Equivalence Theory in Literature

Equivalence Theory: Etymology/Term, Definition and Concept

Etymology/Term:

Equivalence theory derives its name from the concept of equivalence, indicating a state of being equal or having the same value. The term is rooted in Latin, with “aequus” meaning equal and “valere” meaning to be worth or to have value. In various fields, from linguistics to mathematics and beyond, equivalence theory is employed to explore relationships, similarities, and balanced states.

Definition:

• Linguistics: In translation studies, equivalence theory refers to the attempt to find linguistic expressions in the target language that are equivalent in meaning to those in the source language, considering cultural, semantic, and pragmatic factors.
• Mathematics: Equivalence theory in mathematics deals with relationships between mathematical objects that share the same essential properties or characteristics, even if their forms or representations differ.
• Philosophy: In philosophy, equivalence theory explores the idea that certain concepts, experiences, or moral values may be considered equivalent despite differences in cultural or individual contexts.
• Psychology: Within psychological research, equivalence theory is often applied to experimental design, ensuring that experimental and control groups are equivalent at the outset to draw valid conclusions from the study.
• Economics: Equivalence theory in economics involves the concept of economic equivalence, where different financial transactions or investments are considered equal in value under certain conditions, such as in the time value of money calculations.

Equivalence theory, across these various disciplines, underscores the pursuit of understanding and establishing relationships between entities that share essential characteristics or values.

Equivalence Theory: Theorists, Work and Arguments

Theorist	Key Work	Main Arguments
Roman Jakobson	On Linguistic Aspects of Translation	Jakobson’s work emphasizes linguistic equivalence in translation, considering various aspects such as sound, grammar, and meaning.
Lev Vygotsky	Thought and Language	Vygotsky’s psychological perspective explores equivalence in language development, highlighting the importance of cultural and social contexts.
Paul Samuelson	Foundations of Economic Analysis	Samuelson’s contributions to economic equivalence theory involve the time value of money, stating that a sum of money has different values at different points in time.
Alfred North Whitehead	Principia Mathematica	Whitehead’s work in mathematics contributes to equivalence theory by exploring logical and symbolic relationships between mathematical entities.
Thomas Kuhn	The Structure of Scientific Revolutions	Kuhn’s arguments touch on equivalence in the philosophy of science, discussing paradigm shifts and the conceptual restructuring of scientific theories.

Equivalence Theory: Key Principles

1. Cultural and Linguistic Equivalence:

• Example: In the translation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude from Spanish to English, equivalence theory considers maintaining cultural nuances and linguistic richness to preserve the novel’s original impact.

2. Mathematical Equivalence:

• Example: George Orwell’s Animal Farm serves as a metaphorical exploration of political systems, applying mathematical equivalence to highlight the parallels between the characters and historical figures during the Russian Revolution.

3. Psychological Equivalence:

• Example: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby can be analyzed through psychological equivalence, examining the characters’ pursuit of the American Dream and the emotional toll of unattainable goals.

4. Economic Equivalence:

• Example: In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, economic equivalence is subtly explored through the social dynamics of marriage, where financial considerations and societal expectations play a significant role in the characters’ relationships.

5. Scientific Equivalence:

• Example: Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories provide a literary illustration of scientific equivalence as Holmes employs deductive reasoning and logic, showcasing the equivalence between fictional detective work and scientific methodology.

These principles demonstrate how equivalence theory can be applied across various disciplines, offering a lens through which to analyze and interpret literary works.

Equivalence Theory: Application in Critiques

Literary Work	Application of Equivalence Theory Critique
One Hundred Years of Solitude	Equivalence theory applied to the English translation, exploring efforts to maintain cultural and linguistic richness.
Animal Farm	Analysis through mathematical equivalence, revealing parallels between characters and historical figures in the Russian Revolution.
The Great Gatsby	Critique through psychological equivalence, unveiling characters’ emotional struggles in pursuing the American Dream.
Pride and Prejudice	Application of economic equivalence, examining the influence of financial considerations and societal expectations on relationships.
Sherlock Holmes stories	Critique employing scientific equivalence, revealing the parallels between fictional detective work and scientific methodology.

Relevant Terms

1. Formal Equivalence: Preserving the literal structure and wording when translating literary works.
2. Dynamic Equivalence: Emphasizing conveying the intended meaning and effect, allowing for flexibility in translation.
3. Cultural Equivalence: Ensuring the translated work reflects the cultural nuances and context of the original.
4. Textual Equivalence: Maintaining coherence and fidelity to the original text in the translation process.
5. Functional Equivalence: Prioritizing the function or purpose of the text over a literal word-for-word translation.
6. Semantic Equivalence: Retaining consistent meaning and interpretation across different linguistic or cultural contexts.
7. Pragmatic Equivalence: Considering the appropriateness and impact of the translated text within its cultural and social context.
8. Literal Translation: Translating word-for-word without considering cultural or idiomatic differences.
9. Free Translation: Allowing for flexibility and creativity in conveying the essence of the original text.
10. Interlingual Equivalence: Ensuring equivalence between languages, focusing on linguistic aspects in translation.

Equivalence Theory: Suggested Readings

1. Jakobson, Roman. On Linguistic Aspects of Translation. Harvard University Press, 2000.
2. Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. One Hundred Years of Solitude. HarperCollins, 2006.
3. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet Classic, 1996.
4. Vygotsky, Lev. Thought and Language. MIT Press, 2012.
5. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
6. Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Oxford University Press, 2008.
7. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.