Basic strategies and methods of expressing poetic signs in poetic translation

This article discusses basic strategies and methods of expressing poetic signs in poetic translation. Two main strategies are defined: semiotic translation (a translation strategy in which the original poetic sign is transmitted almost verbatim, while indicating the same signified) and semiotic adaptation (a translation strategy in which the original poetic sign in translation is either omitted or replaced by another, similar sign, or, conversely, reproduced unchanged and accompanied by a footnote or commentary that reveals its meaning). Within the framework of semiotic translation, two main methods are distinguished: direct translation (the sign, when transferred to TL, is not accompanied by any additional explanation; all the vocabulary signs that make it up are transmitted directly using their direct equivalents) and explanatory translation (when transferred to TL, an additional explanation is included in the poetic sign); within the framework of semiotic adaptation three main methods are distinguished: the introduction of a semiotically significant comment (translated verses are accompanied by the necessary commentary), semiotically adequate replacement of a sign (the poetic symbol used in the original text is changed to another, similar one) and omission of a sign (the poetic sign used in the text in SL is omitted in translation). It is concluded that the choice of a particular method depends on the type of poetic sign (there are signs shared by several languages, signs used in one single language, signs shared by representatives of certain social groups and signs related to the author’s idiostyle), on the type of semiotization (complete and partial semiotization), on the context and on the translator’s goals. It is emphasized that with the use of these strategies and methods translation adequacy can be achieved. In addition, with the use of this theory it is possible to assess the quality of poetic translation.