Relevance of Translatability of Cultural Elements in Literary Translation based on Newmark's Theory

Document Type : research article

Authors

Department of French Language, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In this research, we try to figure out the transfer and also to discuss cultural concepts in literary translation by taking into account the linguistic and cultural differences. Therefore, as the corpus of this research, we will examine some examples from the translations of two works by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt in different eras and we will analyze the methods that are used by translators for translating some of cultural elements, relying on the theory of Peter Newmark. The applicability of this theory over time and the perspective of its efficiency based on three indicators which are objectives, possibilities and obstacles will be examined. With the expansion of mastery over artificial intelligence and the application of a new generation of translation software by young translators, which always provide more accurate versions of the original content in more languages, we are witnessing the emergence of a generation of translators who ignore the relevance of translation theories regarding the representation of cultural themes. Since the meaning of words or phrases is derived from the culture of a language, understanding the meaning requires complete knowledge of the culture of the language which it originated from, so the translation software alone cannot be effective in obtaining accurate translation. Thus, in this essay, we try to indicate for the next generation of translators the importance of the application of translation theories in the field of literary translation, especially concerning translating cultural elements.

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References

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Journal of Foreign Language Research
Volume 13, Issue 4
December 2023
Pages 579-594

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