Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora
Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025): (Juni) Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora

Analysis of Figurative Language and Translation Strategies in Picture Me Gone

Warminingsih (Unknown)
Syamsurrijal, Syamsurrijal (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study is motivated by the increasing reading interest in Indonesia, as reflected in national literacy data and the rising availability of translated English novels that enrich Indonesian literary culture and promote cross-cultural understanding. Figurative language is a crucial element in novels, enhancing emotional depth and narrative style, but its translation poses challenges due to cultural and linguistic differences. This research examines the use of figurative language in Meg Rosoff’s Picture Me Gone and the techniques used to translate these expressions into Indonesian. Employing a mixed qualitative and quantitative method, the study identifies 73 figurative expressions in the novel. Similes appear 23 times (32%), metaphors 18 times (25%), idioms 12 times (16%), personifications 10 times (14%), hyperboles 8 times (11%), while onomatopoeia and oxymoron each appear once (1%). Guided by Peter Newmark’s translation theory, six translation techniques were identified. Literal translation is the most dominant, found in 39 cases (53%), followed by modulation in 18 cases (25%). Reduction and descriptive equivalent are each applied in 6 cases (8%), paraphrase in 3 cases (4%), and transposition in 1 case (1%). The study highlights the difficulties translators face in preserving meaning, tone, and cultural nuances in figurative language. To address these challenges, translators adapt their strategies to maintain both fidelity to the original and naturalness in the target language. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of figurative language translation in literary texts and offers practical insights for translators, students, and literature enthusiasts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jishum

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

JISHUM: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora [e-ISSN 2962-0120] | DOI 10.57248] is intended to develop itself as a pioneer journal in social sciences and humanities. Starting from the year 2022, it publishes all papers in English and Indonesian. Areas relevant to the scope of the journal include Social ...