LEXICAL PROBLEMS IN THE TRANSLATION OF PIRIMQUL KADIROV'S NOVEL "STARRY NIGHTS"

Аннотация

This essay examines the linguistic difficulties faced in translating Pirimqul Kadirov's acclaimed novel Starry Nights into English. The study analyses how cultural subtleties, idiomatic phrases, and region-specific lexicon in the original Uzbek text hinder the attainment of an accurate and stylistically faithful translation. It emphasises particular instances of lexical items that necessitate meticulous attention, examining the ramifications of translation decisions on the overarching narrative and cultural authenticity. The essay discusses ways for keeping the novel's literary integrity while ensuring clarity for a global audience. This research enhances the discipline of literary translation by elucidating the complex interaction among language, culture, and context. Keywords: Pirimqul Kadirov, Starry Nights, lexical issues, translation difficulties, Uzbek literature, cultural subtleties, literary translation, idiomatic expressions, translation methodologies. Introduction. Translation is a multifaceted process that entails not merely conveying the content of words but also encapsulating the cultural, emotional, and stylistic nuances of the original text. The novel Starry Nights (Yulduzli Tunlar) by Pirimqul Kadirov, a seminal work of Uzbek literature, has distinct obstacles for translators. This historical novel combines lyrical language, cultural references, and historical context, rendering the translation a process that demands both verbal proficiency and cultural awareness. This article analyses the lexical challenges faced in the translation of Starry Nights, emphasising culture-specific terminology, idiomatic phrases, and stylistic subtleties. Terms Specific to Culture A major issue in translating Starry Nights is the use of culturally distinctive phrases that have no direct equivalents in other languages. This encompasses traditional Uzbek notions, terminology related to attire, culinary items, and historical allusions. 164 Yanvar, 2025-Yil For example: - Chapan: A customary Uzbek garment frequently referenced in the text. Although it may be rendered as "robe" or "cloak," these designations inadequately capture the cultural significance and distinctiveness of the garment. - Mahalla: This phrase denotes a traditional neighbourhood structure, encompassing complex social and cultural dynamics that cannot be succinctly expressed in a single word. The translator must determine whether to employ a foreignization technique, retaining the phrase in its original form accompanied by an explanatory note, or to utilise domestication, substituting it with a culturally analogous term in the target language. Idiomatic Expressions Pirimqul Kadirov's employment of colloquial language enhances the novel's complexity but presents difficulties for translators. These utterances frequently possess cultural and emotional implications that are challenging to reproduce. For instance: - The Uzbek expression "Ko‘ngli tog‘dek keng" (roughly, "His heart is as wide as a mountain") denotes kindness and magnanimity. A literal translation may not resonate with readers unacquainted with Uzbek figurative expressions. The effective translation of idioms necessitates inventive rephrasing to express their intrinsic meaning and emotional resonance while preserving the rhythm and tone of the original text. Stylistic Subtleties Kadirov's writing is characterised by its lyrical and evocative style, featuring vivid imagery and rhythmic sentences. Translating this style while preserving the original meaning is a challenging endeavour. For example: - The representation of historical occurrences frequently incorporates poetic imagery, such as "The stars observed the desert's perpetual silence." The translator must maintain the poetic quality while ensuring the language is comprehensible to the target audience. Approaches for Resolving Lexical Issues To address these issues, translators may utilise various strategies: 1. Contextual Adaptation: Modifying phrases and terminology to align with the cultural and linguistic context of the intended audience while preserving the original meaning. 2. Glossaries and Footnotes: Incorporating glossaries or explanatory footnotes for culturally unique terminology to increase reader comprehension. 3. Collaborative Translation: Engaging cultural advisors or native speakers to guarantee precision and authenticity. 4. Balanced Approach: Achieving equilibrium between foreignization and domestication, guaranteeing that the translated material remains true to the original while being accessible to the target audience.