A Study on the Normalization of Zhuang Intangible Cultural Heritage Terminology Translation Based on the Norm Theory

Zhuang Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), as a vital component of human cultural diversity, faces challenges in terminology translation due to fragmented practices, hindering its global dissemination. Through systematic analysis of academic databases (CNKI, Springer) and comparative evaluation of translations from different websites (e.g., CGTN, China Daily), we identify key issues across three stages: Pre-translation stage, During-translation stage, and Post-translation stage. This study addresses the critical gap in normalizing Zhuang ICH terminology translation by proposing a normalization mode grounded in Toury’s Norm Theory. The proposed framework integrates initial norms, balancing cultural adequacy and acceptability, preliminary norms, classifying the terminology classification, and operational norms, selecting the translation strategy selection, illustrated through representative ICH cases. This mode offers a normalized way to translate Zhuang’s ICH terms. The findings contribute to both the normalization of terminology translation and the global visibility of Zhuang ICH, providing actionable insights for translators.