Face Threatening Acts and Their Mitigation Strategies in Relation to Translation

Abstract

This study deals with face threatening acts and their mitigation strategies in relation to translation. It focuses on threats to positive face and threats to negative face in English context and how they can be successfully transferred to Kiswahili context. Chapter one has stated the research problem together with objectives and hypothesis. The scope and limitations of the study have been highlighted together with rationale and a comprehensive description of face theory. Literature reviewed has been stated together with research methodology used in the study Chapter two has dealt with definition of terms related to face threatening acts (FTA’S). It has also explained in detail classification of face threatening acts (FTA’S) and the factors affecting weightiness of an FTA . Chapter three has explained in details, the face threatening acts to both positive face and negative face in English context and their mitigation strategies citing examples from Merchant of Venice and First Corinthians. It has also explained the face threatening acts to both positive and negative face in Kiswahili context citing examples from Mabepari wa Venisi and Wakorinitho wa Kwanza . Chapter four has dealt with Face threatening acts (FTA’S) and translation, difficulties in translating face threatening acts from English to Kiswahili context and also impact of politeness system of a language on FTA’S and their mitigation strategies Chapter five has the summary of research findings, remark on hypothesis, conclusion and recommendations for further research.