A Study on Peach Blooms Painted With Blood From the Perspective of Foreignization

This research analyzes the drama, Peach Blooms Painted with Blood, as translated by Xu Yuanchong in light of Lawrence Venuti’s foreignization translation theory. The four elements influencing the foreignization translation method: purpose of the translator, type of text, poetics, and ideology are introduced, defined, analyzed, and illustrated in the translations by employing foreignization translation in linguistic, religious, and sociocultural contexts based on the five cultural contexts put forward by Eugene A. Nida. Following discussion of Nida’s contexts, the cases are analyzed through comparison and contrast of the connotations, implications, and situations existing between Chinese and Western cultures with the aim of enhancing the understanding of classical Chinese poetry and prose, thus enabling translators to interpret and advance Chinese classical works in a more effective way.

Towards a linguistic theory of translation as re-contextualisation and a Third Space phenomenon

The article suggests a theory of translation as re-contextualisation and a ‘Third Space’ phenomenon supplementing the ideas recently suggested in the cultural branch of translation studies with a linguistic account and building a bridge between the two. The view proposed here is rooted in a functional approach to translation. Such an approach is fruitful because it implies a systematic consideration of the context of translation units and the embeddedness of language as a meaning-making tool in micro-situational and macro-sociocultural contexts. The categorically different nature of Third Space in covert and overt translation is exemplified and explained with reference to House ’s theory of translation as re-contextualisation. Finally, possible changes in conceptualizing translation as a Third Space phenomenon are mentioned with a view to the growing dominance of English as a global lingua franca.

Teasing and claims to non-serious intent in Chinese talk shows

While teasing can sometimes cause offence, the limits of what counts as acceptable teasing is a function of the localised sequential environment and broader socio cultural context in which it occurs. In this article, we examine the sequential and moral implications of claims to non-serious intent in teasing sequences arising in television talk shows. Drawing from an analysis of over 28 hours of variety shows broadcast in Mainland China and Taiwan, we examined 25 sequences involving claims by participants to be ‘kidding’ (kaiwanxiao). From this analysis it emerged that claims to be ‘kidding’ are used in these contexts to: (1) disclaim any (potential) offence caused through teasing, (2) signal a return to serious talk following teasing, (3) reproach the other for teasing that is construed as going too far, (4) and boost the humorous impact of self-boasting in response to teasing. While the first two are consistent with the usage of equivalent expressions in other languages, the latter two have not been identified in studies to date, thereby underscoring the importance of studying jocular forms of teasing in different linguistic and sociocultural contexts.

The Indonesian sociocultural contexts related to daily occupations of children with cancer during hospitalisation: The parents’ perspective

Background The sociocultural phenomenon affecting daily occupations of hospitalised children with cancer in a diverse country like Indonesia is thought-provoking and requires exploration. Objective This study aims to explore the sociocultural contexts related to daily occupations of children with cancer during hospital admittance from the parents' perspective. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with cancer who had been hospitalised for two weeks or more. The data were collected at the paediatric ward of “Dharmais” National Cancer Center Hospital, Jakarta. The study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results Nine parents of children with cancer consented to the study. Three interconnected themes emerged as necessary to the sociocultural context among participants. These involve ‘The surrounding human environment as primary encouragement’, ‘Culture and spirituality as the basic standard’ and ‘Activity adjustments as new habits’. Conclusions The themes revealed that the daily occupations of hospitalised children with cancer are strongly encouraged by family and social systems in Indonesia, spiritual aspects of the parents and the occupational changes due to the new settings.