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Three-dimensional transformation in the English translation of China's Foreign Ministry spokespersons' conflictive responses


Citation

Yang, Wei and Syed Abdullah, Syed Nurulakla and Ang, Lay Hoon and Yang, Mingxing (2025) Three-dimensional transformation in the English translation of China's Foreign Ministry spokespersons' conflictive responses. World Journal of English Language, 15 (3). pp. 241-250. ISSN 1925-0703; eISSN: 1925-0711

Abstract

This study investigates the translation of conflictive responses in Chinese diplomatic discourse into English. Utilizing the three-dimensional transformation framework of eco-translatology, encompassing linguistic, cultural, and communicative dimensions, the research identifies strategies and challenges in achieving semantic equivalence, cultural appropriateness, and communicative effectiveness. The study employs a qualitative approach, combining descriptive translation studies and content analysis. The corpus is sourced from the official website of China's Foreign Ministry's press conferences in 2020 delivered by the spokesperson Zhao Lijian. Findings reveal that idiomatic expressions and neologisms with negative connotations characterize conflictive responses and present significant translation challenges. The three-dimensional transformations are not always fully realized, particularly in neologisms lacking direct equivalents in the target language. Adaptation and description are frequently adopted, and the literal translation is not often applicable when dealing with culturally-rendered expressions. This study underscores the importance of a translator-centered approach that highlights the critical role of translation in shaping diplomatic discourse.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Language and Linguistics
Subject: Education
Subject: Linguistics and Language
Divisions: Faculty of Modern Language and Communication
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v15n3p241
Publisher: Sciedu Press
Keywords: Conflictive responses; Cultural differences; Idiomatic expressions; Neologisms; Three-dimensional transformation
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Depositing User: Ms. Nur Faseha Mohd Kadim
Date Deposited: 23 Jul 2026 07:12
Last Modified: 23 Jul 2026 07:12
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.5430/wjel.v15n3p241
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/127309
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