26THE TRANSLATION CHALLENGES OF PROVERBS, IDIOMS, AND
CULTURAL REFERENCES
Dilshod Dilmurodovich Togaymurodov
Denau institute of entrepreneurship and pedagogy d.to gaymuradov@dtpi .uz
ABSTRACT
Proverbs, idioms and cultural references are long-lasting heritage of a certain culture. They can possess economic, political, and cultural importance. That is because translating those time-honored expressions correctly is of a real significance. This article illustrates information on how proverbs originally appeared, why they are important in social life , and the valuable lessons they carry. In addition, the article deals with a variety of common problems in relation to translating them from one language into another incorporated with some examples so that it can be more comprehensible. It also provides some proverbs translated from the English language to Uzbek in the end.
Keywords: proverb, translation, nuance, expression, equivalents, context depending, implicit meaning, cultural bias.
INTRODUCTION
In exploring the complex nuances of proverb translation, numerous scholars have highlighted the intricate interplay of linguistic precision and cultural depth required in the translation process. For instance, Nida and Taber (1969) emphasized the importance of equivalence in translation, particularly the balance between dynamic and formal equivalence necessary for conveying not just literal meanings but also cultural contexts. Venuti (1995) critiqued dominant translation practices that often domesticate foreign texts to fit the cultural norms of the target language, potentially obscuring original cultural nuances.
Baker (2011) and Newmark (1988) have contributed significantly to our understanding of translation techniques, particularly in the handling of idiomatic expressions and proverbs, where direct equivalents might not exist. Furthermore, Nord (1997) introduced the function-plus-loyalty principle, urging translators to consider the function of a text or phrase in the source culture when seeking functional equivalents in the target language. Lastly, the works of Jakobson (1959) on linguistic aspects of translation illustrate the foundational linguistic challenges that underpin the translation of culturally embedded texts like proverbs.
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Proverbs is a concise, yet profound statements that is frequently quoted because it provides simple and insightful advice or expresses a general truth about life. Proverbs is known to be shared wisdom and experience of veterans. As the time passed , orally were they transmitted from one generation to next , and slowly but surely became part of cultural heritage and traditions. Some proverbs derived from ancient civilizations, meanwhile some of them have connections with recent trends. Proverbs offer practical advice on how to have a good lifestyle, think deeply when making important decisions, and to be a good member of society. In addition, they often illustrates the value of wisdom, knowledge and experience, for example, the proverb "Knowledge is power" emphasizes the merits of education and encourages people to study. Besides they often urge people to work hard and be tolerant in front of challenge which are the most needed skills in life. For instance, the saying "No pain, no gain" can play the role of a warning that effort and sacrifice is generally required in order to be successful.
Translation has an important role as for transmitting knowledge between two people who speak in two different languages . As every job has its difficult sides translators also face some complexities while they are translating a piece of information from one language into another . It can be safely stated that translating proverbs and sayings are the most challenging task for translators, because in order to translate them, they are required not only high-level of linguistic prowess, but an in-depth grasp of cultural nuances fixed to these expression in the target languages. Discovering expressions which have equal meaning between languages not only so as to keep the literal meaning , also cultural significance can be a real challenge. In order to perform an elevated work of 'art' , the one has to be aware of common translation problems of proverbs and strategies to overcome these challenges.
METHODS
To effectively address the translation challenges of proverbs, the methodology for this study incorporates a multi-pronged approach combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Data for this study is collected through a curated collection of proverbs selected from English and their corresponding translations in Uzbek language. These proverbs were carefully chosen to represent a diverse range of cultural themes and linguistic structures and were sourced from established literary texts, validated by expert linguists for authenticity and relevance.
The analysis of the proverb translations employs a mixed-methods framework. Each proverb and its translations undergo a detailed linguistic analysis based on Baker's model of translation techniques, which includes identifying strategies such as equivalence, adaptation,
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and modulation. Additionally, the cultural nuances and the translator's choices are explored through Venuti's theory of domestication and foreignization. A quantitative analysis is also conducted to quantify the frequency and types of translation techniques employed across different languages, helping to understand patterns and trends that may indicate cultural or linguistic preferences in translation strategies.
To enhance the validity of the analysis, the translated proverbs are reviewed by a panel of bilingual experts in linguistics, who assess the accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and readability of the translations. Feedback from these reviews is incorporated into the final analysis to refine conclusions and recommendations.
The study adheres to ethical research standards, ensuring that all proverbs and translations are sourced with proper acknowledgment to original authors and translators, while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality throughout the expert review process. The methodologies employed are expected to reveal insightful trends and specific challenges in the translation of proverbs, contributing to a broader understanding and improved practices in the field of translation studies.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Here are some common translation problems:
1. Syntax and word order. Proverbs often has a distinctive sentence structure than the standard, applying unique syntax and word order for emphasis or to signify a specific meaning. Translating these proverbs demand careful attention to word order and sentence structure to preserve the intended meaning.
2. Literal translation. In terms of translation, there is a term of direct translation meaning that translating word by word which ,more often than not, lead inconvenient phrasing or loss of meaning. For example, the phrase "it is raining cats and dogs" might sound awkward if not translated figuratively into another language.
3. Lack of equivalents: some languages may not have equivalent expressions in other languages. For example, a idiom "break a leg" does not designate a logical meaning when directly interpreted to another language. Imagine wishing luck to someone who is nervous before an examination by saying direct translation, quite frightening , isn't it?
4. Context depending : Cultural concepts rely mostly on context which means their essence can have different variations according to the situation , and it can be really confusing unless given extra information. For instance, the proverb " do not judge a book by its cover" can simply mean not to underestimate a person by their appearance or in an another context a warning to avoid potential problems.
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5. Subtlety and implicit meaning: Cultural nuances are often delicate and underlying, depending on ethnic belief and understanding. For example, the proverb " Still water run deep " signify that introvert people who are mostly quite and reserved can have hidden miraculous talents. Translating the notion into the language in which the concept of " still water " has not got cultural importance may be a complex issue.
6. Cultural bias: it is a prospective which differs in cultural level meaning that one tends to view the world in only their cultural circle which leads to misunderstanding and misinterpretation during the translation. The English proverb "Leopard cannot change it spot" can a distinctive association in different cultures where leopard is not an indigenous animal. Another saying " The customer is always right" is a reflection of the customer-centric culture that may not be usual in other cultures.
7. Loss of rhyme. Rhyming proverbs have its poetic elements and memorability, however during translating such proverbs into another language, rhyme often disappear which affect the poetic quality of the phrase. For example, the proverb " A stitch in time saves nine " or "An apple a day keeps a doctor away" may lose its rhyming qualities when translated to another language.
8. Rhythm disruption. "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise". The rhythm of this proverb is generated by its iambic tetrameter meaning that it has a pattern of four pairs of unstressed and stressed syllabus. It adds more complexity to translate this proverb into a language in which there is not a concept of iambic tetrameter. The rhythmic flow of the proverb may experience disruption during translation, resulting to loss of impact. In general, proverbs with a specific cadence or rhythm in a certain language may not keep the same musicality in another languages.
9. Ambiguity and multiple meanings. Proverbs can have multiple meaning which can be interpreted in different ways, depending on context. Translators must be cautious in the intending meaning and choose the best expression which suits it more. Example: "All the glitters is not gold"
• The first meaning - do not judge a person by their appearance
• The second meaning - not everything which seems worthwhile is not worthwhile.
10. Figurative language. Proverbs often have figurative language, such as metaphors, similes and symbols to express a message in a distinctive way. Translating such proverbs requires finding equivalent figurative language that resonates with readers from a different cultural background.
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Example:
English proverb: " A rolling stone gathers no moss."
Metaphor : A person who is always moving or changing will not achieve anything lasting.
Accurate translation: "People who are constantly changing their jobs or relationships will not find success or stability"
Here are some strategies to overcome translation problems of proverbs:
1. Understand the cultural context: Before trying to translate a proverb, it is vital to have a good understanding of its cultural context. This includes the traditions, beliefs, and history of the culture that created the proverb. This will help the translator to better understand the meaning and intent of the proverb, and to find a suitable translation that signifys the same meaning in the target language.
2. Identify the key elements: Once the translator understands the cultural context of the proverb, they can identify the key elements that need to be preserved in the translation. This may include the rhyme, rhythm, meter, or other stylistic features of the proverb. The translator should also consider the intended audience for the translation and the purpose of the translation.
3. Find a suitable equivalent: The next step is to find a suitable equivalent for the proverb in the target language. This may involve finding a proverb with a similar meaning, or it may imply creating a new proverb that have the same message. Translators have to be responsible for keeping the original formality and tone of the proverb.
4. Test the translation: Once a draft translation is created, translators should test it with native speakers of the target language to make sure that it is comprehensible and signifies the intended meaning. The translator may also want to consult with specialists in the field of translation or the culture of the target language to get feedback on the translation
English proverb: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."
1. Cultural context: This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining good health through simple and natural means, like eating nutritious food. It suggests that by taking care of your health with small, daily actions, you can avoid the need to visit the doctor.
2. Key elements: The key elements of this proverb include the simplicity of the action (eating an apple), the cause-and-effect relationship between the action and the outcome, and the idea of prevention rather than cure.
3. Suitable equivalent: A suitable equivalent in Uzbek might be "Kanda qilma olmani kunda, yiroqdursan doktordan shunda." This Uzbek proverb also emphasizes the importance of
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preventive measures for good health, suggesting that by taking care of yourself daily, you can avoid the need for medical intervention.
4. Testing the translation: To test the translation, it would be beneficial to have a native Uzbek speaker review the proverb to ensure that it effectively conveys the same message of prioritizing daily health habits to avoid visits to the doctor.
Here are some proverbs translated into Uzbek from English
1. After dinner sit a while, after a supper walk a while - Tushlikdan so'ng tin ol, kechkidan keyin yo'l ol.
2. Do not put all your eggs in one basket - Boringni biringa tikma.
3. Charity begins from home - Oldin o'zingni to'ydir, keyin o'zgani. O'zing to'y, o'zgani qo'y. Rahimdillik oiladan boshlanadi.
4. Hope for the best,and prepare for the worst - Yaxshiga umid bog'la,yomonga o'zingni shayla
5. A deaf husband and a blind wife are always a happy couple - Erning "kari" va xotinning "ko'ri" - oilaning zo'ri
6. First impression is the most lasting - Birinchi taassurot kishi xotirasida uzoq saqlanadi.
7. An apple a day keeps the doctor away - Kanda qilma olmani kunda,yiroqdursan doktordan shunda.
CONCLUSION
In the intricate endeavor of translation, proverbs stand out as a uniquely challenging element that requires not only linguistic skill but also a deep cultural understanding and sensitivity. This complexity stems from the fact that proverbs are more than mere words strung together; they are the distilled essence of a culture's wisdom, experience, and worldview, encapsulating in brief, poignant phrases what volumes of text might struggle to convey. Translating proverbs thus becomes not merely an exercise in finding equivalent words but an exploration into the hearts and minds of people from another culture. It demands a translator to possess an acute awareness of the social, historical, and cultural contexts from which these proverbs emerge and to which they are meant to resonate. This requirement significantly complicates the translator's task, for proverbs are often deeply idiomatic and heavily reliant on cultural references that may have no direct parallel in another linguistic or cultural environment. One of the primary challenges in translating proverbs is the preservation of their succinctness and impact. A proverb's power lies in its brevity and the immediacy of its wisdom. However, linguistic differences between cultures can mean that a direct translation of a proverb might result in a loss of these essential qualities. For example, the
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English proverb "A stitch in time saves nine" relies on the rhyming and numerical wordplay that may be completely lost in translation, thus diminishing its mnemonic and aesthetic value in another language. Furthermore, the metaphorical nature of proverbs can also pose significant challenges. Proverbs often employ metaphors that are culturally specific, drawing on commonly understood symbols, animals, or scenarios that might be unfamiliar or hold different connotations in other cultures. For instance, an Arabic proverb that uses a desert animal as a metaphor might lose its meaning when translated for a culture unfamiliar with desert fauna. In such cases, translators might have to choose between a literal translation that could be meaningless or an adaptation that, while clearer, could stray from the original's intent. Moreover, the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of proverbs can also lead to difficulties in translation. Proverbs reflect the morals and ethics of a society, and what is considered wise or virtuous in one culture might not be viewed the same way in another. Translators must navigate these differences with care, ensuring that the translated proverbs do not inadvertently convey messages that are inappropriate or offensive in the target culture. To overcome these challenges, translators must employ various strategies. These might include using explanatory footnotes, finding cultural equivalents, or rephrasing the proverb while trying to maintain its original spirit. Each choice involves careful consideration and a balance between fidelity to the source material and adaptability to the target audience.
In conclusion, translating proverbs is a demanding task that encapsulates the broader challenges of translation as a whole. It requires a blend of linguistic precision, cultural empathy, and creative problem-solving. Successfully translated proverbs not only cross linguistic boundaries but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universal yet diverse nature of human wisdom. Thus, while challenging, the successful translation of proverbs significantly contributes to the richness of global cultural exchange, bridging gaps between people of different languages and traditions. Through this meticulous and thoughtful process, translators play a crucial role in the cross-pollination of ideas and values across the world's mosaic of cultures.
REFERENCES
1. Baker, M. (2011). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge.
2. Jakobson, R. (1959). On linguistic aspects of translation. In R. A. Brower (Ed.), On Translation (pp. 232-239). Harvard University Press.
3. Nida, E. A., & Taber, C. R. (1969). The Theory and Practice of Translation. Brill.
4. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice-Hall.
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5. Nord, C. (1997). Translating as a Purposeful Activity: Functionalist Approaches Explained. St. Jerome.
6. Venuti, L. (1995). The Translator's Invisibility: A History of Translation. Routledge.
7. De Beaugrande, R. (1997). New Foundations for a Science of Text and Discourse. Ablex Publishing.
8. Schulte, R., & Biguenet, J. (Eds.). (1992). Theories of Translation: An Anthology of Essays from Dryden to Derrida. University of Chicago Press.
9. Togaymurodov, D. D. (2021). Literary translation as an instrument of intercultural communication. Academic research in educational sciences, 2(12), 467-476.
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