The variation of memoir translation as a result of translational interpretation

The article is devoted to the study of variation in the translation of memoir texts, using the second part of P. P. Unterberger's memoirs "Between Two Stools. Observations, Thoughts and Memoirs" as a case study. The subject of the research is the processes of formation and manifestation of variation in the translation of memoir texts. The object of the study comprises the mechanisms of variation in the translation of memoir-biographical texts. The aim of the work is to identify the mechanisms that determine the degree of variation and the methods of overcoming difficulties in rendering culturally and historically significant elements. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the concepts of translation adequacy and variation, as well as to identifying the main sources of variation. The research methodology includes comparative analysis of the source and target texts, examination of the subjective factor in translation practice, and application of structural analysis and functional semantics methods, which allow for identifying patterns in the reproduction of authorial style and cultural markers. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the systematization of translation techniques applied in working with memoir texts and in the development of principles for minimizing the negative consequences of variation. The main contribution consists in identifying the sources of variation and describing the spectrum of translation solutions at various text levels (lexical, grammatical, stylistic). Concrete examples demonstrate methods of rendering geographical names, proper names, military ranks, cultural and historical realia, and individual features of authorial style. The translator’s work with a memoir or biographical text requires an analysis of its typological features, lexical characteristics, and the interplay between factual accuracy and the author’s subjectivity.

German language, translation theory, translation variation, translation adequacy, memoir text, translation interpretation, cultural and historical context, lexical correspondences, the Far East, Peter Unterberger