Translation with Commentary with Special Emphasis on Culture-Specific Items

This paper presentation explores the translation process through two distinct excerpts: A Very British Love Story by John Nichol and You are What You Read by Jodie Jackson. Both excerpts were translated from English into Macedonian, and the commentary highlights various translation challenges encountered along the way. The primary focus of the commentary revolves around issues related to translation problems and strategies. One of the key areas of discussion is the translation of culture-specific items, which can present unique difficulties. These culture-specific elements often require careful consideration to ensure that the original meaning is preserved while also making the text accessible and understandable to the target audience.
Additionally, the presentation delves into the choice between two contrasting translation strategies: domestication and foreignisation. Domestication involves adapting the text to the cultural norms of the target language, making it feel more familiar to the audience, while foreignisation maintains the foreign elements of the original, preserving its cultural distinctiveness. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, weighing how they impact the reader's experience and the authenticity of the translation. The presentation provides a comprehensive look at the translation challenges that arise when handling culture-specific items and offers insights into the strategies that translators can employ to navigate these challenges effectively.