Language and Translation Studies (LTS)

Abstract How the quality of game localization affects players’ experience is an uncharted territory and is yet to be addressed empirically. Thus, 30 casual video game players (two groups of 15) were recruited to participate in the present quasi-experimental study with a between-subjects design to play a high- (Group A) and low-quality (Group B) Persian localization of Mafia: Definitive Edition ( Hangar 13, 2020). The quality issues incorporated into the low-quality stimulus included linguistic issues revolving around incorrect translation, missing translation, game terminology, punctuation, and contextual mistranslation spread across three game situations. Players’ experience was measured through an immersion questionnaire. Additionally, players’ subjective perceptions of the quality issues existing in both Persian localized game versions were gathered. No significant differences were unraveled across the two groups in terms of players’ immersion scores, yet more quality issues were perceived in Group B, particularly in game situations with lower interactivity.

Abstract The analysis of the spoken style of fictional characters is significant because gender identity in literary texts is largely constructed through characters’ speech patterns and tone. Examining this in translation can reveal how gender roles are transferred or transformed. Drawing on Lakoff’s (1975) and Tannen’s (1990) models of language and gender, this study investigates the speech styles of three main female characters in Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore, in the original Japanese and in its two Persian translations. The data comprise 150 utterances, analyzed based on indicators such as indirect questions, conversational tone, and mitigation of criticism. The Persian translations were produced indirectly, using Philip Gabriel’s English version as the source. The findings suggest that mediation through English has led to the reduction or omission of some stylistic features of feminine speech, underscoring the importance of accurately conveying tone and gendered nuances in indirect translations.

Abstract Culturally responsive classroom management plays a great role in effective teaching and learning. Teachers, therefore, should be aware of its importance, recognize students' family backgrounds and individual micro-cultures, and incorporate them into their classroom practices with respect and sensitivity. Some studies have focused on this topic in some countries. This study aims to investigate this issue in the Iranian context. It seeks to qualitatively explore the perspectives of English Language teachers holding different academic degrees, including BA, MA, and PhD. After interviewing 56 instructors and observing their classes, 11 main themes were found (establishing rules and regulations, making friends with students, being flexible, choosing syllabus course materials based on students' cultures, remaining nonjudgmental, having management strategies, knowing students' cultural backgrounds, respecting students, accepting criticism from students, thinking, and changing prejudices and biases). The results can be fruitful for all the people involved in education.

Abstract Translated literature in Iran has always attracted attention. While editing literary works improves the final text, the process in Iranian publishing remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify and examine the editing process. To this end, 57 participants were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis within a qualitative approach. Based on Actor–Network Theory, both human and non-human actors were identified. Five of the human actors played a direct role in editing, and more than half showed overlapping responsibilities. The findings revealed a spectrum of interaction methods among actors, ranging from direct communication to no interaction at all. Most actors preferred file-based exchanges over other channels. These results may help improve interaction quality among actors, as well as for curriculum designers and instructors of editing and translation.

Abstract Writing books about women and their issues with the aim of teaching and guiding them was among the main tenets of the literary system’s poetics during the First Pahlavi era. This study examined 150 translated works and found that this tenet was incorporated into the translation poetics of the period through the practices of translating about women. Drawing on Hermans’ (2007) concept of ‘attitude’, this study investigates attitudes of 17 translators toward women as reflected in their translated works. The content analysis revealed that translators expressed their attitudes in the translations’ texts and paratexts. While some translators were aligned with Persian authors’ intentions and translated works aimed at warning and guiding women, most conveyed a sympathetic attitude. The strategies employed included altering the original title to a feminine name or positive traits, stating translation’s purpose in prefaces or afterwords, and producing a summary translation (Talkhis) to highlight the works’ themes. 

Abstract Black comedy in American dramatic literature is one of the prominent and significant genres, blending humor with dark themes to critique social, political, and cultural issues. Utilizing satire and bitter humor, it challenges human tragedies and serious concerns, serving as a powerful tool for expressing social critiques. John Guare, through his caustic, pointed satire, delves into human relationships, social contradictions, and cultural hypocrisy, generating not only humorous moments but also impactful, thought-provoking scenes that invite viewers to contemplate and critique the surrounding world. Six degrees of separation, in particular, reflects his profound critique of the American Dream. Through dark humor and internal conflicts in his characters, he prompts the audience to reflect on the boundaries between reality and illusion, demonstrating that achieving the American Dream may not always lead to happiness and can even result in identity crises and personal failures.