Differences in Game Perception in Turkish and English Volleyball

Sezer E. S.

4th International Ankara Humanities and Social Sciences Congress, Ankara, Türkiye, 22 - 23 Şubat 2025, ss.315, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.315
  • Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study analyzes the differences between Turkish and English volleyball terminology utilizing the functional equivalence notion of Eugene Nida, which asserts that the translated terms should convey the same function and effect in the target language. While English can be seen as the common language for global volleyball terminology, Turkish translations, local terms, and borrowed words carry nuances in how player roles, gameplay, and positions are perceived by the audience. These distinctions influence how the audience engages with the sport, how player roles are understood, and how the game is interpreted. Borrowed terms contribute to global consistency, while localized adaptations shape how spectators experience the sport and comprehend key aspects of the game. The study argues that while borrowed terms such as libero and ace maintain the functional equivalence due to their widespread global volleyball discourse, the domestic translations and local terms may influence audience perception, which in turn can shape expectations and interpretations of the sports. The research examines how these differences impact the interpretation of volleyball dynamics and terminology. In this regard, it takes into consideration the terms and word choices utilized for the same positions, player roles and situations happening on the court. Through the lens of functional equivalence, this study demonstrates that sports translation is not merely a linguistic process. With the increasing popularity of the volleyball both in Türkiye and the world, the findings contribute to the discussions regarding sports translation, emphasizing the role of language in shaping audience perception and understanding.