An analytical approach to equivalency in Orhan Pamuk's English translated novel, My Name is Red, with pedagogical implications

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate to what extent equivalence is achieved in English version of Benim Adım Kırmızı by Orhan Pamuk. The procedures and strategies used for its translation were examined as well. Equivalence between the source and target text was studied in terms of certain translation aspects including cultural categories, equivalence at word level, proper names, grammar, collocations, idioms, literary devices and literary style. In carrying out this study, the translation discipline with its definitions and methods was revised centering the concept of equivalence at the heart of this thesis. The translation procedures and strategies used in English translation of Benim Adım Kırmızı were discussed. Moreover, information about the translator, Erdağ Göknar, the Turkish author, Orhan Pamuk and the original book, Benim Adım Kırmızı was given to gain a better picture of the dynamics affecting translation process. The procedures frequently in translation used are as follows: the functional and cultural equivalent especially in translation of cultural categories, collocations, idioms, nearly all kinds of literary devices and source language words; the expansion procedure for religious terms, gestures and habits, proper names of places, metonymy; literal translation, naturalization and transference of personal names; shifts or transpositions and modulation mostly to overcome grammatical problems; the descriptive equivalents for some onomatopoeic and source language words. Other procedures such as deletion and paraphrase were also utilized in translation of certain categories of the work. As for Pamuk?s long sentences and poems in the source text, free translation, paraphrase and transpositions were chosen for the translation. Certain examples where the equivalence fails were also discussed. It was concluded that equivalence was achieved to a large extent in English translation of Benim Adım Kırmızı. The data also may serve a guideline for students and teachers, who engage in the study of translation, and for translators to consult when they come across similar problems.