Dealing with Cultural Issues in Translating Blog Columns by Jeff Klima

Abstract: The aim of this essay is to identify and discuss possible solutions to problems regarding the translation of certain cultural references in blog columns by the American author Jeff Klima. More specifically, these cultural references are general cultural aspects, swear words and references to people. General cultural aspects include references to historical events, religious festivities, publications, cultural stereotypes and culturally based idioms. I use Vinay and Darbelnet’s strategies of direct and oblique translation, as well as Nida’s concepts of formal and dynamic equivalence. I also use Newmark’s strategies of semantic versus communicative translation, and Ingo’s adaption strategy. I find that there is no universal solution applicable to all types of culturally related issues in translation, but that every case is unique and requires a unique solution. What can be said, however, is that semantic translations and word-for-word translations are rarely applicable when it comes to cultural issues. True for all issues, however, is that the translator needs to be perfectly clear on what the author is saying and who the receiver, or target reader, is in order to begin to explore which strategy is best to use.