CULTURAL BARRIERS IN TRANSLATING FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Abstract

Figurative language – including idioms, metaphors, proverbs, and other non-literal expressions – is deeply embedded in culture, making it a valuable yet challenging component of communication. Translators often encounter cultural barriers when working with figurative expressions, since many such expressions rely on culture-specific knowledge, historical events, or social customs that may have no equivalent in the target language. This article examines the nature of these cultural barriers and their impact on translation. We review literature on idiomatic and metaphorical translation, highlighting how cultural context, connotation, and conceptual differences complicate the translation of figurative phrases. Drawing on recent studies and examples, we analyze common challenges (such as non-equivalence and untranslatability) and discuss strategies translators use to overcome them (such as paraphrase, cultural substitution, or explicitation). We emphasize the translator’s role as a cultural mediator: success often depends on the translator’s cultural awareness and ability to adapt or explain culturally charged imagery for a new audience. The discussion considers implications for translator training and language education, suggesting that understanding and addressing cultural gaps is essential for conveying the intended meaning and maintaining communication effectiveness across languages.