CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING SHORT STORIES

Translation of short stories occupies a unique position within the field of literary translation. Unlike novels, essays, or poetry, short stories demand a concise yet emotionally charged rendering of experiences that are deeply rooted in specific cultural, linguistic, and stylistic contexts. Translating them requires a delicate balance between faithfulness to the source text and creative freedom in the target language. The translator is not merely a linguistic mediator but a cultural interpreter who reimagines the narrative within a new linguistic and cultural framework. This research paper explores the complex challenges involved in translating short stories, focusing on linguistic nuances, cultural references, idiomatic expressions, authorial style, narrative rhythm, and reader reception. It also examines the theoretical and practical implications of these challenges by analyzing key translation strategies, including domestication, foreignization, equivalence, and adaptation. Furthermore, the paper discusses the ethical responsibilities of translators and the importance of preserving the literary essence of the original work while ensuring accessibility to the target audience. Through examples from world literature and translation theories, this paper underscores that translating short stories is not merely a technical process but an act of cross-cultural creativity that tests the translator’s interpretative and artistic sensibilities.