A Less than Lay-Friendly Translation : A Textual Analysis of Information Leaflets and Labels for Drug and Cosmeceuticals in Thailand

Authors

• Narongdej Phanthaphoommee
• Koraya Techawongstien

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Information on drug use should be easily comprehensible and provide clear instructions without relying on expert advice. Drawing upon the concept of lay-friendly translation (Askehave and Zethsen 2002, 2014; Jensen 2013), this study examines the translated information leaflets and labels of drug-related and cosmeceutical products in Thailand to understand characteristics of supposedly reachable language use. The findings reveal both lay-friendly and non-lay-friendly features in the English-to-Thai translations. Indicative of the former is the use of general terms, explanation, glossing, rewriting/summarising, syntactical shift, and stylistic shift. Instances of the latter include the direct transfer of field-specific terms and the use of Thai medical vocabulary. The Thai-to-English translation tends to adhere to the original version, including textual organisation and compliance with Thai legislation, yet the cultural-specific items are omitted. The presence of both lay-friendly and non-lay-friendly elements in a single translation contributes to a ‘less than lay-friendly’ translation.

DOI

10.1163/26659077-20242704

First Page

1

Last Page

24

Recommended Citation

Phanthaphoommee, Narongdej and Techawongstien, Koraya (2024) "A Less than Lay-Friendly Translation : A Textual Analysis of Information Leaflets and Labels for Drug and Cosmeceuticals in Thailand," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 27: No. 1, Article 21.
DOI: 10.1163/26659077-20242704
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol27/iss1/21