The translation of idioms and fixed expressions in Alaa Al-Aswany's The Yacoubian Building within the framework of Mona Baker's equivalence theory

This study aims to examine the translation of idioms and fixed expressions in the Turkish translation of Alaa el-Aswany's novel The Yacoubian Building within the framework of Mona Baker's theory of equivalence. In the field of translation studies, the accurate and functional transfer of cultural elements and idioms constitutes a significant area of concern, especially in terms of preserving the semantic richness and aesthetic value of the source text. In this context, the study seeks to analyze the translation strategies applied to idioms and fixed expressions in a translation made from the original Arabic text into Turkish through an intermediary language—English—and to identify the types of strategies used in terms of equivalence. The theoretical foundation of the research is based on Mona Baker's categories of equivalence through direct, partial, explicitation, and omission. The strategy of idiomatization should also be added to this framework. Based on a qualitative research approach, this study employs a comparative textual analysis technique. Idioms and fixed expressions were identified in the Turkish translation, matched with their counterparts in the Arabic original, and analyzed accordingly. Where deemed necessary, the English intermediary version of The Yacoubian Building was also consulted to verify the translations. The data obtained were evaluated in line with Mona Baker's equivalence theory. As a result of the study, it was found that the Turkish translation of The Yacoubian Building generally employed a strategy of functional equivalence in the transfer of idioms and fixed expressions, although at times methods such as literal translation, explicitation, or cultural adaptation were also used. The findings indicate that the translator focused on preserving meaning by considering the linguistic and cultural expectations of the target audience. However, instances where the translator's choices were questionable or deemed incorrect were also pointed out by way of example when necessary.