Aspects of translation of Russian linguistic realities of N.V. Gogol’s novel “Dead Souls” into Chinese language

Abstract

Abstract In the modern world, characterised by the increasing popularity of world literature, there exists an escalating demand for accurate and culturally adapted translations that convey the semantic accuracy and meaning of the original text. The purpose of this study is to analyze the specific features of translating antonyms into Chinese reflecting everyday realities in N.V. Gogol’s novel “Dead Souls”. The following methods were used to achieve the research objectives: hypothetical-deductive, content analysis, and comparative. The study determined that the novel “Dead Souls” is rich in Russian everyday realities and antonyms that convey the linguocultural features of the time within the context of the literary work. In addition, it was revealed that translators face the challenge of conveying Russian everyday realities and cultural features in the Chinese translation. This includes the problem of adapting antonyms that may be unfamiliar or have a different meaning in Chinese culture. The translation of antonyms must maintain semantic accuracy and comparability with the original to convey the meaning and contrast that antonyms create in the text. The study showed that the translation of antonyms can influence Chinese readers’ perception of the text. Their correct rendering preserves the meaning and structure of the original, which is significant for a full understanding of the literary work. As a result of a comparative analysis of Chinese translations of N.V. Gogol’s novel “Dead Souls”, various aspects influencing the translation of antonyms and their role in conveying Russian everyday realities were revealed. Practical significance lies in the use of the findings of this study by the researchers engaged in the translation of literary works, as well as specialists in the fields of literary studies, linguistics, and translation studies.