Applying a multidimensional, register-sensitive approach to visualize normalization in translated and non-translated Dutch

In this paper we investigate the differences in risk-averse behavior in translated versus non-translated texts by comparing lexical normalization in various registers of translated and non-translated Dutch. We want to verify: (i) to what extent normalization is register dependent; (ii) whether normalizing behavior is similar in translated and non-translated texts of the same register, and (iii) to what extent normalization is source-language dependent. We relied on the Dutch Parallel Corpus to investigate the dispersion of 10 profiles, i.e. sets of synonymous lexical alternatives consisting of a Standard Dutch and a Belgian Standard Dutch alternative. Using an exploratory, multivariate technique we visualized and measured the degrees to which a number of registers of translated and non-translated Dutch conform to linguistic norms.