Julia Somodi

Dr. Julia Somodi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Japanology, Institute of East Asia, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Károli Gáspár Reformed University (KRE) in Budapest, Hungary. Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to translation studies and Japanese linguistics.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Translation Studies (2015) from ELTE with dissertation on Japanese address terms in Hungarian film translations
• MA in Japanese and English Studies (2001-2002) from Károli Gáspár Reformed University

Dr. Somodi's research focuses on the intricate relationship between pragmatics and translation, particularly examining address terms across Japanese and Hungarian languages. Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with practical translation challenges, with special attention to cultural transfer in literary contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding how linguistic politeness strategies and address systems function differently across these linguistically distant languages.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in translation studies with evolving sophistication. Her early work concentrated on foundational aspects of Japanese address terms, while recent publications demonstrate expanded scope into translation pedagogy, cultural transfer in contemporary literature, and innovative teaching methodologies. A notable thread throughout her career is the humanitarian application of her expertise, particularly in translating testimonies of Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• OTDK témavezetői elismerés (2015, 2021, 2025)
• Innovatív Oktatói Díj (Innovative Teacher Award, 2024)

Dr. Somodi has actively contributed to academic service through committee memberships (Credit Transfer Committee, Quality Assurance Committee), conference organization (including the 30th Departmental Jubilee Conference in 2024), and leadership in the Japanese-Hungarian Translation Technology Workbook project (2025-26). Her international research collaboration with Kyoto University on 'Disfluency in Comparison' demonstrates her standing in the global academic community. She has also served as opponent in doctoral defenses at ELTE, showing her role in shaping the next generation of scholars.

Her laboratory work centers around translation technology development and practical translation projects, most notably her ongoing collaboration with the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Victims National Peace Memorial Hall since 2018, where she coordinates and translates survivor testimonies into Hungarian.