Equivalence at Sentence Level

It occurs: a) in phraseology – two is company, three is none – третий лишний; b) in orders and regulations – keep off the grass – по газону не ходить.

Equivalence at Text Level

It is usual in the translation of poetry as seen in the translation of William Blake’s stanza by S. Marshak.

1. To see a World in a Grain of Sand,

2. And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,

3. Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,

4. And Eternity in an hour. (W. Blake, Auguries of Innocence)

4. В одно мгновенье видеть вечность,

1. Огромный мир – в зерне песка,

3. В единой горсти – бесконечность

2. И небо – в чашечке цветка.

The translation by S.Marshak may be regarded as excellent. The text as a unity is reproduced most fully and this conception of unity justifies the change in the order of the lines within the stanza.

A strict observance of equivalence at all levels ensures a similar reaction on the part of the S and T language receptors and can be achieved by means of functional substitutions.

TYPES OF TRANSLATION

The following three types of translation can be distinguished: equivalent translation, literal translation and free translation.

Equivalent translation

Equivalent translation has been considered in the preceding pages. Achieving equivalence is the goal aimed at in translation.