Compositional and Semantic Meaning of Non-Equivalent Vocabulary in a Poetic Text (Original and Translation)

The article addresses the theoretical and practical issues related to the translation of non-equivalent vocabulary (NV) in poetic texts, focusing on its compositional and semantic role in the original and translated versions. Non-equivalent vocabulary often appears in the strong positions (SP) of a text, such as titles, rhyme elements, and key metaphors, which are critical for maintaining the semantic integrity and artistic essence of the work. The presence of NV in these positions creates a unique challenge for translators, as the loss or replacement of such vocabulary can lead to significant semantic distortions, affecting the stylistic unity and cultural flavor of the text. By examining examples from German poetry by Heinrich Heine, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Rainer Maria Rilke, as well as their Ukrainian translations, this paper highlights the diverse strategies used by translators to recreate NV in a target language context. The study also explores the theoretical approaches of renowned scholars shedding light on the impact of NV on the semantic structure and ethno-linguistic worldview conveyed through poetic texts. The aim is to analyze how NV functions as a strong position in poetic discourse, influencing the overall compositional hierarchy and meaning of the text. The research concludes that the transmission of NV in poetic translation requires a careful balance between preserving the original’s national identity and adapting it to the stylistic and cultural norms of the target language. The study underscores that inadequately rendered NV can disrupt the semantic unity of a poem, thereby altering its cultural context and reader reception.