New ethics” of translation: stylistic markers of tolerance and inclusivity in English-Ukrainian translations of socio-political texts in the 2020s

Abstract

The article is devoted to the “new ethics” of translation and stylistic markers of tolerance and inclusiveness, which in the early 2020s became decisive for the English-Ukrainian translations of socio-political texts. The purpose of the article is to identify and systematically analyse the stylistic markers of tolerance and inclusivity in the translation of socio-political texts of the 2020s from English into Ukrainian and to identify translation strategies that achieve ethical correctness and adequate reproduction of the modern discourse. The material for the analysis is modern English-language research in the field of translation studies and original texts dating from the first half of the 21st century. The purpose of the article is to identify and systematically analyze stylistic markers of tolerance and inclusivity in the translation of socio-political texts from English into Ukrainian in the 2020s, and to determine translation strategies that achieve ethical correctness and accurate rendering of modern discourse. The material for the analysis consists of modern English-language research in the field of translation studies and original texts dating from the first half of the 21st century. It has been established that linguistic inclusion has become an effective way to restore social justice and ensure respect for every human difference through its correct nomination and favorable attitude, especially in the socio-political discourse we are considering. It has been determined that such texts are a challenge for Ukrainian translators, as we still do not have effective strategies and mechanisms in place to regulate the methods of adequately adapting “sensitive” vocabulary to linguistic norms and the choice of correct names for various social phenomena. Specialists must decide for themselves how to accurately convey the meaning of the original without violating the norms of the modern Ukrainian literary language and the ethical standards of the country whose socio-political text is being translated. The article describes the specifics of lexical, syntactic, cultural, and stylistic markers of tolerance and inclusiveness, which are used to ensure adequate and ethical reproduction of the original text. The analysis of theoretical and practical materials on the outlined issue allowed us to determine the orientation of the markers, including the rules for choosing the necessary feminitives, using the person-first language, adhering to a neutral position when translating socio-political terms, and also controlling the choice of evaluative or stigmatized forms. It was determined that lexical, syntactic, stylistic and cultural markers of tolerance and inclusion help translators adequately reproduce the original texts, preserve their content and pragmatism, and avoid discrimination and stigmatization of individual social groups. It was concluded that during the war in Ukraine, translation balances between the global DEI standards and the national, patriotic and value-based features of speech. Taking into account international experience, the Ukrainian translation community forms its own strategies of ethical translation and practices of linguistic inclusion that correspond to the specifics of the national context.