Translation as a Bridge Between Cultures: a Multidisciplinary Perspective

Abstract

This paper explores the role of translation as a tool for fostering intercultural understanding and dialogue. Drawing on insights from linguistics, anthropology, and cultural studies, it argues that translation is not merely a technical process of converting text from one language to another, but a profoundly transformative act with the potential to bridge cultural divides. The paper examines key concepts such as equivalence, fidelity, and the "untranslatability" of certain cultural elements, and proposes a dynamic, context-dependent model of translation that acknowledges its inherent interpretive nature. It further highlights the importance of translators as cultural mediators and the role of translation in facilitating cross-cultural communication, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. The paper concludes by emphasizing the critical importance of translation in our increasingly globalized world and calls for greater recognition of the skills and expertise of translators in fostering cultural bridges.