When the time comes to translate idioms, translators will have to overcome a number of difficulties. The most difficult part is that translators won’t have sufficient equivalence on the idiomatic level. In other words, there are not equivalent idioms in the target language that correspond exactly with the idiom in the source language. This is why translators consider idioms to be the most difficult to translate. Idioms are also very peculiar and their meanings are often unpredictable.
Cultural connections
Many idioms are culturally connected and this can prove to be a major hurdle that translators will need to overcome. In order to properly translate idioms into a source language, translators must use the correct strategy. Also, it is important to learn the different functions of an idiom in the source and target languages. To properly translate idioms, the translator needs to know the idiom’s characteristics in both languages.
Unique contexts
When translating idioms, the translator needs to overcome some major difficulties. One of course as mentioned is there is usually no equivalent in the target language. Second, the context in the target language may be different than in the source language. It is important to use the idiom in literal as well as idiomatic sense simultaneously.
Hard to convey the meaning
In case the target language idiom is not the same as in the source language, then it becomes very hard for the translator to use the correct words that properly convey the meaning. For example, the idiom, poke your nose, when translated must correspond to being inquisitive and not poking one’s finger into the nose.
Transfer all elements
One possible strategy that translators should use when translating idioms is to make an attempt to transfer all elements (including cultural and language-specific) that are found in the source language. This ensures the translator will not adapt the source language to the target language. Certain modifications will need to be made. In fact, the correct strategy is for the translator to move away from the original text by focusing on the meaning of the original text and to try to convey the right effect on the reader.
Same meaning and form
Another strategy that pays dividends is for the translator to not translate the idiom by another idiom. This is because often the target language may not have a suitable idiom. To overcome this problem, the translator should try to use an idiom that has the same meaning and form or he or she can use an idiom which has a similar meaning but whose form is different. Other options available to the translator include paraphrasing and omitting certain words that do not change the meaning.
The bottom line is there are some strategies available to translators that can help them do a good job of translating idioms. By using these strategies, it is possible to overcome most difficulties faced by translators. Today, paraphrasing is one of the most common idiom translation strategies being used by translators. It all depends on how much equivalence can be found in the idiom in the source and target language.
