THE PROBLEMS OF EQUIVALENCE IN THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF STARRY NIGHTS BY ILKHOM TUKHTASINOV FROM UZBEK NOVEL YULDUZLI TUNLAR BY PIRIMKUL KADIROV

Abstract

The process of translating literary works from one language to another involves many challenges, including the problem of equivalence. This issue is particularly prevalent in the translation of works that originate in languages with different cultural contexts from the target language. The translation of Ilkhom Tukhtasinov’s STARRY NIGHTS from Uzbek to English is not exempt from such issues. The novel YULDUZLI TUNLAR by Pirimkul Kadirov, from which STARRY NIGHTS was adapted, reflects the unique cultural traits of the Uzbek society, which can pose a challenge to English readers who do not share the same cultural background. This essay sets out to explore the challenges of equivalence that arise in the translation of STARRY NIGHTS, and how these obstacles can be overcome to ensure a faithful and effective translation for English readers. STARRY NIGHTS, written by Ilkhom Tukhtasinov, is an Uzbek novel that explores the theme of cultural intersections and the fraught relationship between traditional Uzbek culture. YULDUZLI TUNLAR, written by Pirimkul Kadirov, is the Uzbek original of Starry Nights. Kadirov’s novel is widely regarded as a classic of Uzbek literature and is praised for its lyrical prose and vivid portrayals of Uzbek traditions and customs. Though the two novels share many similarities in terms of plot and themes, the English translation of Starry Nights has been subject to criticism for failing to capture the nuances and cultural specificity of its source text. Importance of equivalence in translation Equivalence plays a vital role in the art of translation. Without it, the goal of conveying the original meaning of a text would not be possible. In essence, equivalence means that the translated text should read like the original. This involves more than simply substituting words from one language to another. It requires the translator to fully understand the cultural context and linguistic nuances of both the source and target languages. Ideally, the translation should be seamless, and the reader should not be able to discern any noticeable differences between the two versions. This is especially important in literary works, where the author’s intended tone, style, and meaning must be preserved. In the case of STARRY NIGHTS, achieving equivalence proved to be one of the biggest challenges for the translator.