Precedent phenomena in animated discourse: linguistic representation and translation

The present study is devoted to the analysis of the origins, types and semantic transformations of precedent phenomena (PF) as intertextual inclusions in the text of the American animated series “Daria” (1997-2002), as well as transformations observed in the translation of the selected PF into Russian. The analysis is carried out in the framework of the cognitive paradigm, supplemented by some postulates of discursology and linguosynergetics. The study results indicate an active use of precedent phenomena of various types, levels and origins in English-language animation discourse, but the dominant position belongs to the precedent names, both stand-alone and introducing other precedent phenomena (texts, plots, situations, etc.) of national and universal precedent level and American or European origin. The precedent phenomena employed as intertextual inclusions reveal a semantic shift in the “time”, “social role” and “evaluation” slots with partial integration of the “old” and “new” content, which ensures their realizing an axiological, contact, ludic, symbolic and other functions. The search for means of making the intertextual links clear to the recipient of the translated text results in the implementation of exact and adaptive translation strategies, provided by the methods of transcription and calquing, on the one hand, and approximate translation, modulation, generalization, explication, omission, descriptive translation, holistic transformation / transcreation and compensation, on the other hand. Preference is given to the exact translation strategy, which may be explained by a translator's attempt to preserve the form and cultural flavor of the PF, as well as by the specific character of audiovisual translation, where the dependence of the verbal component on other semiotic units (auditory and visual) and the need to meet technical requirements complicate the application of adaptation strategies.