МЕДИЦИНА, ПЕДАГОГИКА И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ:
ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
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THE PROBLEMS OF COGNITIVE DISSONANCE IN TRANSLATION
AND SOLUTIONS TO THEM.
Akhmedova Sevar Qudratullayevna
The Teacher of History and Philology Department
Asia International University
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
This article explores the complexities of cognitive dissonance that translators
encounter when interpreting texts across languages and cultures. It delves into how
differing cultural contexts and linguistic structures can lead to conflicts between a
translator's beliefs and the source material. The article emphasizes the psychological
challenges faced by translators and the importance of understanding these dynamics
to enhance translation practices.
Translation is the process of converting text or speech from one language into
another. There are various types of translation that cater to different purposes and
contexts. Here are some of the main types:
Literary Translation:
This involves translating literary texts, such as novels,
poems, and plays, while preserving their artistic and stylistic elements. The translator
aims to convey the original author's voice and intent.
Technical Translation:
This type of translation is focused on technical
documents, manuals, and scientific papers. It requires familiarity with specific
terminology related to fields like engineering, medicine, and technology.
Legal Translation:
Involves translating legal documents, such as contracts, laws,
and litigation materials. Precision and adherence to legal terminology are crucial in
this type of translation.
Simultaneous Interpreting: This is a type of verbal translation that occurs in real-
time, often during conferences or meetings. The interpreter translates the spoken
words of one language into another as the speaker is talking.
1.
Munday, Jeremy (2016).
Introducing Translation Studies: theories and applications (4th
. London/New York: Routledge. pp.
.
.
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ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
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Consecutive Interpreting:
Unlike simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter waits
for the speaker to finish a segment before providing the translation. This is common
in smaller meetings or interviews.
Subtitling: This involves translating dialogue in films, videos, or television shows
into written text that appears on the screen. The translation needs to be concise and
timed to match the speech.
Dubbing:
This is the process of replacing the original
spoken dialogue with another language’s audio. This requires not only translations
but also voice acting and synchronization with the visuals.
Machine Translation:
The use of software and algorithms to translate text
automatically. This can range from simple translation apps to advanced systems like
Google Translate.
Certified Translation:
This is often required for official documents, where a
translator certifies that the translation is accurate and complete. This is common for
legal and immigration documents.
Community Translation:
This involves translation performed by volunteers or
community members, often in social or humanitarian contexts, such as translating
health information or public service announcements for multilingual populations.
Each type of translation has its own set of challenges and requires specific skills,
knowledge, and often sensitivity to cultural nuances.
Translating literary works
presents unique challenges distinct from other types of translation:
Preservation of Style and Voice: Capturing an author's unique voice, style, and
emotional undertone is crucial yet difficult. Subtle nuances in writing can be lost or
altered in translation.
Cultural References and Allusions: Literary texts often contain culturally specific
references and allusions that may not resonate with the target audience. Translators
must decide whether to adapt these elements or retain their original form.
Ambiguity and Multiple Meanings: Literature frequently employs ambiguity,
allowing for multiple interpretations. Translators must navigate these complexities
while remaining true to the original intent.
Poetic Devices and Rhythm: Translating poetry or prose rich in literary devices
(like metaphor, alliteration, or rhythm) poses a significant challenge, often leading to
compromises in the aesthetic experience.
2.
A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
, paperback
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ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
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Length and Structure: Differences in grammar and syntax between languages can
lead to variations in sentence length and structure, potentially affecting the flow and
pacing of the original work.
Emotional Impact: Literature often seeks to evoke specific emotions. Translators
must carefully choose words that elicit similar feelings in the target language, which
can be highly context-dependent.
Market and Audience Considerations: Translators must be mindful of their
audience's preferences and cultural context, which can influence how much they
localize the text or adapt it for readability.
Publisher Constraints: Publishers' expectations and commercial considerations
may limit the translator’s creative choices, sometimes prioritizing marketability over
fidelity to the source material.
Ethical Responsibilities: Translators bear the ethical responsibility of faithfully
representing the author’s work while also making it accessible to new readers, which
can lead to dilemmas regarding fidelity and interpretative choices.
Navigating these challenges requires a deep understanding of both the source and
target languages, alongside a profound appreciation of literary art.
Cognitive dissonance in the translation of literary works refers to the
psychological conflict that arises when a translator must reconcile different
interpretations, themes, or cultural meanings between the source text and the target
language. Here are some key points to consider:
Cognitive dissonance occurs when a translator holds conflicting beliefs or
thoughts, such as wanting to remain faithful to the original text while also making it
accessible and relatable for the target audience. Translators face the challenge of
capturing cultural references, idioms, and nuances that may not have direct
equivalents in the target language. This can create tension between maintaining the
author's intent and ensuring clarity for the reader. The unique style of the original
author often poses a challenge. Translators may struggle to replicate the same artistic
qualities, leading to a feeling of discomfort as they navigate between fidelity to the
source and creativity in the translation. Translators may experience dissonance when
considering the expectations of their target audience. Balancing the original message
with the reader's cultural context can result in difficult choices that might alter the
3
Bainbridge, William Sims & Rodney Stark 1979. Cult formation: three compatible
models.
Sociological Analysis
.
40
(4): 90. JSTOR
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ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
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text’s impact. Translators may confront ethical dilemmas regarding how to handle
sensitive subjects or themes within a literary work. The desire to maintain
authenticity while adapting to contemporary values can lead to internal conflict.
Some translators might resolve cognitive dissonance by choosing a strategy, such as
domestication (adapting the text for the target audience) or foreignization
(preserving the source culture), each with its own set of implications. The dissonance
that arises can influence the final translation, resulting in unique interpretations that
reflect the translator's individual voice and perspective, thus contributing to the
evolution of the text. Understanding cognitive dissonance can provide insights into
the translational choices made by translators, as their decisions often stem from a
need to resolve conflicting pressures while staying true to both the text and the
reader.
In summary, cognitive dissonance in literary translation captures the complexity
of the translator's role as both an interpreter of the original work and a creator of a
new literary experience. This ongoing negotiation between fidelity and adaptation
ultimately shapes the reader's engagement with the translated text.
Cognitive dissonance happens while translating literary works due to several
intertwined factors:
Translators often face the challenge of balancing fidelity to the source text with
the need for readability and relatability in the target language. This can create
tension when the literal translation may not convey the original intent or cultural
significance.Literary works are often steeped in cultural references and idioms that
do not have direct equivalents in another language. Translators may experience
dissonance when they have to choose between preserving cultural authenticity and
making the text comprehensible for the target audience.
Capturing the unique style and voice of the original author can lead to dissonance.
Translators may feel conflicted about how much to adapt language or structure to
retain the author’s literary essence versus making it more engaging for the reader.
Translators are often aware of the expectations of their target readers, who may
prefer a smoother narrative or specific themes. This awareness can cause internal
conflict when the translator must modify the text to meet these expectations. When
4
Festinger, Leon; Riecken, Henry W.; Schachter, Stanley (1956). When Prophecy Fails: a social and
psychological study of a modern group that predicted the destruction of the world. University of Minnesota
Press.
Reissued 2008 by Pinter & Martin with a foreword by Elliot
Aronson,
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ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
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dealing with sensitive topics or controversial themes, translators might experience
cognitive dissonance regarding how to represent these issues appropriately.
Balancing the original message with current societal values can create a moral
dilemma. Literary texts often employ ambiguity, complex metaphors, or multi-
layered meanings. Translators may feel dissonance when they must decide which
interpretation to convey, knowing that their choice will inevitably affect the reader’s
understanding. A translator's background, beliefs, and personal experiences can
influence their choices, leading to cognitive dissonance as they navigate their
interpretation against the original work’s intent.
Commercial considerations can also create dissonance, as publishers may favor
translations that cater to market trends, potentially resulting in alterations that
conflict with the original text's integrity.
In essence, cognitive dissonance in literary translation arises from the complex
interplay of linguistic, cultural, ethical, and personal factors that translators must
navigate to create a bridge between the source and target texts. This internal conflict
can significantly impact the translation outcome, shaping how the work is perceived
in a new cultural context.
Solutions to Cognitive Dissonance in Translation. Building a deep understanding
of both the source and target cultures can help translators make informed decisions
that respect both contexts. Engaging with cultural studies or collaborating with
cultural experts can provide insights that mitigate dissonance. Employing various
translation strategies, such as dynamic equivalence or skopos theory, allows
translators to adapt their approach based on the context and intended audience,
reducing feelings of conflict between fidelity and readability. Working with other
translators, editors, or stakeholders can help resolve dilemmas by providing diverse
perspectives and solutions. Regular feedback can guide translators in maintaining the
balance between originality and audience appeal. Establishing personal or
organizational guidelines that clarify priorities (e.g., faithfulness to the text, audience
engagement) can help translators navigate challenging choices with greater
confidence and clarity.Accepting that some ambiguity and multiple interpretations
are inherent in literary texts can alleviate pressure. Rather than seeking a single
5
Carlson, Neil R.; Heth, C. Donald (2010).
Psychology: the science of behaviour
(4 ed.).
Toronto: Pearson Canada.
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ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
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“correct” version, translators can produce nuanced translations that reflect different
aspects of the original work.
Providing annotations or footnotes can help explain cultural references, idioms, or
complex passages. This approach enables the translator to maintain fidelity to the
source text while facilitating the reader’s understanding. Translators can engage in
self-reflection to recognize their biases and the influences of their background.
Acknowledging these factors can help in making more balanced and informed
translation choices. Participating in professional development, workshops, and
conferences can enhance translators' skills and knowledge, equipping them to handle
cognitive dissonance more effectively. This ongoing education helps them adapt to
new challenges in the translation landscape. Sometimes, a compromise between
literal translation and creative adaptation can resolve dissonance. Translators can
seek a middle ground that honors the source material while still being accessible to
the target audience. Practicing mindfulness can help translators manage the stress
and anxiety that may accompany cognitive dissonance. Techniques such as
meditation or journaling can provide clarity and better emotional regulation during
the translation process.
By employing these strategies, translators can effectively address cognitive
dissonance, ultimately leading to more thoughtful and resonant literary translations
that honor both the source material and the target audience.
Referance:
1.
A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford: Stanford University
Press.
.
, paperback
2.
Carlson, Neil R.; Heth, C. Donald (2010).
Psychology: the science of
behaviour
(4 ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada.
3.
Festinger, Leon; Riecken, Henry W.; Schachter, Stanley (1956). When
Prophecy Fails: a social and psychological study of a modern group that predicted
the destruction of the world. University of Minnesota Press.
.
Reissued 2008 by Pinter & Martin with a foreword by Elliot Aronson,
4.
Bainbridge, William Sims & Rodney Stark 1979. Cult formation: three
compatible models.
Sociological Analysis
.
40
(4): 90. JSTOR
МЕДИЦИНА, ПЕДАГОГИКА И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ:
ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА
Researchbib Impact factor: 11.79/2023
SJIF 2024 = 5.444
Том 2, Выпуск 11, Ноябрь
https://universalpublishings.com
233
5.
Munday, Jeremy (2016).
Introducing Translation Studies: theories and
. London/New York: Routledge. pp.
.
