According to Larson (1984:15) translation is calssified into two main
types, namely form-based and meaning-based translation. Form-based translation
attemps to follow the form of the Source Language and is known as literal translation, while
meaning-based translation makes every effort to communicate the meaning of the
SL in the natural forms on the receptor language. Such translation is called idiomatic translation.
Larson (1984:16) says that idiomatic translation use the natural forms
of the receptor language both in the grammatical constructions and in the
choices of lexical items. A trully idiomatic translation does not sound like a
translation. It sounds like it was written originally in the receptor language.
Therefore, a good translator will try to translate idiomatically. This is his
or her goal.
