Polysemy in Translation Studies: A Systematic Review of Publication Trends, Methodological Approaches and Research Themes

Abstract

Polysemy, characterized by a single word possessing multiple related meanings, poses significant challenges in translation, particularly when meanings lack direct equivalents in the target language. This study systematically reviews research on polysemy in translation studies, analyzing high-quality journal articles published up to July 31, 2025, sourced from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. Employing a structured coding and analysis framework, this review examines publication trends, methodological approaches, and research themes through a systematic literature review utilizing content analysis. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 36 articles were selected for analysis. The findings reveal: (1) Empirical research predominantly focuses on polysemy across various translation domains, with data collection and analysis methods demonstrating increasing diversification. (2) There is a notable gap in exploring polysemy translation within culturally specific and stylistically complex texts, necessitating further investigation into intricate contextual applications. (3) Future research should prioritize domain-specific syntheses and address multilingual translation requirements. This review contributes to translation studies by offering a comprehensive understanding of polysemy research, fostering greater attention to diverse linguistic contexts and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.