Translation and Interpreting Research

Translatability of Postmodern Features: A Study of Donald Barthelme’s Short Stories in Persian Translation

Fatemeh Parham

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2024, , Pages 1-14

Abstract

  Postmodern literature possesses distinct characteristics that are evident in both its content and form. This research first attempts to identify the postmodern features in a corpus ...  Read More Postmodern literature possesses distinct characteristics that are evident in both its content and form. This research first attempts to identify the postmodern features in a corpus of English postmodern literature and examines their possible translatability across linguistic and cultural barriers. To this end, a corpus of ten English postmodern short stories by Donald Barthelme along with their corresponding translations into Persian was developed. Drawing on the integrative model of analysis developed for this study, the postmodern features in English stories were identified and their corresponding translations were analyzed at various levels. The results of the study indicate a high degree of translatability for postmodern features, as they experienced minimal transformation during the translation process. In fact, the translated stories remained remarkably postmodern, with the preservation of these features to a significant extent. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting this high degree of translatability. While translators may consciously strive to maintain these features, it is also possible that postmodern elements, which are predominantly manifested beyond sentence-level structures, may go unnoticed or remain untouched by translators. Additionally, the preservation of postmodern features in translation could be a result of translators' reluctance to intrude upon the creative process.

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Language Hegemony and Translation of Product Labels in Iranian Industrial Context

Fatemeh Parham; Hamideh Nemati Lafmejani

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  The present study investigates the impact of English language hegemony on the different industries in Iranian context. A sample of eighty food, health, and beauty products was selected ...  Read More The present study investigates the impact of English language hegemony on the different industries in Iranian context. A sample of eighty food, health, and beauty products was selected to examine the prevalence of English on product labels. Data were collected on label content, including legal requirements of labeling, statements, claims, and nutritional information, both in Persian and their corresponding English translations. Statistical analysis revealed that although both producers and consumers of these products were Persian speakers and there was no legal requirement to translate the labels, approximately 75 percent of the labels featured English translations. This finding suggests that translation serves as a linguistic tool that reinforces language hegemony within the industry. Despite the absence of legal mandates, English operates as a symbolic tool, potentially enhancing product appeal through its association with success and high quality. This study contributes to understanding industrial contexts by illuminating the complex interplay between language, power, and commerce. Additionally, it highlights the need for further examination of the socio-cultural implications of English language hegemony in non-Anglophone countries, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars in translation studies and cultural studies.

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The Relation Between Age and Subject Field of Women Translators in Post-Islamic Revolution Iran

Afsaneh Mohammadi Shahrokhabadi; Mina Taheri

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2024, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  This study investigates the age of female translators in Iran from the Islamic Revolution (1979) to the year 2022, aiming to determine at which age women were most prolific in translation. ...  Read More This study investigates the age of female translators in Iran from the Islamic Revolution (1979) to the year 2022, aiming to determine at which age women were most prolific in translation. The research analyzed 1,273 books translated by women during this period, categorizing the data into ten-year age intervals. The findings reveal that women aged thirty to forty were the most active in translation. Additionally, the study examined the subject of books translated by women in each age group, using the classification framework proposed by Farahzad, Mohammadi Shahrokh, and Ehteshami (2015). The results of the study revealed distinct patterns in the interests of female translators across different age ranges. Specifically, fiction emerged as the primary area of interest for women aged 31-40, with humanities being the second most translated genre for this group. In contrast, women aged 41-50 predominantly focused on translating works categorized under the general group. These findings illuminate the evolving preferences and concerns of female translators over time, reflecting broader shifts in their professional focus and interests.

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Translation of Iranian Socio-cultural Image in Fansubbed Movies

Fatemeh Parham; Hamideh Nemati Lafmejani; Zahra Nadimi

Volume 1, Issue 4 , December 2024, , Pages 1-16

Abstract

  This study aims to examine the representation of the Iranian Self in Persian movies through English fansubtitles, exploring how the subtitling process shapes the socio-cultural image ...  Read More This study aims to examine the representation of the Iranian Self in Persian movies through English fansubtitles, exploring how the subtitling process shapes the socio-cultural image presented to non-Iranian audiences. To this end, eleven award-winning Persian films produced by prominent Iranian filmmakers Asghar Farhadi, Majid Majidi, and Abbas Kiarostami and their English subtitles were analyzed using an integrated framework specifically developed for this research. Image-representative elements in the films were identified according to the framework, and the translation strategies employed in the English subtitles for rendering these image-representative elements were examined. The effects of these strategies on the representation of the image were then categorized into five observed outcomes: intensification of the image, weakening of the image, positive recasting of the image, preservation of the image, and omission of the image. The findings indicate that universally recognized elements were generally preserved in fansubs, while elements associated with Iranian religious or legal contexts were more frequently omitted or weakened, potentially diminishing the representation of these culturally distinct aspects for non-Iranian audience. This study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and accuracy in audiovisual translation, offering valuable insights for fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing the portrayal of cultural identity in translated media.

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A Descriptive-Analytical Reflection on the Translation of Medical Texts During the Qajar Era

Mojgan Ghaffari; Afsaneh Mohammadi Shahrokhabadi

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2024, , Pages 11-27

Abstract

  This article provides a descriptive overview and thematic analysis of translated medical texts from the Qajar era, utilizing a statistical and documentary study methodology. The research ...  Read More This article provides a descriptive overview and thematic analysis of translated medical texts from the Qajar era, utilizing a statistical and documentary study methodology. The research compiles all translated books, including manuscripts, lithographic, and lead-printed works, from this period. Findings reveal that medical texts were translated into Persian across various specialized fields such as internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, psychiatry, pediatrics, surgery, dissection, ophthalmology, and pathology. Some translations originated from Western languages like French and English, introducing Western specialties such as surgery, dissection, infectious diseases, pediatrics, and modern medicine to Iran. Meanwhile, translations from languages like Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, and Urdu contributed to fields such as herbal medicine and pharmacology, reflecting their Eastern roots. Noteworthy translations from the Qajar era include Ibn Sina’s Ghanon, al-Razi’s Tafrih al-Gholoob, Jurjani’s Zakhireh Kharazmshahi, Hippocrates’ Resale Ghabrie, and Galen’s Molkhes Fosul.

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Bridging Translation and Engagement: A Paratextual Study of Publishers’ Notes

Marzieh Maddahi

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 12-25

Abstract

  Focusing on the intersection of translation and activism, the current study aimed to address the issue of publishers’ activist agency in the socio-political context of post-revolutionary ...  Read More Focusing on the intersection of translation and activism, the current study aimed to address the issue of publishers’ activist agency in the socio-political context of post-revolutionary Iran. In so doing, it mainly drew on Tymoczko’s (2010a) conceptualization of political and ideological agency and activism as engagement and her classification of its different forms. The data came from a body of publishers’ notes, written on Persian translations of six English books selected through criterion sampling from the works that apparently enjoyed a level of prestige among the international readers, and reflected the Other’s views on religious, philosophical, political, and socio-cultural issues, which considering the fundamental values of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the post-revolutionary State tries to keep, could make them a possible site of translational activism. The results showed that in their notes the publishers had encoded their engagement by using a combination of different forms of engagement, i.e., publicizing, witnessing, rousing, inspiring, and mobilizing; they also revealed their interest in introducing the unfamiliar territory of the foreign to the Persian-speaking readers, and in increasing their understanding of the Other’s culture. They emphasized the importance of tolerance, pluralism, openness, and mutual respect in cultural exchanges but introduced the source Islamic culture and its set of moral values as criteria for determining the validity of the Other’s presented ideas and beliefs and rejecting what did not meet such criteria.

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Translators’ Role in the Field: The Case of Anthropological Researches in Iran

Hamideh Nemati Lafmejani

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2024, , Pages 15-28

Abstract

  This study seeks to investigate the role and impact of translators in the (anthropological) field during research conducted by foreign anthropologists in Iran. To achieve this, a questionnaire, ...  Read More This study seeks to investigate the role and impact of translators in the (anthropological) field during research conducted by foreign anthropologists in Iran. To achieve this, a questionnaire, an apparent open-ended one with six items, was distributed to 30 anthropologists who conducted field research in Iran, aiming to identify invisible interpreters/translators, including local informants, who assisted researchers in overcoming language barriers and communicating with participants during anthropological fieldwork. Given that anthropologists are typically trained to work independently without the aid of translators, certain participants displayed hesitancy in discussing the subject matter. Anthropologists who completed the questionnaire and said they conducted the research without utilizing translators in the field cited their fluency in the local language, perceiving translators as impediments, and their accessibility as the main reasons for their approach. Nevertheless, some of these researchers emphasized the potential benefits of using translators, particularly in terms of enhancing comprehension. Conversely, there were anthropologists who found value in engaging both formal and informal translators, as they served as gateways to communication. As an interdisciplinary study, this article endeavors to shed light on a relatively unexplored aspect of anthropology, namely translation. It is crucial to acknowledge and engage in further discussion regarding the collaboration between professionals from different disciplines, including Translation Studies and anthropology, within various scientific journals and conferences.

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A Study of Conflict Resolution Strategies in Translation Prefaces

Marzieh Maddahi

Volume 1, Issue 4 , December 2024, , Pages 17-26

Abstract

  In the aftermath of conflict, the role of translation extends into the realm of conflict resolution. This study examines how translation prefaces address conflict resolution in the ...  Read More In the aftermath of conflict, the role of translation extends into the realm of conflict resolution. This study examines how translation prefaces address conflict resolution in the context of post-revolutionary Iran following the Iran-Iraq War, focusing on the resolution strategies employed. To achieve this, criterion sampling was used to select three English books on the Iran-Iraq War, originally written from Iraqi or Other perspectives and translated into Persian by Marz-o-Boom Publications. Data were collected from the prefaces of these translations, emphasizing their treatment of the war and the contentious themes in the source texts. Using Salama-Carr’s (2007) and Webne Behrman’s (1998) definitions of conflict, conflict cases were identified and categorized based on Thomas and Kilmann’s (1974) conflict resolution model. The findings indicate that the competing strategy was predominantly employed (44.4%–54.6%), reflecting strong assertiveness in promoting Iranian state perspectives. The compromising strategy was used to a moderate extent (18.6%–34.4%), indicating some engagement in negotiation, while the collaborating strategy ranged from 18.1% to 33.4%, reflecting fluctuating openness to diverse viewpoints. The accommodating strategy appeared only once (2.3%), highlighting a reluctance to embrace alternative perspectives, while the avoiding strategy was entirely absent, suggesting a deliberate effort to confront the complexities of the conflict. Overall, the findings reveal a pattern of using collaboration within a competitive framework as a nuanced approach to conflict resolution in sensitive translation contexts. This strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to constructive dialogue, enriches the discourse on the conflict, and enhances readers’ understanding of its multifaceted nature.

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Evaluation of Localization in Samsung’s Website

Mohammad Shokookohifar

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 26-47

Abstract

  In today’s vast digital landscape, where the online world knows no bounds, website localization has emerged as a critical imperative for companies worldwide to effectively promote ...  Read More In today’s vast digital landscape, where the online world knows no bounds, website localization has emerged as a critical imperative for companies worldwide to effectively promote and sell their products. However, the evaluation of website localization quality in Persian remains an underexplored domain. This study aims to fill this gap by providing insights into the assessment of localization within the Iranian context while considering the global context as well. To do so, this investigation examined Sumsung’s website localization quality, incorporating Gutiérrez-Artacho and Olvera-Lobo’s (2017) indicators, as well as additional criteria such as website usability and cultural adaptation. The findings revealed that due to the complex and time-consuming nature of the localization process, Samsung has adopted a strategic approach that can be described as globalization or reverse localization, rather than a comprehensive culturalization approach commonly discussed in translation studies. By neutralizing its content, Samsung has effectively navigated the challenges posed by the cost and resources required for localization. This strategic decision allows Samsung to maintain a consistent and inclusive brand image across different markets. This study contributes to the field of translation studies in terms of reality-based theorizing by shedding light on the localization practices of a prominent multinational company. Finally, the findings offer valuable insights for companies seeking to enhance their website localization strategies and effectively engage with diverse users in an increasingly globalized world.

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Visibility of Iranian Fansubbers of K-pop Music Videos

Samin Salajegheh

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2024, , Pages 29-47

Abstract

  Audiovisual translation has been the subject of substantial scholarly inquiry, with fansubbing being recognized as a unique mode within this field. Fansubbing involves translating and ...  Read More Audiovisual translation has been the subject of substantial scholarly inquiry, with fansubbing being recognized as a unique mode within this field. Fansubbing involves translating and subtitling of foreign videos such as films into another language by fans, rather than by licensed translators. Performing a kind of play labor, fansubbers typically do not receive monetary remuneration for their efforts. Instead, they are motivated by their fandom’s satisfaction, gaining visibility and receiving likes. The concept of visibility has been subject to varying interpretations, with the first and most prominent example being Venuti's notions of visibility and invisibility. The advent of digital platforms provided translators with an opportunity to establish a digital presence and voice, which has opened up new avenues for enhancing the notion of translator's visibility. Adopting a quantitative strand of research, this study examines a corpus of 200 K-pop (Korean pop) music video subtitles translated by Iranian fansubbers, focusing on different aspects of translator's visibility across textual, paratextual, and extratextual domains. As per the study results, fansubbers exhibit a higher degree of visibility in the paratextual domain (47%), followed by the textual domain (26%) and the extratextual domain (17%). The most commonly employed strategy for enhancing visibility was mentioning social media ID before or after the subtitle content. Many other strategies were overlooked by fansubbers, either due to a lack of awareness or restrictions imposed by superiors. Different aspects of visibility identified in this study donate valuable insights for subtitlers seeking to enhance their visibility and engagement with respective communities.

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Ecotranslation: A Metaphorical Comparison Between Ecology and Social Systems Theory

Pantea Changizi

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2024, , Pages 29-39

Abstract

  Translation has been examined from diverse perspectives, including linguistic, cultural, and sociological viewpoints. Across these fields of study, human involvement has remained central ...  Read More Translation has been examined from diverse perspectives, including linguistic, cultural, and sociological viewpoints. Across these fields of study, human involvement has remained central to all translational activity—whether as translators, publishers, editors, or in other roles. Even when the primary focus has shifted to aspects like the text itself, human influence invariably surfaces. In other words, certain facets of translation have remained unexplored, overshadowed by the dominance of human agency. With the advent of ecotranslation, which merges ecology with translation studies, these hidden dimensions of translation can now be uncovered, opening up new avenues for research. This paper explores Luhmann’s social systems theory in comparison with ecology, drawing on a parallel approach to that used by Beebee, Childress, and Weidman (2017) in Translation Ecologies: A Beginner’s Guide. However, whereas their work contrasts ecology with polysystem theory, this paper instead examines the relationship between ecology and social systems theory within the context of translation studies.

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Adaptation Strategies in Video Game Localization: A Case Study of Civilization

Farkhondeh Touiserkani

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2024, , Pages 41-52

Abstract

  In audiovisual translation, where video game localization plays a critical role, integrating visual elements with spoken content is essential. This study investigates the translation ...  Read More In audiovisual translation, where video game localization plays a critical role, integrating visual elements with spoken content is essential. This study investigates the translation of expressions within the video game Civilization, exploring the prevailing norms of adaptation in Persian translation. The study has two main objectives: first, to examine the application of Skopos theory principles in the Persian translation of Civilization; second, to analyze the adaptation strategies based on Bastin’s (2005) model in this translation. For this purpose, a corpus of English text segments from the Civilization video game and their Persian translations was selected and analyzed. Using Skopos theory and Bastin’s adaptation model, the study examines adaptation strategies. The findings illuminate how adaptation strategies an6 d societal ideologies interact within the context of video game localization. Ultimately, the study reveals that, as video games are primarily designed for enjoyment, coherence as an adaptation strategy should be prioritized to enhance the game's appeal.

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Evaluating the Methods Used in the Arabic to English Translation of Qur'an-specific Cultural Items with Regard to the Concepts of Domestication and Foreignization

Mahla Abedi; Abolfazl Sanjarani

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2024, , Pages 48-59

Abstract

  Translation has played a crucial role in easing communication between human beings at all times throughout history, so without translation, the complex, interwoven social structures ...  Read More Translation has played a crucial role in easing communication between human beings at all times throughout history, so without translation, the complex, interwoven social structures in human life might never have been achieved. It has also made accessing texts of high significance easy and comfortable. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the methods translators used in translating certain cultural contents from the Holy Quran, as well as the degree to which they applied the concepts of domestication and foreignization to their translations of these cultural aspects. The theoretical framework for this research is Baker's method (1992), which offers strategies that translators use when dealing with concepts that lack equivalents at the vocabulary level or higher counterparts. The majority of the Qur’an-specific cultural items have been translated using the first strategy of "translation by a more general word," with a total percentage of 48.85. The second most common strategy is "translation by paraphrase using a related word" (21. 71%).Given that the majority of strategies employed by all translators fall under the category of domestication strategies, it can be concluded that the translators adopted a target-oriented approach rather than a source-oriented approach when translating Qur’an-specific cultural items.

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Translation and Poetic Recreation: Examining the European Roots of Iraj Mirza's 'Qalb-e Mâdar'

Mokhtar Issaiyan

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 48-60

Abstract

  During the first decades of the 20th century, Iran underwent a transformative phase spurred by the emergence of local periodicals. Intellectuals and modernists in the country, drawing ...  Read More During the first decades of the 20th century, Iran underwent a transformative phase spurred by the emergence of local periodicals. Intellectuals and modernists in the country, drawing inspiration from the social and cultural developments in Europe, actively engaged in defining and supervising cultural and artistic modernism in Iran. One such influential journal was Irânšahr, which, much like its foreign counterparts, sought to mirror the progress and advances in the European world. Irânšahr set itself apart by initiating a literary competition to deepen its engagement with European literature. This competition invited Iranian authors to create new literary works based on extracts from Western literary pieces. This article specifically analyzes a publication resulting from this initiative, namely “Qalb-e mâdar”, a poem by Iraj Mirza, recognized as one of his best creations. Our analysis commences with a detailed examination of Iraj’s poem and the foreign sources that inspired it. Subsequently, we conduct a comparative study between the two texts. The objective is to uncover how the Iranian poet, Iraj Mirza, not only drew inspiration from Western literature but also managed to recreate the text in a way that seamlessly aligned with the poetic and cultural conventions of the Iranian language. This exploration aims to shed light on the processes through which the Iranian poet skillfully adapted the text to cater to the preferences of his Iranian readers. However, it is essential to approach this assessment with caution. While acknowledging the prowess of the Iranian poet in adapting foreign influences, deeming his work a universal model for literary modernization may pose challenges.

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Assessment of Entrepreneurship Traits of English Translation Students: The Case of Islamic Azad Universities in Mazandaran Province

Saeed Ranjbar; Parisa Nejatimoqadam

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2024, , Pages 53-66

Abstract

  In recent decades, numerous studies in Iran have examined entrepreneurial traits among university students. However, the entrepreneurial potential of undergraduate English translation ...  Read More In recent decades, numerous studies in Iran have examined entrepreneurial traits among university students. However, the entrepreneurial potential of undergraduate English translation students remains unexplored. This study investigates the entrepreneurial characteristics of English translation students at Islamic Azad University branches in Mazandaran Province and identifies key obstacles hindering their development. A sample of 106 English translation students from four branches was selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing traits such as risk-taking, internal locus of control, success orientation, pragmatism, challenge-seeking, intellectual vitality, and tolerance of ambiguity. Additionally, they engaged in semi-structured interviews after being informed about the study’s objectives. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA analysis indicated that entrepreneurial traits were generally average, with no significant differences across the four branches. Qualitative analysis of interview data highlighted personal, financial, legal, and educational barriers as primary entrepreneurial obstacles.

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Applying the Conceptual Blending Theory to Persian Translation of English Neologisms: Investigating a Translation of the Harry Potter Series

Ali Akbar Arjmand Rad; Zakie Khademian

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2024, , Pages 60-70

Abstract

  There are more and more neologisms to the vocabulary of human language due to the progress of globalization, development in social life, and advancement of new technology. The object ...  Read More There are more and more neologisms to the vocabulary of human language due to the progress of globalization, development in social life, and advancement of new technology. The object of this study is to survey the applicability of the conceptual blending theory in the analysis of neologisms in the Harry Potter series and will answer the question of which type of blended networks can be used in the new translation of neologisms. The theoretical part of this study described conceptual blending theory, and its networks and described making the meaning process based on these networks. This theory is a developing area of research in cognitive linguistics. So, those who work in the field of literary or translation analysis must be familiar with its basic operations and networks. The nature of this study is descriptive and content analysis. Data analysis will involve quantitative analysis. To address the objectives of the present study, the researcher selected 83 translated neologisms in the series of the novel. The paper mainly studies the process of conceptual blending theory (CBT) when translating those English neologisms whose Persian counterparts cannot be found. In the network of this theory, English takes up one input space and Persian takes up another. From both inputs, frameworks, and elements plan out the blend, where they are dynamically integrated. Then, the planned framework and elements construct a novel structure (translation).

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Application of House’s Translation Quality Assessment to Persian Translation of Technical Texts

Heidar Nosratzad; Hossein Pakdel

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 61-77

Abstract

  In this research, the quality of the Persian translation of a computer textbook was assessed based on House’s model of Translation Quality Assessment (TQA). To achieve reliable ...  Read More In this research, the quality of the Persian translation of a computer textbook was assessed based on House’s model of Translation Quality Assessment (TQA). To achieve reliable results, the two aspects of repeatability and reproducibility were considered. To ensure repeatability, researchers assessed the translation quality of randomly selected excerpts. After two weeks, excerpts were reassessed to ensure no differences were in the frequencies and kinds of detecting mismatches. Regarding reproducibility, four raters were asked to assess the translation quality of excerpts to ensure no differences were noted between the reported results by the researchers and raters. Moreover, the inter-rater reliability of the researchers and raters was measured. The chi-square test was used to measure the differences between expected and observed errors as well. Both theoretical and statistical analyses emphasize that the quality of the Persian translation is low; furthermore, it was translated overtly rather than covertly.

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A Case Study of Game Localization in Iran: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Zula

Mohammad Shokookohifar; Hamideh Nemati Lafmejani

Volume 1, Issue 3 , September 2024, , Pages 67-84

Abstract

  This study explores video game localization as a rapidly expanding field with significant potential in Iran’s market, focusing on Zula, the Persian localized version of the video ...  Read More This study explores video game localization as a rapidly expanding field with significant potential in Iran’s market, focusing on Zula, the Persian localized version of the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The comparison examines various aspects of the games, including loading pages, user interface, settings, game modes, gameplay mechanics, announcements and voices, character adaptation, maps and weapons, monetization strategies, resource systems, items and accessories, as well as bugs. The findings demonstrate that Zula effectively integrates Iranian cultural values through features such as localized maps, Persian-language text, and culturally neutralized characters, fostering a sense of national identity and enhancing the overall user experience. However, the study also identifies shortcomings in the localization process, particularly regarding writing direction and translation inconsistencies, emphasizing the need for improvements in translation practices.

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The Effect of Translators’ Payment on the Quality of Translations: A Sociological Perspective of Translation Quality

Jalil Jalali; Sima Imani

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2024, , Pages 71-89

Abstract

  This paper investigates the payment's impact on the quality of translated products, an area that has been largely overlooked in translation sociology. Drawing on Actor-Network-Theory, ...  Read More This paper investigates the payment's impact on the quality of translated products, an area that has been largely overlooked in translation sociology. Drawing on Actor-Network-Theory, the study analyzed recent translations by 10 Iranian freelance and agency translators with over five years of translation experience in the market. Participants provided the researchers with translations completed for low and good payments, which were evaluated using the Waddington (2001) model. Interviews were conducted to gather the participants’ opinions with regard to the Iranian translation market. Despite dissatisfaction with low payment and the unjust translation market, most translators produced high-quality translations. However, the unjust market frustrated translators and led many to leave their jobs. The findings suggest that while low payment does not necessarily negatively affect translation quality, it can significantly impact the job satisfaction and retention of translators. This study sheds light on the economic aspect of translation and has important implications for the translation industry.

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An Intertextual and Crosslinguistic Study of Versified Translation of Poetry

Mostafa Shahiditabar

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 78-90

Abstract

  By employing insights from the theory of intertextuality (Bakhtin, 1981; Kristeva, 1980; Popovic 1990) and Farhazad’s Model (2009), this research seeks to shed light on how a ...  Read More By employing insights from the theory of intertextuality (Bakhtin, 1981; Kristeva, 1980; Popovic 1990) and Farhazad’s Model (2009), this research seeks to shed light on how a versified translation of a poem stands in intertextual relationship with other poems. Through a case study of the translation of “The Solitary Reaper” into Azerbaijani Turkish, the study aims to explore how the Turkish versified translation of this poem stands in intertextual relationship with other poems explicitly and implicitly. The results showed that the author’s Turkish translation of “The Solitary Reaper” stands in an intertextual relationship with Turkish poetry of Shahriar, Zelimkhan Yaqub, Aliagha Vahid, Rowshan Zamir, Seyyed Azim Shairvani and Persian poetry of Shahriar on the one hand and English poem of Wordsworth on the other hand in terms of content and genre. Moreover, the translation of “The Solitary Reaper” is not the English ballad reproduced in Turkish, but a ghazal that quotes from and refers to Wordsworth’s ballad intertextually. In the second attempt, some translations from and into Persian and Azerbaijani Turkish are provided to carry out a crosslinguistic analysis. The results of the paper showed that the themes of poems play a key role in translation. Religious or political poems need different strategies to convey the associated themes. For instance, in the religious poem examined in this study, using loan words to convey the religious themes properly is one of the strategies used by the translator while in the political poem of Ashraf, transferring the harsh tonality of the Turkish poem into Persian is the strategy applied by the translator through phonological transfer to show the political context of the poem in the poet’s revolutionary era.

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