Cultural Approaches to Translation

Abstract

There are numerous cultural approaches to translation, given the numerous definitions of both “culture” and “translation.” We might say that both culture and translation revolve around difference. We notice culture as difference, and we require translation when difference significantly affects communication. The approaches may then be divided according to how difference between self and other should be managed in translation. In the first case, “translating from cultures,” differences should be explained. In the second, “translating for cultures,” differences should either be reduced (domestication) or highlighted (foreignization). The final approach, “translating between cultures,” gauges the likely tolerance for difference and attempts to mediate or reconcile differences, creating an interspace. Keywords: culture; globalization; intercultural communication; linguistic anthropology; ideology; translation