A Systematic Critique of the Persian Translator’s Performance in Translating Metaphors from English to Persian

Subjectivism poses a significant challenge in translation criticism, often stemming from constraints imposed by commissioners or, more critically, the critic’s unfamiliarity with diverse theoretical models or their practical use. Therefore, translation critiques should be made according to a systematic model or well-defined criteria to ensure objective judgement and minimise subjectivity. This study systematically critiques the Persian translation of Fitzgerald’s (1925) The Great Gatsby using Larson’s (1984) evaluation model, focusing on how Emami (2006) translated metaphors. By applying Larson’s taxonomy of translation strategies, the research identified the specific methods Emami used for both live and dead metaphors at the micro level, as well as his overall strategy at the macro level. The findings reveal that Emami utilised all of Larson’s strategies, favouring target text-oriented ones, which aligns the translation more closely with the structure and expectations of the Persian language. Statistical tests showed no significant relationship between the types of strategies and their frequency of use. Emami effectively applied diverse translation strategies to maintain accuracy and clarity while aiming for naturalness in Persian. The study concludes that Emami’s translation successfully communicates with the Persian audience through appropriate metaphorical translation strategies, offering valuable insights for translation students, critics, and educators.