The Interplay of Skopos Theory, Domestication, and Foreignization in Translating O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi

Abstract

"O. Henry’s seminal short story, The Gift of the Magi (1905), has reached Vietnamese audiences through various translations. While the 2023 rendition by Mạnh Chương has achieved wide circulation, empirical research examining its strategic and theoretical implications remains limitedq. This study analyzes how the translation negotiates stylistic, cultural, and pragmatic elements of the original text under the lens of Skopos Theory, with particular attention to domestication and foreignization strategies. A qualitative single-case design was adopted. Textual data were extracted from forty-three source–target segment pairs representing key narrative features of the story, including ironic tone, biblical allusions, stylistic rhythm, and plot climax. Each pair was coded and comparatively analyzed using a functionalist framework to determine strategy choice and communicative effectiveness. Findings reveal that the translation predominantly employs domestication, especially in rendering idioms, emotional expressions, and symbolic details, aiming to maintain fluency and cultural familiarity for Vietnamese readers. Foreignization appears selectively in proper names and biblical references to preserve cultural specificity. While these strategic choices sometimes soften O. Henry’s irony, they enhance accessibility and empathy, fulfilling the communicative purpose of the translation within the Vietnamese context. The study contributes to literary translation research by demonstrating a functional integration of Skopos Theory with domestication/foreignization strategies and by offering analytical criteria applicable to similar short story translations. Practically, the findings provide insights for translators, editors, and educators on strategic decision-making that balances fidelity, readability, and cultural resonance."