THE ROLE OF CULTURAL EQUIVALENCE IN TRANSLATION THE GAP BETWEEN SOURCE AND TARGET TEXTS
THE ROLE OF CULTURAL EQUIVALENCE IN TRANSLATION THE GAP BETWEEN SOURCE AND TARGET TEXTS

Summary/Abstract: Translation is not just about changing words from one language into another; it also involves understanding and transferring the culture behind those words. Every language is shaped by the way people live, think, and interact within their community. Translators often encounter words, phrases, or expressions that do not have direct equivalents or carry different meanings due to cultural differences. This highlights the importance of cultural equivalence in translation. This paper explores the concept of cultural equivalence and its critical role in translation. It discusses how translators handle idioms, customs, traditions, and humor unique to a particular culture. Drawing on examples from literature, film, and real life translation cases, the paper illustrates how translators address these challenges to ensure that the message remains clear and culturally appropriate for the target audience. It also examines the limits of translation and the creative strategies employed when direct equivalence is impossible. The aim is to show that effective translation must not only sound accurate but also resonate culturally in the target language.

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