Personification of animals: difficulties in translation

The article deals with personification of animals and their translation from English into Russian. The main problem is that in different cultures different genders are ascribed to animals when they are personified. Sometimes translators change the gender of a personified object in translation so that it does not contradict with the traditions and cultural standards of target culture (TC). In this case they can even modify a character in a way that it conforms to gender stereotypes present in TC. However, changing noun gender in translation is not always appropriate and in many cases can distort the meaning since connotative elements of gender are not rendered in target language (TL). Therefore, translation techniques such as synonymic or image substitution should be used to retain the gender of a personified object. In order to successfully apply one of the techniques certain factors should be considered, including the role of noun gender in personification. For a synonymic substitution it is important that a synonym is appropriate in terms of style. In case of image substitution a translator should ascertain that a chosen image has the same cultural associations as in the original. To conclude, translation of personifications requires a thorough analysis of a personified character and in order to find an adequate equivalent in translation certain factors should be taken into account.

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