TRANSLATION STRATEGIES OF ONOMASTIC REALIA (PROPER NAMES) IN TWO TRANSLATED WORKS OF D. O. FAGUNWA

Abstract

The translation of proper names in literature is a critical aspect of the broader process of translation, a conduit for conveying cultural meanings, symbols, and identities which has attracted sparse considerations in research. This study explores the translation strategies used in the rendering of proper names in D.O. Fágúnwà’s works, specifically focusing on place names and person names, as analyzed through Vinay and Darbelnet’s translation procedures and Nyström’s onomastic theory. By examining the translation of Yoruba proper names in Fágúnwà's texts, this study investigates the delicate balance translators must maintain between preserving the cultural, symbolic, and linguistic integrity of the source text while making the translated names comprehensible to the target audience. The study highlights various strategies, including borrowing, adaptation, literal translation, and modulation, and their relevance in a Yoruba-English context. Through detailed examples, the research demonstrates how each strategy works to either retain or transform cultural significance, ensuring that the essence of the original text is conveyed to an English-speaking audience. By applying the theoretical frameworks of Vinay and Darbelnet and Nyström, the study provides valuable insights into the complexities of translating proper names in literary works and emphasizes the critical role of these names in cross-cultural communication and identity. The findings suggest that the translator’s choices are central to both the preservation of cultural richness and the accessibility of the text, with implications for further research in translation studies and onomastics.