Cultural references in translation: a framework for quantitative translation analysis

Abstract

Research into the translation of cultural references (CRs) often focuses on the analysis of selected CR translations or particular lexical sub-fields such as proper names or geographical terms. In most cases the procedures the translator has used are described and labeled, then critically evaluated and/or used to identify ‘foreignization’ or ‘domestication’ tendencies in the translator's approach to handling the cultural load of a text. This article argues that selective analysis of this kind may give undue weight to the selected examples or lexical sub-fields while ignoring other items. The article will therefore put forward that the validity of studies, especially those featuring a comparative element, could be enhanced by complementing selective and focused approaches with more comprehensive quantitative data. An empirical study which explored CR translation from a quantitative perspective will be described as an example to suggest a framework of quantitative analysis in CR translation and issues arising from the study will be discussed.