ARTICLE
Corpus-based critique of translator behaviour in rendering swear words: a case study of Chi-Chen Wang's Stories of China at War
This analysis investigates the characteristics of translator behaviour through an analysis of swear word translations in wartime fiction. A methodological framework for investigating the translation of swear words is developed, and a combined qualitative and quantitative analysis is conducted to examine the features of the translator's behaviour.
Executive Impact at a Glance
Key metrics demonstrating the strategic translation choices and their broader implications for cross-cultural communication and ideological representation.
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Average Swear Word Frequency
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Utility-Attaining Instances
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Truth-Seeking Instances
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Intercoder Agreement (Pearson r)
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
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Translator Behavior: Utility vs. Truth-Seeking
The study reveals a predominant utility-attaining tendency in Wang's translation (106 instances) over truth-seeking (21 instances). This indicates a strategic approach prioritizing target-reader accessibility and ideological clarity over strict literal fidelity, especially in rendering sensitive language like swear words.
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Swear Words Reflect Utility-Attaining Translation
Wang's strategic choices align with a utility-attaining orientation, where translation decisions are influenced by target audience, cultural context, and the desired ideological impact, particularly in portraying anti-Japanese figures positively.
Enterprise Process Flow: Swear Word Translation Framework
Speaker Classification
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Referential Characteristics (RSW)
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Swear Word Classification (SWC)
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Translator Behavior (TB)
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Translation Strategy (TSSW)
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Target Text (TT)
This framework illustrates the multi-dimensional approach taken to analyze how swear words are translated, considering factors from speaker intent to final target text output. It provides a robust model for evaluating complex linguistic and cultural mediation processes.
Swear Word Classification & Translation Strategies
The study categorizes swear words based on semantic-pragmatic features and identifies Wang's primary translation strategies: equivalence, substitution, euphemism, and omission.
| Strategy | Description | Example (from text) |
|---|---|---|
| Equivalence | Direct transfer of source-text meaning with minimal adaptation, often literal translation, preserving original cultural connotations and emotional intensity. | "乌龟养的" (raised by turtles) → "sons of turtles" |
| Substitution | Target-language-oriented domestication, replacing source text terms with culturally accessible equivalents or neutral pronouns. | "鬼子" (devil) → "Japs", "one or two of them"; "土鳖" (hick) → "pigs" |
| Euphemism | Linguistic purification, attenuating offensive force of swear words through metaphorical or abstract expressions to maintain linguistic propriety and target reader reception. | "屁眼" (asshole) → "stinking holes" |
| Omission | Lexical-level removal of elements due to untranslatability, taboo constraints, or to preserve a positive character image. | "妈的" (shit) / "他妈的" (fuck) often omitted for anti-Japanese figures. |
These strategies highlight the translator's nuanced approach to balancing fidelity with the pragmatic and ethical considerations of wartime literature.
Ideological & Contextual Influences on Translation
Wang's translation choices are profoundly influenced by the addressor's identity, contextual factors (wartime), target audience, and cognitive-affective perceptions of the source culture.
Case Study: Constructing Positive Portrayals
Chi-Chen Wang strategically employed omission and euphemism to construct positive portrayals of anti-Japanese figures. This reflected his ideological stance as a Chinese translator, aligning his work with a utility-attaining translation orientation to support the just war effort and shape reader perception.
For example, highly offensive expletives from anti-Japanese guerrilla fighters, which might undermine a positive character image, were often omitted. Conversely, abusive terms directed at Japanese aggressors were maintained or even intensified through equivalence or substitution, reinforcing the dichotomy between allies and enemies.
This demonstrates how translation, especially of sensitive language, becomes a powerful tool for cultural mediation and ideological shaping within specific historical contexts.
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Your AI Implementation Roadmap
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Phase 1: Discovery & Strategy
Initial consultation, needs assessment, and detailed strategy formulation based on your specific linguistic and cultural analysis requirements.
Phase 2: Data & Model Development
Corpus creation, custom model training for nuanced language (e.g., swear words, ideological framing), and framework adaptation.
Phase 3: Integration & Testing
Seamless integration with existing systems (e.g., translation memory, CAT tools) and rigorous testing to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Phase 4: Deployment & Optimization
Full deployment, ongoing monitoring, performance optimization, and continuous learning for refined linguistic insights.
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