The Translation of Proper Names from English to Lithuanian in ⿿Steve Jobs⿿ by W. Isaacson

Abstract

Abstract The translation of proper names is one of the most challenging activities faced by translators. All languages have particular personal names, some of which are deeply rooted in the culture of the speakers of the specific language; consequently, they can pose unique difficulties in the comprehension of culture-specific texts. It is interesting to note that some personal names have various allusions indicating sex, age, geographical belonging, history, specific meaning, playfulness of language and cultural connotations when omitting this implied information results in unacceptable translation. The goal of the research is to draw attention to the strategic choices for the translation of proper names in S. Jobs⿿ biography by Isaacson (2011) and its translation into Lithuanian by AmbrazeviĿius (2012). S. Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination; by connecting creativity with technology he started the era known as Computer age or Digital Age. Findings and results: the paper first gives a short overview of the concept of proper names and of the techniques that are applied when translating them. Second, the translation strategies and principles provided by the translation theorists Davies (2003) and Venuti (1995) used for the research are explained. In addition, the principles of adaptation of proper names provided by the State Commission of the Lithuanian Language are presented. Subsequently, the discussion proceeds to the quantitative analysis of the translated proper names with the emphasis on providing and explaining numerous examples. The emphasis is drawn to the strategies of localization, preservation, transformation and creation.