Translation norms and bilingual dictionaries

Abstract

This article applies translational norm theory to bilingual lexicography, arguing that the bilingual lexicographer serves as a “norm authority,” and the bilingual dictionary functions as a “norm statement” that prescribes the scope of what is considered legitimate interlingual equivalence within a given society. To demonstrate how the content of a bilingual dictionary can be used to promote specific translation norms, the headwords, equivalents, directives, and examples found in the North Korean bilingual dictionary, Jo-Yeong Sajeon (JYS) [Korean–English Dictionary] (1987/1991), were analyzed as a case study. The Korean–English lexical pairings presented in the JYS are matched with exemplary Korean–English translations listed in two North Korean translation textbooks, Jo-Yeong Beonyeokbeop [Korean–English Translation Method] (Min 2012) and Yeong-Jo Beonyeokbeop [English–Korean Translation Method] (Min 2014), affirming that the translation norms featured in the JYS hold normative force over the decisions made by professional translators.