FACTORS INFLUENCING TRANSFORMATIONS IN LITERARY TRANSLATION

367 FACTORS INFLUENCING TRANSFORMATIONS IN LITERARY TRANSLATION Makhmudova Zilola Mansurovna Xalqaro Innovatsion Universiteti Lingvistika (ingliz tili) yo’nalishi magistri; e-mail: [email protected] DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17445258 Abstract. This paper explores the major factors that influence transformations in literary translation. As literature is not only linguistic but also deeply cultural, translators must often make adaptive changes—known as transformations—to preserve meaning, tone, style, and cultural resonance. These transformations are shaped by linguistic differences, cultural norms, audience expectations, the translator’s ideology, and the socio-political context. The paper focuses on how these elements interact and influence the translator’s decision-making process. Through case studies and comparative analysis, the research demonstrates that translation is not merely a linguistic substitution but a creative and interpretive act. Understanding these factors is essential for achieving fidelity, functionality, and aesthetic equivalence in literary translation. Key words: literary translation, translation transformations, cultural adaptation, linguistic equivalence, translator’s ideology, audience expectations, translation strategies, textual fidelity. Introduction. Literary translation is one of the most nuanced and complex areas of translation studies. Unlike technical or scientific translation, literary translation requires the transfer of not only meaning but also style, emotion, rhythm, and cultural nuance. This complexity often necessitates various forms of transformation, such as adaptation, modulation, transposition, and substitution. Transformations occur due to differences between source and target languages and cultures, but they are also influenced by more subtle factors like the translator ’ s background, intended readership, publishing expectations, and even political climates. In this thesis, we will analyze these influencing factors in detail and show how they shape the outcome of literary translations. Main body. One of the primary drivers of transformation in translation is linguistic structure. Languages differ in syntax, grammar, vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and rhetorical devices. For example, a metaphor that works naturally in Persian poetry might sound awkward or meaningless in English without transformation. Example: In translating Russian literature into English, sentence structures often need to be shortened or reordered due to the syntactic density of the Russian language. Culture-bound elements—such as proverbs, customs, religious references, or historical contexts—pose significant challenges. A literal translation often fails to 368 convey the intended meaning or emotional depth. Hence, translators may apply domestication or foreignization strategies. Example: When translating Uzbek idioms like “ Yog ‘tushsa yalagudek” into English, a direct translation (“so clean you could lick oil from it”) may require creative adaptation to sound natural. Audience Expectations. The target audience greatly impacts the degree and type of transformation. A children’s book, for instance, may require simplification and cultural adaptation. Meanwhile, academic readers may expect more literal fidelity. Example: In the translation of One Thousand and One Nights, earlier Victorian translations were heavily censored or exoticized to suit Western tastes. Modern versions attempt to remain truer to the source. Translator ’ s Subjectivity and Ideology. No translation is entirely objective. The translator ’ s gender, ideology, literary preferences, and even political stance can influence choices. This “invisible hand” often shapes how characters, themes, and morals are presented. Example: Translators of feminist literature may consciously emphasize or soften certain gender dynamics in the original. CONCLUSION Transformations in literary translation are inevitable and multifaceted. While the ultimate goal is to be faithful to the source text, fidelity does not always mean word-for-word equivalence. The translator must make countless decisions shaped by language, culture, purpose, and context. Understanding the factors behind these transformations enables translators to work more ethically and effectively. Literary translation, at its core, is an act of creative negotiation—balancing loyalty to the original with clarity and resonance for the target reader. References: 1. Bassnett, S. (2013). Translation Studies. Routledge. 2. Venuti, L. (1995). The Translator’s Invisibility: A History of Translation. Routledge. 3. Nida, E. A. & Taber, C. R. (2003). The Theory and Practice of Translation. Brill. 4. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall. 5. Baker, M. (2018). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge. 6. Hatim, B., & Mason, I. (1997). The Translator as Communicator. Routledge. 7. Munday, J. (2016). Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. Routledge.