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Article published In:
Translation and Interpreting Studies
Vol. 19:1 (2024) ► pp.81–104

Translation norms and bilingual dictionaries

A case study of the North Korean Jo-Yeong Sajeon [Korean–English Dictionary]

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This article applies translational norm theory to bilingual lexicography, arguing that the bilingual lexicographer serves as a “norm authority,” and the bilingual dictionary functions as a “norm statement” that prescribes the scope of what is considered legitimate interlingual equivalence within a given society. To demonstrate how the content of a bilingual dictionary can be used to promote specific translation norms, the headwords, equivalents, directives, and examples found in the North Korean bilingual dictionary, Jo-Yeong Sajeon (JYS) [Korean–English Dictionary] (1987/1991), were analyzed as a case study. The Korean–English lexical pairings presented in the JYS are matched with exemplary Korean–English translations listed in two North Korean translation textbooks, Jo-Yeong Beonyeokbeop [Korean–English Translation Method] (Min 2012) and Yeong-Jo Beonyeokbeop [English–Korean Translation Method] (Min 2014), affirming that the translation norms featured in the JYS hold normative force over the decisions made by professional translators.
Keywords: bilingual dictionaries, lexicography, ideology, North Korea, translation norms
Article outline
  • Translation studies and bilingual lexicography
  • Translation norms and bilingual dictionaries: Lexicographers as norm authorities
  • Juche ideology and North Korean lexicography: An examination of ideological influence
  • The Jo-Yeong Sajeon [Korean–English Dictionary]: Analyzing headwords, equivalents, directives, and examples
    • The publication of the Jo-Yeong Sajeon: A historical overview
    • Selecting ideologically significant headwords
    • Structuring equivalents to promote translation norms
    • Shaping meaning through directives
    • Constructing narratives with examples
  • Comparing translation norms: The intersection of dictionaries and textbooks
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 20 June 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.21015.kim
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