TRANSLATION OF COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS AND SLANG WORDS IN ‘THE CATCHER IN THE RYE’ FROM ENGLISH INTO AZERBAIJANI

Abstract

The challenge of translating colloquial expressions and slang words is of special interest to literary translators since these elements are tied to cultural context. To explore the issue, this article analyzes J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and its Azerbaijani translation by Tehran Valiyev. Based on well-known theories in translation studies, the article explores what methods are used when translators come across colloquial expressions and slang words. The article addresses whether such issues are mainly due to linguistic differences or cultural ones. Additionally, the reasons for the use of the omission method in translation will be highlighted here as well. The questionnaire, along with the mixed-method approach comprising qualitative and quantitative analysis, which was distributed to 12 Azerbaijani translators, allows considerable conclusions on the strategies of different translation versions from and into colloquial language. The analysis contains 15 examples of slang words and 15 samples of original colloquial expressions from the book and its translation into Azerbaijani. The results of the study identify various methods of translation of the complete book of “The Catcher in the Rye” into Azerbaijani: adaptation, equivalent, calque, literal translate, and omission. Some translations manage to capture the essence and impact of the text while others struggle with conveying the intended message due, to differences in culture and language. The survey findings highlight the methods used by translators and underscore the importance of grasping nuances for successful translation. Respondents show a preference for adaptation seeking to connect with the target audience while preserving authenticity. Keywords: colloquial expressions, translation, slang words, cultural differences, omission.