A STUDY ON THE ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSLATION STRATEGIES FOR CHINESE-TO-THAI LOGISTICS TERMINOLOGY: A CASE STUDY OF CHINESE + LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT (ELEMENTARY)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and develop translation strategies for Chinese logistics terminology into Thai, addressing the lack of consistency in translating specialized terms in the China–Thailand context, where a systematic analytical framework remains underdeveloped. A mixed-methods approach was employed. A total of 85 terms were selected from the textbook Chinese + Logistics Management (Elementary) based on the criteria of Terminology Theory proposed by Cabré (1999). The analysis was conducted using the framework of translation strategies by Newmark (1988) and the concept of equivalence by Baker (1992). The findings reveal a systematic pattern in translation practices. Process-related terms tend to be translated using functional strategies, while concrete terms are commonly rendered through literal translation, and conceptually complex terms without direct equivalents require descriptive translation. Furthermore, the study identifies a causal relationship among concept, translation strategy, and level of equivalence, which can be developed into a Concept–Strategy–Equivalence model for explaining the translation of specialized terminology. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by addressing a research gap in Chinese–Thai logistics terminology translation and proposing a conceptual analytical framework that can be applied to the standardization of specialized terminology translation in Thai and related fields.