Dickensian novels and pointed out that the scheme of maintaining the native proper nouns unchanged is more preferred than other schemes. She asserted that any alteration in the signifier of proper nouns will overthrow the rubric of the books ; nevertheless, the transcrib ers sometimes encounter some obstructions that they find to alternative to transcribing the proper nouns. Method Two chapters of each plants have been to the full scrutinized by research workers as the chief beginning text of this survey and their Iranian interlingual renditions by †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ We have investigated the schemes applied by the transcriber in rendering proper nouns in Alice in wonderland by Charles Lutwidge Dodgso, David Copperfield by Charles devils and small prince. For making so, each extracted proper noun of the beginning text was compared with its opposite number in the mark text. Then, it has been put in the relevant interlingual rendition class. The class which the research workers have applied in this survey has been discussed in the undermentioned subdivision. In the Present survey, the classification proposed by Vermes ( 2003 ) has been chosen. Vermes provinces that the schemes that the transcribers may utilize to render proper nouns can be categorized into the undermentioned procedures: Transference, Translation, Substitution and Modification ( pp. 93-94 ) . In present survey, we have added the following procedures to them every bit good: skip, add-on, generalisation, and transference plus phonic version. 1) Transferenceis the scheme utilizing which the transcriber makes usage of the beginning text proper noun without using any alterations in the mark languages. In line with it, Newmark references that transference is the procedure of reassigning a SL word to a TL text as a interlingual rendition process. 2 ) When the transcriber uses the conventional letter writer of the beginning linguistic communication noun in the mark linguistic communication, the procedure is calledpermutation. This scheme can be used for most of the geographical nouns. Apparently, utilizing the conventional equivalent is the transcriber subconscious pick. Vermes believes that transcribers are normally forced to use the conventional signifier in the mark text. 3 )Translationscheme is used when the noun is rendered in the mark text by the transcriber ( Vermes, 2003 ) . Consequently, Newmark ( 1988, p. 5 ) provinces that rendering the significance of a text into another linguistic communication in the manner that the writer intended the text is called interlingual rendition. Translators use this scheme to render the original noun or portion of it in the mark text, for illustration, the last name or the first name ; they use a name in the mark text with the same or about the same intensions. 4 )Alterationis the scheme of utilizing a replacement in the mark text for the original noun which is non related or merely partially related to the beginning linguistic communication noun conventions or logics.It brings a considerable alteration in signifier or intensions in the mark text. Vermes considers alteration as a general term that includes skip, add-on and generalisation in itself. However, in the present survey, skip, add-on, and generalisation are non regarded as sub-sects of alteration but as separate interlingual rendition schemes in rendering nouns. 5 )Omissionis the scheme where the transcriber substitutes the SL noun or portion of it with none in the TL. In other words, the transcriber merely removes the original noun or portion of the noun in the interlingual rendition due to different grounds. He may believe that it is non of import or it may do ambiguity for the TT readers or he may follow the skip scheme for other factors. 6) Additionis the scheme in which the transcriber will utilize enlargement in the interlingual rendition of the beginning linguistic communication noun. He can utilize this add-on in chief organic structure of the mark text or as fringy notes. Addition is used for different grounds such as giving the readers more information or extinguishing the ambiguities for the readers. There are instances where the TL does non hold the SL noun due to cultural differences and the transcriber, alternatively of utilizing transference, uses paraphrasis scheme or descriptive replacement get bying with that noun ; we besides consider these instances as add-on scheme. 7) Transference plus phonic versionis the scheme that can be applied by the transcribers for interpreting proper nouns. This is the instance that transcribers transfer the beginning text name into the mark text but with phonic versions so as to fit it with the TL conventions.

Free Essays on Kinesics

One of the 8 types of non-verbal communication, I feel most aware of is Kinesics. Peoples response to things can be vary unique at times. We respond differently according to how we feel about something. We can say something, but mean something else with non-verbal communication. You can respond to something or someone in many ways according to how you feel towards the situation. Kinesics also carry a message behind it, in which sometimes can not be understood clearly. When watching someone being lectured to and seeing the different non-verbal responses they have, is like reading the persons mind. One can tell if someone is paying attention to something or if their avoiding the situation. As much as alert one is, their posture, eye contact, and facial expressions will be more serious. If one slouches, looks elsewhere, and unhappy, I would conclude that they not interested. Responsiveness is very important when it comes to relationships. Relationships between children and parents can be very complicated, especially when your trying to unscramble their non-verbal responses. Children have a way of listening to something, but it is mostly going through one ear and coming out of the other. The way children respond to something they don’t want to hear includes tapping their fingers, looking around and messing with something else. Whenever I observe a couple arguing, I pick up on expressions and the feeling on is non-verbally responding to. When one is doing more of the talking and the other is mostly ignoring everything they say. Folding the arms, tapping the feet or fingers, and taking deep breaths indicate how he/she feels toward the conversation. After all some people know how one feels about something, but will completely ignore their response to it. Responses can also be misunderstood when you are not familiar with a particular response. At the same time, the meaning to response can be sensed only by the one who knows you bette... Free Essays on Kinesics Free Essays on Kinesics One of the 8 types of non-verbal communication, I feel most aware of is Kinesics. Peoples response to things can be vary unique at times. We respond differently according to how we feel about something. We can say something, but mean something else with non-verbal communication. You can respond to something or someone in many ways according to how you feel towards the situation. Kinesics also carry a message behind it, in which sometimes can not be understood clearly. When watching someone being lectured to and seeing the different non-verbal responses they have, is like reading the persons mind. One can tell if someone is paying attention to something or if their avoiding the situation. As much as alert one is, their posture, eye contact, and facial expressions will be more serious. If one slouches, looks elsewhere, and unhappy, I would conclude that they not interested. Responsiveness is very important when it comes to relationships. Relationships between children and parents can be very complicated, especially when your trying to unscramble their non-verbal responses. Children have a way of listening to something, but it is mostly going through one ear and coming out of the other. The way children respond to something they don’t want to hear includes tapping their fingers, looking around and messing with something else. Whenever I observe a couple arguing, I pick up on expressions and the feeling on is non-verbally responding to. When one is doing more of the talking and the other is mostly ignoring everything they say. Folding the arms, tapping the feet or fingers, and taking deep breaths indicate how he/she feels toward the conversation. After all some people know how one feels about something, but will completely ignore their response to it. Responses can also be misunderstood when you are not familiar with a particular response. At the same time, the meaning to response can be sensed only by the one who knows you bette...

Gobbledygook - Definition and Examples

Gobbledygook s Gobbledygook is inflated, jargon-cluttered prose that fails to communicate clearly. Contrast with clarity and plain English. Also spelled gobbledegook. Stephen R. Covey describes gobbledygook as language that is so pompous, long-winded, and abstract that it is unintelligible (Style Guide for Business and Technical Communication, 2012). The term  gobbledygook  was coined in 1944 by Texas lawyer Maury Maverick, who expressed disdain for the gobbledygook language of his colleagues. The word was inspired by the turkey, always gobbledy gobbling and strutting with ludicrous pomposity. Examples and Observations: Gobbledygook or bureaucratese is another kind of doublespeak. Such doublespeak is simply a matter of overwhelming the audience with technical, unfamiliar words. When asked why U.S. forces lacked intelligence information on Grenada before they invaded the island in 1983, Admiral Wesley L. McDonald told reporters that We were not micromanaging Grenada intelligence-wise until about that time frame.(William Lutz, The World of Doublespeak. Doublespeak: From Revenue Enhancement to Terminal Living. Harper Row, 1989)Where the combined value of the above payments before actual assimilation remains greater than the combined value of the payments after assimilation, the former level of pay will be protected. These protection arrangements apply to the combined value of payments before and after assimilation, not to individual pay components, excepting the provision relating to retention of existing on-call arrangements.(Agenda for Change, Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s Univ ersity Hospitals NHS Trust, 2005) To the ordinary guy, all this is a bunch of gobbledygook. But out of the gobbledygook comes a very clear thing: you cant trust the government; you cant believe what they say, and you cant rely on their judgment.(H.R. Haldeman, recording made in the Oval Office, June 14, 1971)Gobbledygook in Sentence StructureIn sentence structure, gobbledygook is usually due to lack of time and care, as perhaps with the personal pension plan which defined foreign emoluments as earnings of a person resident but not domiciled in the United Kingdom from duties performed wholly or partly in the United Kingdom for a non-resident employer. It’s as clear as dirty dishwater, and perhaps more time should have been spent drafting it. Clear, concise writing cannot be done in a hurry, as the French writer Pascal realized when he once wrote to a friend, I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had time to make it shorter.(Jean Aitchison, The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words. Cambridge University Press, 1997) Adverse Effects of GobbledygookAs doublespeak, gobbledygook may either substitute for a speakers lack of knowledge or insight about a subject, or it may once again serve to confuse. . . .In 1972, Ford Motor Company sent a letter to those who purchased the defective 1972 Mercury Montego: With respect to possible mechanical deficiencies, the rear axle bearings of the cars can deteriorate. Continued driving with a failed bearing could result in disengagement of the axle shaft and adversely affect vehicle control.(Ken Kirk, Writing for Readability. ASTD, July 2010)Doctor Who MomentsOften when listening to football managers and coaches explain the game I find myself thinking of those moments in Dr Who when, with catastrophe approaching, Matt Smith suddenly announces, Theres a good chance that if we can reverse the polarity on this lithium crystal then the magnetic vortex will suck the Daleks into a different time-space continuum and the planet will be saved. Has anybody got a hatpin?Their midfield was playing off us, the Time Lords of the dugout tell us as relegation hurtles towards our homes like a Zygon battle trireme carrying an explosive payload the size of Ronaldos wallet. We need to get more offensive in the off-loading zone. Frankly, we all know it is a pile of gobbledygook, but if it has the sheen of plausibility it is more fun to believe in it than not.(Harry Pearson, Will Andy Carroll Prove the Difference That Destroys the Planet? The Guardian, Nov. 12, 2010) The Lighter Side of GobbledygookOh, meltdown. Its one of those annoying buzzwords. We prefer to call it an unrequested fission surplus.(Charles Montgomery Burns in Homer Defined, The Simpsons) Pronunciation: GOB-ul-dee-GOOK Editing Exercises: Exercise in Eliminating Deadwood From Our WritingExercise in Eliminating Wordiness in Business WritingPractice in Cutting the Clutter

Market Entry into China (According to case study finish a Report) Essay

Market Entry into China (According to case study finish a Report) - Essay Example China becomes a hot favourite for investment in the sectors of cooperative enterprises, joint ventures. â€Å"According to Zhang (2005), the impact of the overseas Chinese on China’s FDI inflows can be seen at least in two ways. First, the overseas Chinese invest in China based on language and historical bonds; accordingly they possess advantages in operations in China. Second, the overseas Chinese act as a bridge through which foreign investors understand the Chinese culture.† (Devinney et al 2010). The country, however, did not allow solely foreign-owned ventures earlier, and they had limitation of technological support. This situation has now changed and through export from other countries they now have all the infrastructural facilities. China has now removed many limits, which were also different from their WTO promises and encouraged foreign-owned ventures to guide in higher technology and add to their export quantity. Thus, only foreign-owned enterprise under joint venture model is the most accepted structure of FDI in China. There are a mixture of FDI available in China and the most common among them have been the Equity Joint Venture, Co-operative Joint Venture, and, to rising quantity, completely Foreign Owned Enterprise. However, they have a viable system of legislation and ground rules for creating such ventures and suitable government approvals and business licenses are mandatory. Hong Kong and East Asia are the main sources of FDI in China. Presently Taiwan is also a major source of China’s FDI with increasing amount of investment. Taiwan positions as the second place of FDI in China. â€Å"During the past two years, the government has been working to reform the foreign investment approval system. The approval procedure for five categories of foreign investment has now been vastly simplified, as the central government has allocated significant approval power to its local counterparts.   For foreign investment projects with

Relationship of Female Fertility and their Labor Force Participation Essay

Relationship of Female Fertility and their Labor Force Participation - Essay Example Figure1. The Average Years of Education among Women in European Countries. Figure 1 presents an aggregated bar graph with data derived from selected individual countries in Europe. Undeniably, it can be figured out that most women in the Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain and UK are investing their time to complete their education. As years go by, more time is consumed by females in their studies or most of them invest in order to earn degree/s. This implies that education have positive impacts to the life of these women, and among the countries presented in the figure, Norway leads in the statistics. Table 2. The Total Fertility Rates among Women (ages 14 and above) during the Period 1960 -1995 in Selected Countries of Europe European Countries 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 Finland 2.71 2.40 1.83 1.69 1.63 1.64 1.78 1.81 Italy 2.41 2.66 2.42 2.21 1.64 1.39 1.26 1.17 Norway 2.85 2.93 2.50 1.99 1.72 1.68 1.93 1.87 Portugal 3.01 3.08 2.76 2.52 2.19 1.74 1.43 1.45 Spain 2.86 2.94 2.84 2.79 2.22 1.63 1.33 1.19 UK 2.69 2.86 2.44 1.81 1.89 1.80 1.83 1.71 The above table provides an idea that the pattern of fertility rates among females if based on the succeeding years in general are significantly declining. The highest rate incurred so far is 3.08 in 1965 and this was experienced by the Portuguese. So far, the lowest fertility rate documented is 1.26 in 1990 and this is manifested by women in Italy. Since it is clearly depicted that fertility lowers as time goes older, then, it is logical to estimate that by the year 2000 and beyond, the fertility rates of European women would be very low.... The above table provides an idea that the pattern of fertility rates among females if based on the succeeding years in general are significantly declining. The highest rate incurred so far is 3.08 in 1965 and this was experienced by the Portuguese. So far, the lowest fertility rate documented is 1.26 in 1990 and this is manifested by women in Italy.   Since it is clearly depicted that fertility lowers as time goes older, then, it is logical to estimate that by the year 2000 and beyond, the fertility rates of European women would be very low.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Munoz-Perez (1989) investigated the countries: Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Spain. The study (Berman, 2007) discovered the role of economic implications and how it affected the aging and shrinking population. Note that from the year 1960 up to 1995, there was dramatic increase in the rates of labor participation among female workforce in the above enumerated European countries. At the end of 1995, the labor participation rate in Europe has reached to about 45-73% far above during 1960.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Whatever statistical record one may scrutinize in Europe, a marked turn down in terms of gender employment gap is perceptible. The said gap has not yet been fully eliminated anywhere, however, in some countries, particularly the Nordics, obtain a very close to a ratio of one-to-one woman to man employment rate (Boeri, 2005). Despite the fact that there is equal opportunity legislation as well as ongoing changes in the countries’ respective social norms, the superior role of women (Boeri, 2005).

Essay --

Violence The television media is so strong and important in today’s world that it is considered to be the most important aspect of a country’s infrastructure. It is widely believed that those countries that control the television media and other forms of mass media control the whole world as they have control over the power to express their own opinion as well as that of others. In today’s world wars are not only fought in the battlefields but also on the media. The one who is strongest and most efficient in this regard has the highest chance of victory. Though the military power and strategic planning of the leaders are more important as they play the key role, but when it comes to get the favor of the international community on your argument and to form a positive opinion about yourself, media is the most powerful tool. It also helps in keeping the morale of your own public and soldiers high and to create confusion and a situation of chaos among the people of your opponent. These were the strong and aggressive media campaigns during the Second World War and recently in the gulf war that contributed to a considerable level brought success to the U.S forces. The U.S media fully backed the policies of the government and followed the strategies defined by them. Realizing the importance of the media many of the other countries started giving attention in the development of this sector. â€Å"No one definition of terrorism has gained universal acceptance. For the purposes of this report, however, we have chosen the definition of terrorism contained in Title 22 of the United States Code, Section 2656f(d). That statute contains the following definitions: The term "terrorism" means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated ag... ...nts to live. That was made for CNN, but the reporting was lousy, with incompetent people (beautiful people are not necessarily smart), who stated such inane things that it was confounding. Not ONE cried. In fact, I've seen several reporters in France on the border of smiling: ah, finally the Americans got struck! This is the essence of the so-called anti-globalization people. It was deserved as Americans pretend to rule the world, wasn't it? If you find that you feel anxious or stressed after watching a news program, if you feel you cannot turn off the television or partake in recreational activities, or if you have trouble sleeping, you may want to contemplate confining the amount and type of media coverage that you are viewing. Works Cited Definitions Patterns of Global Terrorism 2000 April 24, 2003, http://www.fattyboombatty.com/2000terrorismreport.htm

Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong

Who Am I? Close your eyes and imagine a backdrop of densely packed trees in shades of olive and emerald green, a military supply helicopter on the helipad, blades swooshing around stirring up dust, and out steps a beautiful, young, blonde girl. Right in the middle of war-torn Vietnam, at the Tra Bong outpost, Mary Anne Bell arrives at the request of her boyfriend. When first reading â€Å"Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong,† by Tim O’Brien, one might believe it is a love story turned sour, but on closer inspection, it is apparent that this story is about much more than that.This story is about the loss of innocence, personal evolution, and the attempt to define one’s self. A bit tired and out-of-place, a young Mary Anne steps off a helicopter and into Nam. A war is raging beyond the concertina wire, and she is oblivious to the enormous magnitude of the situation. Mary Anne is a naive, barely 17 year old girl. She is cheerful, wide-eyed, and inquisitive all rolled up into one bundle. She is fresh out of high school with no life experience and no idea of how the world works; how it can tilt and sour one’s perspective.In the beginning, Mary Anne is very fascinated by the country, the culture, and the people. She sees Nam through untainted curious eyes, wanting to experience the customs and feel the culture. She probes the soldiers at the outpost with many questions and listens intently to their answers, consuming all the information given. She learns about claymore mines, trip wires, how to assemble and disassemble an M-16 machine gun, as well as how to cook over a can of Sterno. Like a sponge, she soaks up all the knowledge.She even learns the language; her thought is to take advantage of her situation and learn as much as possible while in Nam. Believing that the locals are safe, ordinary people, Mary Ann wants to venture to a close-by village to interact with them. This shows just how wet behind the ears she is; Mary Anne does not see t he threat or danger in heractions, â€Å"It did not impress her that the VC owned the place† (O'Brien 214). Some of the other soldiers were impressed with her courage, but not so much with her intelligence. The NCO of the outpost, Eddie Diamond described her best as â€Å"D-cup guts, trainer bra brains† (O'Brien 215).However, Eddie knew that eventually she would learn the cold, hard truth like everyone else, and it would change her forever. Rat Riley, one of the medics at the outpost and new friend of Mary Anne’s, makes a direct comparison between her, him, and others, â€Å"†¦like you and me. A girl that’s the only difference† he declared, â€Å"†¦when we first got here – all of us – we were real young and innocent, full of romantic bullshit, but we learned pretty damn quick† (O'Brien 215). Mary Anne would learn as well, she would lose the innocence that came with ignorance of the truth.The change was slow and murky to the untrained eye, but there it was, the progression from a pure untainted soul to one that had fallen into a dark abyss. It started with small things, the lack of emotion when dealing with injured soldiers, all the blood and guts. Not being the least bit frightened or put off by what she was seeing, Mary Anne would jump right into the middle of all the gore. â€Å"In times of action her face took on a sudden new composure, almost serene†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (O'Brien 217). A new and different person was immerging; the young, innocent, bubbly, wideeyed girl was disappearing.There were other subtle changes showing how Mary Anne was becoming one of the guys. Just like the men, she cut her beautiful blonde hair short and wrapped her head in an army issue green bandanna to blend in. Gone were the small things that made her Mary Anne-her make-up, taking care of her fingernails, jewelry, and â€Å"hygiene became a matter of small consequence† (O'Brien 216). It was, by pure design of n ature, she had to adapt to the environment to survive. The softness as well as her exuberance were gone and replaced by rigidity and indifference.She no longer engages in activates with the others, instead; she stares intently into the dark jungle with a look of contentment on her face. Nam was claiming her, sucking her into the abyss. Mary Anne starts going out on patrol in the jungle with the â€Å"Greenies†, the Green Beret soldiers. Eventually, she becomes so comfortable with her surroundings that she ventures out on her own. Mary Anne makes the final transition; the innocent girl disappears within the new person she has become. She is now a war-born soldier. Now, there is no trace of the young girl who stepped out of the helicopter and into Nam for the first time. The girl joined the zoo† Mary Anne became just another animal in the vast Nam jungle (O'Brien 221). The naive, innocent girl was gone; she vanished into the shadows. Mary Anne found her true self and was perfectly at peace. The wilderness succeeded in drawing her in, changing her, and making her part of the earth. Mary Anne wants â€Å"†¦to eat this place. Vietnam. I want to swallow the whole country-the dirt, the death-I just want to eat it and have it there inside me† she adds â€Å"I get scared sometimes-lots of times-but it’s not bad. You know? I feel close to myself† (O'Brien 223).Perhaps for Mary Anne, she found something that was lurking deep inside her prior to arriving in Nam. Maybe Nam just expedited digging that part of her out. Mary Anne was alive, full of electricity, â€Å"perfectly at peace with herself† she explains â€Å"because I know exactly who I am† (O'Brien 223). â€Å"Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong,† shows us all that no one can survive a war and walk away unscathed by it. One can never return the same person that went over to another country on a mission that involved killing. Rat Riley describes it best,  "you come over clean and you get dirty and then afterward it’s never the same† (O'Brien 225).This story is not about Mary Anne Bell, but about what she embodies. She personifies all the young, inexperienced boys that went to Vietnam and their stories. Mary Anne represents the loss of purity in the many young men that went by choice or by force to a foreign land. Nam devoured their souls transforming them forever, as if the very country cried out for a piece of them as payment for damages rendered. Nam claimed its price of those that trampled on her soil. Some young men may have found their inner killer and like Mary Anne did in the end, they became content.But on the other hand, many others were forced to become something alien just to endure the war. These are the souls that returned tortured. Oh my soul that I should weep for I no longer close my eyes and find innocent sleep. These haunted souls look in a mirror and ask, â€Å"Who am I? † Perhaps on some days, they see a glimmer of the person they once were when they were young and innocent. Works Cited O'Brien, Tim. â€Å"Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong. † World Views Classic and Contemporary Readings. Ed. Macy, et al Felty. 6th. Boston: Pearson, 2010. 210-226.