Translation Adaptation Research Articles

About Russian translations of Chinese poetry on the example of Bai Juyi

The article is devoted to the poetic analysis of Russian translations from Chinese on the example of Bai Juyi, a classic of the Tang era. The range of translations under consideration includes almost everything that has been created since the 1920s. The main attention in the analysis is paid to three aspects: metre, stanza and rhyme. The article contains both a general description of the corpus of these texts and an analysis of individual poems. Thematically, the material is divided into two blocks: the classical type of verse and the non-classical type. Translations of L. Aidlin are considered separately as the most interesting cases of the classical type. The nonclassical type of verse is represented mainly by R. Sh. Masalimov's works.

UNVEILING MULTIPLE MEANINGS OF THE INDONESIAN POEM MENUMBANGKAN POHON BERINGIN AND ITS ENGLISH TRANSLATION

The present study aims to investigate the meanings embedded in the Indonesian poem, Menumbangkan Pohon Beringin, by Heru Joni Putra (source text-ST), and its English translation, Felling a Banyan Tree, by George A. Fowler (target text-TT). Employing a qualitative approach, both texts were examined through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) developed by Halliday (1925-2018). SFL sees every clause as having three strands of meanings simultaneously, namely experiential, interpersonal, and textual meanings, analyzed through transitivity, mood, and thematic structures, respectively. The study found that both texts frequently employ material Processes, declarative moods, and particular topical and textual Themes, reflecting a focus on collective participation and material actions, an authoritative tone, and an explicit dialogic orientation, respectively. Although such grammatical and semantic characteristics appear across both ST and TT, this study highlights some translation-related considerations in terms of semantic modulation and (in)definiteness. This study gives insight into poetry translation theoretically and practically, particularly involving Indonesian and English. The multiple meanings unveiled in the poems in this study are not meant to be exhaustive, as poetry invites infinite readings. Consequently, the poem should be examined not only at the surface level but also through a deeper lens. Thus, various approaches, including the linguistic perspective employed in this study, are valuable for uncovering its potential meanings.

THE LINGUOSTYLISTIC FEATURES OF H. SAHYAN'S TRANSLATION OF THE POEM “THE ARMENIANS” BY PEYO YAVOROV

This article is dedicated to the poem “The Armenians” by the famous Bulgarian poet, playwright, and humanist Peyo Yavorov, as well as its Armenian translation by the renowned Armenian poet Hamo Sahyan. The aim of the article is to analyze the linguistic and stylistic features of H. Sahyan’s translation and provide a general characterization. I have compared and analyzed the perspectives and opinions of various researchers regarding the poem’s creation, structure, language and characters. I have also examined its significant value, as it is regarded as one of the most impressive and influential works of its time. To analyze and evaluate H. Sahyan’s translation, I have addressed the stylistic features of P. Yavorov’s individual style, highlighting how they are reflected in the poem “The Armenians.” Analyzing the author’s stylistic characteristics is essential for assessing the quality of the translation. In order to explain the features of H. Sahyan’s translation, I have examined the general characteristics of poetry translation, as it is important to consider not only the content but also the form when translating poetry. To achieve my goal, I have analyzed the transformations used in translation and their characteristics, presenting them in four groups. By analyzing the linguistic imagery and expressive means used in H. Sahyan’s translation, I demonstrate how these elements create deep and precise images. These means are characterized by specific usage features in the translation, while simultaneously contributing to its high quality. The linguistic style of this poem is artistic. The study was conducted using a combination of several methods: descriptive, analytical, comparative-correlative, and integrative.

Preface: Crossing The Nexus: Language, Culture, and Technology in a Globalized World

In an era defined by globalization and digital connectivity, the intersections of language, culture, and technology have become central to understanding contemporary communication, education, and identity. Crossing The Nexus: Language, Culture, and Technology in a Globalized World presents a collection of interdisciplinary studies that explore emerging trends and challenges in applied linguistics, literary analysis, translation studies, and pedagogical innovation. Drawing on both theoretical frameworks and empirical research, this volume reflects the evolving landscape of linguistic inquiry across diverse sociocultural and geopolitical contexts. The contributions examine a wide range of topics, from contrastive linguistic analysis and syntactic theory to intercultural education, AI-assisted interpreting, and postcolonial semiotics. Key themes include the complexities of cross-linguistic phenomena and cultural fidelity in translation, investigated through contrastive studies of reduplication in Vietnamese-English literary prose and syntactic exceptions in Arabic and Spanish. Educational innovation is highlighted via the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) for intercultural competence and the Flipped Learning model in specialized contexts, alongside analyses of structural challenges in migrant student integration in Cyprus. The volume critically engages with technology's role, examining AI's capabilities and limitations in interpreting and handling culturally specific translation challenges like verbified proper nouns, while also demonstrating data-driven approaches to public sentiment analysis in digital discourse. Further contributions explore affective factors in language learning, such as test anxiety among Yemeni students, and the influence of gender perspectives in the translation of Qur'anic verses. Multimodal literary analysis reveals the co-construction of meaning through text and image, and postcolonial semiotics examines narratives of exile and identity. Collectively, these studies underscore the necessity of nuanced, culturally sensitive, and interdisciplinary approaches to navigate the evolving landscape of global communication, pedagogical strategies, and technological integration, significantly contributing to scholarly discourse in the humanities and social sciences.

POET Psalm 144: Integrating Exegesis with Poetic Devices for Effectiveness and Compositional Unity

The POET Psalms English translation of Ps 144 follows a poetic form that can be sung. I use this translation to highlight the application of twelve principles I propose for translating biblical poetry. I also advocate for adopting alternative exegetical decisions in difficult verses when it increases coherence, as opposed to tacitly accepting the status quo. Then, using this alternative, but equally valid, exegesis, I show how the curtal sonnet poetic form, related poetic devices, and a suggested tune all contribute to Ps 144’s overall effectiveness as a unified English composition. I conclude that heightened language translations should be considered best practice in the translation of biblical poetry and suggest approaches to doing so in languages other than English.

The English Translation of Poetry - Deer Song from the Perspective of Eco-translatology

This study applies the "three-dimensional transformation" theory of Eco-translatology to analyse in depth the English translation of "The Song of the Deer". The study focuses on the adaptive selection of linguistic, cultural and communicative transformations, aiming to reveal how the translation crosses linguistic and cultural barriers and conveys the original text's phonetic beauty, cultural connotation and communicative intent. By exploring examples of English translations of Deer Song, the paper demonstrates how translators strategically make linguistic and cultural adaptations while maintaining the aesthetic qualities and cultural values of the original text. The study emphasises that future translation research and practice should continue to pay attention to the complexity of intercultural communication and develop translators' intercultural communicative competence in order to promote understanding and respect among different cultures.

LEVEL SHIFTS IN TOETY HERATY'S 'GENEVA BULAN JULI' POETRY TRANSLATION

Poetry often uses certain linguistic devices and styles such as metaphors, meters, and rhymes. A level shift can occur when these devices are expressed differently in the target language. Different languages have varying grammatical structures and rules, which can lead to level shift when translating. Cultural and contextual differences may require a level shift to make the poem understandable and comprehensible in the target language. In shift translation, there are two categories, level shift and category shift. This study focuses on the identification of the level shift in the poem Geneva Bulan Juli and its translation. A qualitative descriptive method is used to analyze the data of this study. The result shows that there are 17 level shifts occurring with the majority in the forms of shifts from grammatical forms, in the source language, to lexical forms, in the target language. These shifts include the transformations of verbs to nominal forms, the removals or additions of time elements and aspects, and the replacements of complex syntactic structures into dense and direct diction. Each shift serves not only as a linguistic adjustment but also as a rhetorical strategy to maintain the depth of meanings, emotional nuances, and poetic power in translation. These findings suggest that level shifts are inevitable strategies as well as creative aspects in poetry translation that have important implications for the studies of cross-cultural literary translation.

Несколько версий мира «Лорелеи» Генриха Гейне (медленное чтение первой строфы)

The aim of this study is to reveal the potential of meaning in different translations of the first stanza of “Die Lorelei”. The scientific novelty of the research lies in raising the question of the specific nature of the first stanza in G. Heine’s “Die Lorelei”, and in studying domestic translations of this stanza using the technique of slow reading. The multiplicity of translations of “Die Lorelei” into Russian allows us to pose a hermeneutic problem, in addressing which the translation versions of Viktor Shnejder (“An Ancient One Story”) and Lev Mey (“An Old Song Sounds”) are recognized as the most contrasting interpretations of the line “Ein Märchen aus alten Zeiten”. This difference demonstrates that in Shnejder’s version, the distance between Heine’s lyrical hero and the hero from Brentano’s legend of Lorelei is quite noticeable. In Lev Mey’s version, on the other hand, this difference is minimized, since the ambiguity of the word “song” is utilized, which is an important aspect when considering translational interpretations of the work. The results obtained show the significant role of the lyrical hero’s surprise for the interpretation of the work, which determines the intention of the first stanza; the difference in the names of the legend itself: “a fairy tale of old times”, “an ancient one story”, “an old song”, “an old fairy tale”, “an old, terrible fairy tale”, “a legend of distant years”. These options affect the perception of the text, reflect the translator’s approach, and reveal the potential of the meaning inherent in the original.

Human vs Posthuman Author

This study examines the differences between human and AI-generated translations of Arabic poetry, focusing on how well each approach preserves key literary devices. While AI translation tools have made significant advancements, poetry presents unique challenges due to its reliance on nuanced meaning, cultural depth, and stylistic complexity. This research aims to (1) compare human and AI translations of Arabic poems, (2) identify which literary devices present the greatest challenges for AI, and (3) explore the impact of these differences on the intended function of the poet. The study specifically analyzes metaphors, assessing how accurately this device is rendered in English translations. By conducting a qualitative comparative analysis of selected poems, this research highlights the strengths and weaknesses of AI translation and evaluates its implications for literary preservation. The findings will contribute to discussions on AI’s role in creative translation, emphasizing the need for human expertise in maintaining poetic integrity.

The Role of AI in the Cross-Context Communication of Chinese Ancient Poetry Culture--A Comparative Study of ChatGPT & Deepseek's English Translation of Poetry

Under accelerated globalization and frequent cross-cultural exchanges, the English translation of Chinese poetry is of great significance to the dissemination of traditional culture. By comparing the English translations of Chinese ancient poetry by ChatGPT and Deepseek, this study evaluates the cross-contextual communication of AI from the five dimensions. The results show that AI plays a certain role in the cross-context communication of Chinese poetry culture. But simultaneously, the data show that different AIs have different effects on the auxiliary translation of ancient poetry. This means that AI can more accurately convey the cultural connotation of poetry and optimize the effect of cultural transmission by reasonably setting the prompt words. This proves that AI has great potential in promoting the cross-context communication of Chinese ancient poetry culture. Therefore, this paper puts forward the following suggestions: AI developers should tap the potential of models, optimize algorithms, and improve AI's ability to deal with complex cultural connotations and language styles.

Translation of Telegraphic Grammar in Guidelines of Medical Products

Purpose: This study is an attempt to evaluate the application of telegraphic grammar in the context English-Arabic medical translation, and focuses on accuracy, cultural adaptation, and patient safety. Methodology: It adopts a qualitative analysis for six medical product leaflets. It was conducted through comparing student translations (N=30) against professional versions of translation which use a rubric assessing terminological precision, telegraphic appropriateness, and readability. Findings: The study finds that 47% of errors stemmed from omitting the functional words in telegraphic structures, while adapted translations enhanced the patient's comprehension by 32%. Accordingly, a hybrid approach of literal and functional translation proved effective. Research implications: The current study proposes to use standardized telegraphic guidelines for medical Arabic and inserting clinical jargon with cultural competence when teaching English.

Beyond Literal Meaning: Xu Yuanchong and Lin Yutang's Translation Strategies for "Prelude to Water Melody" in Cultural, Poetic, and Rhythmic Dimensions

Su Shi's “The Midautumn Festival Tune: Prelude to Water Melody” is a treasure of Chinese classical poetry. The purpose is to analysis of Xu Yuanchong's and Lin Yutang's translations in terms of the “three beauties (beauty of form, beauty of meaning, and beauty of sound)” through Venuti's (1995) foreignization and Newmark's (1988) semantic/communicative translation approach as well as Nida functional equivalence theory. Analysis reveals Xu's translation prioritized foreignization to retain Chinese aesthetic norms, while Lin adopted domestication strategy. Statistical analysis shows that Xu's translation is more faithful to the Taoist cosmology and Song dynasty aesthetic, whereas Lin's achieves higher emotional resonance among non-Chinese readers. Through a detailed analysis of each line of the words, the differences in formal structure, semantic communication, phonological rhythm, and cultural strategies between the two translations are revealed through a sentence-by-sentence comparison, exploring the characteristics and differences of the two translations in terms of form, rhythm, imagery communication, and cultural connotations, and exploring which translation is closer to the aesthetics of classical Chinese poetry revealing its translation strategies and its impact on the Western readers' understanding of the meaning and culture of ancient Chinese poetry to provide reference to the study of ancient poetry translation.

COGNITIVE AND CULTURAL PARADIGMS AS A CONTEXT FOR THE UKRAINIAN-ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF POETRY (BASED ON THE TRANSLATIONS OF POETRY OF THE UKRAINIAN DIASPORA IN CANADA BY WATSON KIRKCNONELL)

The article dwells on Watson Kirkconnell's translation procedures used in the translation of poetry by representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada from Ukrainian into English from the perspective of cognitive translation studies and with an eye to the cultural paradigm of the original works. The aim of the study is to reveal the process of reformulating the original text based on the translator's conceptual understanding as a way to create an artistic unit equivalent (in the recipient's understanding) to the original. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to identify the key features of the reproduction of cognitive and cultural paradigms in poetic translation from Ukrainian into English. Additionally, the problem is derived from a contemporary pursuit for covering the representation of the poetic works of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, relevant due to the lack of current research. The authors' research shows that the renewed interest in diasporic literature in translation is currently insufficient, and this is particularly true for highly specialized studies that would focus on specific aspects of the literary translation process from the perspective of cognitive translation studies. In order to achieve the declared goal, the authors resort to empirical research methods, in particular content analysis, conceptual analysis and translation transformation analysis. The purpose of using translation analysis is to identify and outline the procedures used by Watson Kirkconnell. Applying the method of conceptual analysis, based on the systematization of the conceptual sphere of connotatively colored units and their correlation with the correlates proposed by the translator, the authors determine how the translation procedures used by Watson Kirkonel contributed or did not contribute to the transmission of the original conceptual space and the national flavor encoded in it, inherent in the representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. According to the results of the study, the authors conclude that the procedures applied by Watson Kirkonell are mostly effective in creating an equivalent communicative, figurative and artistic and aesthetic unit, which, however, does not negate the identified shortcomings in the interpretation of the attributes of the original works colored by the national and cultural flavor.

The Chinese Translating Narrative of Arrow to the Sun

Arrow to the Sun, a children's book by Gerald McDermott, is a vivid adaptation of an Indian legend through semi-abstract geometric shapes. With its characteristic shapes, colors and styles, the work shows the beauty of the customs of a rich culture, allowing readers to deeply feel the charm of folk stories. Based on the translation narratology theory of Mona Baker, this paper takes the Chinese translation of Arrow to the Sun as the research corpa to make an in-depth analysis of several translation versions. This paper summarizes the content and features of translated texts and expounds the application of Mona Baker’s narratology in translation practice. Nowadays, Chat GPT(Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a natural language processing model. In the field of translation, with the increasing enrichment of data, it has realized real-time multi-language translation and global communication, but it still faces technical challenges in special fields. By comparing the source language and the target language, this paper analyzes the four different Chinese translation languages translated by Wang Feizhou, Hellen He, Chat GPT, etc., aiming to deal with the strategic choice of story plot, characterization and language style, so as to combine the new translation technology, and make a breakthrough in the innovation level of cross-cultural translation communication by choosing strategies in handling the story plot, characterization and language style, to maintain the narrative quality of the original text and make the translation more in line with the reading habbits of Chinese readers. This paper also explores how the translator deals with cultural factors in the translation process to ensure the cultural accuracy and readability of the translation. By examining the practical research, this paper attempts to enhance the accumulative foundations for the narrative development of children's literature translation, and to provide a new perspective and thought for translation understanding

Integrarea conceptelor: un instrument pentru viitorii traducători de poezie

This paper aims to present a theoretical instrument which could help young translators in the difficult task of translating a subtle and complicated art form: poetry. Apart from the linguistic, aesthetic, and sociocultural problems, the translator also faces some other problematic points in translating poetry, namely the lack of a wider context which entangles the interpretation, and the challenges set by the compact and condensed form of a poem. In this paper we attempt to present an approach in teaching translation of poetry by using conceptual integration – a mental activity which refers to a set of cognitive operations for combining words, images, and ideas in a network of ‟mental spaces” in order to create meaning.

Steps to Adapt the Medication Administration Error Survey in Highly Specialised Units-Polish Perspectives.

Background and Objectives: Medication errors are a critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide, contributing to significant patient harm, with studies indicating that medication-related incidents are among the most common causes of adverse events in medical practice. There are between 80 and 200 steps in providing a single patient with a single dose of drugs, with five stages, including prescription, preparation, dispensation, administration and monitoring. This study aims to describe and validate the MAEs (Medication Administration Error Scale) tool, which investigates the most common causes of medication errors in medication administration. Materials and Methods: Independent translators translated the original version of the scale using language verification. The agreed-upon version of the translation was then assessed by a team of nurses, specialists in anaesthetic and intensive care nursing, in terms of understanding the translated content. After introducing changes resulting from linguistic and organisational differences, a survey questionnaire was prepared and used in the pilot study. Eighty-six respondents participated in the pilot study via the Office 365 platform and the Forms programme. The research was led by nurses who work in highly specialised units. The reliability of the translated version of the questionnaire was examined by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: The tool's internal consistency across ranges was within acceptable limits. For part A (questions 1-29), it was 0.93; for part B (questions 30-45), it was 0.94. In part C, regarding the percentages of the type of error occurring in a given medical facility, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.97. When the factor loadings of the items were evaluated, they were determined to be in the range of 0.602-0.783. In this context, the factor loading levels of the items in the 5-factor model were high and sufficient. Conclusions: The statistical analyses suggest that the Polish version of the Medication Administration Error Survey demonstrates satisfactory reliability and is a promising tool for assessing the cause of medication administration errors.

AI In Poetry Translation: Can Machines Capture Poetic Essence?

Poetry translation is a challenging process that extends beyond literal meaning, requiring sensitivity to emotional depth, cultural context, and poetic structure (Venuti, 2017). While artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced in machine translation, its ability to preserve poetic essence remains debated (Toral & Way, 2018). The purpose of this study is to analyze AI’s role in poetry translation, assessing whether it can retain the artistic and emotional depth of poetry or merely provide word-for-word translations. AI’s strengths lie in efficiency and linguistic accuracy, yet its limitations in handling metaphor, rhythm, and cultural context necessitate human intervention (Malmkjær, 2020). The significance of this study is twofold. First, it contributes to computational linguistics by evaluating how AI interacts with poetic language, a highly expressive and symbolic form of communication. Second, it provides insight into translation studies by assessing the extent to which AI can replicate human creativity in poetry translation (Tymoczko, 2007). The findings are relevant to translators, literary scholars, and AI developers aiming to enhance machine learning models for literary texts. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of AI in poetry translation, this study advocates for AI-human collaboration, where human expertise refines AI-generated outputs for poetic authenticity (Garcia, 2021). Methodologically, the study employs a comparative analysis of AI-generated and human-translated poetry. Selected poems from multiple languages, including Nepali and English, will be translated using AI models such as Google Translate and DeepL. These translations will be evaluated based on linguistic accuracy, poetic aesthetics, and cultural sensitivity by literary experts (Toral & Way, 2018). Through qualitative assessment, the study aims to determine whether AI can go beyond literal meaning to capture poetry’s emotional and artistic essence.

A three-round Delphi study to translate the scrub practitioners’ list of intraoperative non-technical skills (SPLINTS), for use in a Swedish perioperative context

The operating theatre nurse is responsible for advanced perioperative care in complex environments requiring both technical and non-technical skills. Non-technical skills training can improve teamwork and reduce the risk of adverse events. The Scrub Practitioners’ List of Non-Technical Skills (SPLINTS) is a behavioural assessment tool for scrub practitioners not yet translated into Swedish. A Swedish version would provide a common conceptual base and strengthen non-technical skills for Swedish operating theatre nurses. The present study therefore aimed to translate the SPLINTS into Swedish, making it useable in a Swedish perioperative context. A three-round Delphi study was conducted to reach consensus for a Swedish translation. A mean rating of eight or higher on a 10-point scale, assessed as agreement among the experts, was reached in the third round. Although consensus level of agreement was not reached for all elements, three rounds resulted in agreement by a majority. Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies (CREDES) was used as reporting guideline. This Delphi study conducted an important first version of a Swedish translation of the SPLINTS, which, however, needs to be followed by validation and psychometrical testing.

On the English Translation of Culture-Loaded Words in Tourist Texts in Light of Skopos Theory: A Case Study of Attractions in Nanjing

Tourist texts, serving as an essential introduction, carry crucial importance in the tourist industry and bridge the gap between Chinese culture and visitors. Therefore, to facilitate foreign visitors to obtain a comprehensive grasp of local culture, the English translation of tourist texts, especially those culture-loaded words inside, should be prioritised. Prior studies on translations of cultural terminologies in tourism offer a range of strategies and methodologies. Yet Chinese cultural connotation is intricate and implicit due to its various formation processes, complicating the search for appropriate English equivalents. Instructed by Skopos Theory, the study collects culture-loaded words regarding three prominent tourist attractions in Nanjing, namely Nanjing Museum, Imperial Examination Museum of China, and Nanjing Presidential Palace. The research examines the implementation of three translation principles of skopos rule, coherence rule, and fidelity rule. Findings reveal that many translations fall short of expectations, primarily due to deviations from these principles. The research evaluates the current translation version, identifies key issues, and provides systematic recommendations for further modification. Working as a reference for translating tourism materials, this study also lays the foundations for further tourist translation research.

С. Джонсон в истории переводческой мысли

The article focuses on Dr. Johnson’s views on the 16th- and 18th-century translation in England. The aim is to draw a blueprint of his reasoning about the history and criticism of verse translation. His “Lives of the English Poets” (1781) serves as the central source of study. Johnson’s idea about the translation of classical poetry as the test of the poets’ achievement is under consideration. Special attention is paid to his analysis of the impact the classical verse translations made on the English language. Johnson’s critical comments on the home versions of Homer, Pindar and Virgil are investigated. The original aspect of research is found in the applying to Johnson’s work of a special type of analysis of its Russian version as a means of explicating the critic’s approach. The result is the exposition of Johnson’s innovative contribution to the methods of verse translation study and his advanced views on the criteria of evaluating translation. The latter include a translator’s and the author’s equal positions, the full understanding of the meaning and prosody of an original text, as well as recreating them via a special technique, and the link between the poetic worth of a translation and its significance for the development of the target language.