The Translation Of Figurative Expressions From English Into Azerbaijani_ The Case Of George Orwell’s 1984

Abstract

The conducted research is based on a comparative analysis of the figurative expressions used in George Orwell’s 1984 in both English and Azerbaijani, aiming to investigate the similarities and differences of these expressions from both theoretical and intercultural perspectives. Figurative language is a linguistic phenomenon that reflects the richness, uniqueness, and complexity of a language, belonging to each nation in its own right. Since all figurative expressions carry metaphorical and national meanings, their translation often presents certain challenges. As the primary objective of this study is to explore the translation methods of the figurative expressions used in George Orwell’s 1984 the comparative method has been employed throughout the research. In addition, the theoretical framework is supported by the translation theories of various prominent scholars known for their professional expertise. The novel was translated into Azerbaijani by Professor Vilayat Quliyev, a distinguished figure in Azerbaijani translation studies. The comparative analysis revealed that the figurative expressions in the original work were translated with great skill and mastery. The research was carried out in several stages. In the initial stage, figurative expressions were identified in the original text; subsequently, their equivalents were found in the Azerbaijani translation. In the following stages, these expressions were compared in both languages to determine the translation strategies used, to assess which qualities were preserved or lost in the translation process, and to identify any challenges encountered by the translator. Furthermore, the study also examined the intercultural similarities and differences observed during the translation of figurative expressions. In total, more than 100 figurative expressions—including metaphors, similes, idioms, and hyperboles were analyzed. At the end of the research, conclusions were drawn, and the factors contributing to a more successful and high-quality translation were outlined.