When the Foreign Finds Familiarity: The English and Hungarian Translations of Culture-Specific Items in Han Kang’s Human Acts

Abstract

In my thesis, I aim to explore the possible translation techniques of culture-specific items through examining the Hungarian and English translations of the South Korean author, Han Kang’s novel, Human Acts. This study aims to show an insight into the historical background of translation as well as its relationship with cultures. I examine the foreignizing and domesticating methods widely used in translating culturally significant texts. Through the extended reading of the book’s chapters, I identify the specific methods used in translating culture-specific items and compare the two translations in light of their translators’ solutions.