THE PROBLEM OF MEANING LOSS IN THE TRANSLATION PROCESS

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the problem of meaning loss in the translation process. It examines the influence of linguistic (lexical, grammatical, and stylistic), cultural, and pragmatic factors on translation quality. Particular emphasis is placed on semantic mismatches between languages, idiomatic expressions, phraseological units, and culture-specific references as major sources of meaning loss.The paper also proposes several effective translation strategies, including contextual analysis, adaptation, explanatory translation, and compensation, to reduce meaning loss. The findings suggest that complete transfer of meaning is not always achievable; however, a translator’s professional competence, intercultural awareness, and deep understanding of context can significantly minimize meaning loss in translation.