Linguistic, Stylistic, Functional and Pragmatic Features of English Popular Texts and Their Translation Into Ukrainian (based on Ted Talks)
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Given the widespread use of the TED platform for the dissemination of scientific knowledge, certain requirements are imposed on lecture texts, which determine the choice of linguistic means, the use of non-verbal communication tools, and the impact on the target audience. This article discusses the results of a master's thesis on the linguistic, stylistic, functional and pragmatic features of English-language popular science texts and their translation into Ukrainian. The objectives of the study were to analyse the linguistic and stylistic features of English-language TED talks, identify the functional and pragmatic characteristics of such speeches, describe translation strategies for translating popular science texts, study the specifics of adapting cultural and social allusions in translation, etc. To achieve this goal, the following main research methods were used: induction, analysis, deduction and the method of quantitative counts to assess the frequency of use of certain linguistic techniques in texts, lexical and semantic analysis to identify specific linguistic means that provide pragmatic impact. The popular science discourse, which includes TED talks, is a kind of hybrid between academic and journalistic styles. The stylistic features of lectures, pragmatic means used by speakers, main tasks, etc. are highlighted. It is established that speakers simplify scientific terms, widely use metaphors, and ‘storytelling’ to facilitate the understanding of the speech by the audience. The main challenges faced by translators in translating such speeches are also identified, namely the need to translate metaphors while preserving their meaning and the transmission of cultural allusions used by speakers. The article outlines prospects for further research and provides practical recommendations for translating TED talks. These include choosing the best equivalent for conveying metaphors, preserving the speaker's informal style, paying attention to cultural allusions, and applying adaptive translation strategies.
Source: Advanced Linguistics
Authors: Andrii Sotnykov, Matvii Zagorodniy
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405819904