BEYOND LEXICAL EQUIVALENCE: UNPACKING THE LIMITS OF TRANSLATION THEORY
Keywords:
Translation theory,, lexical equivalence,, cultural translation,, Skopos theory,, words that can't be translated (untranslatability),Abstract
This paper explores the deep and complex nature of translation. It argues that a basic, word-for-word method, known as lexical equivalence, is simply not enough to fully carry over the true meaning, feeling, and goal of an original text. We will dive into the major cultural, situational, and practical problems that translators face every day. By tracing the history of translation studies, this discussion shows how modern theories have caused a big change. This change moves from a strict language-swapping rule to a more active, purpose-focused, and culturally smart process. The main idea of this longer work is to clearly show that a good translator is much more than just a language worker; they are an important creative guide and a bridge between different ways of seeing the world.
References
Catford, J.C. (1965). A Linguistic Theory of Translation: An Essay in Applied Linguistics. London: Oxford University Press. (Discusses language-based and culture-based words that can't be translated).
Venuti, Lawrence. (1995). The Translator's Invisibility: A History of Translation. London: Routledge. (Looks at the cultural role of the translator, including foreignizing and domesticating).
Baker, Mona. (1992). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. London: Routledge. (Gives full frameworks for word, grammar, text, and practical equivalence).
Nord, Christiane. (1997). Translating as a Purposeful Activity: Functionalist Approaches Explained. Manchester: St. Jerome Publishing. (Further details on the Skopos rule and functional translation).
