Translating Kazakh Values: Analyzing the Concept of “Bauyr” in D. Issabekov’s “Gaukhartas” and Translation Strategies

This study delves into the complexities of translating the Kazakh cultural concept ‘bauyr’ (liver) from Dulat Issabekov’ s ‘Gaukhartas’ (Precious stone) into English and Russian. The research highlights the importance of preserving cultural nuances in translation to maintain the integrity of the original work and facilitate cross-cultural understanding. That is why we aim to study the ‘bauyr’ concept and identify the translation strategies used to translate it into other languages. Through analyzing ‘bauyr’s’ representation in translations, the paper sheds light on broader issues of cultural transfer and adaptation in literary translation. In addition, the research reveals some crucial ideas on translation of the novel from D. Issabekov himself. He believes that culture-specific vocabulary demands particular attention in literary translation. The translators frequently omitted such terms in the Russian text, which consequently led to analogous omissions in the English version. This highlights the implications of translating through an intermediary language. Thus, this study has shown that the difficulties of translating the concept of bauyr in literary works lie not only in the lack of ethno-cultural background knowledge, but also in the insufficient emphasis on the moments of ordinary life, casually reflecting the traditions and mentality of the Kazakh people. To be sure, no single concept conveys a holistic national mentality, but the role of concepts in the formation of a national character is difficult to underestimate.