Investigating the Cross-Cultural Impact: An Analysis of Turkish Translations of Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) through Reiss’s Text Typology

Abstract

The research investigates Turkish translations of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from the perspective of Reiss’s text typology. CEFR is a comprehensive document defining language teaching, learning objectives and providing testing tools designed in 2001 with the impact of multiculturalism and multilingualism notions. The document has been translated into 40 different languages and applied globally since then. Turkish is one of the languages in which CEFR was translated. These translations, on the other hand, are crucial for informing target audience regarding development and innovation in language learning, assessment and curriculum. This study aims to shed light on cross-cultural impact of CEFR by analysing its Turkish translations through Reiss’s text typology. The study adopts the method of document analysis to examine Turkish translations of CEFR by focusing on key terms and concepts related to language education. Based on findings of study, CEFR is an informative text in terms of text typology approach and transferred to Turkish aligned with source text in terms of its function and content. These results suggest that translators adopted a translation approach fulfilling the intended purpose of the text and demands of the target audience considering informative text type. Additionally, the findings of the study are also notable in that it offers a thorough understanding of the CEFR's cross-cultural impact in Turkish setting and a systematic approach for translators regarding text types. The research is expected to contribute to translation studies and enhance education practices and policies related to foreign language in Turkey with the insights it offers.