The Impact of Domestication and Mother Tongue Interference in Translation: A Case of Xitsonga

Abstract

Translation plays a vital role in language development by facilitating cultural exchange, disseminating knowledge, and driving linguistic evolution. This study investigates the impact of domestication and Mother Tongue Interference on the translation of Xitsonga texts, with a focus on legal, medicinal, and Christian religious language. The study adopted the qualitative method and applied the qualitative approach to collect data. The study used interviews with Xitsonga professional translators, language experts, academics, and native speakers. The study employed a qualitative research method, utilising textual analysis as the primary data collection method. The findings reveal that domestication, adapting content to culturally familiar expressions, is preferred in the medicinal domain to enhance clarity and public understanding. Conversely, Mother Tongue Interference (MTI), which retains source language structure and terminology, is commonly used in legal and religious texts to preserve formal and theological integrity, although it sometimes compromises comprehension. Participants highlighted the need for a context-sensitive and audience-aware application of translation strategies. The study concludes that a hybrid approach enhances both the accessibility and authenticity of Xitsonga translations, contributing to its linguistic development, sociocultural relevance, and revitalisation. The insights derived offer guidance for translation practitioners and language policymakers working in minority and underrepresented language contexts.