Conceptualisation of Terminology Translation in University Regulations

University regulations showcase the university’s institutional culture, communal values and characteristics, and the history and politics of the country where the university is located. One legacy of Taiwan’s history and the current status is a set of terms that are challenging for translators today. In my presentation, I will examine the translation of terms of student identities in Taiwanese university regulations and explore new possibilities for translating terms with historical and political complexities. The translations of student identities are not stereotypically considered political texts but may play a role in reflecting the political circumstances of contemporary and historical Taiwan and aid in understanding the different narratives that can develop around similar laws and regulations specific to the jurisdiction. In addition, social and cultural issues in the East Asian region can be further discussed in depth to provide a wealth of resources for legal language learning and teaching.

Yvonne Tsai is Professor of Translation Studies in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and Director of the Language Center at National Taiwan University. She lectures on computer-assisted translation technology, translation project management, technical translation, and legal translation. Her recent publications include Translators’ manipulation of texts: the case of children’s books on gender equality (2022), forthcoming Translation Politics and Terminology in University Regulations (2024), and Translating University Regulations (2024).