Skip to content

Translation as a Reconstruction Process of Meaning: An Interdisciplinary Approach and Conceptual Challenges

Adriana Gjika1* , Dorjana Flett2

1University “Ismail Qemali” Vlore, Albania

2University “Ismail Qemali“ Vlore, Albania

Corresponding author: adigjika123@gmail.com

Received: June 2026 | Accepted: June 2026 | Published: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63871/unvl.jsuv2.1.32

Abstract


This theoretical paper examines translation as a dynamic process of meaning reconstruction and cultural mediation, moving beyond simple linguistic transfer. Drawing on previous theoretical studies, the central idea is that meaning is not fixed but intrinsically linked to context, cultural references, and the translator’s strategic choices. The paper argues that translation requires a delicate balance between fidelity to the original text (preserving intent, tone, style, emotion) and necessary adaptation for the target audience. The translator is presented as a creative co-author.

The analysis explores cognitive and semiotic approaches, the impact of cultural differences, challenges of multilingual contexts, transformations of meaning across time and space, and the relativization of equivalence and fidelity. The conclusion posits that equivalence and fidelity are relative and contextual, depending on cultural differences, text purposes, audience, and situational constraints. 

Declarations


Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledged: NA

AI use: NA

References


Bassnett, S. (2007). Translation studies. Routledge.

Delisle, J. (1980). L’analyse du discours comme méthode de traduction. Presses de l’Université d’Ottawa.

Gentzler, E. (1993). Contemporary translation theories. Routledge.

Gorlée, D. L. (1993). Semiotics and the problem of translation with special reference to the semiotics of Charles S. Peirce (Doctoral dissertation).

Hatim, B., & Mason, I. (1990). Discourse and the translator. Longman.

Larose, R. (1989). Théories contemporaines de la traduction. Presses de l’Université du Québec.

Mounin, G. (1996). Introduction à la traductologie. Gallimard.

Neubert, A., & Shreve, G. M. (1992). Translation as text. The Kent State University Press.

Nida, E. A., & Taber, C. R. (1982). The theory and practice of translation. Brill.

Newmark, P. (1982). Approaches to translation. Pergamon Press.

Pergnier, M. (1978). Les fondements sociolinguistiques de la traduction. Presses Universitaires de Lille.

Seleskovitch, D. (1978). La traduction: Procédé versus produit. Didier.

Venuti, L. (1995). The translator’s invisibility: A history of translation. Routledge.

Citing literature


Gjika, A., & Flett, D. (2026). Translation as a reconstruction process of meaning: An interdisciplinary approach and conceptual challenges. UniVlora Scientific Journal, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.63871/unvl.jsuv2.1.32

Copyright © 2026 The Author(s)

This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.