Significance of realia in foreign languages study: some problems of classification and translation

Abstract

Effective communication cannot be achieved without knowledge of native speakers’ background, characteristics such as lifestyle, mindset, worldview, national character, traditions, beliefs, value system, and social behaviors. Realia is a multi-faceted linguistic entity that includes both linguistic and extra-linguistic components. Classification of realia might be as follows: 1. Non-equivalent lexis or words that do not have counterparts include: a) anthroponyms and toponyms, b) holidays and ceremonial practices, c) cuisine and food, e) money and measurement, f) degrees and titles. 2. Phraseological units can comprise: a) superstitious beliefs, b) the names of well-known people, c) fiction: legends, fairy tales d) geographical names. 3. Mythologems or mythonyms (from ancient myths or urban legends) that often depict fundamental aspects of religion, common wisdom, philosophy, art, etc. Similar but missing lexical units in other languages give reason for the analysis of realia peculiarity. The following system of realia categorization is also of great value: a) physical geography; b) studies of human culture; c) society and politics. Realia are often problematic for accurate translation because they have national or regional distinctiveness. Most linguists-researchers and practitioners would agree to give a classification of methods of translation employing such terms: 1) transcription, 2) transliteration,3) transplantation, 4) using calques, 5) using semi-calques pattern, 6) lexical related substitution, 7) hyponymic translation or generalization, 8) semantic neologisms constructing, 9) explanatory or descriptive translation. A lot of translators recommend using two or more translation techniques at once to avoid misunderstandings. An accurate rendering of a realia must convey the entire intent, tone, and style of the source material while being true to the original.It is important to remember that language worldviews are both universal and uniquely national. There are lexical units indicating other cultures’ ideas if there are no related concepts. Even when they are barely perceptible in the original language, translators often bring them to life as symbols of a different culture’s national identity, strengthening their stylistic power. Translators’ main task is to find lexical units, which all meanings, including the most culture and nation specific ones, can be translated in the most precise way.