Comparative Study of Two Persian Translations of Daniel Kahnemann's "Thinking Fast and Slow" Based on the Analysis of Polysystem Theory on Newmark

This study examines two Persian translations of Daniel Kahneman's *Thinking, Fast and Slow* through the framework of Polysystem Theory and Peter Newmark's translation approaches. By analyzing Fatemeh Omidi's and Samira Bayat's translations, the research explores how cultural, linguistic, and literary systems influence translation strategies in conveying specialized psychological concepts. A comparative analysis of selected passages reveals distinct approaches: Omidi adheres closely to the source text, preserving technical terminology and structure, while Bayat prioritizes accessibility through cultural adaptation and simplification. The findings demonstrate that these contrasting methods reflect different positions within Iran's literary polysystem-Omidi's translation functions as an innovative force, expanding Persian academic vocabulary, whereas Bayat's version aligns with existing norms to enhance reader comprehension. The study highlights the challenges of balancing fidelity to the original text with the need for cultural relevance in translation. While limited to key excerpts rather than the full text, this research contributes to discussions on translation practices in academic and literary contexts, suggesting further exploration of how translated scientific works are localized for Persian-speaking audiences.

Keywords:

Cultural Adaptation , Polysystem Theory , Translation Strategies