Challenges of Medical Translation in the 21st Century from English into Azerbaijani

Abstract

Translating texts from English to Azerbaijani is a complex and challenging task, particularly in the 21st century. The field of medicine is rapidly growing, with new knowledge emerging and medical terminology continually evolving. This thesis focuses on the difficulties faced by translators in this context. It explores challenges including medical terminology ensuring lexical equivalence in translations, readability and quality concerns. The research provides an overview of the main issues encountered in medical translation. It also touches upon the history of translation and the evolution of medical language. Additionally it addresses aspects such as the qualifications required for medical translators. The Azerbaijani language does not have a fully standardized medical terminology, which can make it difficult for translators to produce consistent and accurate translations. Cultural differences between English and Azerbaijani can also pose challenges for medical translators. For example, different cultures may have different names for the same medical conditions or procedures. The rapid pace of technological advancement in the medical field means that translators need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the latest medical terminology and concepts. This thesis delves into the multifaceted challenges that face medical translators in the 21st century as they bridge the linguistic and cultural gaps between these two languages within the context of healthcare and medicine. By shedding light on the linguistic, cultural, technological, and ethical challenges faced by medical translators, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in this specialized field. The findings of this research will be valuable not only for medical translators but also for healthcare providers, policymakers, and language service providers, aiming to enhance the quality of medical communication and care in a multicultural and multilingual world.