The problem of non-equivalence in contemporary translation theory and practice

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of non-equivalence in contemporary translation theory and practice, which arises from the inherent need of each language to denote realities, objects and phenomena of the spiritual or material world that are unique to it. The authors focus on non-equivalent vocabulary as a special category of translation studies. The aim of the study is to clarify the functional and semantic characteristics of non-equivalent vocabulary in poetic texts, to determine its role in shaping the linguistic picture of the world, and to establish ways of adequately reproducing such units in translation. The main factors underlying non-equivalence are identified, including cultural and historical features, differences in linguistic worldviews, asymmetry of linguistic systems, differences in semantic fields, socio-political and historical conditions, emotional and expressive coloring of vocabulary, as well as phonetic and graphic differences. Particular attention is paid to the functions of non-equivalent vocabulary – locative, connective, text-forming and cognitive – which determine its role in the formation of the ethno-cultural context and intercultural communication. The practical part of the study is devoted to the analysis of Volodymyr Yaniv's poem ‘And I Without Words’ and its German translation. According to the authors, non-equivalent units not only reflect the ethnocultural specificity of the original, but also form a ‘different’ picture of the world for the recipient. The authors argue that it is precisely non-equivalent vocabulary that ensures the existence of the text at the intersection of two cultures, creating new associative links and enriching the interlingual space. In conclusion, non-equivalent vocabulary is identified as a means of ethnocultural identification and the basis for encoding poetic text as an ethnic picture of the world. A promising direction for further research is an in-depth analysis of the cognitive and psycholinguistic aspects of the perception of non-equivalent units by foreign-language recipients and the search for new strategies for their translation.