TRANSLATION OF ANIMAL NAMES IN CHINESE YUAN QU INTO RUSSIAN FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FUNCTIONAL EQUIVALENCE THEORY (BASED ON THE COLLECTION “YUAN QU”)

Abstract

Grounded in the theory of functional equivalence, this paper investigates the strategies and methods employed in rendering animal names from Yuan qu into Russian. The research is aimed at addressing the difficulties of culturally conveying animal imagery in classical Chinese poetry. The theory of functional equivalence affords a flexible theoretical framework for guiding the translation of culturally specific lexical items within poetic texts, and it concurrently ensures the effective rendering of both the substantive content and the cultural import inherent in the original composition. On the basis of an analysis of specific examples, the translation strategies and methods for animal imagery in Yuan qu have been summarized, thereby further deepening the understanding of the practical applicability of functional equivalence theory in poetic translation. The findings are expected to contribute to improving translation quality and the effectiveness of literary text transmission, as well as enhancing mutual cultural exchange between China and Russia.