Two models for metaphor translation

Dickins, J

Abstract

This paper establishes both full and simplified models for the textual analysis of metaphor in a translation context (Section 1). I present the comparison theory of metaphor (Section 2), show how this can be integrated with the
notions of lexicalization and non-lexicalization (Section 3) and consider the semantic purposes of metaphor (Section 4). The remainder of the paper focuses on the translation of metaphor, starting with more abstract langue-oriented notions. I offer a critique and revvision of Newmark’s (1988) metaphor typology (Section 5), and demonstrate
how the revised typology can be integrated with the notions of lexicalizattion and non-lexicalization (Section 6). I then consider Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) model of metaphorical ‘schemata’, and propose ways in which this
can also be integrated into an overall model (Section 7). I discuss the practiccal application of this model to Arabic–English translation (Section 8). In addition to langue-oriented notions, I suggest that a full account of
metaphor for translation needs to take into account the more parole-orieented notion of the interaction of metaphors in texts. I consider the notions of metaphorical congruence (Section 9), and metaphorical exuberance and
density. Illustrating my arguments with Arabic–English translation data, I suggest that in given registers, different languages may tolerate more or less metaphorical density and exuberance as well as different degrees of metapphorical mixing (Section 10). The paper concludes with a consideration of the kind of ‘Full Model’ one might build up for a detailed academic study of metaphor translation (Section 11).

Citation

Dickins, J. (2005). Two models for metaphor translation. Target, 17(2), 227-273. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.17.2.03dic

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Jan 26, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 26, 2009
• Journal: Target
• Print ISSN: 0924-1884
• Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 227-273
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/target.17.2.03dic
• Keywords: Metaphor, translation, Arabic, English
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/target.17.2.03dic
• Related Public URLs: http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/welcome.cgi; http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_seriesview.cgi?series=Target