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Arts & Communication Advanced macro-image model for poetry translation

Moreover, since art involves thinking in images, an image governed by laws of cohesion and interrelation
image serves as both a unit and a fundamental element in among relatively independent micro-images.
artistic expression. It does not merely replicate reality but Thus, the laws of artistic creation can only be
creatively reflects it, expressing the author’s perspective comprehensively understood through a unified structural-
on what is depicted. The image represents a synthesis of semantic aspect, where the image serves as both the
subjective and objective elements, general and individual smallest “cell” and an all-encompassing artistic universal.
aspects, rationality, and emotion, which stipulates its This duality makes the image an optimal unit of translation,
uniqueness. as it encompasses both parts and wholes that translators
An artistic image can be considered a “vital cell” of strive to reproduce adequately. Our developed macro-
artistic reality, possessing both absolute and relative image structure of a poetic work helps in identifying
independence. Absolute independence allows an image to these elements, recognizing their dominant features, and
exist outside a separate poem or an entire work heritage facilitating their reproduction in translation – ranging
of the poet; for instance, a standalone metaphor can be from micro-images to complete macro-image formations.
appreciated out of context. Under favorable conditions, Therefore, we assert that the main criterion for assessing
such images can transcend literary boundaries and find the adequacy of poetic translation is the reproduction
new life in different contexts. On the other hand, within an or non-reproduction of harmony between the content
artistic text, each image depends on other images to form and form, which we define as the interpenetration
a complex unity. The broadest unity in which an artistic and interdependence of all image levels within its
image acts is the unity of world literature. Here, images can macrostructure.
transition from one literary tradition to another through Recognizing that a poetic work as a macro-image
direct inspiration or through transformation in literary consists of autosemantic, synsemantic, and subsemantic
translation. images – constituent elements of a poetic work that are
Understanding artistic image as both micro-images mutually determined and essential for translation – we
(a single metaphor) and comprehensive artistic integrity emphasize that reproducing these images in the translation
(the work, the artistic world of the poet) forms the basis must consider the degree of their dominance in the
of our translation framework for poetic works. A poetic original text. We define poetic translation as the process
work functions as an intrinsic composite image where and result of recreating a foreign language’s macro-image
each element retains relative independence as micro- through the target language while preserving all levels of
images. This characteristic – imbued with imagery within its image structure, acknowledging their interdependence,
a complex artistic integrity – creates a vivid impression dominance, and associative relationships.
akin to reality as portrayed by nature. Thus, images can be The proposed definition integrates both literary factors
regarded as fundamental units in poetic translation. (recognizing poetic translation as a literary work with
A poetic work functions as a cohesive system, where the preserved functions) and linguistic factors (ensuring
evaluation of its components can only be comprehensible reproduction of all image levels in their interrelation,
within the context of the whole. Each micro-image hierarchy, and with their associative links). It outlines
within this artistic whole reveals properties that remain methods for analyzing the original work by translators and
undetected when considered in isolation. While each examining completed translations by critics. Such analysis
micro-image expresses its artistic meaning, together they should employ an arsenal of modern translation theory
create a more complex essence in an artistic sense. methods, including literary studies, linguistics, philosophy
(hermeneutics), and ethnocultural studies while avoiding
Our study demonstrates that any linguistic element can the mechanical unification of these principles. Instead,
serve as a micro-image in a poetic work, with its figurative their interaction should yield new insights through what
meaning defined by both the system of the corresponding we term “translation study analysis.” The term “re-creation”
image level and the overall structure of the macro-image. is used to distance the translation process from mechanical
The expressiveness and impact of an artistic message work, removing the formalistic requirement to use the
are achieved not by using special expressive and effective same figurative elements as those in the original work.
language but by the organization of all linguistic elements The expression “macro-image re-creation” emphasizes the
of expression, each contributing to a unified goal: the creative nature of translation, rather than mere replication.
creation of an artistic image. This focus on creating artistic However, focusing on preserving all levels of the original’s
integrity transforms a word or phrase within an artistic text image structure does impose certain objective restrictions
into a micro-image, which collectively forms a complex on the translator’s creative freedom.

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 6 doi: 10.36922/ac.5990