Challenges in translating autopsy reports

Paulina Pietrzak; Filip Witkowski

doi:10.18778/1731-7533.22.4.04

Authors

Paulina Pietrzak University of Lodz
Filip Witkowski University of Lodz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1731-7533.22.4.04

Keywords:

medical translation, health communication, autopsy reports, medical translator expertise, medical reports

Abstract

This article examines the nature of medical documentation, specifically focusing on lexical and stylistic features of autopsy reports. It explores the challenges of translating autopsy reports based on the analysis of medical documentation in English and Polish. The paper delves into the fundamental features of medical reports, followed by a detailed examination of the unique challenges encountered in the translation of autopsy reports. By analysing a range of sample autopsy reports, this study sheds light on variations in terms, style, register and degree of formality employed in both languages. The discrepancies identified highlight the need for translators to implement specific linguistic, stylistic and compositional alterations during the process of medical translation. The implications derived from this analysis provide insights for trainee translators and translator educators aiming to contribute to the enhancement of accuracy and coherence in medical communication, thus ensuring the effective transfer of information in this specialised field.

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