Conceptual deviation in terminology translation

Abstract

Abstract Viewing the conceptual dynamicity of terminology as a major challenge in translation practices, this article proposes a framework for studying conceptual deviation in terminology translation. A case study based on a multilingual parallel corpus of journalistic translation is carried out to examine the conceptual deviation in Chinese and Spanish translations of several COVID-19-related terms in health communication via international news media. The results suggest that conceptual deviation occurs to varying degrees in translation and the Chinese translation conceptually deviates more from the source text than the Spanish translation does. Based on the premise that conceptual deviation may occur because of the sociocultural constraints on journalistic translation as an activity of cross-linguistic and -cultural health communication, the causes and impact of conceptual deviation in terminology translation are also discussed.