Equivalence presentation

Slide 1

Equivalence in translation means accurately expressing the meaning of the source text in
the target language while considering linguistic and contextual disparities.

Jakobson expanded Saussure's theory, distinguishing between langue and parole, and
emphasized the challenge of achieving full equivalence in translation due to structural and
terminological differences across languages. He asserted that translation involves
substituting entire messages rather than isolated code-units, with cross-linguistic disparities
focusing on obligatory grammatical and lexical forms, particularly evident in poetry, where
phonemic similarity corresponds to semantic relationships, requiring creative transposition.

Slide 2

Chomsky's generative-transformational model analyzes sentences into levels governed by

rules, moving from phrase structure to deep structure through transformational rules to
surface structure, while considering phonological and morphemic rules as universal features
of human language. Nida's 'science of translation' utilizes kernel sentences, basic structural
elements derived through a reductive process from source text surface structure, which aids
in decoding the source text and encoding the target text through analysis, transfer, and
restructuring, emphasizing the functional definition of meaning and employing techniques
such as hierarchical structuring and semantic analysis to clarify ambiguities and cultural
differences.

Slide 3

Nida introduces formal equivalence, which closely matches the form and content of the
source text, often seen in gloss translations, and dynamic equivalence, focusing on
achieving equivalent effect by tailoring the translation to the receptor's linguistic and cultural
expectations for naturalness. Success in translation, according to Nida, hinges on achieving
equivalent effect by ensuring the translation makes sense, conveys the original spirit, elicits
a similar response, and maintains a natural and easy form of expression, prioritizing
correspondence in meaning over style.

Slide 4

Newmark distinguishes between communicative and semantic translation, where

communicative translation aims to evoke a similar effect in the target text receptor as in the
source text receptor, while semantic translation focuses on conveying the contextual
meaning of the source text within the structures of the target language. He prioritizes literal
translation in both approaches but suggests employing communicative translation when
semantic translation risks equivalent effect or leads to unnatural structures in the target
language.

Slide 5
Koller delves into the concept of equivalence, distinguishing it from correspondence, where
correspondence pertains to the contrastive analysis of language systems, while equivalence
refers to corresponding items within specific source text-target text pairs and contexts. She
emphasizes the importance of competence in translation lying in the knowledge and ability to
identify equivalences, which encompass denotative, connotative, text-normative, pragmatic,
and formal equivalence relations, considering both the source text and the communicative
conditions of the target text receiver.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of equivalence in translation enhances our

ability to communicate effectively across languages, ensuring that the message
retains its intended meaning and impact in the target language.