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METHODS OF TRANSLATING EUPHEMISMS IN LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Tog'aeva Aziza
Teacher of Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Annotation:
The use of euphemisms in legal documents is carried out for the purpose of artistic
expression of the language, softening of sensitive topics and ensuring compliance with the
formal requirements of legal texts. This article analyzes the main methods of translating
euphemisms from legal texts, their linguistic, cultural and legal aspects. It considers the
strategies used in the correct translation of euphemistic terms (direct translation, equivalent
translation, adaptation) and their effectiveness. It also explains the translation features of
euphemisms in legal documents in different languages with examples.
Keywords:
euphemism, legal translation, linguistic adaptation, cultural adaptation, normative
documents, semantic equivalence, stylistic softening, International legal terminology.
HUQUQIY HUJJATLARDAGI EVFEMIZMLARNI TARJIMA QILISH USULLARI.
Tog'aeva Aziza
O'zbekiston davlat jahon tillari universiteti o'qituvchisi
Annotatsiya:
Huquqiy hujjatlarda evfemizmlardan foydalanish tilning badiiy ifodasi, nozik
mavzularni yumshatish va huquqiy matnlarning rasmiy talablariga moslashuvini ta’minlash
maqsadida amalga oshiriladi. Bu maqola evfemizmlarni huquqiy matnlardan tarjima qilishning
asosiy usullarini, ularning lingvistik, madaniy va huquqiy jihatlarini tahlil qiladi. Unda
evfemistik atamalarni to‘g‘ri tarjima qilishda qo‘llaniladigan strategiyalar (to‘g‘ridan-to‘g‘ri
tarjima, ekvivalentli tarjima, adaptatsiya) va ularning samaradorligi ko‘rib chiqiladi. Shuningdek,
turli tillardagi huquqiy hujjatlarda evfemizmlarning tarjima xususiyatlari misollar bilan
tushuntiriladi.
Kalit so‘zlar:
evfemizm, huquqiy tarjima lingvistik moslashuv, madaniy adaptatsiya, normativ
hujjatlar, semantik ekvivalentlik, uslubiy yumshatish, Xalqaro huquqiy terminologiya.
МЕТОДЫ ПЕРЕВОДА ЭВФЕМИЗМОВ В ЮРИДИЧЕСКИХ ДОКУМЕНТАХ.
Тагаева Азиза
Преподаватель Узбекского государственного университета мировых языков
Аннотация:
Использование эвфемизмов в юридических документах осуществляется в
целях художественного выражения языка, смягчения деликатных тем и обеспечения
соответствия формальным требованиям юридических текстов. В статье анализируются
основные способы перевода эвфемизмов юридических текстов, их лингвистические,
культурные и правовые аспекты. В нем рассматриваются стратегии, используемые для
правильного перевода эвфемистических терминов (прямой перевод, эквивалентный
перевод, адаптация), и их эффективность. Также на примерах поясняются особенности
перевода эвфемизмов в юридических документах на разных языках.
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Ключевые слова:
эвфемизм, юридический перевод, языковая адаптация, культурная
адаптация, нормативные документы, семантическая эквивалентность, стилистическое
смягчение, международная юридическая терминология.
Euphemism is the replacement of harsh, vulgar, or unpleasant expressions with softer, culturally
acceptable words. Euphemisms are often used in legal documents because they help to express
difficult to understand or socially awkward topics. A translator must take into account
differences in language, culture, and legal systems when translating euphemisms in legal texts.
Regardless of the field of study, translating from one language to another is not an easy task. In
scientific texts, the translator must ensure that the exact terminology is correct. In fiction, there
are other obstacles that the translator must overcome. These include idioms, fixed expressions,
artistic effects, cultural references, etc. One such obstacle, which is rarely encountered in
translation, is the translation of euphemisms. Euphemisms are words and phrases used to refer to
ideas or things that have proper names that may be considered inappropriate in speech or writing.
In other words, euphemisms provide a way to say bad things in a nice way. When they exist,
people treat each other with respect.
If we look at history, we can see that the use of euphemisms has been growing rapidly. Social
and political issues such as human rights, political correctness, gender equality, and other issues
have led people to find other ways to express sensitive issues. This need has led to the use of
euphemisms in both spoken and written speech. Returning to the translation process, the reason
why it is difficult to find an equivalent for a euphemism in the target language is that the
translator must not only understand the meaning of the euphemism in the target language, but
also the underlying meaning it is intended to convey. Just as with idioms, they need to find a
word or phrase that conveys the same idea, but in a subtle, non-obvious way. This can be
difficult to do - or perhaps even unnecessary - when the target culture is very different from the
source language, and euphemistic expressions are almost non-existent.
Because they may be "euphemized" because the things they are "euphemizing" are considered
inappropriate in the source language (and, in turn, in the source culture), they may be considered
harmless to the target audience, for whom the euphemism may be difficult to understand,
because it covers so much of the meaning. It is up to the translator to decide whether they should
keep the euphemisms as cultural references to the source text or adapt and explain them to the
target audience. The cultural gap in translating from English to Uzbek is relatively small due to
decades of cross-cultural (albeit unidirectional) exchange.
Although English is a more precise language, it is much more difficult to express the culture
used to convey the exact meaning compared to other languages. In the Western world, a rich list
of euphemisms that can still be used in Latin is used as an equivalent, a "perfect" translation.
Euphemism (soft expression) is also used in regulatory documents, including in the laws of
Uzbekistan. These terms are used in legal texts to express harsh, negative or unpleasant concepts
in a softer, more polite way.
Let's give examples of the use of euphemisms in regulatory documents.
1.
"Persons in need of social protection"
- instead of "
poor", "disabled"
.
2. "
Children at risk of social harm"
- instead of "
street children" or "neglected children".
3.
"Employment assistance
" - in the sense of "
support for the unemployed".
4
. "Environmental problems"
- instead of
"pollution", "environmental degradation".
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5. "
External migration"
- in the sense of
"labor migration" or "going abroad for work".
✔
To make sensitive topics in society less emotionally burdensome (for example, disability,
poverty).
✔
To maintain a literary and professional level of language in official documents.
✔
To soften negative connotations in legal texts.
The use of euphemisms in regulatory documents demonstrates the legislator's principle of
respecting human rights and taking into account the feelings of the public. Some euphemisms
have the same meaning in two languages and can be translated directly.
- "Passed away"(inglizcha) → "Vafot etdi" (o‘zbekcha) – "o‘ldi" softer version of the word.
- "Correctional facility" (inglizcha) → "Tuzatish muassasasi" (o‘zbekcha) – "qamoqxona"
euphemistic version of the word.
In such cases, the style and meaning of the original text are preserved. Some euphemisms may
exist in one culture and not in another. Therefore, the translator must choose the appropriate
cultural euphemism.
- "Collateral damage" (jang maydonida tinch aholi qurbonlari) → "Birodarona zarar" or
"Qo‘shimcha yo‘qotishlar" –
- "Economically disadvantaged" (inglizcha) → "Ijtimoiy himoyaga muhtoj" (o‘zbekcha) –
"kambag‘al".
In this method, the focus is on finding a culturally appropriate expression while preserving the
meaning.
If a euphemism does not have a clear equivalent in a given language, the translator explains the
meaning by providing an explanation.
- "Downsizing" (kompaniyaning ishchilarni ishdan bo‘shatishi) → "Xodimlar sonini qisqartirish"
(direct translation) yoki "Ish tarkibini optimallashtirish" (euphemistic translation).
- "Pre-owned vehicle" (inglizcha) → "Ishlatilgan avtomobil"(simple translation) yoki "Oldin
foydalanilgan transport vositasasi" (more formal style).
This method preserves the legal clarity of the text.
Functional equivalent In some cases, it is appropriate to use another word that expresses its legal
effect rather than a euphemism.
- "Enhanced interrogation techniques" (qiynoqlarning evfemistik ifodasi) → "Maxsus so‘roq
usullari".
- "Ethnic cleansing" → "Etnik tozalash" but, "Etnik zo‘ravonlik".
In this method, the main focus is on the practical consequences of the legal document.
Translation with addition or explanation: Additional explanation may be needed to fully
understand complex euphemisms.
- "Plausible deniability" (siyosiy evfemizm) → "Ehtimoliy inkor imkoniyati"
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- "Terminate with extreme prejudice" (maxfiy operatsiyalarda o‘ldirish) → "Maxsus operatsiya
asnosida yo‘q qilish"
When translating euphemisms in legal documents, the following factors should be taken into
account:
1. Clarity – the translation must be legally accurate.
2. Cultural compatibility – the euphemism must be acceptable in the target language and culture.
3. Stylistic compatibility – adherence to the language style typical of official legal texts.
Correct translation of euphemisms is considered a very important factor in correctly conveying
the meaning of legal documents and preserving their nuances.
The use of euphemisms in regulatory documents is carried out in order to increase the artistic
expressiveness of the language, mitigate negative impressions on sensitive topics, and ensure
compliance with the formal and stylistic requirements of legal texts. Euphemistic expressions are
used in legislation to respect human rights, demonstrate solidarity towards vulnerable groups in
society, and maintain the integrity of social relations.
In conclusion, the use of euphemisms in regulatory documents indicates the cultural and
professional level of the language, while ensuring that legal texts are developed taking into
account the socio-spiritual aspects.
References:
1. Baker, M. (2018). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation.
2. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation.
3. Garzone, G. (2013). Legal Discourse and Multilingual Jurisdictions.
4. Allan, K., & Burridge, K. (2006). Forbidden Words: Taboo and the Censoring of Language.
Cambridge University Press.
5. Lakoff, R. T. (1975). Language and Woman’s Place. Harper & Row.Crystal, D. (2003). The
Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press.
6. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. People’s Republic of China. Fairclough, N.
(1995). Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language. Longman.
