The Translation Techniques of Figurative Expressions in Novel Texts: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The translation of figurative expression in novels represent a distinct challenge to translator because it requires preserving the aesthetic and artistic features as well as the intended meaning. This necessitates the translators to balance the formal with the functional aspects to convey the author’s message precisely and equivalently. The study aims at investigating the translation techniques of translating figurative expressions in novels. The current study uses the Systematic Literature Review methodology, focusing on selected journal articles published between 2018 and 2025. The data of present systematic review are collected from twelve journal articles, which are mainly concerned with the translation of figurative expressions in novels. The results show that some translation techniques (literal translation, adaptation, generalization, word-for-word translation, and reduction) are used more frequently than others. Moreover, translators employ a wider range of translation techniques to convey the aesthetic, artistic, functional, and cultural implications of each figurative expression from the source text to the target one.