Translating Idioms and Slang: Problems, Strategies, and Cultural Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/aghel.025002123Keywords:
idiom translation, slang, cultural equivalence, translation strategies, cross-cultural communicationAbstract
This article explores the complex challenges that arise in the translation of idioms and slang expressions, focusing on their cultural specificity, semantic ambiguity, and lack of direct equivalents in target languages. Drawing on examples from literary texts, audiovisual media, and cross-cultural communication, it examines the strategies employed by translators to preserve meaning, tone, and cultural resonance. The discussion is grounded in established translation theories and highlights the role of context, audience, and translator’s cultural competence. By comparing idioms and slang across languages, the study emphasizes the importance of adaptive and context-sensitive approaches in ensuring effective intercultural communication.
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