Translation Equivalence and Processes: A Comprehensive Analysis

Posted on Mar 20, 2025 in Other civil servant exams

Types of Equivalence

Koller outlines five types of equivalence to illustrate the different dimensions of equivalence in translation:

  1. Denotative Equivalence: This type of equivalence relates to the equivalence of the extralinguistic content of a text, also known as “content invariance.”
  2. Connotative Equivalence: It pertains to lexical choices, especially between near synonyms, and is sometimes referred to as “stylistic equivalence.”
  3. Text-Normative Equivalence: This type is linked to different text types behaving in different ways and is associated with the work of Katharina Reiss.
  4. Pragmatic Equivalence: Also known as “communicative equivalence,” it focuses on the receiver of the text or message and aligns with Nida’s dynamic equivalence.
  5. Formal Equivalence: This type relates to the form and aesthetics of the text, including word plays and individual stylistic features of the source text. It is sometimes termed “expressive equivalence” and should not be confused with Nida’s concept.

In summary, Koller’s work provides a nuanced understanding of equivalence in translation, emphasizing the importance of finding equivalent items in various dimensions to ensure effective communication across languages.


Product and Process

Introduction

Since the 1950s, various linguistic approaches have attempted to categorize the translation process. Notable models include Vinay and Darbelnet’s taxonomy and Catford’s linguistic approach, which introduced the term ‘translation shift’.

Vinay and Darbelnet’s Model

Vinay and Darbelnet identify two general translation strategies: direct translation and oblique translation. These strategies encompass seven procedures.

Direct Translation:

  • Borrowing: Direct transfer of a word from the source language (SL) to the target language (TL), used to fill a semantic gap.
  • Calque: Literal translation of an expression or structure from SL to TL, often integrated into TL with semantic changes.
  • Literal Translation: Word-for-word translation, common in languages of the same family and culture, but may be deemed unacceptable for various reasons.

Oblique Translation:

  • Transposition: Changing one part of speech to another without altering the sense, either obligatory or optional.
  • Modulation: Changing the semantics and point of view of the SL, either obligatory or optional.
  • Equivalence: Describing the same situation using different stylistic or structural means, useful for translating idioms and proverbs.
  • Adaptation: Changing cultural references when the source culture’s situation doesn’t exist in the target culture.

Analytical Steps

Vinay and Darbelnet outline five analytical steps for translators:

  1. Identify the Units of Translation: Break down the text into manageable units.
  2. Evaluate the SL Text: Assess the content, emotion, and intellectual aspects of the units.
  3. Reconstruct the Metalinguistic Context: Understand the linguistic context of the message.
  4. Evaluate Stylistic Effects: Consider the impact of style on the translation.
  5. Produce and Revise the TT: Create and refine the target text.

Vinay and Darbelnet’s model provides translators with a structured approach to effectively analyze and translate texts, ensuring accurate and meaningful communication across languages.