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CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING METAPHORICAL EXPRESSIONS IN
MACHINE TRANSLATION
Matyakubova Laylo
MA student
UzSWLU
Abstract
Language is wealthy with metaphors that add depth and color to communication. Yet, when
it comes to translation, these metaphorical expressions create unique difficulties. Moreover,
metaphorical expressions pose a challenging obstacle for machine translation systems because of
their nuanced and context-specific nature. The problem arises from the fact that metaphors are not
always directly translatable word-for-word between languages due to the cultural and conceptual
differences they mean. This article explores the certain challenges experienced when translating
metaphors using machine translation tools, studying the limitations of present- day machine
translation technologies in managing metaphorical content effectively.
Key words:
metaphorical expressions, difficulties, machine translation, challenges, cultural
nuances, linguistic resources, context modeling, accuracy, cross-lingual communication
In an interrelated world where useful communication bridges linguistic and
cultural divides, the accurate translation of metaphorical language grasps leading
importance. Metaphors, common in human communication, carry abstract concepts
and emotions clearly. While machine translation has made considerable boost in
enabling coherent communication across languages, the translation of metaphorical
expressions continues a tough and elusive task for mechanized systems. In addition, it
should be mentioned that metaphors, enormously rooted in culture and language, add
layers of meaning that often avoid literal translation. This article aims to resolve the
difficulties of translating metaphors in machine translation, highlighting the struggles
faced by automated systems and investigating innovative approaches that could alter
the accuracy and effectiveness of translating metaphorical content.
Machine translation has revolutionized communication, breaking down
language barriers and fostering global understanding. Additionally, machine
translation is instrumental in academic research and collaboration across borders.
Scholars can translate research papers, articles, and academic texts quickly, enabling
the global dissemination of knowledge and fostering international academic
partnerships. Machine translation offers a fast and cost-effective solution for
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translating large volumes of content in a short amount of time. It can streamline
workflow processes, reduce translation costs, and improve productivity in various
industries. When it comes to the importance of machine translation, it lies in its ability
to facilitate cross-cultural communication, promote inclusivity, support economic
growth, enhance accessibility to information, and foster global collaboration and
understanding in a diverse and interconnected world. However, machine translation
struggles with nuances of human language, and one of the biggest hurdles is metaphor.
Metaphors, where we describe something by comparing it to something else, are
fundamental to human expression. They add flavor, depth, and creativity to language.
However, machine translation systems grapple with a myriad of challenges when
confronted with translating metaphorical expressions. The foremost obstacle lies in the
cultural and contextual nuances embedded within metaphors, which are often culture-
specific and context-dependent. Automated systems, lacking the cultural
understanding and contextual grasp of human translators, struggle to decode the
underlying meanings and connotations of metaphors, leading to mistranslations and
loss of intended messages. Moreover, the hard, rule-based structures of machine
translation often fall short in capturing the poetic and figurative essence of metaphors,
resulting in translations that lack the depth and creativity of human interpretation.
Besides, metaphors serve as powerful tools in language, enabling speakers to
convey abstract concepts and emotions. The challenge lies in not only translating the
literal meaning of words but also capturing the underlying conceptual metaphors that
shape the source text
’
s meaning (Charteris- Black, 2004). A new, and most challenging
sight of metaphor toward this so strong traditional theoretical approach was first
developed in a systematic way by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson in 1980 in their
seminal and pioneering work: Metaphors We Live By. Metaphor is for most people a
device of the poetic imagination and the rhetorical flourish a matter of extraordinary
rather than ordinary language. Moreover, metaphor is typically viewed as characteristic
of language alone, a matter of words rather than thought or action. (Lakoff, Johnson,
1980). For this reason, most people think they can get along perfectly well without
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metaphor. In contrast, that metaphor is pervasive in everyday life, not just in language,
yet, in thought and action.
Furthermore, numerous studies emphasize the importance of metaphors in
language and translation. Lakoff and Johnson (1980) argue that metaphors are not
merely linguistic phenomena but are fundamental to human thought and
conceptualization. The challenge in machine translation lies in capturing the
underlying conceptual metaphors embedded in source texts and accurately rendering
them in the target language. Also, several scholars have identified specific challenges
in translating metaphors using machine translation. Likewise, language barriers can be
an obstacle to accessing information in the globalized context in which we find
ourselves. Such is the abundance of information generated that it is on occasions
impossible to satisfy the demand for translations by relying solely on professional
human translators (Lagarda et al., 2015; Way, 2018). Even though there are many
researches about metaphors or metaphorical expressions, there is still less investigation
related to the problems of translating metaphorical expressions with the help of
machine translation. Thus, this article aims to observe the ways of translating
metaphorical language and the implications for automated translation technologies.
To solve the complications of translating metaphorical expressions, this study
adopts a mixed-methods research approach that integrates qualitative linguistic
analysis with computational techniques. By using a varied corpus of text containing
metaphorical language, the research aims to evaluate machine translation systems
’
performance in capturing the underlying meanings of metaphors across languages. This
methodology seeks to reveal insights into the strengths and limitations of automated
translation tools in grappling with metaphorical expressions. For instance, by
examining machine translation tools like Yandex or Reverso Context, we can identify
how translations by automated systems works properly and translates accurately
without changing the original meaning. The data analysis phase focuses on assessing
the accuracy, fluency, and cultural appropriateness of machine translation systems in
translating metaphorical expressions. Results indicate that automated tools often
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struggle to capture the nuanced meanings of metaphors, leading to inconsistencies and
inaccuracies in the translated output. By examining the performance of these systems
in conveying metaphorical language, the study aims to identify patterns and challenges
that disrupt the effective translation of metaphors across languages.
The findings highlight the significant differences and limitations faced by
machine translation systems when translating metaphorical expressions. Automated
tools often fail to understand the underlying meanings and nuances of metaphors,
resulting in translations that lack the richness and depth of the original language.
Through specific examples with translations, the discussion delves into the specific
challenges faced in translating metaphorical language and underscores the implications
for cross-linguistic communication. By clarifying these challenges, the article aims to
activate further research and advancements in automated translation technologies.
The search to conquer metaphorical expression in machine translation is a
chase for a more nuanced and culturally aware future. While challenges persist,
progresses in including context, building knowledge graphs, and using high-level
language models offer promising solutions. As machine translation technology
develops, its ability to navigate the complexities of metaphors will not only improve
communication accuracy but also preserve the artistic spark and cultural richness
embedded within figurative language. Eventually, achieving perfect translation of
metaphors will bring us closer to a world where understanding overpass language
barriers, allowing us to value the full choice of human expression across cultures.
All things considered, translating metaphorical expressions in machine
translation stands at the crossroads of technological alteration and linguistic difficulty,
causing a formidable yet achievable challenge for automated systems. By addressing
the limitations of current machine translation technologies and applying the power of
linguistic resources and modern algorithms, it is possible to bridge the gap between the
intricacies of metaphors and automated translation. This article underlines the
significance of refining machine translation capabilities to capture the richness and
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nuances of metaphorical expressions, facilitating more accurate and culturally sensitive
cross-lingual communication in the era of technology.
References
1.
Koehn, P. (2009). Statistical Machine Translation. Cambridge University Press.
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Lagarda, A. L., Ortiz-Martinez, D., Alabau, V., & Casacuberta, F. (2015). Translating
without in-domain corpus: Machine translation post-editing with online learning
techniques. Computer Speech and Language, 32(1, SI), 109
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Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press.
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Hatim, B., & Mason, I. (1990). Discourse and the Translator. Longman.
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CULTURAL FACTORS THAT SHAPE LANGUAGE STRUCTURES ACROSS
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Satibaldieva,
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CHALLENGES
AND
STRATEGIES
FOR
TERMINOLOGICAL CLARITY IN COMPUTER LINGUISTICS.
ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ
НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ
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ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A WEBQUEST IN
TEACHING STUDENTS
Moydinova Elmira
teacher
Uzbek State World Languages University
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to prove by generalizing our own experience the expediency of
using WebQuests in teaching English at universities. The article is an attempt to analyze an extremely
promising trend in the methodology of teaching English in the modern computer world, which
requires solving problems at all levels of education and makes it necessary to use Web
resources. Given the problems outlined above, we have the opportunity to describe our experience in
creating WebQuests. It is noted that the results of the quests, depending on the material being studied,
can take many different forms. The article describes the process of creating a WebQuest template in
some detail. In addition, the teacher needs to rely on the individual characteristics of students.
Key words:
English language, WebQuest, Web resources, communicative language
teaching, modern educational technologies
.
