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Article published In: Australian Review of Applied Linguistics: Online-First Articles

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Exploring L1/L2 and time impact on linguistic complexity of Laozi translations

ORCiD logo with link | Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Published online: 30 January 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.24025.che
Abstract
Research shows that language complexity is a crucial measure of proficiency and that academic and scientific writing has evolved over time. However, linguistic complexity may differ between first (L1) and second (L2) language translations, and its development over time remains unexplored. This study examines how the translator’s native language and the time of translation affect the complexity of Laozi translations. Using a corpus of 79 translations, we analyzed syntactic and lexical complexity to compare L1 and L2 English speakers’ translations across three distinct periods. Contrary to expectations, our results reveal no significant complexity differences between L1 and L2 translators, suggesting that native language proficiency does not necessarily influence translation complexity. However, significant variations were found across different historical periods, indicating changes in translation styles over time. These findings show that time influences translation complexity more than the translator’s native language.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Laozi
    • 1.2Laozi translations
    • 1.3Translation simplification
    • 1.4Simplification and factors
    • 1.5Overview
  • 2.Methodology
    • 2.1Data collection
    • 2.2Analytical procedure
  • 3.Results and discussion
    • 3.1Lack of significant difference in syntactic complexity between L1 and L2 translations
    • 3.2Lack of significant difference in lexical complexity between L1 and L2 translations
    • 3.3Significant difference in syntactic complexity between different time periods
    • 3.4Significant difference in lexical complexity between different time periods
    • 3.5Time periods with significant syntactic complexity difference
    • 3.6Time periods with significant lexical complexity difference
  • 4.Discussion
    • 4.1Shortening sentences
    • 4.2Reduction in clauses
    • 4.3Increase in content words
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Statement on the use of AI
  • Notes
  • References
References (43)
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