Journal of Linguistics and Social Studies
Vol 3, No 1: 2026

Cultural Adaptation in Translation: A Comparative Analysis of “A Space for the Unbound” from Indonesian to English

Don Evan Hernando (Universitas Palangka Raya)
Sulamit Syeba (Universitas Palangka Raya)
Emeral Emeral (Universitas Palangka Raya)
Dominggus Florensius (Universitas Palangka Raya)
Arya Febridinata (Universitas Palangka Raya)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the translation of culture-specific items (CSIs) in A Space for the Unbound, an Indonesian adventure game localized into English. Using Vinay and Darbelnet's (1995) translation procedures as the analytical framework, supplemented by Baker's (1992) concept of cultural substitution, the study analyzes thirty-two CSIs drawn from Chapter 1 of the game, categorized into honorific titles, idioms, question tags, humor, sarcasm, slang, figurative language, and proverbs. Data were collected through comparative analysis of the Indonesian source text and its English localization. Findings show that cultural substitution was the dominant strategy, applied across most categories, while functional equivalence appeared in slang exclamations, literal translation in proverbs, and omission and addition in question tags. These results confirm a broadly domesticating orientation in the translation and contribute to the limited body of research on CSI translation in Indonesian-language video games.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jls

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Linguistics and Social Studies JLS, published by STAI Nurul Islam Mojokerto. Its a biannual refereed journal concerned with the practice and processes of linguistics, social studies and humanities. It provides a forum for academics, practitioners and community representatives to explore ...