Let the language continue: Translation of Chinese into Welsh

Morgan, Alexander 2024. Let the language continue: Translation of Chinese into Welsh. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis discusses methods for translating complex, culturally specific terms into minority languages, focusing on source languages from which there has been little prior translation. The target language for the thesis is Welsh, a minority language with a history of translation from a variety of source languages but also a reliance on translations from English as the majority language. This thesis argues that it would benefit Welsh to increase this source language variety to avoid relying on English-language translations for contact with other languages. The source language for this thesis is Chinese, a language of growing international importance from which there has been little prior translation in Welsh. The theoretical framework for this thesis is based on polysystem theory, developed within translation studies by Itamar Even-Zohar, which was adapted with additional considerations for minority languages, including reference to postcolonialism and issues of colonisation and power relations. The methods used include designing a classification system of translation methods, examining existing Welsh translations from sources in Chinese and Ancient Greek through bibliographical and archival research, analysing translations of culturally specific terms from selected works for translation methods and a practical translation exercise, wherein I translated such terms from a Chinese source text into Welsh and reflected on my translation methods. This thesis produced translations of complex, culturally specific terms from Chinese to Welsh. It identified a trend in previous Welsh translations from Chinese and Ancient Greek, of repurposing existing Welsh terms to represent new concepts. Using Welsh language resources, as opposed to reliance on English-derived loanwords, seems beneficial to Welsh as a minority language. Yet, in the practical translation exercise, I included more loanwords and compounds. This is because, while minority language considerations remain important, challenging existing preconceptions concerning Chinese thought led to the adoption of a more source-focused translation strategy.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Modern Languages
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 June 2025
Last Modified:	10 Jun 2025 16:20
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178973

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