Elimination of Cultural Linguistic Gaps in the Lithuanian Translation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Novel “The Great Gatsby”

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the translation strategies of culture-specific items used in the Lithuanian translation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, published in 2013 by seeking to determine strategies chosen by the Lithuanian translator in order to eliminate cultural gaps related to culture-specific items, as well as to determine which of the strategies are predominant and therefore which translation approach prevails. The research is carried out relying on the classification of translation startegies provided by Pedersen (2005) which include strategies such as official equivalent, retention, specification, direct translation, generalization, substitution, and omission. Quantitative analysis is used to determine which strategies are predominant in the translation, while qualitative analysis is employed to discuss the reasonability of translator’s choices. Knowledge and awareness of the translation strategies of culture-specific items provide easily identifiable advice on how culture-specific items could be used and translated.