Translation Norms Research Articles

The displaced relationship between original and translated literature: a polysystem view of Nobel Literature Prize norms

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the Nobel Literature Prize award speeches from 2000 to 2023 from the perspective of polysystem studies and the framework of translational norms. Using a combination of corpus-based methods and qualitative coding analysis, it compares, describes, and interprets the discourse features and underlying norms of these speeches. It was found that the awarding institution emphasizes literary works that explore the marginalized or peripheral aspects of society, although its evaluations of original and translated literature exhibit subtle differences. The institution tends to favor niche authors from the Western original literary system, underscoring their works’ universal appeal while highlighting translated works that conform to Western literary conventions. Such a focus suggests that the Westernization of world literature helps reinforce the dominance of the Western literary paradigm. Furthermore, the current analysis indicates that translated literature included in the Nobel system often retains marginal status as perceived by the awarding body, serving primarily as a vehicle for introducing non-Western voices while still centering Western perspectives. The role of translations, while crucial in bridging diverse literary characteristics, is often overlooked, as evidenced by award speeches. They implicitly maintain the centrality of Western perspectives when presenting literature from non-Western contexts.

Eco-Translation of The Dove’s Necklace

Objectives: This essay aims to examine how environments and places are portrayed in a literary work and their translation, drawing attention to how spaces and landscapes are reflected and recreated in this work. The emphasis is on the premise that language, environment, and landscape, which are at the heart of literature, should be translated into certain other linguistic and environmental mediums throughout the translation. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to reveal, through an ecocritical approach, Alem's translators' translational preferences to recreate the ecological and spatial setting she expresses in her novel, The Dove’s Necklace. Additionally, to investigate if these translational preferences aid in enhancing environmental awareness and space image amongst target readers. Methods: This is a descriptive study that employs qualitative approaches. A comprehensive reading of the work is necessary to verify the novel's translations of landscape and bioregion references following Toury's (2012) proposed translational norms. Results: The results show that the translators of the target text have generally benefited from the tendency towards literal translation. In other words, the translators' literal translation method aided in conveying the same environmental image. Consequently, the intended reader becomes aware of an ecological reality that exists outside of their own settings. Conclusions: Scholars do not widely accept literal translations, although they may effectively convey the text and its impact.

The Hygienics of Translation and Interpreting: Metaphors of Purity and Contamination, and the Construction of Translator and Interpreter Identity

The Hygienics of Translation and Interpreting: Metaphors of Purity and Contamination, and the Construction of Translator and Interpreter Identity. Rooted in Critical Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics, and using metaphors as a heuristic tool, this essay will look at public and academic discourses on the practices of translation and interpreting associated with notions of cleanliness/purity vs uncleanliness/contamination. Such discourses may appear abstract and speculative in nature, but have a practical impact on normative (self) perceptions of translators’ and interpreters’ professional behaviour and habitus. They also seem to run through the academic and theoretical understandings of translation and interpreting along the axes of fidelity/infidelity and translator’s invisibility/visibility, but also, by extension, in terms of respecting/trespassing boundaries (notions of norms of translation, or the interpreter as a conduit or gatekeeper). Real-life examples will be discussed to illustrate and deconstruct such metaphorical devices and highlight their connection with underlying value judgements attached to purity vs contamination. Existing metaphorical alternatives, which allow for the construction of more nuanced translators’/interpreters’ identities, will also be discussed. Keywords: metaphors of interpreting and translation, conduit metaphor, vessel metaphor, translator’s/interpreter’s invisibility, ‘pristine’ translation

Translation of Artifact Names Based on Toury’s Norms Theory: A Case Study of the National Museum of China

Amid increasing global cultural and intellectual exchange, China’s cultural interactions with the West have intensified. The National Museum of China, as one of the most internationally recognized Chinese museums, plays an important role in this exchange through the English translation of its artifact names. This paper applies Toury’s translation norms theory to analyze the English translations of artifact names at the museum, using a corpus of bilingual names collected through fieldwork. The analysis highlights how sociocultural factors and a preference for foreignization heavily influence the museum’s translation practices. The museum employs various translation methods, including literal translation, annotation, and transliteration, depending on the type of artifact. By offering practical insights for translators, this research aims to enhance the quality of museum text translations and contribute to the broader efforts made by museums to share Chinese culture with the world.

Sign language literary translations: linguistic, dramatic and technological aspects

The research reported here considers how norms of Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) literature (Sutton-Spence, 2021) operate with deaf translation norms (Stone, 2005) and literary translation norms (Toury, 1995) to create some potential norms of deaf literary translation. Presenting some considerations upon the concept of the “visual” in Libras literature and translation, we draw upon translations in three different genres of literature, made by three deaf translators, to understand better the key multimodal relationships between signed literature, written texts, images and video editing in literary translation. Analyzed in terms of the linguistic, dramatic and technological elements (Bartolomei; Perreira, 2021), we show how the translations create acceptable target language texts by focusing on the visual esthetics of the texts.

The translator’s sociological biography and life telos: the case of John Minford

ABSTRACT The ‘human turn’ in Translation Studies has recently drawn attention to the translator’s personal motivation, or ‘telos.’ However, this concept is largely underdeveloped due to a lack of proper conceptual and methodological frameworks. This study aims to propose a theoretical model for constructing the translator’s life teloi based on the structural analysis of their sociological biography. This approach, which draws upon Bernard Lahire’s sociology at the level of the individual and borrows conceptual tools such as ‘biographical ruptures’ and ‘existential problems’, is used to examine the life teloi of the Chinese-English literary translator John Minford. Minford’s sociological biography is reconstructed and then broken down to highlight his sociological ruptures and existential problems. The structural analysis of Minford’s biography indicates that he has a life telos of ‘translation as utopia’, which was forged before his entry into a translation career and had considerable influences on his translation activities. This suggests that there may be complex links between a translator’s life and practice. As such, it seems promising to investigate the translator’s personal history and explore the genesis of their motivations for engaging in translation, their selection of source texts, their preferences among translation norms, and their unique translation choices.

Charting the Trajectory of Corpus Translation Studies: Exploring Future Avenues for Advancement

Abstract This article delves into the trajectory of corpus translation studies (CTS) over the past two decades, summarizing key areas of existing research and identifying potential gaps and challenges within the field. The review encompasses various research areas, including translation universals, translator style, translation norms, and translation pedagogy. It acknowledges the valuable contributions made in these areas while also highlighting potential areas for improvement, such as the need to incorporate functional aspects in translator style research and align translation training programs with professional requirements. The review introduces (De Sutter, Gert, and Marie-Aude Lefer. 2020. “On the Need for a New Research Agenda for Corpus-Based Translation Studies: A Multi-Methodological, Multifactorial and Interdisciplinary Approach.” Perspectives 28 (1): 1–23) new research agenda for CTS, which advocates for multifactorial designs, methodological pluralism, and interdisciplinarity. This agenda facilitates two analysis modes: one utilizing corpus methods to examine translation products, and the other employing diverse methods to investigate products, processes, participants, and contexts in corpus-assisted translation practices. It is argued that these two analysis modes offer valuable guidance for future corpus-assisted translation studies.

Study on the English Translation of Someone to Talk To from the Perspective of Toury’s Translation Norms

Study on the English Translation of Someone to Talk To from the Perspective of Toury’s Translation Norms

A Comparative Study of Two English Translations of Tao Hua Yuan Ji Based on Gideon Toury̓s Theory of Translation Norms

Tao Hua Yuan Ji, as one of the excellent classical Chinese works written by Tao Yuanming, a well-known idyllist in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), is of great importance in the Chinese literary circle for describing a quiet and peaceful pastoral life and embodying the Taoist of seclusion. Nowadays, people can also get new thoughts and insights through rereading this classic work. Based on Toury’s theory of translation norms, this paper conducts a descriptive and interpretive study of comparing Yang Xianyi’s translation of Tao Hua Yuan Ji with Lin Yutang’s one. By analyzing the two translators’ different translation purposes, translation tendencies and translation strategies in the three aspects of preliminary norms, initial norms and operational norms, this paper states that the concrete translation behaviors of Yang Xianyi and Lin Yutang are influenced and restricted by the translation norms, thus their respective versions show different stylistic characteristics in terms of vocabulary, syntax and text. Through unveiling the reasons of the different styles of these two translations, this paper aims to provide some enlightenment for the descriptive translation studies in the process of spreading Chinese culture to the world.

Over-lexicalization and Under-lexicalization of Physical Violence Expression in Laut Bercerita and Its Translation by Leila S. Chudori

Although research on lexicalization has been extensively documented, little is known about over- and under-lexicalization in translation. "Laut Bercerita" and its translation contain mostly violent physical expressions, leading to either excessive or deficient lexical representation compared to the source text. This research aims to analyze over- and under-lexicalization in expressions of physical violence in the novel "Laut Bercerita" and its translation "The Sea Speaks His Name". The research method used is comparative descriptive, which combines comparing the meanings of the source text and target text. Data were collected using note-taking techniques. In the analysis stage, the data were first segmented or classified based on categories of physical violence. Subsequently, the data were analyzed by adopting a lexical variation of Fowler’s theory. The results of the study showed that over-lexicalization occurred in the form of physical violence such as (1) kicking, (2) torturing, (3) electric shocking, (4) slapping, (5) punching, and (6) stepping on, accounting for 47%. Meanwhile, under-lexicalization occurred in the form of physical violence such as (1) hitting, (2) kicking, (3) torturing, (4) electric shocking, (5) handcuffing, (6) punching, and (7) stepping on, accounting for 57%. Under-lexicalization occurs when there is a reduction of lexical items and simplification of meaning concepts, while over-lexicalization occurs with the addition of lexical items and complex meanings. Over-lexicalization and under-lexicalization imply that the translation may not meet standard translation norms through lexicon choices but still maintains equivalence.

Curse words and turpiloquies galore: streaming services and the new translation norms for subtitling texts

Curse words and turpiloquies galore: streaming services and the new translation norms for subtitling texts

Demand for and training of Chinese translators in the context of the �One Belt, One Road� initiative

Relevance. The need to investigate the specifics of Chinese translator training within the framework of the global programme �One Belt, One Road� is primarily conditioned by the constant changes in various aspects, particularly in structural, semantic, and artistic aspects. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the global initiative �One Belt, One Road� in the context of training professional human resources to perform Chinese language translations. Methodology. This study analysed materials available on the websites of several higher education institutions. The analysis focused on specific parameters such as the distinct features of training students in Chinese studies, the education of translators working with Chinese, and the principles, methods, and techniques used in teaching the Chinese language. Results. Analyses of translator training have identified key skills for students: parallel language and culture study, adherence to translation norms like business etiquette, and mastery of technical translation tools. In Kyrgyz universities, methods include verbal (lectures, discussions), visual (audio and video materials), and practical (creative works, exhibitions, quizzes, conferences). For Chinese translators under the �One Belt, One Road� initiative, training spans multiple linguistic levels: phonetic (phrases, accents), grammatical (categories, meanings), lexical (vocabulary related to the initiative and various fields), syntactic (word order, links), and stylistic (business etiquette, unique vocabulary). Conclusions. The study found that the �One Belt, One Road� initiative's language policy focuses on planning Chinese language status, foreign languages, language structure, educational language use, and language services. The key challenges are the shortage of skilled professionals, intergovernmental cooperation, infrastructure standards, financial integration, and cultural exchange. In the future, this study can be used to develop technical improvements in Kyrgyz-Chinese translation, to improve the training of Chinese specialists within the framework of the global initiative �One Belt, One Road�. Keywords: lingua franca; linguistic levels; linguistic policy; linguistic parameters; terminological units

Translatability of Arabic Cultural References to English: A Case Study of The Queue Novel

Cultural references are phrases and words embedded within a source text that refer to entities, persons, or even ideas that are not present in the target language and culture or are significantly different in terms of sociocultural equivalents. Translating cultural references into a language where translated texts are interpreted through the prism of cultural norms presents a substantial challenge. The objective of this study is to investigate the translatability of cultural references in Arabic literary texts; it describes the presence of textual and matricial operational norms portrayed in the translator’s translation procedures and shifts. The analysis focuses on one Arabic novel, Basma Abdel Aziz’s The Queue, and follows Toury’s (2012) theory on translation norms. After a comprehensive examination of "The Queue," data were methodically underscored, classified, and analysed. The findings emphasize the translator's key role in addressing cultural disparities between Arabic and English societies through selected translation methods, ensuring adherence to the target language's norms despite significant linguistic and cultural gaps. According to this study, the acceptability of the target text is enhanced not only because of cultural requirements but also because of language norms, which prevail over translation choices that can be applied by the translator.

译者惯习与翻译规范的互动——以雷慕沙《道德经》法译本为例

译者惯习与翻译规范的互动——以雷慕沙《道德经》法译本为例

‘I am not a number’: on quantification and algorithmic norms in translation

ABSTRACT Numbers and measurements enable transactions and communication in translation in ways that are helpful and indisputably necessary. However, as deployment of quantification and mathematisation has become more complex and opaque, it is important to interrogate the validity of measures and predictions, especially if they are to be used as a basis for action. This article takes a critical look at the various types of quantification and mathematisation used in translation and considers the effects of these on translators working in highly technologized workflows. It introduces the concept of algorithmic norms, whereby translators feel pressured to reverse engineer and conform to the demands of algorithmic management.

The role of deconstructing as a part of translation process in literary text

This study investigates the role of deconstruction in the translation of literary texts, delving into the ways in which deconstructive approaches can challenge established translation norms and illuminate new possibilities for interpretation. By drawing upon the insights of Jacques Derrida and other influential deconstruction theorists, this research explores the transformative potential of deconstruction in capturing the complexities of language, symbolism, and cultural references in literary works. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and sample texts, this study aims to shed light on the ways in which deconstructive translation techniques can unveil the inherent ambiguities, subversions, and multiplicity of meanings present in literary texts, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the intersections between deconstruction and literary translation. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to conduct the research. Also, the comparative approach is used to compare the translation of literary texts by Translation Program students. Two groups of translation students translated (4) literary texts. The research findings showed that deconstruction can play a significant role in challenging and reevaluating the assumptions and fixed meanings associated with the original language. The research concluded that translators should understand the original text's structural aspects. Translators may better determine whether structural decisions are necessary to keep the deconstructive spirit of the original work by knowing why.

Translators’ subversion of gender-biased expressions: a study of the English translation of The Three-Body Problem trilogy

ABSTRACT The Three-Body Problem trilogy, a work by Cixin Liu, won the Hugo Award, making it the first Asian science fiction work to achieve this. The English translation of this trilogy has garnered significant attention from academics, emphasizing its literary significance. However, the androcentric and gender-biased expressions in the original text, as well as the subversive translation used to mitigate them, have received little attention. This mixed methods study, based on Theo Hermans’ concept ‘modalities of normative force’ (1996), aims to examine the translation norms in this regard and discuss how these norms define the relation between source and target texts. The findings indicate that translators Ken Liu and Joel Martinsen were required to employ subversive translation norms to eliminate gender-biased content that might cause discomfort and aversion among the target audience. This highlights the importance of translators’ subjectivity in balancing divergent social and cultural contexts during the translation process.

Diachroninis vertimo normų tyrimas literatūros diskurso pavyzdžiu

The article addresses the issue of the translation of fiction in different periods of time under the influence of various linguistic, social and cultural norms, and it aims to establish differences in the use of translation strategies employed by the translator. The paper reviews the descriptive approach in Translation Studies which argues that translation is a communicative as well as social act where the translator alone is not responsible for his/her translational behaviour; other people and institutions also contribute to the formation of common notions of translational behaviour, and these are termed norms, conventions or rules. Moreover, the research emphasizes that norms are not a stable phenomenon and may vary across different periods of time and across different cultures or communities. The research is based on the contrastive analysis of two translations of Jack London’s Martin Eden with the aim to establish differences in the use of translation strategies under the influence of translation norms.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROF. V.N. KOMISSAROV’S TRANSLATION THEORY IN СHINA

V.N. Komissarov as a famous theoretician in the sphere of translation was introduced to his Chinese colleagues in 1984, when modern translation theory just started in China. For forty years now, his translation theories have been disseminated, adopted, and developed. V.N. Komissarov’s major works, including Questions of Translation Theory in Foreign Linguistics (1978), Linguistics of Translation (1980), Translation Theory (Linguistic Aspects) (1990) and Modern Translation Studies (1999), have been reviewed in Chinese academic journals. His last monograph, Modern Translation Studies (2004), was translated into Chinese. Chinese translation studies introduced his theoretical ideas in the sphere of translation, such as the nature of translation, translation equivalence, translation models, translation correspondences, translation norms, translation pragmatics, textological aspects of translation studies, cultural and sociological aspects of translation studies, translation teaching methodology, etc. Certain ideas, such as pragmatic translation adaptation, have been further developed. In general, V.N. Komissarov’s theoretical viewpoints have been studied and summarized in many scientific papers and various works, which contributed to the development of Chinese translation theory. Moreover, his translation thoughts are widely used by Chinese scholars for theoretical research and the training of future translators. Some of V.N. Komissarov’s views are applied to the study of the function of cultural translation, translation adaptation, the definition of translation, translation of the national style of speech and other theoretical problems. The scholar’s theory of translation is most often used to address a variety of issues in translation practice. The most influential theory is undoubtedly the theory of translation equivalence. While using this theory, numerous master theses and translation reports analyze issues in both fiction and information translation, as well as problems in interpretation and audiovisual translation.

A Corpus-based Study on Translation Norms of Prose: Taking Zhu Ziqing's The View of My Father's Back as an Example

This paper builds a small-scale corpus consisting of Zhu Ziqing's original work The View of My Father's Back and its English translations by Zhang Peiji, Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang. Through the corpus, the lexical and syntactic features of prose are studied to explore the translation norms of prose. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of Zhang's and Yangs' translations shows a tendency towards conventionalized expectations at the levels of words and sentences. This study hopes to provide translators with helpful insights on translating Chinese prose and promote overseas dissemination of Chinese prose works and cultural communication.