Cultural Terms and Translation Strategies in Dissertation Abstracts of a Buddhist University

Abstract

          Cross-cultural translation is a challenge and a translator's burden to transfer the source language to the target language. Translation strategies are therefore important for translators. This research aimed to categorize cultural words and phrases in dissertation abstract of Buddhist Psychology, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and to analyze the strategies employed by translators in 34 Thai translated abstracts into English submitted in 2019. Research tool was a recording form (categorizer) for cultural words and phrases based on cultural concepts and for analysis of translation strategies by Peter Newmark. Translation strategies were analyzed employing conceptual frameworks of Baker’s taxonomy and Pinmanee’s strategies for translating cultural-specific items. Frequency of cultural types and translation strategies were shown in percentage.

         Findings were as follows: 1) in terms of cultural words and phrases, there were 194 cultural words and phrases categorized based on Newmark’s concept of culture. Material culture consists of 23 words counting 11.855 % whereas religious organization consisted of 13 words. The highest occurrence was 126 words with religious concepts, teachings and beliefs followed by 32 words and phrases in religious activities. Regarding translation strategies, cultural translation strategies were 5 strategies consisting of (1) literal translation used with 148 words, or 76.288 %, (2) hybrid strategy, a mixed translation between literal and trans literal translation with 25 words or 12.84 %, (3) transliteration with 13 words or 6.702%, (4) free translation with 6 words or 3.92 %, (5) the least used strategy was descriptive phrase with 1.030 % or only two words. This result could be applied in translating other types of cultural texts both in classroom and outside classroom setting as well.