Dynamic and formal equivalence are two approaches to translating books, documents, and other items from one language to another Dynamic equivalence is a translation approach that emphasizes the general meaning of a text. The main goal of dynamic equivalence is to reflect the meaning and the spirit of the original text in the target language. On the other hand, formal equivalence is a translation approach that focuses on preserving the literal meaning and formal structures of the original text in the target language.
Dynamic equivalence is also known as "sense-for-sense" translation because it seeks to convey the overall meaning of the original text, rather than its literal wording. The translator's role is to provide an accurate and conveying version of the original text, but also to rephrase and explain the cultural elements and difficult objects that may be present in the original text. This allows readers who may not be familiar with the source language to still understand the feelings and meanings of the text.
Formal equivalence, also known as "word-for-word" translation, seeks to provide a translation that is as close as possible to the original text in terms of syntax and grammar while still conveying the meaning and understanding of the original text. The translator must ensure that the target language is following the same syntax and grammar, and the same words are used in a similar way as the source text. This approach allows readers to understand the original text more easily because they can recognize the same words and structures in the target text.
Examples of Dynamic and Formal Equivalence
1. Spanish to English Translation: Dynamic Equivalence
Source Text: "Ella es una persona muy inquieta."
Dynamic Equivalence: "She is a very restless person."
Formal Equivalence: "She is a very turbulent person."
2. Book Translation: Dynamic Equivalence
Source Text: "El rey debe siempre escoger el camino de la justicia."
Dynamic Equivalence: "The king must always choose the path of justice."
Formal Equivalence: "The king ought to pick the way of righteousness always."
3. Japanese to English Translation: Dynamic Equivalence
Source Text: "Kare wa ninki no hito desu."
Dynamic Equivalence: "He is a popular person."
Formal Equivalence: "He is a renowned individual."
4. Legal Document Translation: Formal Equivalence
Source Text: "Los interesados podrán apelar la decisión dentro de un mes."
Dynamic Equivalence: "Those affected by the decision can appeal it within a month."
Formal Equivalence: "The interested parties can appeal the decision within one month."
5. Radio Ad Translation: Dynamic Equivalence
Source Text: "¡Compra nuestro nuevo producto para tener una experiencia única!"
Dynamic Equivalence: "Buy our new product for an unrivaled experience!"
Formal Equivalence: "Buy our new product for a unparalleled experience!"