Translation Quality Assessment of Labels in the NMEC: A Functional Linguistic Model

This thesis explores the Translation Quality Assessment (TQA) of labels within the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), focusing on the Mamluk and Modern Egyptian periods. The study aims to evaluate the accuracy, clarity, and cultural fidelity of these translations by addressing three main objectives: (1) assessing the extent of overt errors in the translations, (2) analyzing differences in textual metafunction between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT), and (3) investigating the application of Mona Baker's suggested strategies for maintaining naturalness in translation. Methodologically, the study employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing qualitative analysis techniques informed by House's TQA model, Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar Textual Metafunction, and Baker's framework of textual equivalence. Key findings reveal significant discrepancies in translation quality, including overt errors, thematic inconsistencies, and limited application of suggested strategies. These findings underscore the importance of improving translation practices within the NMEC to ensure accurate and culturally faithful communication of historical narratives to museum visitors. In conclusion, this research contributes to the field of translation studies by providing insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing translation quality in museum contexts.