Socio-cognitive influences on translating forward causal connectives: A multivariate analysis of English translations of Tao Te Ching

IF 1.1 3区文学 0 LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS

Lingua Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.lingua.2024.103872

Hui Kang , Yaxin Zhang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Building on previous research that has primarily focused on explicitation and implicitation in the translation of causal connectives, this study investigated the socio-cognitive imprints that influence the translation of these seemingly neutral function words. We examined the translated expressions of forward causal connectives, which signify both objective (motivator-result) and subjective (support-proposition) inter-clausal relationships, in nine English translations of the ancient Chinese classic Tao Te Ching. Using multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis, factor analysis, and correspondence analysis, we found that translators’ decisions might be influenced by their reasoning traditions (inductive vs. deductive) and the inherent properties of their native languages. Moreover, personal experiences affect these translations within a broader sociocultural context. Viewed through the lens of function word translation, our findings support and extend the principles of Social Cognitive Theory, highlighting the pervasive impact of sociocultural dynamics on translation practices.

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来源期刊

Lingua Multiple-

CiteScore

2.50

自引率

9.10%

发文量

审稿时长

24 weeks

期刊介绍： Lingua publishes papers of any length, if justified, as well as review articles surveying developments in the various fields of linguistics, and occasional discussions. A considerable number of pages in each issue are devoted to critical book reviews. Lingua also publishes Lingua Franca articles consisting of provocative exchanges expressing strong opinions on central topics in linguistics; The Decade In articles which are educational articles offering the nonspecialist linguist an overview of a given area of study; and Taking up the Gauntlet special issues composed of a set number of papers examining one set of data and exploring whose theory offers the most insight with a minimal set of assumptions and a maximum of arguments.