Subject Knowledge in the Translation of English Terminology

Leonid Chernovatyi 

Information about the author:  

Doctor of Sciences, Full Professor, Karazin National University (Kharkiv, UA) / Matej Bel University – UMB (Slovakia)

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3411-9408

e-mail: leonid.m.chernovaty@meta.ua

Title: Subject Knowledge in the Translation of English Terminology

https://doi.org/10.37919/2221-8807-2025-8-38

Rubric: Term in the Text

Abstract: Based on the study of sources related to the problems of terminology translation, the author assumes that the accuracy of the rendering of specialised lexis in the target text depends on the scope of subject knowledge that is minimally required for its correct interpretation in the source text. The analysis of the target texts of a highly specialised English source text confirmed this assumption. In particular, the author found a certain similarity between the translation strategies of students with limited subject knowledge and the specifics of the operation of machine translation (MT) programs. In both cases, there are terminological errors associated with a lack of under-standing of the subject matter of the source text, resulting in the use of inappropriate equivalents in the target text. In situations of ambiguity, students with limited subject knowledge tend to accept the options offered by MT programmes, even when these options are inadequate. The article outlines prospects for further research.

Keywords: subject knowledge, terminology, translation

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