Meaning and Equivalence in Translation

1.

Meaning and
Equivalence in
Translation
By Raymond A Ybañez

2.

Translation, at its core, is the art and science of bridging
language barriers. This process involves conveying the meaning
of a text from one language (the source language (SL)) to
another (the target language (TL)). While the goal seems
straightforward, the reality is far more complex, as languages are
not simply sets of interchangeable words.
Break a leg! = Pagbali og batiis!
Beak a leg! = Good luck!

3.

Each language reflects its unique cultural context, history, and
thought processes, presenting a significant challenge for
translators. The concept of equivalence emerges as a crucial
tool in navigating this linguistic landscape, aiming to bridge the
gap between languages while preserving the intended meaning
and impact of the original text.

4.

Equivalent/Equivalence
"equivalence" is strictly a noun, while "equivalent" can function as
both a noun and an adjective.
adjective. adjective. /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/ equal in value, amount,
meaning, importance, etc.

5.

Noam Chomsky’s Theory on Universal Grammar
Theory (UG)
Chomsky's concept of Universal Grammar (UG) suggests that
all human languages share a common underlying structure. This
has implications for translation, as it implies that there are
inherent similarities across languages that can be leveraged to
achieve equivalence.

6.

Unity in difference: Consider the words "cat" and
"kitten." While they differ in sound and meaning,
they share a common root that connects them
semantically as references to the same species.
Sameness in difference: The English word "water"
and the French word "eau" mean the same thing,
though they differ entirely in phonetics.
Roman Jakobson (1896, 1982)

7.

Jakobson’s Translation Theory of Equivalence
1. Intralingual translation or rewording is an interpretation of
verbal signs by means of other signs of the same language.
2. Interlingual translation or translation proper is an
interpretation of verbal signs by means of some other
language.
3. Intersemiotic translation or transmutation is an
interpretation of verbal signs by means of signs of
nonverbal sign systems” (1959, p. 233).

8.

• Formal equivalence focuses on
maintaining the form and content of the
ST as closely as possible, often used for
technical or scientific texts where
accuracy is paramount.
• Dynamic equivalence aims for an
"equivalent effect" on the TL audience,
ensuring the translation conveys the
same meaning and impact as the original.
This approach prioritizes naturalness and
readability in the TL, often employed for
literary or cultural texts.

9.

Formal Equivalence:
Original (ST): "The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood
throughout the body."
Translation (Formal Equivalence): "El corazón es un órgano muscular
que bombea sangre por todo el cuerpo." (Spanish)
Dynamic Equivalence:
Original (ST): "He was feeling blue."
Translation (Dynamic Equivalence): "Él se sentía deprimido." (Spanish)
Derpimido is depressed in English

10.

11.

12.

• Communicative
translation focuses on
conveying the message and
intended effect of the ST, similar
to dynamic equivalence.
• Semantic translation prioritizes
rendering the meaning of the ST
as accurately as possible,
aligning with formal equivalence.
Peter Newmark (1916 – 2011)

13.

14.

• Denotative equivalence focuses on
matching the extra-linguistic facts the ST
and TT conveys.
• Connotative equivalence aims to preserve
the stylistic and lexical choices of the ST.
• Text-normative equivalence considers the
conventions and norms of the text type in
both languages.
• Pragmatic equivalence prioritizes the
effect of the text on the reader in both
languages.
• Formal equivalence seeks to maintain the
form and style of the ST, often used for
literary texts.
Werner Koller (1942)

15.

Denotative equivalence
ST (English): "The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris.“
TT (Spanish): "La Torre Eiffel está situada en París.“
The translation delivers the same factual information—location of a
famous landmark—across both languages. This equivalency ensures
that real-world facts are accurately reflected.

16.

Connotative equivalence
• ST (English): "That outfit is a little over-the-top, don’t you think?"
• TT (French): "Cette tenue est un peu exagérée, non?"
The phrase "over-the-top" carries a specific stylistic connotation in
English (suggesting something is excessive or extravagant). In the
French translation, "exagérée" captures the same tone and implication
without changing the meaning, maintaining the stylistic nuance.

17.

Text-Normative Equivalence
ST (English business letter): "Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to request
information about your product line.
"TT (German business letter): "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich
schreibe Ihnen, um Informationen über Ihre Produktlinie anzufordern.“
The conventions for formal business letters (polite opening, formal
language) are maintained in both languages. The structure and style
reflect typical business communication norms in both English and
German.

18.

Pragmatic Equivalence
KFC's initial foray into the
Chinese market in the 1980s was
marked by a rather humorous
translation mishap. The iconic
slogan "It’s finger-lickin’ good"
was rendered into Mandarin as
something akin to "eat your
fingers off."

19.

Pragmatic Equivalence
• ST (English): "Warning: High voltage. Keep out!"
• TT (Japanese): "危険 高電圧。立ち入り禁止 " ("Danger! High
Voltage. Do not enter!")
•ST (English): "He hit the ball out of the park." (Sports metaphor,
meaning "he did something extremely well")
•TT (Arabic): "ً ‫لقد أحرز هدفا ً رائعا‬." (Literal translation: "He scored a
wonderful goal.")

20.

Formal Equivalence
fines de Octubre, don Santiago de los
Santos, conocido popularmente con el
nombre de «Capitán Tiago», daba una
cena, que, sin embargo de haberla
anunciado aquella tarde tan sólo, contra
su costumbre, era ya el tema de todas las
conversaciones en Binondo, en otros
arrabales y hasta en Intramuros.
Una Reunión, Noli Me Tangere
Jose Rizal
DON SANTIAGO DE LOS SANTOS was
giving a dinner party one evening towards
the end of October in the 1880’s. Although,
contrary to his usual practice, he had let it
be known only on the afternoon of the same
day, it was soon the topic of conversation in
Binondo, where he lived, in other districts
of Manila, and even in the Spanish walled
city of Intramuros.
The Party, Noli Me Tangere
Translated by Maria Leon Guerrero

21.

To conclude
Because many of our languages is polysemic in nature, it is imperative
to consider different factors in translating such as technical (grammar)
and sociological aspects of the source text to the target text. Hence,
like any other discipline it requires thorough examination of the texts
and its underlying meaning which makes translation effective.
Daghang Salamat!

22.

Some References
Chomsky, N. (2007). Approaching UG from below. Interfaces+ recursion= language, 89, 1-30.
Jakobson, R. (1959). On linguistic aspects of translation. In On translation (pp. 232-239). Harvard
University Press.
Nida, E. A. (1964). Toward a science of translating: with special reference to principles and
procedures involved in Bible translating. Brill Archive.
Noli me tangere: Translated by Leon Ma. Guerrero. (n.d.-b). OverDrive.
https://www.overdrive.com/media/3105717/noli-me-tangere-translated-by-leon-ma-guerrero
Noli me tángere Novela Tagala, Edición completa con notas de R. Sempau. (2024, September 20).
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/47584/pg47584-images.html
Koller, W. (1995). The concept of equivalence and the object of translation studies. Target.
International Journal of Translation Studies, 7(2), 191-222.