TRANSLATION OF CULTURAL REALIA IN LITERARY WORKS: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

Abstract

The translation of cultural realia in literary works remains one of the most
challenging tasks for translators, as these elements reflect the unique traditions,
values, and worldview of a particular community. When cultural realia are
inadequately translated, important layers of meaning may be lost or distorted,
limiting readers’ ability to fully understand the original text. This paper analyzes
common difficulties faced in translating cultural realia such as historical references,
national customs, idiomatic expressions, and culturally bound objects. It also
examines the main translation strategies used to convey these elements, including
borrowing, descriptive translation, cultural substitution, and functional equivalence.
Through a comparative analysis of examples from English and Uzbek literature,
the study highlights the significance of selecting an appropriate strategy that
preserves both meaning and cultural authenticity