An analysis of traditional Galician gastronomy through the lens of English gastronomy and travel blogs

Abstract

[Abstract] In recent years, blogs have become a research tool that reflects people’s opinions about diverse topics and can greatly impact our lives and society. Given the community-building potential a blog holds, gastronomy blogs are a good example, and they are becoming increasingly popular and directly interrelated with gastronomy tourism (SCHMALLEGGER and CARSON, 2008). This paper explores the representation of traditional Galician gastronomy through the lens of English gastronomy blogs and travel blogs which include sections centred on gastronomy. By examining their content and influence, the study aims to understand how Galician cuisine is portrayed and promoted to an international audience. The primary objective is to analyse whether Galician culinary terms are retained in their original language or translated, and if translated, whether the translations are accurate or erroneous, along with the potential consequences of these translations. The methodology involves a qualitative content analysis of selected English-language travel and gastronomy blogs, focusing on their depiction of Galician dishes and culinary traditions, and how specific Galician gastronomy terminology is used. The results reveal significant insights into the ways Galician gastronomy is communicated and perceived online by potential gastronomy tourists. The discussion highlights the importance of language in promoting regional cuisine to attract gastronomy tourists and the broader field of gastronomy tourism. It also offers some recommendations for effectively using language to promote regional cuisine and positively impact potential foreign tourists who want to visit Galicia.