Relevance Theory as Applied in News Headlines Translation: Ensuring Effective Communication

Abstract

This paper investigates the application of Relevance Theory that was developed by cognitive scientists Dan Sperber and Deidre Wilson (1986) which suggests that human cognition is driven by the search for the most pertinent information and which is contextually appropriate for the audience. The research examines specific challenges in translating news headlines, which often give concise, culturally sensitive information that is awkward to convey effectively between languages. In order to be sure that headlines are not only accurate but also captivating and applicable for the intended audience, translators must navigate discrepancies in linguistic structure, cultural context, and audience expectations. This study enhances the effectiveness of cross-linguistic news transmission by providing translators with useful advice on handling these contextual and cognitive subtleties through the application of Relevance Theory. The results highlight how crucial cognitive factors and contextual flexibility are to overcome translation difficulties in the fast-paced news media environment, where clear and insightful communication is crucial. The study uses qualitative content analysis to investigate how translation tactics conform to the tenets of Relevance Theory. The study reveals that how implicature  ,explicature and inference integrate to transmit subtle messages and influence reader’s opinions.