Intercultural translation bridges diverse cultures. Photo: TUCHONG 

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In the context of globalization, intercultural communication is becoming increasingly frequent. Translation, as the bridge and link of intercultural communication, serves a key role in promoting mutual understanding and fostering cooperation among diverse cultures. Exploring strategies for cultural adaptation and transformation in intercultural translation holds significant practical importance for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of translations.

Cultural adaptation refers to a translator’s capacity to thoroughly understand the cultural backgrounds, values, and customs of both the source and target languages, and translate according to the cultural background and expectation of target language readers. To achieve this, translators must possess keen intercultural communication abilities, sensitively perceiving and understanding cultural differences and adjusting accordingly in the process of translation. Translation strategies in intercultural contexts therefore involve specific methods used by translators to handle cultural elements, ensuring that the translated text is more readily accepted within the target language’s culture.  

Cultural exchanges 

In intercultural translation, cultural adaptation and cultural conversion are complimentary processes. Building on their understanding of the source language, translators must thoroughly consider the cultural background and expectations of target language readers, making appropriate adjustments and transformations.

Before undertaking intercultural translation, it is crucial to delve deeply into the cultures of both the source language and the target language.

Depending on the type of the text and the purpose of translation, the appropriate translation strategy must be selected. Literal translation, which directly conveys the original text’s literal meaning through the target language, is suitable for terms or expressions with clear cultural connotations, whereas free translation stresses conveying the original text’s intent, and is ideal for content with complex cultural backgrounds or that is challenging to translate directly. Furthermore, transliteration is a method to translate proper nouns or specific words from the source language to the target language according to their pronunciation, which is applicable to names or terms with special cultural connotations. 

Cultural information

In intercultural communication, it is important to focus on the communication of cultural information. This encompasses but is not limited to specific words, idioms, metaphors, and allusions that reflect the nuances of the language’s culture. It is essential to cultivate strong intercultural awareness among translators. Intercultural awareness refers to the understanding of both the differences and similarities between cultures. This includes the cognizance and respect of various cultural values, thinking modes, and behavioral patterns. 

Sound capabilities in language expression are the basis for intercultural translation, whether in the source language or in the target language. To accurately express the meaning of the original text, translators must have a solid grasp of the language knowledge to accurately convey the original text’s meaning. They must also possess strong expressive capabilities, which can be enhanced through continuous learning and practice, which include reading materials related to the original text, participating in language exchange activities, and writing exercises. In the translation between Chinese and English, it is particularly important to focus on cultural differences, as these can significantly influence how messages are interpreted and understood.

 

Enhancing acceptance

To achieve more accurate and fluid intercultural communication, it is essential to thoroughly study characteristics of different languages and cultures and select either literal translation, free translation, or a combination of both depending on specific cultural contexts.

In this process, cultural adaptation and conversion strategies play an essential role in ensuring accurate communication, promoting cultural understanding and avoiding cultural conflicts. 

Literal translation aims to preserve as much of the original text’s form and content as possible and is well-suited to texts with relatively stable cultural connotations. Free translation, on the other hand, prioritizes the meaning and intellectual significance of the original text, without strictly adhering to its original form. 

In free translation, translators can adjust the translated text according to the customs and expressions of the target language culture. In addition, multiple translation methods can be holistically employed to reshape cultural factors of the source language culture into forms that are more familiar and understandable within the target language culture. Certain characteristics and differences in the source language culture can also be preserved to allow readers to experience differences between cultures and the uniqueness of each. 

Overall, cultural adaptation and conversion strategies are essential in intercultural translation. Translators should be equipped with intercultural communication capabilities. Translators should thoroughly understand cultural backgrounds and values of both the source language and the target language, and make appropriate cultural adaptations and conversions throughout the translation process. This can not only enhance intercultural communication, but also facilitate mutual understanding and integration among different cultures. 

Yu Yuxiu is an associate professor from the School of Foreign Languages at the University of Sanya. 

Edited by ZHAO YUAN