BRIDGING THE UNBRIDGEABLE: A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATION

In an increasingly globalised world, translation serves as a crucial bridge between languages, cultures, disciplines, and technologies. Yet the act of translation is far from straightforward: it is beset by linguistic intricacies, cultural sensitivities, terminological complexities, technological disruption, and evolving professional ethics. This research paper undertakes a thorough examination of the major challenges facing translation today. Beginning with an overview of translation theory and its historical evolution, it identifies key stress-points including linguistic equivalence (or lack thereof), cultural and pragmatic transfer, specialised/digital/technical translation demands, machine translation and post-editing, terminological consistency, and professional-ethical issues. Drawing on extant literature and case studies, the paper analyses how each challenge manifests, the underlying causes, potential mitigating strategies, and the implications for translators, clients, and end-users. The findings underscore that translation is not simply a “word-for-word” substitution but an act of mediation demanding skill, sensitivity and resources. Concluding, the paper argues for a multi-dimensional approach: enhanced translator training, context-aware workflows, improved technology-human symbiosis, terminology management, and culturally informed protocols. Through this, the goal of higher fidelity, readability and reception in target languages can be better attained.