Translation Theory Research Articles

Translation and adaptation studies on common ground: the Murat Davman crime fiction series

ABSTRACT When claims emerged that Ümit Deniz’s Murat Davman crime fiction series (1956–1974) was an adaptation of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer series (1946–1996), they were quickly debunked. The claims, however, prompted questions about whether Deniz’ series may be an adaptation of other novels Deniz translated into Turkish. This article reads Deniz’ corpus with the tools of intertextuality and translation theory and characterizes his series as both a concealed translation/global adaptation of the Hammer series, other novels and an original work. In so doing, it brings together hitherto distinct disciplines and offers a revised constructive interpretation of the East–West relationship when it comes to discussion of the circulation of texts, which is usually structured by assumptions of the incompetency and backwardness of the East and the perceived superiority of the West. Through the series, we see the importance of recognizing the potential of East–West as moments of mutual enrichment.

An Analysis of English Translation of The Book of Poetry from the Perspective of Feminist Translation Theory

The Book of Poetry is the earliest collection of poems in China, reflecting the ancient social life of 2,500 to 3,000 years ago, which is a microcosm of the society at that time, and also an important work for the study of female consciousness in the years during the Book of Poetry. Feminist translation theory is the combination of translation theory and culture, which emphasizes the translator’s intervention in the text, which is of great significance to the text translation with bright feminist color. This paper takes the translated texts of Xu Yuanchong and James Legge as the research object, makes a comparison between the two English versions of the Book of Poetry under the guidance of feminist translation theory, analyzes the embodiment of feminist consciousness in the two versions, for the purpose of exploring how feminist translators’ self-consciousness plays a specific role in translation practice, and how the two translators use the strategies in the theory to intervene the translations.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: A Translation Analysis of Culture Load Words Through the Perspective of Post-Colonialism

Post-colonial translation theory examines translation research from a brand new view. It begins to take into account the factors outside of the text that affect translation. Said’s view reveals the political character of post-colonial translation. Homi K. Bhabha‘s third space theory has attracted wide attention due to its great view and inclusive spirit. The film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a representative success of Chinese films in the international film field. The success of the film comes from both the rich Chinese culture and the naturalized translation strategy. Through case analysis, this article finds that in the process of subtitle translation of the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the meaning of some cultural loaded words cannot be completely and comprehensively transformed. This is related to the characteristics of subtitle translation and also to the cultural habits of the target groups of the film. The article proposes that such a translation strategy is conducive to Chinese films to find a place in the market, but we can also find a balance between retaining the culture and seizing the market.

A Study on the Translation of Instructions for Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying Traditional Chinese Medicines under the Functional Equivalence Theory

Heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines are an important part and distinctive advantage of China’s medical and health undertakings. Traditional Chinese medicine is an outstanding traditional culture of the Chinese nation and a unique and significant health resource in our country. The rapidly growing international market has created excellent opportunities for the export of heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines. Currently, the English translation of instructions for proprietary Chinese medicines lacks unified translation standards and the guidance of translation theories. The existing English translations of instructions for proprietary Chinese medicines in our country have problems such as confusion and non-standardization. Therefore, the research on the instructions of heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines under the functional equivalence theory is highly significant. This paper takes several common heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines available on the market as examples, analyzes the problems and their causes in the translation of the instructions from the perspective of the functional equivalence theory, and finds more reasonable and standardized translation methods. It helps foreign consumers understand the characteristics and functions of traditional Chinese medicine, thereby stimulating their consumption desires. This paper studies the translation process using the functional equivalence theory, investigates the structure and language features of the instructions for traditional Chinese medicine, and discusses the corresponding translation strategies for the instructions of heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines at the lexical and syntactic levels respectively to achieve functional equivalence.

Teaching the Professional Dimension of Translation in Academic Translation Programmes

Reform policies in higher education have brought about changes in attitudes regarding the education of translators. One of the latest challenges concerns the concept of professionalization of translation and the need for a type of training that would provide students with the specific skills required for the translator’s profession. Indeed, most translation programmes today aim at educating highly qualified translators on a competence-based training. Μore particularly, the emphasis is on metacognitive competence acquisition and the reflexive capacity development taking into account students’ motivation and expectations, their general background knowledge as well as individual learning styles. The present paper proposes a didactic approach on a professionally-oriented basis that would help students enter most effectively the translation industry by realizing at the same time the importance of acquiring a strong theoretical background on translation. Among the main issues to be addressed are the contribution of translation theory to the practice of translation, the role of the translator as cultural mediator, his social responsibilities as well as the translator’s psychological traits and their effect on translation quality. Finally, it proposes a variety of learning activities that are closely related to the act of translating together with a number of student assessment methods bearing a strong professional orientation.

A preliminary exploration of feminist translation strategies

Abstract Interventionist feminist translation theory prompts translators to identify and rectify sexist notions in source texts. It encourages critical awareness and reinterprets texts through a feminist lens. Based on interventionist feminist translation theory, this research investigates how depictions of women’s physical charm, often unnecessary and rooted in stereotypes, are handled in translations. Focusing on seven instances from Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Trilogy — a notable Chinese science fiction work debated for its sexism —, the study contrasts the source text with its English and Spanish translations. By analysing the selected fragments of the Chinese novel and the unmissable alterations to the original in the target texts, this paper demonstrates how the techniques of elision and adaptation can help translators iron out the sexist implications. The findings contribute to our understanding of feminist translation strategies for addressing sexist elements in literary works.

Teaching Strategies in Business English Translation Based on Ecological Translation

This paper addresses the singularity of the teaching evaluation system and the limited practical teaching resources in business English translation. It proposes a diversified teaching evaluation system based on ecological translation, expands practical teaching resources, and emphasizes the importance of teaching cultural differences and strengthening ecological translation theory. This approach aims to innovate and optimize the teaching mode of business English translation, thereby improving the quality of teaching and promoting students’ deep understanding and application skills of business English. Consequently, this strategy brings new opportunities for development in the field of business English education.

Book Review: Introduction of Selected Chinese and Western Translation Theories

As China further opens up and integrates into the world, the demand for translation professionals has increased significantly. Despite the development of translation disciplines, the existing teaching materials have not yet met the needs of undergraduate education in terms of quantity and quality, especially for graduate students and doctoral students. To make up for it, the book A Selected Introduction to Chinese and Western Translation Theories emerged at the right moment. This article briefly reviews this translation theory textbook edited by Professor He Xueyun from Hengyang Normal University and published by The Commercial Press in 2021, with the ISBN 9787100201100, using research methods such as literature review, comparative analysis, and case study analysis. The book is divided into three main parts: an introduction to Chinese translation theories, an introduction to Western translation theories, and the main schools of translation theory. It is characterized by its comprehensive content, concise introductions, clear layout, highlighted key points, and ease of self-study, making it an excellent introductory book for learners of translation theory.

Rankings and the Organizational‐level Implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study

ABSTRACTThis article examines the organizational‐level implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education institutions, with a particular emphasis on the roles of rankings in this context. Drawing on translation theory and a case study of a Saudi Arabian university, the article shows that rankings played a central role in motivating our case organization to implement SDGs and in navigating the implementation process. The article moreover shows that the reliance of rankings on self‐reported data allowed for gaming and manipulation, as the case organization was, for example, able to present politically compliant staff associations as evidence for trade union activity, and a segregated college for female students as evidence for the empowerment of women. The article, however, also argues that the flexibility this reliance on self‐reported data affords higher education institutions can play a crucial role in adjusting the transnational SDG framework to the political, social, and institutional realities of the many different contexts in which it is implemented. Without this flexibility, the entire SDG framework, including the genuine sustainability advances it brought about, might have been rejected outright in the Saudi Arabian context.

Translating agile management practices into a traditional industry context

AbstractThis study explores the translation of agile management practices (agile) into a traditional industry context. Using a case study of agile adoption in a development project in a large traditional company of the aerospace and defense industry, this research investigates how the translation process unfolds by studying how both idea and context are adapted to create shared meaning. This research makes two main contributions. First, this research introduces translation theory to the innovation management literature and details its applicability in explaining variations in outcomes of applying management practices in new organizational contexts. Our research suggests that this constitutes a complementary theoretical lens to diffusion theory, enabling the explanation of the process to create shared meaning when idea and recipient context have a low level of compatibility. Second, this research shows the process of translating agile into a traditional context through a non‐linear joint creation of meaning. The process was shaped largely by the experience and resolution of project‐external (i.e., with the surrounding organization) and project‐internal conflicts, which in turn motivated the idea or context to adapt. The study identifies two central concepts, namely isolation, and shielding, which determine how the translation process unfolds and how meaning is created. Managerial implications based on these contributions are presented and discussed.

Trade-offs in translation effects

Abstract Trade-offs are solutions to translation problems where two or more apparently incompatible values are sought at the same time. As such, they present an alternative to theories that see translation as operating between two polarities of the one value. Analysis of three illustrative examples suggests that receivers can activate trade-offs that are quite different from those envisaged by translators and that different readerships may seek different kinds of trade-offs. The resulting instability gives rise to problems concerning research methodology. It is proposed that the study of trade-offs is suited to a mixed-methods approach that starts from receiver-produced data, that allows for more than two values, and that recognizes that not all solutions are trade-offs. This approach can also identify situations where one kind of trade-off leads to another, creating chains of value transformation that are informed by translation history.

Traduire ensemble pour faire résonner les voix de la marge

Although the history of translation and its iconography mostly convey to us a vision of translation as an individual and solitary activity (Monti, 2018, p. 9), in Canada, which is officially bilingual and multicultural at the federal level, the practice of literary translation has recently increasingly taken collective forms. In the following paper, the analysis will be based on two examples of a collaboration between literary translator Arianne Des Rochers with Natasha Kanapé-Fontaine (for the book Islands of Decolonial Love/Cartographie de l’amour décolonial) and with Édith Bélanger (for the book A Short History of the Blockade/Une brève histoire des barricades), the two works written in English by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, a leading figure in Canada’s Aboriginal resurgence.

The rise of open innovation in Chinese academia: a systematic review of the literature

The recent open innovation (OI) literature underscores the importance of understanding how OI is implemented across diverse institutional contexts. China has captivated OI scholars, representing a distinctive business environment that challenges established theories and frameworks. Building on translation theory, this study systematically reviews how scholars affiliated with Chinese institutions have conceptualized the concept of OI. We used a systematic approach to analyze a final sample of 202 articles, unveiling insights into themes, approaches, and implications. Our primary findings highlight a concentration on themes such as external knowledge search for enhancing firms' performance, the escalating role of innovation ecosystems, and the significance of local business, traditional Chinese culture, and innovation policies in shaping these dynamics. In contrast to recent trends in the broader international OI literature, concepts such as the role of users, universities, platforms, and social innovation are not extensively explored. Lastly, we suggest various avenues for future research to enrich OI scholarship.

A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE TRANSLATION OF EDGAR ALLAN POE’S WORKS INTO THE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN THE XIX CENTURY

The literary legacy of Edgar Allan Poe transcends borders, captivating readers worldwide with his haunting tales of mystery, macabre, and psychological depth. Among the numerous languages into which Poe’s works have been translated, the French language occupies a prominent place, reflecting the enduring fascination of French readers with his oeuvre. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the history of French translations of Poe’s works made in the 19th century and the special passion French artists had for the American writer. Through a meticulous overview of archival materials, literary criticism, and translation studies, this research illuminates the evolution of French translations of Poe’s writings, shedding light on the cultural, linguistic, and editorial factors that have shaped their reception in France. It explores the pivotal role played by translators, such as Charles Baudelaire and Stephan Mallarmé, in introducing Poe to the French literary scene and examines the strategies employed to render his unique style and thematic preoccupations into French. In analyzing the translations, we have drawn on some archival material from the French press, literary criticism, and a body of existing research on the subject. This study considers the ways in which French translators have interpreted and reinterpreted Poe’s works in light of changing literary and cultural sensibilities. By tracing the trajectory of French translations of Poe’s works, this paper not only contributes to our understanding of the reception of one of America’s foremost literary figures in France but also offers insights into the dynamics of literary translation and cultural exchange. It underscores the enduring relevance and adaptability of Poe’s writings across linguistic and cultural boundaries, highlighting the ways in which they continue to resonate with readers in France and beyond.

TRANSLATION OF METAPHORS IN MODERN DIPLOMATIC DISCOURSE (BASED ON RUSSIAN, CHINESE AND ENGLISH MATERIALS)

A metaphor in diplomatic discourse is a figure of speech or expression that transfers meaning from one context to another, usually to enhance the impact of a message or make complex ideas easier to understand. In diplomacy, metaphors are often used to make communication more visual and memorable, as well as to covertly convey intentions and positions without directly expressing them. This article explores the complexities and subtleties of translating metaphorical expressions that play an important role in diplomatic communication. The author analyzes metaphors used in diplomatic discourse in three different linguistic and cultural contexts: Russian, Chinese and English, highlighting three categories of equivalence: complete, partial and no equivalence. The choice of translation method (literal, descriptive or free) depends on the degree of equivalence of the metaphor in the source and target languages. The study highlights the importance of adequate translation of metaphors for accurate and effective intercultural communication, suggesting translation strategies for each category. The work contributes to translation theory and practice by emphasizing the need to consider cultural and contextual factors to achieve intercultural understanding in diplomacy.

A Study on the E-C Translation of Daily Chemical Advertisements from the Perspective of Communicative Translation Theory

Advertising can not only build the image of a brand, but also increase the visibility of the product. Today, as the global economy becomes more and more interconnected, more and more products are pouring into the international market, in which advertising translation plays an irreplaceable role. Due to the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, this paper mainly studies from the perspective of communicative translation theory, and selects naturalization strategies as theoretical guidance, including paraphrasing, additive translation, transcreation, imitation translation and retranslation methods to conduct research on the Chinese translation of advertising slogans for daily chemical products. It is found that when translating daily chemical product advertisements, translators should not only follow the three principles of advertising slogan translation, but also flexibly adopt different translation methods for different texts, so as to continuously increase the cultural value and commercial value of daily chemical product advertising. The purpose of this paper is to provide inspiration for the translation of advertising slogans in the future, and to better promote cross-cultural business communication.

Comparative Law in the Eyes of Translation Scholars. Is Legal Translation Really an Exercise of Comparative Law?

Comparative Law in the Eyes of Translation Scholars. Is Legal Translation Really an Exercise of Comparative Law?

A Study on Benjamin’s Theory of Translation

Walter Benjamin is one of the most creative and important critics of the early 20th century, and his work “The Task of Translation” stands as one of the most influential translation theories. It has greatly influenced the traditional notions of faithfulness and the “original language first” principle, laying the theoretical foundation for deconstructionist translation theory.

From ''Dependent Translation" to "Creative Translation'' by Taha Abdurrahman

This paper undertakes a critical and analytical examination of the transformative dimensions of translation as conceptualized by the Moroccan philosopher Taha Abdurrahman. Central to Abdurrahman’s intellectual project is the call to transcend the pervasive Eurocentrism that characterizes contemporary translation theories. Abdurrahman offers a nuanced critique of the translation methodologies employed during the Abbasid period, particularly the uncontextualized appropriation of Greek philosophy. He contends that this approach led to the marginalization of Islamic philosophy, reducing it to a mode of mere transmission and dependency, initially on ancient Greece and subsequently on the modern West. To address these historical inadequacies, Abdurrahman advocates for an innovative translation strategy termed taʾṣīliyya, which translates literally to “authenticating.” This strategy emphasizes a transformative process whereby the source text is integrated into the receiving culture, aligning with its specific epistemic and cultural needs, irrespective of the original context. Abdurrahman posits that this method is essential for fostering an autonomous Arab/Islamic philosophical tradition, one that is not subsumed under external theoretical paradigms, even if this necessitates deviating from conventional criteria of accuracy and faithfulness. This paper critically engages with the theoretical foundations and proposes practical applications of Abdurrahman’s translation paradigm. It situates his framework within the broader historical trajectory of translation in the Arabic intellectual tradition and contemporary translation studies. Furthermore, it interrogates the theoretical and methodological ramifications of eschewing conventional norms of fidelity and accuracy, notwithstanding their entrenched and restrictive nature.

Against the depoliticisation of Palestinian female shahids

Palestinian women’s engagement with politics and their appropriation of conventionally masculine acts of martyrdom during the Second Intifada (2002–2005) have been subject to intense public debate, media scrutiny and contested cultural representations. This article, drawing on studies of terrorism as well as translation theory, examines first-hand accounts of acts of martyrdom by Palestinian women, which uphold Palestinian national and religious discourses of sacrifice. Failing to grapple with how and why Palestinians recognise these women’s acts as martyrdom, many Euro-American and Israeli scholars focus on personal, social and psychological motivations. While many Euro-American and Israeli scholars construct Palestinian female martyrs as socially deviant, we develop a different framework to understand female martyrdom on more local terms that resonate with Palestinians’ lived experience. We introduce five Palestinian female martyrs’ video testimonies that scholarship to date has overlooked. We contend that Palestinian female martyrs (shahids) are conscious agents whose final acts underscore their adherence to religious and national discourses of sacrifice.