Tip #3 Cultural substitution: An aspect of target language for a culturally distinct one

Tip #3 - Cultural substitution

By substituting a target-language element for a culturally specific one that communicates an opinion but has a different meaning, the reader of the target text is more likely to feel the same effect as the reader of the source text.

The line "Just one more thing, before the celebration" is rendered as "แต่ก่อนที่เราจะได้เข้ารับขวัญบ้านใหม่" minute 3:23.

Celebration can actually be interpreted as การฉลอง [BT: celebration]. However, รับขวัญ [ BT: console] in the target tongue, communicates the cultural meaning.

One of the Thai people's beliefs is that each person is born with an ephemeral substance called Kwan that supports life and accompanies its proprietor wherever he or she goes. Thus, the Su Kwan Ceremony, enables the growing "Kwan" or soul to dwell within oneself and is said to strengthen resolve.

As a result, the translated content or cultural object is more understandable, natural, and approachable to the intended audience.

More Mona Baker techniques can be found here.