Foreignization and Domestication in the English Translation of Material Cultural Words in Manchu Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of the English Version of The Tale of the Nisan Shamaness

Abstract

This study takes the foreignization and domestication strategies in translation theory as the core framework and combines text content analysis and case comparison research methods to focus on the translation practice of material cultural words in the English version of the Manchu intangible cultural heritage epic “Nisan Shaman.” The research finds that this translation presents a distinct strategy feature of “foreignization as the main approach and domestication as the auxiliary,” which is a rational decision made by the translator under the influence of multiple factors such as the goal of cultural dissemination, text characteristics, and reader acceptance. It forms a mixed model mainly based on “foreignization through transliteration + domestication through annotation.” The research indicates that in modern society, the translation of intangible cultural heritage needs to seek a balance between maintaining cultural authenticity and ensuring communication fluency. This combination of translation strategies also conforms to China’s important strategy of promoting “cultural going global,” and while promoting the sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage of ethnic minorities, it also promotes the international dissemination of excellent traditional Chinese culture.