APPLYING CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IN TRANSLATING THE IUCN RESTORATION OPPORTUNITIES ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY (ROAM) DOCUMENTS INTO ALBANIAN

Abstract

This paper explores the application of critical discourse analysis (CDA) in translating the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM) documents, an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) tool, into Albanian. The study investigates how power dynamics, cultural contexts, and ideological underpinnings influence the translation process, ensuring that the translated texts accurately reflect the original while resonating with the Albanian-speaking audience. By examining the linguistic choices and discourse structures within the ROAM documents, the research identifies the challenges faced in conveying complex environmental concepts and terminologies. The translation process conducted by the authors of this paper prioritizes maintaining the integrity and nuance of the source material through a critical lens, addressing issues of ecological terminology, policy implications, and community engagement. The study also considers the broader sociopolitical context of Albania, highlighting the importance of aligning translations with local conservation efforts and legislative frameworks. Through a detailed analysis of specific translation examples, this paper demonstrates how CDA can uncover the subtleties of meaning and power relations embedded in the text. The findings underscore the necessity of a collaborative approach, involving translators, environmental experts, and local stakeholders, to achieve translations that are both accurate and culturally relevant. Ultimately, this research contributes to the field of translation studies by providing a framework for integrating CDA into the translation of technical and policy-oriented documents, ensuring that translations serve as effective tools for environmental advocacy and policy implementation.