Keeltevahelisi

Keeltevahelisi is an Estonian term that translates to "interlingual" or "between languages." It is most commonly used in the context of linguistics, translation studies, and comparative literature. The term refers to phenomena, comparisons, or interactions that occur across different languages.

In linguistics, keeltevahelisi studies might examine how grammatical structures, vocabulary, or semantic meanings are shared or differ between language families. This can involve looking at loanwords, calques (loan translations), or universal linguistic principles that manifest in diverse ways across languages. For example, the spread of certain grammatical features or the evolution of similar phonetic patterns in unrelated languages could be considered keeltevahelisi.

In translation studies, keeltevahelisi refers to the process and challenges of transferring meaning, style, and cultural context from a source language to a target language. It acknowledges that perfect equivalence is often elusive and that translators must navigate the nuances and differences inherent in each language. This includes dealing with untranslatable concepts, idiomatic expressions, and culturally specific references.

Comparative literature also utilizes the concept of keeltevahelisi when analyzing literary works across different linguistic traditions. It involves understanding how themes, genres, and narrative techniques are interpreted and adapted in various languages, considering the unique cultural and historical backgrounds of each literary tradition. The influence of one literary tradition on another through translation and adaptation is a prime example of keeltevahelisi in action.