The taboos attached to the translation of biological terms from English into Northern Sotho

Abstract

Investigates the taboos attached to the translation of biological science terms into Northern Sotho, a language whose scientific register is not as developed as that of English. Argues that it is expected of the translator to translate the terms in such a way that the readership for whom the translation is intended will not feel offended by the terms used, but that this, sometimes poses problems since the use of certain biological terms may be seen as undermining the cultural values and norms of Northern Sotho speaking people. Highlights the problems as perceived in relation to the use of biological terms, by discussing human physiological terms, when translated into Northern Sotho.