Introduction to Translation Studies

Lecture 3
Composed by: Faiza Liaqat
Lecturer English Linguistics
The University of Lahore, Lahore

Translation Theory I

Equivalence in Translation

Equivalence is a fundamental concept in translation theory that concerns the relationship

between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT).

Types of Equivalence:

1. Linguistic Equivalence: This involves matching words and structures between the source
and target texts. For example, translating "Bonjour" in French to "Hello" in English
maintains linguistic equivalence.

• Example:

Urdu: "‫( "میں نے کتاب پڑھی‬Main ne kitaab parhi)

English (Literal): "I read book."

English (Equivalent): "I read a book."

In this example, maintaining linguistic equivalence involves adding the article "a" in
English to match the structure.

• Example:
English (Original): "The moonlight danced on the waves."
Urdu (Literal): "‫"چاندنی پانیوں پر ناچ رہی تھی۔‬
Urdu (Equivalent): "‫"چاندنی لہروں پر جھلمال رہی تھی۔‬
The Urdu equivalent maintains linguistic equivalence by using the word "‫ "جھلمال‬to
describe the dancing moonlight.

2. Functional Equivalence: This focuses on maintaining the function or purpose of the text.
For instance, a legal contract in one language should serve the same legal function when
translated into another language.
• Example:

Urdu: "‫( "اس کتاب کا مطلب کیا ہے؟‬Is kitaab ka matlab kya hai?)

English: "What is the meaning of this book?"

Here, the function of seeking the meaning is maintained in translation.

• Example:
Urdu (Original): "‫"وہ شاعر کافی غمگین تھے‬
English: "The poet was quite melancholic."
The functional equivalence here is in conveying the poet's emotional state.
• Example:

English (Original): "The novel explores the depths of human nature."

Urdu: "‫"اس ناول میں انسانی فطرت کی گہرائیوں کو جانچتا ہے۔‬

The Urdu translation captures the same function of exploring human nature as the English
text.

3. Cultural Equivalence: Cultural nuances and references are preserved. An example is

translating "Sakura" in Japanese to "cherry blossom" in English to convey the cultural
significance.

Example:

Urdu (Original): "‫ ہے کہ نہیں؟‬،‫"ایک شب‬

English (Literal): "One night, or isn't it?"

English (Equivalent): "Is It Just One Night?"

The English equivalent captures the poetic and questioning tone while preserving the
cultural aspect of the original.

Example:

English (Original): "He wore a Sherlock Holmes hat."

Urdu: "‫"اس نے شرلوک ہولمز کا ٹوپی پہنا تھا۔‬

The Urdu translation maintains cultural equivalence by using "‫( "شرلوک ہولمز‬Sherlock
Holmes) rather than trying to find an Urdu equivalent.
Equivalence dilemmas

Equivalence dilemmas in translation represent the intricate tightrope that translators must walk
when bridging the gap between two languages and cultures. Linguistic disparities, semantic
subtleties, and cultural idiosyncrasies contribute to these dilemmas. When untranslatable words
or concepts emerge, it becomes a test of the translator's skill and ingenuity. In such cases, the
translator must strive to strike a balance between preserving the essence of the source text and
ensuring comprehension in the target language. This may involve employing various
translation strategies, such as paraphrasing, creating descriptive phrases, or even embracing
cultural adaptation, all while considering the context and intended impact of the translation.
The overarching goal is to provide the reader with a meaningful and faithful representation of
the original text, even when direct equivalence remains elusive.

Despite the complexities, equivalence dilemmas underscore the richness and diversity of
languages and cultures. They challenge translators to be not just wordsmiths but cultural
interpreters, tasked with conveying not only words but also the emotions, nuances, and cultural
context embedded within them. The resolution of equivalence dilemmas often hinges on the
translator's ability to make informed and creative choices, crafting translations that resonate
with readers in the target language while honoring the authenticity of the source text. In
essence, these dilemmas serve as a testament to the multifaceted nature of translation, where
linguistic artistry meets cross-cultural navigation, and where, ultimately, the quest for
equivalence leads to a deeper appreciation of the intricacies of human communication.

Here are some key points to understand equivalence dilemmas:

1. Linguistic Differences: Equivalence dilemmas often arise due to linguistic differences

between languages. Different languages have unique vocabularies, grammatical
structures, and cultural contexts that can make direct translation difficult.

2. Cultural Nuances: Cultural nuances, values, and references play a significant role in
language. Some concepts may be deeply rooted in one culture but have no direct
equivalent in another culture. Translators need to consider these cultural aspects when
facing equivalence dilemmas.

3. Contextual Variations: The context in which a word or phrase is used can affect its
translation. A word may have multiple meanings or connotations depending on the
context, and capturing all these nuances in translation can be challenging.
 4. Translation Strategies: To address equivalence dilemmas, translators employ various
strategies, including finding the closest approximation, using a descriptive phrase, or
adapting the text to fit the target culture and language. The choice of strategy depends
on the specific dilemma and the desired effect in the translation.

5. Loss of Information: In some cases, achieving complete equivalence is impossible

without losing some information or subtlety present in the source text. Translators must
balance fidelity to the original with readability and comprehension in the target
language.

6. Creative Solutions: Translators often need to be creative and resourceful in finding

solutions to equivalence dilemmas. This may involve using metaphors, explanations,
or even leaving certain terms untranslated when necessary.

7. Translating the Essence: While achieving a perfect linguistic match may be difficult,
the goal of a translator is often to capture the essence, tone, and intended meaning of
the source text in the target language.

In summary, equivalence dilemmas are inherent in the translation process, and translators must
navigate these challenges to produce accurate and meaningful translations. It requires a deep
understanding of both languages and cultures involved and often involves making choices that
best convey the intended message while acknowledging the differences between languages.

Discussion Questions:
• How do linguistic, functional, and cultural equivalence play distinct roles in the
translation process, and what are the key considerations when translators encounter
equivalence dilemmas in maintaining these forms of equivalence?
• Discuss the complex task of resolving equivalence dilemmas in translation, considering
linguistic disparities, cultural nuances, and contextual variations. How do translators
balance faithfulness to the source text with readability and comprehension in the target
language?