The role of cognitive linguistics in understanding the processes of perception and interpretation of text in translation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25726/c3852-9347-4601-eKeywords:
cognitive linguistics, translation, text perception, interpretation, frames, mental spaces, cognitive translation strategiesAbstract
This article examines the role of cognitive linguistics in understanding the processes of perception and interpretation of text in translation. The research is based on the theoretical foundations of cognitive linguistics, translatology and psycholinguistics. The work uses methods of content analysis, comparative analysis, as well as experimental methods, including surveys and interviews with 50 professional translators. The results of the study show that the use of a cognitive-linguistic approach allows for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of perception and interpretation of the source text by the translator. In particular, it was found that during the translation process, various frames, scenarios and mental spaces associated with culturally specific concepts of the source language are activated. So, when translating the phraseology «to kill two birds with one stone» into Russian, the frame «HUNTING» is activated in the translator's mind, which helps to choose the equivalent expression «to kill two birds with one stone». In addition, it was revealed that translators rely on their previous experience and background knowledge when interpreting polysemous words and neologisms. For example, to translate the neologism «stream» (from English streaming), the translator needs to activate knowledge about modern streaming technologies. Experimental data show that translators use different cognitive strategies when working with texts of different genres and styles. Thus, when translating scientific and technical texts, the focus is on terminology and accuracy of wording, while for literary translation, the transfer of imagery and emotional tonality of the original is of paramount importance. The results obtained contribute to the development of cognitive translation studies and can be used in the practice of teaching translators, as well as in the development of automated translation systems taking into account cognitive factors.
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