Translating the ‘untranslatable’: Perspectives on the translation of cultural concepts from Xitsonga into English

Abstract

Translating cultural concepts from African languages into English has been problematic over the years. Part of the problem is when there is no equivalence between cultural concepts in two languages. This article examines translation strategies that support the accurate and culturally sensitive rendering of Xitsonga cultural concepts into English, focusing on domestication and foreignisation. The researcher identified and selected culturally specific Xitsonga concepts and produced two English translations for each; one using domestication and the other foreignization. Respondents were then asked to indicate which translation they found clearer and more culturally appropriate, and to provide explanations for their choices through open-ended questions. Findings show that domestication was generally preferred, as it provided clearer explanations while minimising foreign elements in the target text. The study highlights the importance of employing suitable translation strategies to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, demonstrating how translators can make informed decisions to convey meaning accurately while maintaining cultural fidelity. Though, it was found that domestication as a paraphrasing strategy works best in the translation of cultural concepts from Xitsonga into English, the respondents conceded that translating cultural concepts is quite a daunting task. Hence, a translator must have an in-depth knowledge of the two cultures namely: Xitsonga and English. This article broadens the scope of discourse on how the translation of cultural concepts from African languages into English can be maximally done. Translators, lexicographers and authors will benefit from the findings of the study, particularly on how to address the non-equivalence of cultural terms between two languages.