Keelestuses

Keelestuses is a term occasionally discussed in speculative translation studies to describe the deliberate shaping of linguistic material during cross-language rendering to better fit the norms, expectations, and cultural frame of the target language. It refers to an intermediate form produced when translators balance fidelity to the source with the communicative goals and cultural sensibilities of the audience receiving the text.

Definition and scope: Keelestuses encompasses a range of strategies beyond literal translation. It includes lexical substitution with culturally resonant terms, syntactic reordering to align with the target language’s grammar, and the modification of idioms, metaphors, and politeness conventions. It is distinguished from straightforward calques or pure domestication by emphasizing a conscious reorientation of meaning and form to preserve intended effect rather than to imitate the source exactly.

Mechanisms: The process often involves substituting source-language references with target-language equivalents, rephrasing sentences to reflect local discourse patterns, and adjusting modality, emphasis, or narrative voice. Metaphorical language may be reframed to maintain coherence and impact, while rhetorical structures may be adapted to fit the recipient reader’s expectations.

Contexts and evaluation: Keelestuses is discussed in the context of human translation, localization, and AI-assisted generation, where cultural distance presents a challenge. It is evaluated in terms of readability, cultural appropriateness, and perceived fidelity to intent, though assessment methods vary and the concept remains debated in scholarly circles.

See also: translation studies, domestication, foreignization, calque.