Figurative language in translations - Koldo Biguri

In all languages there are living metaphors and fossil metaphors. the former are used as comparative images, the latter are idiomatic structures which are not used in the original sense.

The translator does not normally act in the same way in each case. Iiving metaphors are usually translated hy using the same metaphor, or hy means of one with a similar image value; fossil metaphors, on the other hand, require knowledge of their equivalent in the target language, if any.

With regal d to translations from Basque to other languages or from other languages to Basque, in the article several texts are analysed in which certain constants can he observed:

a) When a phrase is used with a figurative meaning in Basque, it is translated almost always with the same figurative sense.
b) Nevertheless, on many occasions, although it would not appear to be an image, in the proper sense of the word, in the text in Basque, it is translated using terms with affgurative meaning, or the semantic impact of the image is intensified.

c) In translations into Basque, phrases with figurative meaning are maintained on very rare occaslons.

d) On the other hand, s-anslations to Basque are usually made c onsidering the sense in a purely indicative and explanatoly way.

These constants are even more significant if it is borne in mind that the authors analyse translations of c ertain works into Spanish that they themselves have made (Grand Placen aurkituko gara and Obabakoak). A clear imbalance is observed between the original and the translation.

Expression by means of images is a lot less developed in Basque than in the languages of neighbouring countries, and the multiple meaning of words, derived almost always from the figurative use of specific terms, is greater in these other languages, This fact has meant that the translator into Basque resorts to an explanatory translation, and we often find ourselves with translations which, although correct, lack the colour of the original and seem insipid.