An analysis of errors in Korean-Chinese public sector translation - A case study on COVID-19 information materials -

Abstract

Journal of the International Network for Korean Language and Culture 19-2, 203-228. This study aims to analyze the translation errors in Chinese COVID-19 information materials published by Korean public institutions www.earticle.net and to explore ways to improve the translation quality of disaster information materials. First, this study discusses the factors to be considered for the quality assessment of public sector translation, as well as the criteria of translation evaluation in previous studies. Based on this, a framework for analyzing disaster information materials is identified. Then, this study analyzes the translation errors in Chinese COVID-19 information materials from January 2020 to February 2022. The analysis finds eight error types in the materials, with the most significant problem being low acceptability, as well as several mistranslations and grammatical errors. These findings suggest the need to select qualified translators and revisers, provide standard terminologies, and strengthen translation policies to convey disaster information to foreigners more effectively. (Shandong University)