INTER-CONFESSIONAL DIALOGUE AND ADAPTATION: AN ANALYSIS OF THE TURKISH EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive study of adaptive translation and the specifics of adapting religiously marked lexicon in Turkish linguistics. The research is based on the analysis of scholarly works by Turkish authors who consider adaptation as a key method of translation and expanding the audience of a product, particularly in the context of interfaith dialogue.

The article highlights various approaches to interpreting adaptation. On the one hand, adaptation is seen as a subsequent stage following translation in the comprehensive GILT system (Öztürk, Yazar), the goal of which is product globalization. According to this model, adaptation serves as an intermediary step between translation and internationalization, necessitating consideration of the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the target audience. On the other hand, adaptation is interpreted as a complex process encompassing translation, cultural adaptation, conversion, and editing of information (Canım, Konuk, Çelik). This approach entails a deeper intervention in the text, namely: replacing culturally specific elements, converting units of measurement, and omitting or adding information to enhance comprehension for the recipient.

Particular attention is paid to analyzing the components of adaptive translation and their application to religiously marked lexicon. The article provides a detailed examination of examples of adapting religious terms and concepts in different types of discourse: formal and informal. It demonstrates that in formal communication there is a tendency towards neutralizing religious references, while in informal discourse equivalence, compensation, and semantic development prevail. For instance, in official documents it is advisable to avoid direct references to religious texts or figures, whereas in fiction various translation transformations can be employed to convey the emotional and cultural connotations of religious expressions.

The study revealed an insufficient number of comprehensive scholarly works in Turkish that specifically address religious adaptation in interfaith dialogue. This underscores the need for developing theoretical materials and practical recommendations for translators working with religious texts.