Translation of jargons, slangs, vulgarisms and variations of sociolect in the novel of J.D. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”

Abstract

The article analyses means of representation of nonstandard vocabulary taken from the novel of J.D. Salinger “The catcher in the Rye”. It specifies the reason for the use of slangs, vulgarisms, jargons and social dialects by the main character Holden Caulfield. It illustrates transformations, which take place during its rendering to achieve adequate translation. While translating the above-mentioned nonstandard vocabulary such means as colloquialisms, vernacular language, archaisms, dialectisms, and noise imitation were used. The article also proposes comparative analysis of Ukrainian and Russian translations of the novel disclosing strength and shortcomings of each of them. It gives conclusions that considering the complexity of the described phenomenon rendering in terms of stylistics every translator is advised to use his/her own translating techniques and methods to preserve certain personality features and language peculiarities of characters of the novel and to stick to the original.