Eugene Nida was a prominent linguist and translation theorist, known for his significant

contributions to the field of translation studies. One of his notable essays is "Correspondence
Theory of Translation," which elucidates a key concept in translation theory.

In Nida's essay, he presents the "Correspondence Theory of Translation," which essentially

proposes that the effectiveness of a translation depends on the degree to which the receptor
language (the language into which the text is translated) corresponds to the structure and
meaning of the source language (the original language of the text).

Here's a detailed breakdown of the main points of Nida's correspondence theory:

1. Dynamic Equivalence: Nida is often associated with the concept of "dynamic

equivalence," which suggests that the translator's primary goal should be to convey the
thought or message of the original text rather than a word-for-word translation.
According to Nida, achieving dynamic equivalence involves ensuring that the translation
has the same impact on the target audience as the original text had on its audience.
2. Functional Equivalence: Nida emphasizes the importance of functional
equivalence, which means that the translation should serve the same communicative
function as the original text. This involves considering the cultural and linguistic context
of both the source and target languages to ensure that the translation effectively
communicates the intended message in the target culture.
3. Translational Adequacy: Nida discusses translational adequacy, which refers to
the degree to which a translation accurately conveys the meaning, style, and
cultural context of the original text. He argues that a translation should strive for
adequacy in all these aspects to effectively bridge the gap between languages
and cultures.
4. Linguistic and Cultural Factors: Nida emphasizes the importance of considering
linguistic and cultural factors in translation. This includes understanding the
nuances of both languages involved, as well as the cultural norms, values, and
conventions that may influence the interpretation of the text.
5. Audience Orientation: Nida stresses the significance of audience orientation in
translation. Translators must consider the needs, expectations, and cultural
background of the target audience to ensure that the translation resonates with
them and effectively communicates the intended message.
6. Equivalence and Shifts: Nida discusses various types of equivalence, such as
formal equivalence (literal translation) and dynamic equivalence (idiomatic
translation). He also acknowledges that translation often involves shifts in
meaning, structure, or form to maintain equivalence between the source and
target texts.
Overall, Nida's "Correspondence Theory of Translation" highlights the
complex interplay between languages, cultures, and communication in the
translation process. By emphasizing dynamic equivalence, functional
equivalence, translational adequacy, and audience orientation, Nida
provides a framework for understanding and evaluating the effectiveness of
translations.