Integrated Localization Theory of Translation Studies

Abstract

As with every other discipline, Informatics and Communication Technologies have also begun to affect translation studies. In this context, this study covers a part of my doctoral thesis written on the topic and is based on the debate about whether existing translation theories need to be revised in accordance with current conditions. The study contends that, as with other translation theories developed for specialized translation areas, the ‘localization industry’ that initially became popular in the late 1980s and for which attempts have been made, by those conducting this study and some translation scholars, to include it under the umbrella of translation studies in the belief that it would be a gain for translation studies, requires a new translation theory. Accordingly, this study intends to build a bridge between translation studies and the theory of localization, which has emerged as an industrial discourse. A theoretical proposal called the ‘integrated localization theory’ of translation studies has also been proposed in the study. Furthermore, it is considered that this theoretical proposal will not discredit the existing translation theories that have emerged in different periods and show the characteristics of paradigms, but will instead combine and harmonize them. With this approach, localization may even be transformed into one of the new paradigms of translation studies.

An Adaptive Methodology to Overcome Localization Translation Challenges

“…Nord (2005) states that translation is an inter-subjective problem to solve. It is an interdisciplinary field, continuously evolving and bringing new theories to life (Odacıoğlu, 2017). As the consumer software industry emerged, with that flourished the localization sector that was influenced by the production of personal computers during early 1980s (O'Hagan & Mangiron, 2013).…”

“…Harcz (2016) argues that there are some important factors to deal with when a text is being translated from one language to another: the purpose; the target audience; the subject; the client; the given instructions; and the personal habits and preferences of the translator. Odacıoğlu (2017), the field of localization must be treated in an integrated way with translation studies. Odacıoğlu (2017) proposed an integrated localization theory, integrating the linguistic, technical and technological cycles with each other.…”

Analysis of Business English Translation in Hospitality Industry Based on Skopos Theory

“…With the emergence of the Web and theoretical foundation of Skopos, part of the business translation services has evolved into commercial translation projects called localization projects [21] (Somers, 2003). The localization theory is initially "developed for the area of technical translation" [22] (Odacıoğlu, 2017). This localization theory suits the language requirements, and also considers the complicated management environment, bringing the entire translation process in house.…”

“…The localization project, integrated target-oriented translation with the technology tools, can remedy a major limitation of Skopos theory, overlooking the richness of the meaning of the source text (or losing the advantages of linguistic equivalence). With the applications of machine translation and linguistic database (word-to-word equivalence) [22] (Odacıoğlu, 2017), the original text is highlighted at the first step of localization theory. This teamwork can properly preserve the commercially valuable cultural elements in the source texts.…”

Rethinking professional translation roles: the localisation of mobile applications

“…Several studies have dealt with the main differences between translation and localisation, and the place localisation occupies within Translation Studies (TS). Although there are authors who consider localisation as another example of translation (Mazur 2009), there is a consensus to state that it is a sub-discipline within TS (Folaron 2006;Jiménez Crespo 2013, 2019Odacıoğlu 2017). Certain studies have focused on describing the necessary professional and technical skills which translators need to develop in the field of localisation (DiFranco 2003;Folaron 2006;Jiménez Crespo 2013;Roturier 2015).…”