GLOBAL: Journal of Language and Humanity Education
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): February 2026

PERSONIFICATION TRANSLATION STRATEGY IN ANDREA HIRATA’S NOVEL LASKAR PELANGI INTO ENGLISH

Mochammad Fiko Ferdiansyah (Universitas Terbuka Malang)
Dimas Adika (Sebelas Maret University)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study aims to identify the forms of personification used in Andrea Hirata’s Laskar Pelangi and to explain the translation strategies applied by Angie Kilbane in its English version, The Rainbow Troops. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method by analyzing 32 instances of personification found in both texts. The analysis draws on theories of figurative language translation proposed by Newmark (1988), Larson (1998), and Baker (2018). The findings reveal several patterns of personification in the novel, including inanimate objects portrayed as performing human actions, abstract concepts given human emotions, and natural phenomena depicted as if they were alive. In the translation, the most frequently used strategy is literal translation, indicating that many personificative expressions in Indonesian can be rendered into English without major adjustments. Nevertheless, strategies such as modulation, equivalent translation, and adaptation are still necessary to maintain logical flow, naturalness, and readability for the target audience. Overall, the study emphasizes that translating literary works requires a careful balance between preserving the author’s stylistic choices and adapting the text so that it remains accessible and meaningful in another language.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

global

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

GLOBAL: Education Language and Humanity Journal is a peer-reviewed academic journal founded by the Paracendekia NW Sumbawa Teacher Training and Education College (STKIP), and published every August and February, with the first publication in August 2023. The journal is published in English English. ...