Strategies employed in the translation of isiZulu Idioms: A case study of subtitling in South African soap operas
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study critically explores the factors contributing to the non-equivalence of idioms between isiZulu and English in South African television soap operas. It aims to analyse the challenges that a translator as subtitler faces when translating idioms from isiZulu source texts into English. The objectives include identifying the factors leading to non-equivalence in isiZulu-to-English translations of idioms and recommending effective translation strategies. Qualitative interviews were conducted with one subtitler and one translator, and content analysis was applied to transcripts from Season 5 of Imbewu: The Seed. Skopos theory undergirded the study as it emphasises the rationale behind translation choices and endorses various ways for translating idioms. The data indicated that translators and subtitlers provide the closest meaning when translating idioms. It was also discovered that the translators lack qualifications related to the relevant languages and did not possess ample knowledge of translation theories.
Institution: Tshwane University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7171489457