EQUIVALENCE IN TRANSLATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENGLISH-UZBEK LITERARY TEXTS AT ANDIJAN STATE INSTITUTE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Аннотация

This thesis explores the notion of equivalence in translation within the context of English-Uzbek literary translation. Drawing upon theoretical contributions by scholars such as Eugene Nida, J.C. Catford, and Mona Baker, the study analyzes translated literary texts used in academic programs at Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages. The research highlights how translators balance fidelity and cultural relevance, particularly in educational contexts. Keywords: Equivalence, literary translation, Uzbek, translation theory, Nida, Catford, Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages 1. Introduction: Translation plays a vital role in language education and cross-cultural communication, particularly in institutions such as the Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages (ASICFL). This thesis focuses on how the concept of equivalence—both formal and dynamic—is applied in literary translation between English and Uzbek, emphasizing its pedagogical and cultural significance. 2. Theoretical Framework: Equivalence has been at the core of translation theory for decades. Nida (1964) introduced the distinction between formal and dynamic equivalence. Catford (1965) analyzed equivalence at different linguistic levels. Baker (2018) extended the discussion to textual and pragmatic equivalence. These frameworks are instrumental in evaluating translation strategies in Uzbek academia. 3. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative comparative method. Selected excerpts from English literary texts (e.g., short stories and novel passages) and their Uzbek translations used in ASICFL's curriculum are examined. The analysis focuses on lexical choices, cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and overall stylistic adaptation. 4. Case Analysis: One example includes the translation of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer into Uzbek. The translator often opts for dynamic equivalence to adapt culturally unfamiliar concepts. The analysis shows that while certain cultural nuances are localized effectively, others lose their original connotations due to structural constraints or lack of https://scientific-jl.com/new 33 55 00 Volume–77_Issue-2_May-2025 JOURNAL OF NEW CENTURY INNOVATIONS equivalents in the Uzbek language. 5. Findings and Discussion: The study reveals that translators frequently employ a hybrid approach, combining literal translation with adaptation techniques such as modulation, transposition, and cultural substitution. This balance ensures both linguistic accuracy and cultural readability. However, some semantic and stylistic losses are inevitable, especially with culturally bound terms. 6. Conclusion: Achieving equivalence in literary translation requires more than word-for-word substitution. It involves a deep understanding of both source and target cultures, especially in academic institutions where translated texts are tools for learning. The study recommends a more nuanced, context-aware approach in translation practices at ASICFL.