Translating metaphors in literature: An analysis of problems in two Vietnamese translations of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Abstract

Translating metaphors presents a significant challenge, even for professional translators. Despite numerous studies on metaphor translation, the evaluation of metaphor translations in literature remains limited in Vietnam. This article applies the cognitive typology of metaphor translation and the Three-Dimensional Model of Metaphor to analyze the meanings of metaphors in context, classify translation procedures, and examine losses or mismatches found in two Vietnamese translations of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The findings show that changing the conceptual metaphor during translation often causes the most significant problems, including meaning loss, reduced nuance of the metaphor and failure to convey its function within the context. The issues identified in both translations are diverse, with mistranslation and loss of coherence being the most common. Consequently, this article proposes a comprehensive approach based on the three dimensions of metaphor to enhance translation quality, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly understanding the function of metaphors in context.