Translating the Public Sphere: Analyzing Linguistic and Cultural Dimensions in Publicistic Texts

Abstract

This study explores the challenges and strategies involved in translating publicistic texts, which are characterized by their rich use of figurative language, complex syntactic structures, and culturally specific references. Publicistic texts play a critical role in shaping public discourse by conveying ideological and social narratives; however, their translation requires more than a literal rendering. Drawing on theories of figurative language (Glucksberg & McGlone, 2001) and intercultural communication (Iriye, 1979; Kulikova et al., 2017), the research examines how translators navigate linguistic complexities—such as idiomatic expressions and non-standard syntactic forms—while also adapting culturally embedded elements for target audiences. Employing a qualitative methodology that integrates comparative discourse and content analyses of selected texts and their translations, the study identifies common translation strategies, including domestication and the use of explanatory notes, as well as the inherent tensions between fidelity to the source and cultural adaptation. The findings underscore the translator’s role as an active mediator who shapes the final text, influencing its ideological and cultural impact. This research contributes to translation studies by offering insights into the effective handling of linguistic and cultural nuances in the public sphere, with implications for both academic practice and professional training.