ScholarWorks@중앙대학교

초록

This study analyzes the translation of scientific uncertainty expressions and modal verbs indicating authorial stance in the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) of Synthesis Report from the IPCC 4th, 5th, and 6th Assessment Reports. Given the IPCC’s status as an authoritative source on climate change, accurate and consistent translations are essential for effective communication with policymakers and the public. The study specifically examines how these key expressions, which convey levels of uncertainty and the authors’ perspectives on scientific findings, are rendered in Korean. The findings reveal several gaps in translation. Key expressions related to scientific uncertainty, such as high confidence and likely, are inconsistently translated, affecting the interpretation of key messages. Modal verbs like can, could, may, will, and would often lose their nuanced meaning in the Korean versions. These inconsistencies can hinder the accurate understanding of scientific facts and evidence. Despite improvements observed in recent versions, translation gaps persist, indicating a need for clearer translation guidelines. This study suggests that establishing a standardized translation framework and organizing collaborative workshops with translation experts and climate scientists can enhance the quality of future translations. These steps will allow policymakers and the public to more accurately grasp the implications of scientific findings. This research underscores the importance of addressing translation challenges in IPCC reports to bridge gaps between scientific experts, policymakers, and the public, enabling more effective communication of climate change science in non-English contexts.

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