Translation for language revitalisation: efforts and challenges in documenting botanical knowledge of Thailand’s Northern Khmer speakers

Abstract This research examines the Thai and English translation equivalents of Northern Khmer ethnobotanical terms and the corresponding translation strategies, along with the translators’ reflections on their role as language revitalisation agents. The ultimate purpose of this translation effort is to provide a knowledge base for Northern Khmer learners and an English conversation textbook for local Thai and Northern Khmer students, as well as preserve traditional botanical information. The cultural-specific items that pose translation problems are traditional medicine-related terms, tastes, and parts of the plant. For Northern Khmer to Thai, the most frequently employed translation strategies are literal translation and cultural substitution, and for Thai to English, a combination of literal translation and paraphrasing. Besides the geographical, linguistic and cultural distance between the three languages, translators as agents with their language ability and willingness are crucial elements for Northern Khmer revitalisation. At the same time, the effort to undertake the process tends to be fully realised at the community level. Volunteer translators’ intention to devote their translations to educational resources for local students has a substantial impact on translation strategies. The translators’ self-concept is also enhanced by their prior involvement in the preserving botanical wisdom project and subsequent translation process, during which they reflect on language pairs and strengthen their knowledge of dialect as a by-product.