In Translation Studies, Bassnett (1980/1991:38) discusses the concept of loss and gain, stating:

“Once the principle is accepted that sameness cannot exist between two languages, it becomes possible to approach the question of loss and gain in the translation process. It is again an indication of the low status of translation that so much time should have been spent on discussing what is lost in the transfer of a text from SL to TL whilst ignoring what can also be gained, for the translator can at times enrich or clarify the SL text as a direct result of the translation process. Moreover, what is often seen as ‘loss’ from the SL context may be replaced in the TL context.”

Loss refers to the disappearance of certain features in the TL text that are present in the SL text. In translation, the probability of both loss and gain is high. This can largely be attributed to the lack of immediate equivalence between concepts, words, phrases, and syntax in the SL and TL. This phenomenon is often termed linguistic distance.

Loss is also a result of disparate cultural contexts, as no two living languages share identical cultures. This suggests that some cultural concepts are unique to specific languages. In cases where cultures differ radically, certain concepts may be irreconcilable between languages, leading to their omission or "sacrifice" in translation. Nida (1974:5) explains:

“...at this point, languages just do not correspond, so we must be prepared to sacrifice certain formal necessities for the sake of content.”

Bassnett (2002:15) describes loss in translation as “a situation in which terms or concepts in the SL text do not find their substitutes in the TL text.” Similarly, Baker (1992:40) defines loss as “the omission of a lexical item due to grammatical or semantic patterns of the receptor language.” When the meaning conveyed by a particular item or expression is not essential to the overall text, translators often omit it to avoid distracting the reader with lengthy explanations. In her book In Other Words, Baker elaborates that “loss” may involve omitting information specified in the source text when the TL lacks grammatical categories present in the SL.

Baker (1992) also emphasizes the challenges of translating via paraphrase. While paraphrasing propositional meaning is relatively straightforward, other types of meaning may not always be fully conveyed in translation. Such subtleties, which contribute to the overall meaning of the text, may be lost entirely or recovered elsewhere through compensatory techniques.

Loss can also occur when a translator fails to render key elements of meaning, such as expressiveness, impact, or vividness, resulting in a diminished spirit or tone of the original text. A lack of proficiency in the TL may also lead to omissions of words and phrases, further contributing to loss. To mitigate these challenges, translators must be versatile and innovative in their approach.

Another cause of loss in translation is untranslatability, which occurs at two levels: linguistic and cultural. Linguistic untranslatability arises when no lexical or syntactical substitutes exist in the TL for an SL item. Cultural untranslatability, on the other hand, stems from the absence of equivalent situational or cultural features in the TL. Since languages often evolve in distinct environments, they embody different worldviews, which can complicate translation efforts.

In conclusion, loss in translation is often the result of cultural and linguistic differences. As no two languages share identical cultural contexts, some concepts remain unique to their original language. When cultures differ significantly, certain ideas may be irreconcilable, leading to their omission and, consequently, to loss in translation.

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