An Exploration of Translation Behaviours among Translators and Proofreading Editors in the Information Service in Mega Sports Events in China

Mega sports events are strategically employed by cities to gain capital and to rebrand their offer for tourists in the competitive global arena (Hall, 2006, p.59). For significant international sports events like the Olympic Games or any international championships, the Information Service, often managed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), plays a crucial role in providing worldwide media outlets with comprehensive information both inside and outside the competition (Jiang, 2012, p.23). In China, translation becomes an integral component of the Information Service. Bilingual services in Chinese and English are provided, with translators playing an often-overlooked yet indispensable role (Lv & Guo, 2022, p.26). In exploring the information service office in China, this study draws on the Domestication & Foreignization theory in translation studies (Venuti, 1995), considers the impact of gatekeeping theory on news translation in journalism (White, 1950), and incorporates relevant theories of sports translation and news translation. The objective is to analyze the translation behaviours of, and strategies employed by, translators and proofreading editors in the information service. The main findings are: The translation strategies employed by translators and proofreading editors in the information service office lack fixed parameters and exhibit flexibility, contingent upon considerations such as the source text, accuracy, sensitivity of information, and the intended audience. There is no universal translation strategy applied in the translation team. Therefore, the term ‘versalation’, which indicates a flexible and compatible translation strategy that allows translators and proofreading editors to adjust their translation in accordance to various considerations is proposed. Expressiveness and faithfulness, which extend from a fluent presentation of the translation to the precision of factual data and wording, are decisive factors that shape their final work. Both translators and proofreading editors openly acknowledge their gatekeeping role throughout the translation process, demonstrating benevolence towards Chinese athletes, and the continuation and compliance with China’s sports reporting policies. Proofreading editors shoulder a more substantial responsibility in this regard. Their translation strategies, particularly concerning sensitive information, are rooted in their individual preferences and influenced by diverse factors within and outside the information service office. These measures are consistent with China's long-term sports diplomacy objectives and are designed to avoid errors, thereby reflecting a proactive stance aimed at self-protection.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

other

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Guo, Zheng

• GV Hamdden Adloniant
• PL Ieithoedd a llenyddiaethau Dwyrain Asia, Affrica, Ynysoedd y De

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3935