THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN TRANSLATION

Abstract

Cultural competence is one of the most crucial skills required in the field of translation. Translation is not merely a linguistic process of transferring words from one language to another; it is also a cultural act that includes conveying meanings, values, and worldviews embedded in a source text. This article explores the importance of cultural competence in translation and highlights how cultural knowledge affects translation quality. Through theoretical discussion and practical examples, the paper demonstrates that lack of cultural awareness can lead to mistranslation, misunderstanding, and loss of meaning. The study argues that cultural competence enables translators to produce accurate, natural, and culturally appropriate translations, making it a crucial component of professional translation practice.