Are mouse noodles actually made from mice? Touring street food name translations

This study examines the translation of Malaysian street food names from Chinese to English, exploring the cultural influences on these translations. Using a qualitative case study of four popular noodle dishes, the researchers analyzed 36 translations for 'mouse noodle,' 19 for 'Hokkien Mee,' 22 for 'Wan Tan Mee,' and 7 for 'Kueh Chap.' Data analysis combined micro content analysis of translation techniques (transliteration, literal translation, amplification, omission, and combinations) with macro analysis using semi-structured interviews with food vendors and consumers. The findings reveal transliteration as the most frequent technique, influenced by knowledge (background knowledge and linguistic competence), time, and culture (localization and cultural policy). The diverse translations reflect the multicultural nature of Malaysia, with dialectal variations embedded within the English transliterations.

Hongxiang Zhu, Lay Hoon Ange, Nor Shahila Mansor