THE FUNCTION AND TRANSLATABILITY OF IDIOMS IN THE POEM “GIVE ME BACK MY RAGS” BY VASKO POPA
Keywords:
Vasko Popa, idiom, culturally specific vocabulary, translation
Abstract
This paper analyzes the function and translatability of Serbian culturally specific idioms to English language on the example of the poem “Give me back my rags” by Vasko Popa. Having in mind the specific features of Serbian language and metaphorical value of idiomatic phrases, the aim was to point out how challenging it is to translate poetry that is rooted in Serbian culturally specific vocabulary. Popa’s idioms were divided in three groups (unchanged idioms, “disguised” idioms and idioms with changed meaning) and the original and translated poem were compared regarding semantic and structural use of idioms.
