THE UKRAINIAN CONCEPT VOLYA IN ENGLISH DISCOURSE: CROSS-CULTURAL ASYMMETRY AND TRANSLATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive linguistic-cognitive and translation analysis of the Ukrainian concept of VOLYA in terms of its cross-linguistic asymmetry. The relevance of the research is determined by the special status of the concept of VOLYA (WILL) as a fundamental dominant of the Ukrainian mentality, which combines the meaning of freedom, lack of restrictions, inner strength of the individual and space. The study of folklore discourse (proverbs and sayings) made it possible to single out five key semantic groups objectively differentiating various aspects of the concept VOLYA (WILL) : 1) the highest existential value that prevails over material well-being and life itself; 2) the ontological basis of the Cossack archetype, inextricably linked with spatial resolution and indomitability; 3) zone of high personal responsibility; 4) a powerful source of inner strength and a motivational resource for overcoming obstacles; 5) absolute determinant of human destiny. The author modeled the semantic space of the VOLYA (WILL) concept, which demonstrates its multidimensionality within the semantic field. It was determined that the core of the concept consists of the basic semes "freedom" (independence of actions), "strength of spirit" (inner core) and "fate". The near periphery covers the categories of independence, law and self-control, while the far periphery includes ethno-cultural characteristics: Cossack spirit, space, desire and responsibility. In English, the semantics of the Ukrainian concept of VOLYA (WILL) is differentiated through the lexemes liberty, freedom and will. However, none of them fully reproduces the specific ethno-cultural context of the concept of VOLYA (WILL), immanently inherent in the Ukrainian lexeme. In this regard, the article proposes translation strategies and tactics to overcome conceptual interlingual lacunae. Translation strategies include: partial equivalent; explanation; lexical amplification; generalization; modulation; transliteration with lexical commentary or exoticization. The scientific novelty of the work consists in determining the algorithm for choosing translation transformations to preserve the ethno-cultural identity of the concept.