Kimchi & Kwang!: A reception study analyzing translation values in Korean webtoons translated to Dutch

Abstract

This paper examines the preference of Dutch readers for translation values with regards to the translation of culturally specific items (CSIs) in Korean webtoons. Both the translation of comics and the translation of CSIs are renowned for posing challenges to the translator, whose choice ultimately reflects one or another value. Without knowing the preference of the target readers, it is hard to make a well-founded decision. This thesis aims to shed light on whether Dutch readers prefer a more domesticating approach (value of comprehensibility) or a more foreignizing approach (value of authenticity) in a translation.

To date, limited research has been conducted on the reception of comic translations, as well as on the reception of CSIs. Existing studies have largely taken a descriptive approach. This study contributes to the field by adopting an exploratory perspective on reception.

Using an experiment and a questionnaire, preferences of participants were measured, as well as the potential influence of their familiarity with Korean language and culture and their familiarity with Asian comics. The findings show a general preference for the value of comprehensibility over the value of authenticity among participants, with familiarity with Korean language rather than culture being a potential influence on preferring more authentic translations. Especially less explicit CSI, such as forms of address and sound symbols, posed problems to participants with little familiarity with the Korean language, with the appearance of explicit CSIs, such as foods and customs, appreciated across the board.