Pragmatic Equivalence in Translation

Abstract: ‘Translation can be defined as an act of interpretation of the meaning of a content and consequent reproduction of equivalent content’ – Eugene Nida. The interpretation of the meaning along with its context can be achieved by understanding pragmatic equivalence in translation. Pragmatic equivalence is concerned with the way utterances are used in communicative situations and the way they are interpreted in context. It comes under semantic study. It carries much importance while translating the mood and feel expressed in the source text. Though it is highly complex, it can be considered as the most fascinating subject in translation. It is concerned with the study of meaning conveyed by participants in a communicative situation. Bringing the original intensity of the mood and feeling along with the context from the source to the target is a kind of an art in the field of translation. No translation can be faithful but to some extent pragmatic equivalence can be achieved. Understanding and concentrating on pragmatic equivalence will help translators to reflect the original beauty and mood in the target text. The contextual meaning cannot be acquired through literal meaning. Pragmatic equivalence will analyse the age, mood, culture, situation, etc of the source text and concentrate on giving those in the target without losing its original impact. This filed is always a challenge to the translators since languages are closely connected with culture and social setup. This paper tries to focus on the importance of pragmatic equivalence in Translation. Translating Tamil texts in to English is observed here.