Socio-cognitive influences on translating forward causal connectives: A multivariate analysis of English translations of Tao Te Ching

• This study examined the socio-cognitive influences on the translation of function words (forward causal connectives). • Based on multivariate analysis , we found translations of forward causal connectives, while diverse, are not random. • The findings underscore the nuanced role of sociocultural contexts and personal experiences in the translation of forward causal connectives. • This study supports and extends the principles of the Social Cognitive Theory . Building on previous research that has primarily focused on explicitation and implicitation in the translation of causal connectives, this study investigated the socio-cognitive imprints that influence the translation of these seemingly neutral function words. We examined the translated expressions of forward causal connectives, which signify both objective (motivator-result) and subjective (support-proposition) inter-clausal relationships, in nine English translations of the ancient Chinese classic Tao Te Ching . Using multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis, factor analysis, and correspondence analysis, we found that translators’ decisions might be influenced by their reasoning traditions (inductive vs. deductive) and the inherent properties of their native languages. Moreover, personal experiences affect these translations within a broader sociocultural context. Viewed through the lens of function word translation, our findings support and extend the principles of Social Cognitive Theory , highlighting the pervasive impact of sociocultural dynamics on translation practices.