Translation, Culture, and Ideology in the Age of Globalization: A Critical Study of Cross-Cultural Interaction and Asymmetrical Power Dynamics

الملخص

The process of translation fundamentally depends on the translator's expertise in elucidating the intricate relationship between language and culture. Its primary purpose is the faithful transfer of meaning while accounting for the complexity inherent in multifaceted linguistic and cultural interactions. This study explores the ways in which translation influences cultural identity formation and promotes or impedes cross-cultural communication. A collection of cultural materials, including translated literature and media texts, was examined via a qualitative descriptive approach. Since language lies at the heart of culture, translation must address their dynamic interconnection, especially in today's globalized context. The paper explores how extrinsic factors such as ideology, politics, and economics affect translators' decisions and shape the broader cultural exchange. By foregrounding asymmetrical power relations, the present study highlights translation's dual role as a medium for bridging cultures and as a mechanism that can perpetuate or challenge global power dynamics. Results suggest that translation has the potential to act as a mechanism for maintaining cultural diversity while simultaneously reinforcing cultural hierarchies. This duality underscores the pivotal responsibility of translators in balancing linguistic fidelity, cultural authenticity, and the expectations of the target audience.