Introduction [a: special issue di Culltus 17 (1)]

Globalisation has intensified the interaction between cultures and with it the need for effective communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries. This has increased the importance of translation not only as a linguistic exercise, but also as a cultural act. Metaphors that are rooted in specific cultural and cognitive contexts pose particular challenges for translators. A metaphor that has great resonance in one culture may be completely obscure or even offensive in another. The translation of metaphors therefore requires not only linguistic skills, but also cultural sensitivity, adaptability and creativity.