Abstract
This article looks into the relationship between professional experience and translation strategy selection among thirty-two Kazakh-English translators. Using a dual approach integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative tasks, we analyze how translators at distinct phases of their professional development (1-3 years to 16+ years) process culturally embedded Kazakh concepts. Study findings reveal a considerable progression from initial reliance on literal translations to advanced cultural adaptation as experience grows. The analysis shows that translators frequently encounter ethnocultural units in their translation experience, with the primary challenge lies in maintaining the distinctiveness of national identity and cultural context. The most commonly used methods are transliteration and functional substitution during the situations when direct equivalents are unavailable. Statistical analysis reveals a strong positive correlation between experience and strategy sophistication (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Results confirm the need for combining traditional translation methods with technological tools and underline the value of cultivating ethnocultural awareness in translator training system. The article contributes to translation studies by providing evidence-based insights into competency development and provides actionable insights for translator training programs.