ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIES FOR TRANSLATING CULTURE-SPECIFIC TERMS RELATED TO BUDDHISM FROM CHINESE INTO THAI. A CASE STUDY OF BUDDHIST LITERATURE- THE PLATFORM SUTRA OF THE SIXTH PATRIARCH THAI TRANSLATION VERSION

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the translation strategies employed by translators when translating culture-specific terms related to Buddhism found in Buddhist literature, specifically focusing on the Thai translation of the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. The study involves the collection of culture-specific terms related to Buddhism found in the original text and their comparison with the Thai translations. The analysis aims to examine the translation strategies for culture-specific terms related to various types of Buddhism. Through a comparative analysis with the Chinese original, three strategies for translating culturally significant words borrowed from Sanskrit are identified: the use of Sanskrit loanwords accepted in Thai society, the substitution of phrases or sentences instead of Sanskrit loanwords, and the utilization of multiple translation strategies simultaneously. Additionally, four strategies for translating culture-specific terms related to Buddhism, characterized by their more figurative nature, are identified: substitution of cultural terms in the target language, omission, usage of words with broader meanings, and translation strategies involving explanations of meanings. Moreover, three strategies for translating more abstract and intangible cultural terms related to Buddhism are identified: descriptive translation, substitution of cultural terms in the destination language, physical translation, and the use of words with broader meanings. Furthermore, four strategies for translating cultural terms associated with names for various figures in Buddhism are identified: substitution of cultural terms in the target language, direct translation, translation using more neutral words, and providing explanations for meanings. The research outcomes contribute to the enrichment of knowledge and provide guidance for further research for those interested in the translation of Buddhist literature and the analysis of cultural terminology.