Some aspects of the translation of idiomatic language usage.

Abstract

This article deals with the translation of idiomatic expressions. The following aspects relevant in translating idiomatic expressions are investigated: the manifestation of culture and nature in idiomatic expressions, semantic and stylistic equivalence, the level of formality, wordiness, adaptability to the context, familiarity, frequency of use of the expression and the command of language of the target group. The creative role of the translator in innovating idiomatic expressions and expanding the stock of Afrikaans idioms is also discussed. The languages used in the illustrations are Afrikaans and English.