Mainstream Translation Theories in Journalist Translation into IsiXhosa

Abstract

Translation, a complex and dynamic process, has garnered extensive scholarly attention, leading to the development of various theoretical frameworks to comprehend its intricacies (Freeman, 2009, p. 2). This study investigates the integrative application of three major theoretical frameworks in translation studies— Equivalence, Skopos theory, and the Cultural Turn—to construct a comprehensive and contextually grounded model for translating journalistic texts into isiXhosa. Drawing on foundational contributions by Vinay and Darbelnet (1958), Jakobson (1959), Nida (1964), Catford (1964), Koller (1979), Newmark (1981), Baker (1992), House (1997), and Pym (2010), the study critically engages with Equivalence theories, which prioritise the preservation of meaning, linguistic fidelity, and cultural nuance between source and target texts (Panou, 2013, p. 2). In parallel, the research examines the functionalist paradigm advanced by Vermeer’s (1989) Skopos theory, which foregrounds the translator’s purposeful agency in shaping the translation according to its intended function and audience (Venuti, 2008). The analysis further incorporates insights from the Cultural Turn, as articulated by Venuti (2008), which challenges notions of neutrality in translation and highlights the role of cultural, ideological, and socio-political factors in shaping the translation process. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate how the combined application of these theoretical approaches can inform and enhance the practice of translation in a Global South context, specifically in the case of isiXhosa. The methodological approach involved identifying the source text’s communicative function, analysing relevant post-colonial dimensions, and subsequently applying equivalence strategies to ensure cultural and linguistic appropriateness in the target language. The study thereby tests the practical utility of these theories when deployed in combination, rather than in isolation, to address the complexities inherent in cross-cultural translation. By synthesising these theoretical perspectives within the context of a real-world translation task, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on translation theory hubs (TTHs) and their applicability across diverse linguistic and cultural settings. It iv offers both a theoretical and practical framework that underscores the interplay between linguistic precision, functional adequacy, and cultural sensitivity, thereby advancing translation practice and scholarship, particularly within the South African multilingual landscape.