Problems of Translating Cultural Vocabulary: A Case Study on The Translation of Indonesian Folktales

Abstract

This study investigates the translation strategies employed in rendering culturally-laden vocabulary from Indonesian into Japanese, focusing on the folktale “Bujang Sembilan: Legenda Danau Maninjau”. The objective is to identify the translation techniques used and analyze their effectiveness in conveying cultural nuances and meanings. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, analyzing 33 sentences containing cultural terms. The findings reveal several issues, including the loss of cultural meaning through the use of general terms, inaccurate adaptations, and a lack of supplementary explanations. The study concludes that a combination of transliteration, adaptation, and explanatory notes is crucial for accurately conveying the cultural richness of the source text. This approach ensures that the target audience grasps not only the literal meaning but also the cultural significance embedded within the original vocabulary.