Translating Metaphorical Expressions: Comparison of the Two Azerbaijani Translations of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Abstract

This thesis delves into the intricate world of metaphor translation by conducting a comparative analysis of two Azerbaijani translations of Stephenie Meyer's novel Twilight. The study focuses on metaphorical expressions and figurative language, exploring the strategies used by the translators to convey the original text's intended meaning and emotional impact. Through a close examination of the translations by Kazim Salimov (hereinafter Translator A) and Shalala Ismailzadeh (hereinafter Translator B), the paper highlights the complexities and challenges of translating metaphors in literary works. The analysis reveals that main figurative translation methods, including literal, free, and equivalent translation, play a crucial role in shaping the fidelity, readability, and emotional resonance of the translated text. Both translators apply lexical and semantic transformations throughout their translations to convey the metaphorical expressions in a way that is meaningful and effective in the target language. Translator A's commitment to preserving the source text's syntax and semantics, often through literal translations, ensures faithfulness but occasionally results in less natural and comprehensible renditions. In contrast, Translator B prioritizes readability and emotional depth, opting for free translations that resonate with the Azerbaijani-speaking audience, yet from time to time, the target text meaning deviates from the original one. The study underscores the delicate balance that translators must strike between maintaining the figurative richness of the source text and ensuring comprehension in the target language. It emphasizes the need for specialized training in figurative language translation, a component often lacking in current university programs that predominantly focus on literal or technical translation methods. Metaphors, integral components of human language and communication, pose unique challenges for translators due to their cultural and contextual nuances. By addressing the intricate art of translating metaphorical expressions, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of literary translation and its role in preserving the artistic and emotional essence of the original work.