Translation of Urbanonyms: Factors of Variation
https://doi.org/10.26907/2658-3321.2025.8.3.411-423
Abstract
The article examines the variability of toponym translation as elements of the urban sphere of the city. Translation variability is defined as diverse expressions of the source text by various means of the target language. These expressions are affected by communicants’ social identities, their territorial belonging, and communicative situation.
It is explained that the variability of toponym translation arises when translators percept and interpret the source text meanings in a different way; variability is also caused by the linguistic means which transfer the information identical within a specific context and differ within a certain linguistic paradigm. In each individual case, the reasons of toponym translation variability are different – from the source text specific characteristics to the translators’ professional competence.
Using the example of urbanonyms of the city of Volgograd, the key factors of variability of toponym translation are determined: systemically determined, discursively dependent and techno-logical one. A translation decision is analyzed from the view of extra- and intralinguistic factors. The results of a comparative analysis of the translation of urbanonyms by machine translation systems are presented; typical differences are highlighted, demonstrating the most frequent types of toponym translation variants.
About the Authors
A. A. Gureeva
Volgograd State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Gureeva Anna Andreevna – Associate Professor
Volgograd
E. Yu. Novikova
Volgograd State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Novikova Elina Yurievna – Professor
Volgograd
A. A. Novozhilova
Volgograd State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Novozholiva Anna Alexeevna – Associate Professor
Volgograd
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Review
For citations:
Gureeva A.A., Novikova E.Yu., Novozhilova A.A. Translation of Urbanonyms: Factors of Variation. Kazan linguistic journal. 2025;8(3):411-423. https://doi.org/10.26907/2658-3321.2025.8.3.411-423
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