A Less than Lay-Friendly Translation: A Textual Analysis of Information Leaflets and Labels for Drug and Cosmeceuticals in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
08599920
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85194839983
Journal Title
Manusya
Volume
27
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Manusya Vol.27 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Phanthaphoommee N., Techawongstien K. A Less than Lay-Friendly Translation: A Textual Analysis of Information Leaflets and Labels for Drug and Cosmeceuticals in Thailand. Manusya Vol.27 (2024). doi:10.1163/26659077-20242704 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98655
Title
A Less than Lay-Friendly Translation: A Textual Analysis of Information Leaflets and Labels for Drug and Cosmeceuticals in Thailand
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Abstract
Information on drug use should be easily comprehensible and provide clear instructions without relying on expert advice. Drawing upon the concept of lay-friendly translation (Askehave and Zethsen 2002, 2014; Jensen 2013), this study examines the translated information leaflets and labels of drug-related and cosmeceutical products in Thailand to understand characteristics of supposedly reachable language use. The findings reveal both lay-friendly and non-lay-friendly features in the English-toThai translations. Indicative of the former is the use of general terms, explanation, glossing, rewriting/summarising, syntactical shift, and stylistic shift. Instances of the latter include the direct transfer of field-specific terms and the use of Thai medical vocabulary. The Thai-to-English translation tends to adhere to the original version, including textual organisation and compliance with Thai legislation, yet the culturalspecific items are omitted. The presence of both lay-friendly and non-lay-friendly elements in a single translation contributes to a ‘less than lay-friendly’ translation.