Translation as a Cultural Filler

Translation is often described as a bridge that carries meaning from one language to another. However, this description may not fully reflect what happens during the translation process. Language is closely connected to culture, and meanings are shaped by social norms, shared values, and everyday practices. Because of this, translation usually involves more than simply replacing words; it also requires interpretation and an awareness of cultural context. This becomes particularly noticeable when culturally specific or regional expressions are translated, as their meanings may shift or become unclear outside their original setting. For this reason, this paper aims to explore the idea that translation can be understood not only as a bridge between languages but also as a kind of cultural filter through which meaning is adjusted for the target culture. Many researchers in translation studies have focused on the close relationship between language and culture, agreeing that meaning cannot exist independently of cultural context. The idea of translation as simple equivalence is questioned by the claim that “No translation can ever be the same as the original because languages are different and translation involves addressing a new readership” (Bassnett, 1998, p. 2). This view shows that translation inevitably leads to change, since the translated text is shaped by both linguistic differences and the expectations of a new audience.

In a similar way, the importance of culture in communication is emphasized by the claim that “Culture determines how people speak and write and perceive each other” (Stolze, 2009). This suggests that translators need to understand cultural habits and ways of expression, not just words and grammar. Stolze (2009) also notes that “…in translations we often find more or less adequate ‘modulations’ or ‘adaptations’ resulting in ‘cultural shifts,’” pointing out that translation usually involves adjustments caused by cultural differences. Furthermore, Stolze (2009) draws attention to possible misunderstandings, stating that problems may occur “…when a translator from a different culture may not be able to adequately interpret the implicit cultural traces or even misinterprets them.” Other scholars have also highlighted the active role of the translator in shaping meaning. Anthony Pym, for example, discusses how translation is not just a mechanical act of substitution but involves negotiation between the source and target cultures. He notes that the translator often must make choices about which cultural elements to retain, adapt, or explain, suggesting that translation can never be entirely neutral. Mona Baker also emphasizes the social aspect of translation, arguing that the translator’s decisions are influenced not only by linguistic factors but also by social expectations, norms, and values. In line with these perspectives, translation becomes a complex interaction between languages, cultures, and audiences, where the translator acts as both a mediator and a cultural interpreter.

Altogether, these arguments support the idea that translation is not simply a neutral bridge between languages but a process in which meaning is filtered and reshaped through culture. Literature consistently shows that cultural understanding is essential for accurate translation, especially when dealing with idiomatic, regional, or emotionally nuanced expressions.

The role of culture in translation becomes much clearer when real-life examples are considered. Several examples can illustrate how cultural meaning is filtered in translation. For instance, “kuyis etmek” is a regional expression used in some parts of the Black Sea region of Türkiye to describe raising one’s voice intensely, often implying crying out, wailing, or shouting in emotional distress. Unlike the standard Turkish verbs for shouting, the expression carries a strong emotional and communal connotation, typically associated with moments of panic, grief, or urgency.

Another example is the expression “ander kalsun sevdaluk,” which illustrates how meaning in the Black Sea dialect cannot be fully conveyed through literal translation. In this context, “ander” does not simply mean “worthless” or “useless”; instead, it expresses emotional fatigue, disappointment, and the sense that something is no longer worth investing effort in. When combined with “sevdaluk” (love), the phrase conveys the idea of letting an emotional attachment remain unresolved or fade away, not because love never existed, but because continuing it has become emotionally exhausting. This expression reflects resignation and acceptance rather than a clear cut ending, demonstrating how cultural context and shared emotional understanding shape the meaning beyond direct linguistic equivalence.

A further example can be foun in the expression “gogoris etmek,” used in some Black Sea dialects to describe a quiet, restrained form of crying. Rather than loud sobbing, it refers to silently weeping, often with deep sighs or sniffing, expressing sadness in an inward and subdued way. For instance, a child may sit in the corner and “gogoris etmek” after hearing upsetting news. The expression emphasizes emotional suppression and inner distress rather than an outward display of grief.

As a final example, one of my personal favorite expressions is the verb “göreslenmek” which is used in the Black Sea dialect to express a form of longing that carries strong emotional weight. It does not simply refer to missing someone in a casual sense; rather, it describes a quiet, inward yearning that is felt deeply but rarely spoken aloud. This type of longing often arises from separation or the impossibility of reunion, and it is marked by silence, restraint, and emotional depth. To “göreslenmek” is to carry one’s longing within the heart, allowing it to linger as a subdued yet persistent emotional presence.

In conclusion, translation cannot be understood merely as the mechanical transfer of words from one language to another. As this paper has shown, language is deeply embedded in culture, and meanings are shaped by social norms, shared values, and everyday practices. Translators, therefore, must go beyond literal word-for-word equivalence and consider the cultural, emotional, and social dimensions of meaning. Regional expressions like “kuyis etmek,” “ander,” “gorgoris etmek,” and “göreslenmek” demonstrate how translation involves interpretation, not only of language but also of cultural context. By approaching translation as a process that filters and reshapes meaning according to the target culture, translator’s role stands not merely as a linguistic intermediary but as a cultural mediator, bridging worlds of understanding rather than simply bridging words.

References
- Bassnett, S., & Lefevere, A. (1998). Constructing cultures: Essays on literary translation.Multilingual Matters.
- Stolze, R. (2009). Dealing with cultural elements in technical texts for translation. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 11, 124–142.