CHALLENGES OF TRANSLATING LINGUOCULTURAL UNITS IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH LITERATURE
Keywords:
Linguocultural units, literary translation, contemporary English literature, culture-specific elements, intercultural communication, translation strategies, cultural equivalence, cultural adaptation, translator competence, literary discourseAbstract
This article examines the challenges associated with translating linguocultural units in contemporary English literature. In modern literary translation, linguistic accuracy alone is insufficient to ensure successful communication between cultures. Contemporary English literary works contain numerous culture-specific elements, including idioms, realia, cultural references, symbols, metaphors, and socially conditioned expressions that reflect the values, traditions, and worldview of English-speaking societies. These linguocultural units often present significant difficulties for translators because their meanings are deeply rooted in cultural contexts and may not have direct equivalents in the target language.
The study is based on linguocultural, intercultural, and translation theories that view language as an integral component of culture. Within this framework, the article analyzes the major obstacles encountered when translating linguocultural units and explores strategies used to preserve both semantic meaning and cultural significance. Particular attention is given to the translation of culture-bound expressions, nationally marked vocabulary, and culturally specific literary imagery.
The findings discussed in the article indicate that successful translation of linguocultural units requires not only linguistic competence but also extensive cultural knowledge and intercultural awareness. Effective translation strategies such as adaptation, descriptive translation, functional equivalence, borrowing, and cultural substitution help translators overcome cultural gaps while maintaining the artistic value of literary texts. Furthermore, the study highlights the translator’s role as a cultural mediator who facilitates intercultural communication through literary translation.
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