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Emotional Triggers in Ukrainian and Polish Texts About the War: Translation Challenges

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The article examines the concept of emotional triggers in texts covering the war in Ukraine and the specifics of their translation into Polish. The theoretical underpinnings of the term "emotional trigger" are defined, and a classification of triggers is provided based on the nature of the emotional response and the linguistic means of expression. The research methodology combines content analysis, cognitive analysis and a comparative analysis of translated texts. This study aims to explore the function of emotional triggers in texts concerning the war in Ukraine and to determine the specifics of their rendering in translation from Ukrainian into Polish. The study has revealed that Ukrainian media texts devoted to the war are rich in vocabulary and stylistic devices aimed at evoking strong emotions such as pride, anger, despair, and hope. Translating such texts into Polish presents a complex challenge that requires not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of both cultures. The results highlight key strategies for translating emotionally charged passages (equivalent translation, cultural adaptation, enhancement or mitigation of emotional effect, replacement with a cultural equivalent), illustrated with examples from Ukrainian and Polish media texts. A comparative analysis of lexical differences is presented: Ukrainian media often use more expressively charged patriotic vocabulary, whereas Polish media tend to choose more moderate or neutral equivalents. Cultural and historical factors influencing the perception of emotional triggers by the two audiences are discussed. It is concluded that effective translation of emotional triggers requires the translator to consider the cultural context and emotional expectations of the target audience in order to preserve the original's emotional impact.
Language: English
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412632525
FWCI:
Cites: 4
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Related to: 10