When Spoken Becomes Written: The Role of Translational Methods in Conveying Colloquial Language from Three Italian Novels into Macedonian

The main aim of this study is to present the results of research on the translation of colloquial language in novels from Italian into Macedonian, with a particular emphasis on the translational methods employed in the process. The novels under consideration are works by two contemporary and renowned authors—Abel by Alessandro Baricco (2023) and L’Arminuta by Donatella Di Pietrantonio (2017)—as well as the culinary novel (or cookbook novel) La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiar bene by Pellegrino Artusi (1938). These three narrative texts are connected by the prominent role of spoken language, though in different forms: dialect in L’Arminuta, Western-inspired slang in Abel, and a popular tone directed at a wider audience in Artusi’s work. Notably, all three works have been translated into Macedonian by the same translator.
Thе study begins by analyzing the distinct features of spoken language and their significance in these works, emphasizing how each author utilizes colloquial language to establish characters, create atmosphere, and reflect cultural nuances. The analysis then shifts to the translation methods employed to convey these features in Macedonian. Specifically, it examines the adaptation of spoken language, as well as transposition, modulation, approximate translation of sentence structures to maintain the colloquial tone, as seen in Macedonian colloquial variants. It also delves into the process of cultural adaptation, focusing on how proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and culturally specific references are translated to resonate with Macedonian readers. Furthermore, the study explores the substitution of dialectal elements with informal and colloquial registers, considering the impact of these choices on the overall fidelity to the original text.
The research highlights the challenges of translating colloquial language, particularly when the source and target languages differ significantly in terms of their cultural and linguistic features. The study argues that translation is not merely a process of linguistic equivalence but involves a creative negotiation between the source text’s intent and the cultural context of the target language. The findings of this study underscore the importance of the translator’s role in not only conveying meaning but also preserving the stylistic and emotional undertones of the original work, ensuring that the colloquial nature of the text is effectively transmitted to the Macedonian audience.
Key words: translational methods, colloquial language, Italian language, Macedonian language