International Journal of Literature and Language Studies
Vol. 5 No. 6 (2026): International Journal of Literature and Language Studies

SEMANTIC LOSSES AND SEMANTIC GAINS IN THE TRANSLATION OF REALIA

Khasanova Dildora Shukhratovna (Lecturer of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jun 2026

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of semantic losses and semantic gains in the translation of realia—culture-specific words and expressions that denote objects, phenomena, or concepts characteristic of a particular nation. The study analyzes how the transfer of linguocultural realia across linguistic boundaries inevitably involves both loss of source-culture meaning and acquisition of target-culture meaning, creating a dynamic of semantic transformation that complicates traditional equivalence-based approaches to translation. Drawing on translation theory, cultural linguistics, and comparative analysis of Uzbek-English and English-Uzbek translation examples, the research demonstrates that semantic losses and gains operate across multiple dimensions including denotative, connotative, associative, and pragmatic levels. The article argues that the translator's task is not to eliminate semantic losses—which is theoretically impossible—but to strategically manage the balance between losses and gains in accordance with the translation's communicative purpose and the target audience's interpretive needs.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijlls

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The mission of the International Journal of Literature and Language Studies (IJLLS) is to provide readers with the development of language studies in linguistics and literature. In addition to manuscripts that center on the study, we welcome manuscripts on a wide range of topics relating to the ...