Functional Equivalence Research Articles

The Utilization of Functional Equivalence Theory and Context Hierarchy Theory in the Translation of Excellent Traditional Chinese Culture

The Utilization of Functional Equivalence Theory and Context Hierarchy Theory in the Translation of Excellent Traditional Chinese Culture

Zebrafish Thrombocyte Transcriptome Analysis and Functional Genomics.

Our laboratory is interested in investigating the maturation process of zebrafish thrombocytes, which are functional equivalents to human platelets. We have adopted the zebrafish model to gain insights into mammalian platelet production, or thrombopoiesis. Notably, zebrafish exhibit two distinct populations of thrombocytes in their circulating blood: young and mature thrombocytes. This observation is intriguing because maturation appears to occur in circulation, yet the precise mechanisms governing this maturation remain elusive. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying thrombocyte maturation by conducting single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) on young and mature thrombocytes, analyzing these transcriptomes to identify genes specific to each thrombocyte population, and elucidating the role of these genes in the maturation process, by quantifying thrombocyte numbers after the piggyback knockdown of each of these genes. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive, step-by-step protocol detailing the multifaceted methodology involved in understanding thrombocyte maturation, which encompasses the collection of zebrafish blood, the separation of young and mature thrombocytes using flow cytometry, scRNA-Seq analysis of these distinct thrombocyte populations, identification of genes specific to young and mature thrombocytes, and subsequent validation through gene knockdown techniques.

Translation Strategies for Long Sentences in International Maritime Treaties into Chinese from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

Translation Strategies for Long Sentences in International Maritime Treaties into Chinese from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

An Analysis of the Use of Functional Equivalence Theory in Novel Translation—Taking Everything I Never Told You as an Example

An Analysis of the Use of Functional Equivalence Theory in Novel Translation—Taking Everything I Never Told You as an Example

A Study of the English Translation of Chinese Buzzwords from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

As the internet and social media develop further, there are numerous buzzwords used by the citizens, which are the fashion phenomena in China. As inter-cultural communication between China and other countries becomes deeper and frequent, an increasing number of foreigners have good command of Chinese culture. As a result, as the cultural bridge between the source and the target receptors, Chinese-English (CE) words translation become increasingly important, playing an obvious role in facilitating our communications. This study aims to apply the functional equivalence theory to the English translation in translating Chinese buzzwords so as to translate the original texts accurately. Four main methods including lexical equivalence, syntactic equivalence, discourse equivalence and stylistic equivalence are applied to have the C-E translation. The result is that lexical and syntactic equivalence are widely applied in the translation practice, which conveys the implicated cultural meanings correctly and feasibly. Furthermore, the methods of discourse equivalence and the stylistic equivalence can also be used to elaborate the implicit meaning as close as the target language. This study examines the translation practice under the guidance of Nida’s theory, providing the proper strategies for interpreters.

Translation of Cultural Relics’ Names in Spanish from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence—Taking the Documentary <i>Every Treasure Tells a Story</i> as an Example

Translation of Cultural Relics’ Names in Spanish from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence—Taking the Documentary <i>Every Treasure Tells a Story</i> as an Example

A Study on the E-C Translation of Electrical Equipment Instructions on Discourse Level: A Functional Equivalence Perspective

A Study on the E-C Translation of Electrical Equipment Instructions on Discourse Level: A Functional Equivalence Perspective

Examining the English Publicity Materials of the Cultural Heritage in Xi’an from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

Xi’an, one of the political, economic and cultural centers of ancient China and the starting point of the New Silk Road, has increasingly become an important window through which Chinese culture is introduced to the outside world. The publicity materials of Xi’an cultural attractions contain rich Chinese cultural elements. At present, the study of their English translation in the academic circle is still fragmented, relatively macro and insufficient in the cases, which seriously affects the communication and exchange between Shaanxi and foreign cultures. In this essay, a series of important cultural terms were selected from the publicity materials of Xi’an cultural attractions issued by Shaanxi Tourism Bureau. Then the literal and cultural meanings of these terms in Chinese and English were compared so that the problems in their translation were studied. It is found that there were three kinds of translation problems: disparity in both the literal and cultural meaning; disparity in acquired meaning; disparity in associated cultural meaning. The results of this study have some theoretical value in the translation of important cultural terms, and have certain practical value in introducing the Chinese culture to the rest of the world and improve the image of Xi’an.

Analysis of Subtitle Translation Based on Functional Equivalence Theory—Taking <i>Dead Poets Society</i> as an Example

Analysis of Subtitle Translation Based on Functional Equivalence Theory—Taking <i>Dead Poets Society</i> as an Example

Study on the English Translation of Chinese Cuisine from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory: Taking Yue Cuisine for Example

Study on the English Translation of Chinese Cuisine from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory: Taking Yue Cuisine for Example

Research of Translation Strategies of Culture-Loaded Terms in Three Kingdoms from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

Research of Translation Strategies of Culture-Loaded Terms in Three Kingdoms from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in the Translation of Children’s Literature - Using “Red Rose and Tiger Lily or in A Wider World” as an Example

The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in the Translation of Children’s Literature - Using “Red Rose and Tiger Lily or in A Wider World” as an Example

The Swiss Patrician Families between Decline and Persistence: Power Positions and Kinship Ties (1890–1957)

AbstractScholarship demonstrated the major role of inheritance and kinship for elite’s power reproduction, particularly among noble families. In the absence of monarchic and court structures, ruling classes that enjoyed privileges and engaged in social closure could become the functional equivalent of a nobility. In this paper, we examine the evolution of the power of Swiss patrician families in the three major Swiss cities (Basel, Geneva, and Zurich) since the end of the nineteenth century and assess whether urban oligarchies endure in the twentieth century and what role kinship ties play in the reproduction of power structures. Building on a systematic database of 5,199 urban elites who hold power positions in the main economic, political, academic, and cultural institutions, we describe the evolution of Swiss patrician families between 1890 and 1957. Using social network, kinship, and sequence analysis, we provide a comprehensive investigation of the Swiss patrician elite’s evolution at both the individual and the family level. Our analyses show a general decline of patrician families’ presence in urban positions of power, however with significant variations according to both the cities and the spheres of activity. Furthermore, we identify distinct trajectories of families who have either lost their access to power positions, managed to access again or have remained in urban power positions according to different survival strategies. Beyond the Swiss case, we contribute to the literature on power and kinship through an interdisciplinary approach combining historical and sociological perspectives.

INFLUENCE OF A MEDIATING TRANSLATION IN TRANSLATING ADDRESS FORMS IN THE MALAYALAM NOVEL, CHEMMEEN INTO FRENCH

Chemmeen (1956), a Malayalam novel by Thakazhi, narrates a love story set in a fishing village. Its first English translation was done by Menon in 1962. This translation became the source text for a French translation in 1965. The French translation, being an indirect translation from Malayalam through English, mirrors largely the English version. This study focusses on studying how the various terms of address employed in the original Malayalam text have been translated into English and if they have influenced the French version. Newmark’s (1988) typology of translation procedures is employed to identify the procedures adopted in translating the terms of address into the mediating translation. Koller’s type of equivalences is applied to study what sort of equivalence has been achieved and the extent the mediating translation has influenced the French translation. The findings show that the English translation has, for the most part, communicated the address forms by providing descriptive and functional equivalents that do little to capture the original essence of the terms, resulting in their cultural significance not adequately portrayed. The French version, based on the English translation, has been clearly influenced by the mediating translation and hence does not convey the fishermen’s socio-cultural dimension effectively.

კონცეპტების მიჯნურისა და მოყვასის ანალიზი „ვეფხისტყაოსანსა“ და მის რუსულ თარგმანებში (კონასტანტინე ბალმონტის, შალვა ნუცუბიძისა და არჩილ ხალვაშის თარგმანების მიხედვით)

The study of fiction literature in the 21st century requires multidisciplinary research, especially when dealing with unique monuments of world literature like Shota Rustaveli’s poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin. The development of digital humanities and the use of innovative methods and technologies of research have yielded complex and diverse opportunities to scholars. Humanitarian sciences, including Rustvelology, are actively using contemporary methods of research. As a result, digital corpora of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin have been created5 forming the ground for a new scientific field – Digital Rustvelology. Shota Rustaveli’s epic The Knight in the Panther’s Skin is not only one of the best examples of Georgian literature but a masterpiece of world literature. Since its creation, it has remained popular throughout the centuries and it still represents an object of research of numerous scholars working in diverse fields worldwide. The promotion of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin is largely due to its translations into 56 foreign languages, including Russian. Research into Rustaveli’s vision of the world is the main objective of Rustvelology. Under the term “vision”, we imply a unity of opinions, thoughts and beliefs which are expressed by means of various concepts and terms, as well as the subject line of the epic and the actions of the main characters. The present paper analyses Rustaveli’s vision based on two concepts, namely, მიჯნური /miǯnuri/ (‘beloved’) and მოყვასი /moq̇vasi/ (‘friend’). The methodology used in the paper is a corpus linguistic analysis of the epic and its Russian translations, i.e. the complete poetic translations made by Konstantine Balmont, Shalva Nutsubidze and Archil Khalvashi. Based on the empirical material, the paper analyses the issue of transfer of the above-mentioned concepts in the process of translation. The paper evaluates the degree of equivalence and the relations between the original text and its translations. The empirical material has been obtained by means of a beta-version of the parallel corpus of translations Rustaveli Goes Digital. The Table below illustrates the diversity of equivalents of მიჯნური /miǯnuri/ (‘beloved’) and the degree of gradation in the Russian translations by Konstantine Balmont, Shalva Nutsubidze and Archil Khalvashi. In Balmont’s translation, the equivalents of მოყვასი /moq̇vasi/ (friend) are друг (25), друзья (2), дружба (3), дружной (1), братя (1), товарищ (1), любимый (3), любительница (1), любить (2), любовь (3), милый (1). In Nutsubidze’s translation, the equivalents of მოყვასი /moq̇vasi/ (‘friend’) are друг (13), друзья (4), дружба (1), дружеский (1), любимый (6), влюбленный (3), возлюбленный (1), любить (1), любовь (5), милый (2), миджнур (1), родной (1), побратим (1). In Khalvashi’s translation, the equivalents of მოყვასი /moq̇vasi/ (friend) are друг (16), подруга (2), друзья (6), дружба (4), дружеской (1), собрата (2), товарищ (1), любимый (11), влюбленный (1), любить (1), милый (1). Our corpus linguistic research of the Russian translations of the epic has revealed the diversity of equivalents used. The analysis of the translations has yielded the contextual and functional equivalents of the words მიჯნური /miǯnuri/ (‘beloved’) and მოყვასი /moq̇vasi/ (‘friend’). The investigation has proven that Nutsubidze and Khalvashi apply the method of lexical borrowing when translating the two above-mentioned concepts. The aim of applying lexical borrowing is to preserve an adequate degree of the aesthetic and emotional impact of the original concept in the translated versions.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Administration Instructions of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception 3rd Edition for isiZulu-Speaking Children

Introduction: Visual perceptual skills are vital for developing academic skills and contribute to language development and socio-cultural participation. The Developmental Test of Visual Perception 3rd Edition evaluates visual perceptual skills but is only available in English. lsiZulu is the most spoken language in South Africa (24,4%), with English being the fourth. Therefore, the English version of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception 3rd Edition cannot be described as a universally authentic assessment instrument in this context. Methodology: This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Developmental Test of Visual Perception 3rd Edition administration instructions into isiZulu using a five-stage qualitatively driven multimethod sequen tial design. Qualitative feedback on the functional, cultural and conceptual equivalence was obtained at various intervals. Results: This study demonstrated a methodology for translating and cross-culturally adapting the administration instructions of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception 3rd Edition into isiZulu to advance the authenticity of the assessment within the South African context. The isiZulu version was found to be functionally, culturally and conceptually equivalent. Conclusion: This research has demonstrated a framework upon which the cross-cultural adaptations of other assessment instruments and other languages in South Africa can be based. Implications for practice • The rigorous methodology demonstrated in this research can be used as a framework to guide other studies in the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of other assessment instruments and into other languages. • This study demonstrated that multiple contributors from various backgrounds are necessary to ensure equivalence during the process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation. However, an emphasis is placed on the value of including occupational therapists with clinical experience when translating and cross-culturally adapting assessment instruments intended to be used within the field of occupational therapy. • Through the rigorous method used to translate and cross-cultural adapt the DTVP-3, this study enhanced its authenticity as an assessment instrument within the South African context. Having isiZulu administration instructions available could provide equal opportunity to children who may not be as proficient in English as in isiZulu. • Once a distribution agreement has been reached with ProEd Inc., the original publisher and licence holder, the isiZulu administration instructions of the DTVP-3 will be made available for use in South Africa with isiZulu-speaking children.

Functional guilds and drivers of diversity in seaweed-associated bacteria.

Comparisons of functional and taxonomic profiles from bacterial communities in different habitats have suggested the existence of functional guilds composed of taxonomically or phylogenetically distinct members. Such guild membership is, however, rarely defined and the factors that drive functional diversity in bacteria remain poorly understood. We used seaweed-associated bacteria as a model to shed light on these important aspects of community ecology. Using a large dataset of over 1300 metagenome-assembled genomes from 13 seaweed species we found substantial overlap in the functionality of bacteria coming from distinct taxa, thus supporting the existence of functional guilds. This functional equivalence between different taxa was particularly pronounced when only functions involved in carbohydrate degradation were considered. We further found that bacterial taxonomy is the dominant driver of functional differences between bacteria and that seaweed species or seaweed type (i.e. brown, red and green) had relatively stronger impacts on genome functionality for carbohydrate-degradation functions when compared to all other cellular functions. This study provides new insight into the factors underpinning the functional diversity of bacteria and contributes to our understanding how community function is generated from individual members.

The application of machine translation in automatic dubbing in China: A case study of the feature film Mulan

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for audiovisual dubbing has become increasingly popular due to its ability to improve content production and dissemination. In particular, the application of machine translation (MT) to audiovisual content has resulted in more efficient and productive AI content generation. To assess the quality of MT-dubbed videos, this study proposed the use of the new FAS model. This model adapts the FAR model put forward by Pedersen (2017), with the “R (Readability)” parameter replaced with “S” to include synchrony: this amendment responds to research on dubbing quality that identifies the need to explore better methods for synchronization between audio and video. Using Mulan (Caro, 2020) – an English-language Disney feature film released in 2020 – as a case study, this article evaluates the quality of automatically dubbed videos generated by YSJ (Ren Ren Yi Shi Jie), an MT platform for audiovisual products in China. By analysing errors in functional equivalence, acceptability, and synchrony, the study assesses whether China’s latest MT engine can meet the demand for quality dubbing and improve cross-cultural communication. The findings show that whereas China’s present MT platform can generate a moderately acceptable result, there are still semantic errors, idiomaticity problems, and synchrony errors which may lead to incorrect translations and consequently possible misunderstanding by viewers. Overall, this study sheds light on the current state of AI-dubbing technology in China and highlights areas for improvement.

A Comparative Analysis of Eugene Nida's and Peter Newmark's Perspectives on Cultural Context in Translation

Translation, as a bridge between languages and cultures, is a complex and engaging field. The task of a translator goes beyond mere linguistic conversion; it involves the intricate process of transferring cultural contexts and meanings from one language to another. A review of Western translation history reveals a rich diversity of translation thoughts and a multitude of distinctive translators. Among them, two influential figures in the Western translation world, Eugene Nida and Peter Newmark, introduced renowned concepts such as functional equivalence, communicative translation, and semantic translation. These scholars have extensively studied translation theory, contributing significantly to the flourishing development of Western translation circles. This paper aims to comparatively analyze the thoughts of these two translation theorists from different dimensions, offering an analysis of the similarities and differences in perspectives on cultural context in translation and discussing implications for modern translation education. The following sections will provide a detailed discussion of this topic.

A Contrastive Study on Two English-Translated Texts of the First Memorial to the King Before Setting off for War Under Functional Equivalence Theory

The First Memorial to the King Before Setting off for War reads sincerely. It manifests emotions of loyalty and chastity. It is highly approved of and considered as a representative work of its kind. This paper, taking functional equivalence theory as a basis and contrasting two English-translated texts respectively by Luo Jingguo and Xie Baikui from perspectives of word-level and syntactic-level equivalence, attempts to locate a translated version that can make the reading experience of the target-text receptors more similar to that of the original receptors. According to the analysis, it has been found that Luo Jingguo’s version can elicit a more ideal response from the target-text receptors and that it realizes functional equivalence in a better way.