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LINGUISTIC AND NON-LINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF TRANSLATION
Marjona ABABAKIROVA
Student of International Journalism faculty,UzSWLU
Abstract.
Transferring meaning from one language to another is the complex
process of translation. This academic paper analyzes into both the linguistic and non-
linguistic elements of translation, emphasizing their importance in producing precise
and efficient translations. The non-linguistic components include cultural, social, and
contextual elements, whereas the linguistic aspects include things like grammar, syntax,
semantics, and pragmatics. Comprehending and taking into account these two factors
is essential to generating accurate translations that accurately represent the source text.
The purpose of the article is to clarify the significance of both linguistic and non-
linguistic translation factors and how they interact to facilitate effective cross-language
communication.
Key words:
Grammar, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, cultural factors, social
factors, contextual factors
.
Language learners can communicate more easily with one another thanks to the
fundamental process of translation. It entails translating written or spoken words while
maintaining the original meaning from one language (the source language) to another
(the target language). Interpreters have to take into account both linguistic and non-
linguistic elements in order to produce translations that are accurate and efficient.
Linguistic Aspects of Translation.
Linguistic aspects refer to the language-
specific elements that translators need to consider during the translation process. These
aspects include grammar, syntax, vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and stylistic
features. Translators must possess a strong command of both the source and target
languages to accurately convey the intended meaning.
Grammar.
Grammar serves as the backbone of any language, providing a set of
rules and structures that govern the formation and arrangement of words, phrases, and
sentences. In translation, grammar acts as a bridge between the source and target
languages, enabling the translator to convey the intended meaning faithfully. Accurate
grammar usage ensures that the translated text is coherent, natural-sounding, and easily
comprehensible to the target audience. For example: To illustrate the importance of
grammar in translation, consider the following sentence from French to English:
"
Je
suis allu au pare avec mon ami"
A literal translation would be "I am went to the park
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with my friend," which is grammatically incorrect in English. However, by applying
proper grammar rules, the sentence can be accurately translated as "I went to the park
with my friend". This example demonstrates how grammar plays a vital role in
maintaining the integrity of the translated text.
Another example highlighting the significance of grammar in translation can be
observed in the translation of idiomatic expressions. Idioms are culturally specific
phrases that cannot be translated word-for-word. For instance, the Spanish idiom
"
tomar elpelo"
literally translates to "take the hair," but its actual meaning is "to pull
someone's leg." Without understanding the grammar and context, a translator may
produce an inaccurate translation, leading to confusion or misinterpretation.
Syntax.
Syntax refers to the arrangement of words and phrases to form
grammatically correct sentences. Translators must consider the syntactic structures of
both languages to maintain coherence and readability in the target text. Failure to
adhere to the syntactic rules of the target language can result in awkward or
incomprehensible translations.
Semantics.
The words of a language often reflect not so much the reality of the
world, but the interests of the people who speak it
38
.
Semantics deals with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences. Translators
must accurately convey the intended meaning of the source text in the target language.
This requires a deep understanding of the semantic nuances and cultural connotations
associated with words and expressions. Failure to consider semantic aspects can lead
to mistranslations or loss of intended meaning. For example: Translating idioms often
requires careful attention to semantics. For instance, the English phrase "kick the
bucket" is an idiom meaning "to die." When translated into another language, such as
French or Spanish, a literal word-for- word translation would not convey the intended
meaning accurately. Instead, the translator must consider the semantic equivalent in the
target language, such as
"
manger lespissenlitspar la racine"
in French or
"estirar la
pata"
in Spanish.
38
Frank Robert Palmer (1976), Semantics, p 21
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Pragmatics.
Pragmatics focuses on the use of language in specific contexts and
the interpretation of meaning beyond the literal level. Translators must consider the
pragmatic aspects of both the source and target languages to ensure effective
communication. Cultural and social factors influence pragmatic choices, and translators
must be aware of these nuances to produce culturally appropriate translations. As an
example, with English and Uzbek language, as it governs how language is used in social
contexts.
Politeness and Address Terms.
- Uzbek example:
"
Salom, ismingiz nima
?"
(
Hello, what is your name?
)
English translation with appropriate pragmatics: "Hello, what's your name,
please?"
- In this instance, the addition of "please" in the English translation reflects the
pragmatics of politeness often observed in English interactions. Ensuring the
appropriate level of politeness is crucial in conveying the intended meaning, especially
in introductory conversations.
2.
Cultural Norms and Speech Acts:
-
Uzbek example:
"
Kechirasiz, yordam bering" (Excuse
me, could you help me?)
English translation taking into account pragmatic implications: "Excuse me,
could you possibly assist me, please?"
-
The addition of "possibly" and "please" in the English translation reflects the
influence of pragmatic norms related to indirectness and politeness in English requests.
In each of these examples, an understanding of pragmatics is indispensable to ensure
that the translated utterances align with the cultural and social norms associated with
the target language, making the translated content contextually appropriate and
communicatively effective.
Non-linguistic aspects
encompass the cultural, social, and contextual factors that
influence the translation process. The importance of understanding the semantic and
pragmatic dimensions of language, calling attention to the significance of context and
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cultural nuances in the translation process
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. These aspects include cultural references,
historical context, social norms, and target audience expectations. Translators must
possess a deep understanding of the cultural nuances associated with both the source
and target languages. They need to be aware of cultural references, idiomatic
expressions, and metaphors that may not have direct equivalents in the target language.
Failure to consider these non- linguistic aspects can lead to misinterpretations and loss
of meaning in the translated text.
Cultural Factors.
Culture plays a significant role in translation, as languages are
deeply intertwined with the cultural contexts in which they are used. Translators must
be aware of cultural differences and adapt their translations accordingly. Failure to
consider cultural factors can result in misunderstandings or offensive translations.
There are examples illustrating the influence of cultural elements on the translation
process:
1.
Food and Cuisine
: The translation of food-related terms often requires
consideration of cultural nuances. For instance, the English term "apple pie" doesn't
fully convey the cultural significance of the French "tarte Tatin." Similarly, the
translation of "croissant" into English carries the challenge of preserving its cultural
connotations.
2.
Humor and Idioms
: Humor and idioms are deeply rooted in culture.
Translating an English idiom like "raining cats and dogs" into its French equivalent
"pleuvoir des cordes"
requires cultural awareness to preserve the idiomatic meaning
effectively.
3.
Social Etiquette and Formality
: Different cultural norms influence language
use. The translation of English forms of address, such as "Mr." and "Ms.," into French
involves considerations related to formality, gender neutrality, and linguistic politeness
conventions.
Each of these examples highlights how cultural factors significantly impact the
translation process, reinforcing the necessity of understanding cultural nuances to
39
Mona Baker (2018), In Other words, A Coursebook on translation, 3
rd
edition, p 57
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produce accurate and culturally relevant translations between English and French.
Social Factors.
Furthermore, historical and social contexts play a significant role
in translation. Translators must be aware of the historical background of the source text
to accurately convey its intended meaning. They need to consider the social norms and
values prevalent in the target language to ensure that the translation is culturally
appropriate and acceptable. Additionally, translators must consider the expectations
and preferences of the target audience. Social factors, such as social norms, customs,
and ideologies, influence language use and translation. Translators must be sensitive to
these factors to ensure that their translations are appropriate for the target audience.
Adapting translations to suit the social context enhances the effectiveness of cross-
cultural communication.
Contextual Factors.
Contextual factors, including the purpose, audience, and
medium of the translation, impact the translation process. Translators must consider the
specific context in which the translation will be used to produce accurate and relevant
translations. Failure to consider contextual factors can lead to misinterpretation or
ineffective communication.
Linguistic and non-linguistic aspects are both crucial in the translation process.
Linguistic competence ensures accurate and coherent translations, while considering
non-linguistic factors such as culture, society, and context enhances the effectiveness
of cross-linguistic communication. Translators must possess a deep understanding of
both these aspects to produce high-quality translations that faithfully convey the
intended meaning. By acknowledging the significance of linguistic and non-linguistic
aspects, translators can bridge language barriers and facilitate effective communication
in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.
References
1.
Baker M. (2018). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation.
2.
Frank Robert Palmer (1976), Semantics.
3.
VALIYEVA, NARGIZAXON. "Анализ стилистических средств в
переводе произведения Александра Файнберга «Город милый. Голубая
бездна» с русского на английский язык." Scienceweb academic papers
collection (2022).
4.
QIZI, VALIYEVA NARGIZAXON ZAMIR. "Linguocultural aspect of
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teaching foreign languages as an integral part of the educational process." Til va
adabiyot ta'limi (2023).
5.
Hatim B., & Munday, J. (2004). Translation: An Advanced Resource Book.
6.
Newmark P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall.
