Abstract:
Cross-cultural translation is a challenge, and a translator's job is to transfer the source language to the target language. Translation strategies are therefore important for translators. This research aimed 1) to categorize cultural words and phrases in 34 Thai dissertation abstracts of doctoral students of Buddhist Psychology Program,Faculty of Humanities at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,and 2) to analyze Thai into English translation strategies employed by translators in 34 Thai language abstracts of doctoral students of Buddhist Psychology Program, Faculty of Humanities at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University submitted in 2019. The research tool was recording form for categorizing cultural words and phrases based on cultural concepts and analysis of translation strategies by Peter Newmark. Translation strategies were analyzed employing conceptual frameworks of Bakers taxonomy and Pinmanees translation strategies for translating cultural-specific items. Frequency of cultural types and translation strategies were shown in percentage. The findings showed that cultural words and phrases consisted of 194 categorized based on Newmarks concept of culture: 23 words (11.86%) in material culture; 171 words and phrases in in religious organization, concept, teachings, and beliefs consisting of 13 words in religious organization, 126 words in religious concepts, teachings and beliefs followed by 32 words and phrases in religious activities. Regarding translation strategies, cultural translation strategies included five strategies consisting of: (1) literal translation 148 words (76.29%); (2) hybrid translation strategy, a mixed strategy between literal and transliteral translation 25 words (12.89); (3) transliteration 13 words (6.70%); (4) free translation 6 words (3.09%), and (5) descriptive phrase 2 words (1.03%). The research results could be applied in translating other types of cultural texts in both classroom and outside classroom settings