Ekvivalenttikäännös

Ekvivalenttikäännös refers to a translation approach that prioritizes conveying the overall meaning and effect of the source text in the target language, rather than adhering strictly to the literal wording. This method aims to achieve functional equivalence, meaning the translated text should evoke a similar response or achieve a similar purpose for the target audience as the original text did for its intended audience.

This concept is often contrasted with literal translation, which focuses on translating word-for-word. Ekvivalenttikäännös acknowledges that direct word-for-word equivalents may not exist or may not produce the desired impact in the new linguistic and cultural context. Instead, translators using this approach might rephrase sentences, adapt idioms, or even alter cultural references to ensure the message resonates effectively with the target readers.

The goal is to create a translation that feels natural and comprehensible in the target language, while remaining faithful to the source text's intent and meaning. This can involve considering the source text's genre, purpose, and intended audience, and then finding the most appropriate ways to express these elements in the target language. Ekvivalenttikäännös is particularly relevant in fields like literary translation, marketing, and technical documentation where precise meaning and impact are crucial.