Equivalence And Cultural Loss In Translating Ahlam Mosteganemi’s Novel Dakirat Algasad: The Bridges Of Constantine.

Résumé: This research focuses on equivalence and cultural loss in the field of translation, based on a major work of fiction. A work of fiction is steeped in a culture and is marked by a whole range of local references, allusions and a world outlook. The concept of equivalence has received a great deal of analysis and criticism. Some even question whether equivalence is possible at all. Cultural erosion, in turn, requires a special toolkit. In order to ground the theoretical consideration of these two issues, we have chosen Aḥlam Mosteḡanemi's novel Ḏakirat Alḡasad (Translated by Raphael Cohen as The Bridges of Constantine). In this dissertation, various views about equivalence and cultural erosion, as well as the measurement and evaluation toolkit, are reviewed and presented. This review considered the scholarship on Mosteḡanemi's literary output (with a special focus on Ḏakirat Alḡasad) and the reception of her works and their translation into English. The thesis participates in the debate of the effects of equivalence and cultural erosion in translating literary texts, as well as in the discussion of strategies used in the translation of a work of fiction. The focus is narrowed down to evaluating problem-solving strategies as developed in the rendition of cultural categories in Ḏakirat Alḡasad. The evaluation is followed upon by suggestions and recommendations in relation to translation theory and translation practice, with a special focus on teaching and training.

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