The application of L.S. Barkhudarov's theory of equivalence in the translation of news texts about regional image — based on publications about Xinjiang in leading Russian media

• Published in: Филология: научные исследования no. 7; pp. 15 - 27
• Main Authors: Wang, Juan, Geng, Xiaolin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2025
• ISSN: 2454-0749; 2454-0749
• DOI: 10.7256/2454-0749.2025.7.74535

This article explores the application of L.S. Barkhudarov's theory of equivalence in the translation of news materials about regional images. The main focus is on the selection of translation units and translation techniques to achieve maximum equivalence based on an analysis of relevant news texts. The object of the study is the translation aspects of news about Xinjiang, while the subject is texts from the Russian press, specifically materials on regional images in leading Russian media. The author analyzes in detail the choice of translation units at various levels (phonemic, morphemic, lexical, syntactic, and textual) and the application of corresponding translation strategies and methods. Special emphasis is placed on the necessity of a flexible approach to the selection of translation units in order to achieve equivalence at all linguistic levels, taking into account cultural features and context. This article conducts an analysis and generalization of the role of equivalence in the translation of news that shapes regional images, considering six linguistic levels based on this theory. Furthermore, it examines the main translation methods employed, including transcription, substitution, omission, addition, rearrangement, and adaptation, as well as their impact on the accuracy of information transfer. The main conclusion of the study is that Barkhudarov's theory of equivalence has significant theoretical value and practical applicability in translating news texts about regional images, providing a multi-dimensional referential framework for such translations. In translation practice, it is necessary to choose the level of translation justifiably and flexibly according to the text's features and dissemination goals, which allows for effective resolution of conflicts of linguistic forms at the micro level and ensures logical coherence of the text at the macro level. The novelty of the study lies in the choice of a text about regional images from news about Xinjiang as the subject of research, covering a wide range of fields, as well as the innovative comprehensive analysis of its translation within the framework of L.S. Barkhudarov's theory of equivalence, considering modern linguistic approaches.