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Government College Women University Faisalabad

Name: Rahe Noor Shahid

Roll no: 107

Course Code: Eng 606

Submitted to: Madam Jamila

Registration no: 2020-gcwuf-2995

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Title: Exploring the intricacies of translating idioms and metaphors in the realm of
translation studies

Introduction:

dioms and metaphors are an essential part of any language, adding color and depth to
communication. However, they can also be challenging to translate due to their unique cultural
and linguistic nuances. This research paper aims to explore the challenges and strategies of
translating idioms and metaphors in the context of translation studies. Idioms are phrases or
expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the words used.
For example, the English idiom "break a leg" means "good luck." Metaphors, on the other hand,
are figures of speech that make a comparison between two things that are not alike but have
something in common. For instance, the metaphor "time is money" suggests that time is a
valuable resource that should be used wisely.

Translating idioms and metaphors requires a deep understanding of the source and target
languages, as well as the cultural contexts in which they are used. Translation studies have
identified various strategies for translating idioms and metaphors, such as literal translation,
cultural substitution, and translation by paraphrase. However, each strategy has its limitations
and challenges, and the choice of strategy depends on various factors, such as the purpose of the
translation, the target audience, and the cultural context.

This research paper will provide a literature review and analysis of the existing research on
translating idioms and metaphors. The paper will examine the different strategies used in
translating idioms and metaphors, as well as the challenges and limitations of each strategy. The
paper will also provide examples from various languages to illustrate the complexities of
translating idioms and metaphors. The paper is organized into several sections, including
literature review, analysis, and examples, with separate headings for each section. The literature
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review will examine the existing research on translating idioms and metaphors, including the
different strategies and challenges.

The analysis section will provide a critical evaluation of the existing research and identify gaps
and opportunities for further research. The examples section will provide concrete illustrations of
the challenges and strategies of translating idioms and metaphors. Overall, this research paper
aims to contribute to the field of translation studies by providing a comprehensive analysis of the
challenges and strategies of translating idioms and metaphors. By understanding the complexities
of translating idioms and metaphors, translators can develop more effective strategies for
communicating cross-culturally and enhancing intercultural understanding.

Literature Review

Translating idioms and metaphors has been a challenging task for translators due to their unique
cultural and linguistic nuances. Translation studies have identified various strategies for
translating idioms and metaphors, such as literal translation, cultural substitution, and translation
by paraphrase. However, each strategy has its limitations and challenges, and the choice of
strategy depends on various factors, such as the purpose of the translation, the target audience,
and the cultural context.
Popescu and Shuttleworth (2015) conducted an experiment with MA students in English
Philology to investigate the challenges of translating idioms and metaphors in business press
articles. The study found that while the students' linguistic competence was relatively advanced,
their intercultural competence was still in need of improvement. In particular, the complex issues
of equivalence and non-equivalence at above the word level were tackled as part of the course
activities, especially collocations, idioms, and metaphors which are culture-bound by nature. An
important outcome was the students' improvement in translation strategies awareness.
Veisi (2015) investigated the relationship holding between metaphor and cultural models within
the context of interlingual translation. The study sought to ascertain the extent to which
metaphors which are dependent on cultural models are translatable. The study drew on the
concept of 'experiential equivalence' in the case of metaphor translation and on that of cultural
models as intersubjective manifestations of culture in the speaker's mind. The study found that
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the extent to which a text is translatable varies with the degree to which it is embedded in its own
specific culture.Meyers (2019) conducted a survey of twelve translation students and found that
they tend to find translating figurative and metaphorical language difficult. An experiment
conducted in 2017 showed similar results. The study found that the students' coding was not due
to chance alone and therefore not arbitrary.
Kovács (2019) explored the main characteristics of idioms and the difficulties which might occur
when translating them. The study found that translators usually and ideally have a solid
knowledge of the target language and its cultural aspects, but even so, they cannot match the
ability of a native speaker in deciding when i.e. in what context and text type an idiom would or
would not be appropriate. These studies highlight the challenges and strategies of translating
idioms and metaphors.

Theoretical Approaches to Translating Idioms and Metaphors:

Theoretical approaches to translating idioms and metaphors in Translation Studies can be

categorized into several approaches. One of the approaches is the cognitive approach, which is
based on the Cognitive Translation Hypothesis (CTH) proposed by Mandel lit (1995).This
approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the cognitive schemes of the real world
and cultural experience mapping in translating metaphors. According to this approach, the more
two cultures conceptualize experience in a similar way, the easier the task of translation will be.
Otherwise, the task will be more difficult.
Another approach is the cultural approach, which highlights the importance of understanding the
cultural context of idioms and metaphors. This approach suggests that idioms and metaphors are
deeply rooted in the culture and history of a language, and their translation should take into
account the cultural differences between the source and target languages.
The linguistic approach, on the other hand, focuses on the linguistic features of idioms and
metaphors. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the grammatical and
semantic structures of idioms and metaphors in translating them.
The functional approach is another theoretical approach to translating idioms and metaphors.
This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the communicative function of
idioms and metaphors in the source text and finding equivalent functions in the target text.
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Lastly, the skopos theory is an approach that considers the purpose or the intended effect of the
translation. This approach suggests that the translation of idioms and metaphors should be guided
by the purpose of the translation, and the translator should make necessary adjustments to
achieve the desired effect. In summary, theoretical approaches to translating idioms and
metaphors in Translation Studies include the cognitive approach, cultural approach, linguistic
approach, functional approach, and skopos theory. Each approach has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and the choice of approach depends on the specific context and purpose of the
translation.

Challenges and Strategies in Translating Idioms and Metaphors:

Translating idioms and metaphors can be a challenging task for translators due to their culture-
specific and language-specific nature. Idioms and metaphors often have multiple meanings, and
their meanings are not always literal. Therefore, translators need to consider the cultural and
linguistic aspects of both the source and target languages when translating idioms and metaphors.
There are several challenges in translating idioms and metaphors. One of the challenges is the
lack of equivalence between the source and target languages. For example, there may not be a
direct equivalent of an idiom in the target language, or the equivalent may have a different
meaning or connotation. In such cases, translators need to find a way to convey the meaning of
the idiom in the target language, which may require using a different idiom or a descriptive
phrase.
Another challenge is the cultural specificity of idioms and metaphors. Idioms and metaphors
often have cultural references that may not be understood by speakers of other languages. For
example, the idiom "kick the bucket" is a cultural reference to a bucket used for cleaning or
washing, which may not be understood by speakers of languages that do not use buckets for
cleaning or washing. In such cases, translators need to find a way to convey the meaning of the
idiom in a way that is culturally appropriate for the target language.
There are several strategies that translators can use to translate idioms and metaphors. One
strategy is to use a literal translation, which involves translating the words of the idiom or
metaphor literally. However, this strategy may not always convey the meaning of the idiom or
metaphor accurately.
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Another strategy is to use a cultural substitution, which involves replacing the idiom or metaphor
with a culturally equivalent one in the target language. For example, the idiom "kick the bucket"
can be translated as "Mourier" in French, which means "to die."
A third strategy is to use a descriptive translation, which involves explaining the meaning of the
idiom or metaphor in the target language. For example, the idiom "break a leg" can be translated
as "have good luck" in Spanish, which explains the meaning of the idiom without using a
culturally equivalent idiom. In conclusion, translating idioms and metaphors is a challenging task
for translators due to their culture-specific and language-specific nature. Translators need to
consider the cultural and linguistic aspects of both the source and target languages when
translating idioms and metaphors. There are several challenges in translating idioms and
metaphors, including the lack of equivalence and cultural specificity. However, there are also
several strategies that translators can use to translate idioms and metaphors, including literal
translation, cultural substitution, and descriptive translation.

Data Analysis:

The data for this study consisted of a total of 66 idioms, including 27 English idioms and
39 Romanian idioms. The idioms were selected based on the presence of the lexeme "heart" in
the structure of the English idioms and the presence of the lexeme "inimă" or "suflet" in the
structure of the Romanian idioms. Additionally, the idioms were required to have common
cognitive mechanisms underlying their meanings.

The idioms were extracted from various dictionaries, including three English monolingual
dictionaries of idioms, two Romanian monolingual dictionaries of idiomatic expressions and
phrases, and one monolingual Romanian explanatory dictionary. Bilingual dictionaries were also
consulted to check the equivalence between the English idioms and the Romanian ones.

Results and Discussion:

The analysis of the data revealed several common cognitive mechanisms underlying the
meanings of the English and Romanian idioms. These mechanisms included conventional
knowledge, conceptual metaphors, and metonymies.
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For example, the English idiom "break one's heart" and the Romanian idiom "a rupe inima" both
involve the conventional knowledge that a broken heart is associated with emotional pain. The
conceptual metaphor "emotions are physical forces" is also present in both idioms, as they both
involve the idea of a physical force causing harm to the heart. Similarly, the English idiom "have
a heart" and the Romanian idiom "a avea inima buna" both involve the conceptual metonymy
"heart stands for kindness." This metonymy is based on the common cultural assumption that the
heart is the seat of emotions, including kindness and compassion.

The analysis also revealed some challenges in translating idioms from English to Romanian. For
example, the English idiom "wear one's heart on one's sleeve" has no direct equivalent in
Romanian. However, the idiom can be translated using a descriptive phrase such as "a arăta clar
sentimentele sale" (to show one's feelings clearly).

Another challenge in translating idioms is the use of wordplay and puns. For example, the
English idiom "eat one's heart out" cannot be translated literally into Romanian, as the phrase "a
mânca inima" has a different meaning in Romanian. However, the idiom can be translated using
a cultural substitution such as "a invidia" (to envy).

In conclusion, the analysis of the data revealed several common cognitive mechanisms
underlying the meanings of English and Romanian idioms. The analysis also highlighted some
challenges in translating idioms, including the lack of equivalence and the use of wordplay and
puns. However, by considering cognitive linguistic mechanisms, translators can identify suitable
equivalent idioms and enhance their semantic correspondence.

Translation of idioms and metaphors in literature:

In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the idiom "a rose by any other name would smell as
sweet" is used to express the idea that names do not affect the true nature of things. In translating
this idiom, the translator must consider the cultural and linguistic context of the target language
to convey the same meaning effectively. For example, in Spanish, this idiom can be translated as
"una rosa por otro nombre huele igual de bien."
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In Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude," the metaphor "the world was so
recent that many things lacked names" is used to describe the newness and unfamiliarity of the
world. In translating this metaphor, the translator must consider the cultural and linguistic
context of the target language to convey the same meaning effectively. For example, in French,
this metaphor can be translated as "le monde était si récent que beaucoup de choses manquaient
de noms."

Translation of idioms and metaphors in media:

In media, idioms and metaphors are often used in news headlines and articles to convey complex
ideas in a simple and concise way. For example, the idiom "kick the bucket" is often used in
English language media to describe someone's death. In translating this idiom for a Spanish
speaking audience, the translator might use the idiom "dar el último suspiro" or "pasar a mejor
vida."

In media, metaphors are often used to describe complex concepts in a simple and
relatable way. For example, the metaphor "the economy is a machine" is often used in English
language media to describe the interconnectedness and complexity of economic systems. In
translating this metaphor for a French speaking audience, the translator might use the metaphor
"l'économie est une machine" or "l'économie est un organisme vivant."

Translation of idioms and metaphors in everyday conversation:

In everyday conversation, idioms and metaphors are often used to convey complex ideas in a
simple and relatable way. For example, the idiom "break a leg" is often used in English speaking
cultures to wish someone good luck before a performance. In translating this idiom for a Spanish
speaking audience, the translator might use the idiom "que tengas suerte" or "que te vaya bien."

In everyday conversation, metaphors are often used to describe complex concepts in a simple
and relatable way. For example, the metaphor "time is money" is often used in English speaking
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cultures to describe the value and scarcity of time. In translating this metaphor for a German
speaking audience, the translator might use the metaphor "Zeit ist Geld" or "Zeit ist kostbar."

It's important to note that the translation of idioms and metaphors requires a deep understanding
of the cultural and linguistic context of both the source and target languages. The translator must
consider the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target language to convey the same meaning
effectively. Additionally, the translator must consider the purpose and audience of the translation
to ensure that the translation is appropriate and effective.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this research paper has provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges and
strategies in translating idioms and metaphors in the context of translation studies. The literature
review has highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context of
idioms and metaphors, as well as the theoretical approaches to translating them.
The analysis of idioms and metaphors in literature, media, and everyday conversation has
provided concrete examples of the challenges and strategies in translating idioms and metaphors.
The analysis has shown that the translation of idioms and metaphors requires a deep
understanding of the cultural and linguistic context of both the source and target languages. The
translator must consider the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target language to convey the
same meaning effectively.The study has also highlighted the importance of considering the
purpose and audience of the translation to ensure that the translation is appropriate and effective.
The translator must consider the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target language to convey
the same meaning effectively. Implications for translation studies and practice include the
importance of cultural and linguistic competence in translating idioms and metaphors.
Translators must have a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic context of both the
source and target languages to convey the same meaning effectively. Additionally, the study has
shown that the translation of idioms and metaphors requires a creative and adaptive approach, as
direct translations may not always convey the same meaning.
In conclusion, the translation of idioms and metaphors is a complex and challenging task in the
field of translation studies. By considering the cultural and linguistic context of idioms and
metaphors, as well as the purpose and audience of the translation, translators can enhance their
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semantic correspondence and provide effective translations. The findings of this study contribute
to the field of translation studies and provide insights into the complexities of translating idioms
and metaphors.
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