The Translatability of Cognitive Synonyms in Shakespeare's Macbeth: A Comparative / Contrastive Study

The Translatability of Cognitive Synonyms in Shakespeare's Macbeth: A Comparative / Contrastive Study PDF

Ishrateh, Mahmoud Khaleel Mahmoud

Supervisor(s)

Odeh Odeh -

Discussion Commity

صفحة

Abstract :

This study investigates the notion of cognitive synonyms in literary works in English-Arabic translation. In order to highlight the problem under discussion, the study explores the translation of some cognitive lexical items in their original context of use. The researcher takes these cognitive synonyms from Shakespeare's Macbeth as a case study. This comparative/ contrastive study focuses on how cognitive synonyms are translated by four translators of Shakespeare's play: Jabra Ibrahim Jabra, Khalil Mutran, Farid Abu-Hadid and Hussein Ameen. The present study argues that cognitive synonyms are harder to translate than any other lexical items due to some subtle differences that exist between cognitive synonyms. Shakespeare sometimes associates fine-grained semantic connotations with words. Synonyms are used to convey certain implications. Differences in meaning or use among pairs of synonyms are claimed to be context-dependent. The context is the only criterion for selecting appropriate words. There are many occasions when one word is appropriate in a sentence, but its synonyms will be odd. In literary texts where synonyms are used to convey certain implications, translators can provide formal, functional or ideational equivalence. The study reveals the different idiosyncrasies and translation styles of different translators of Macbeth. This comparative/ contrastive translation study shows that the four translations included in the research fall into two categories. On the one hand, the translations of Jabra and Abu-Hadid reveal a tendency toward formal equivalence. On the other hand, Mutran and Ameen prefer ideational equivalence. The study shows that formal equivalence should be used as long as it secures the intended meaning; otherwise, functional or ideational equivalence must be provided. The researcher believes that it is impossible to separate the conceptual meaning from the connotative meaning because an essential role of the word is the impression it gives to the reader. The researcher discusses also word-strings involving two cognitive synonyms or more, identifying their functions, and pinpointing the obstacles of this phenomenon for translation. This thesis is divided into four chapters. The first introduces the types of synonymy, function of synonyms, statement of the problem, significance of the study and methodology of research. The second deals with the review of literature and related studies. The third focuses on the analysis of cognitive synonyms and translation styles. The fourth chapter provides some conclusions and recommendations.

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