Investigating Translation Lapses from English to Hausa in Some Broadcast Media in Sokoto Metropolis

This work examined some lapses in the translation of product adverts and news items in selected media stations in the Sokoto metropolis. The main aim of this research is to examine the lapses evident in translation from English to Hausa in selected broadcast media. The specific objectives of the study are: to identify translation lapses made in commercial advertisements in the three selected broadcast media in Sokoto, to determine the nature of the lapses and to identify ways of overcoming such lapses. This study adopted mixed method using both quantitative and qualitative data. At the end, the research found lapse in spelling, problems of word division, lack of conformity and misuse of words. Also the study found basic translation issues of form, invariance and equivalence, which determine whether the meaning contained in the source language is actually transferred into the receptor language. Furthermore, the research found lapses in commercial adverts from English to Hausa and vice-versa because of the differences in the language structures and cultures. Lastly the study found that the source (English) and the target (Hausa) languages continue to blur effective translation in broadcast media. The research therefore recommends that translators should ensure that the meaning of the message is preserved no matter its nature. The translator should reconsider lexical selection when translating because that is one of the major challenges, and ensure that they use the right syntax in order to reduce lapses in translation.