SOME PROBLEMS IN TRANSLATING ASHIQ POETRY INTO ENGLISH AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Azerbaijani ashiq literature represents a significant carrier of the nation’s centuries-old cul-tural and historical heritage and serves as a medium for expressing both poetic and spiritual values. Although the translation of this literary form into English is essential for its introduction to a glob-al audience, the process involves several serious challenges. These challenges are primarily asso-ciated with lexical, semantic, stylistic and cultural contextual issues.
The absence of adequate equivalents in English for the archaic and dialectal expressions, as well as culturally specific terms frequently used in ashiq poetry, leads to substantial lexical and semantic difficulties. Words such as saz, ashiq and epic carry not only linguistic meanings, but also deep cultural and historical connotations, which require a special approach in translation.
The rhythmic structure and artistic devices of ashiq poetry such as simile, metaphor, repeti-tion, alliteration, and other poetic tools are main elements of its aesthetic value. Preserving these features during translation presents both technical and creative difficulties. Since the poems are composed in syllabic meter and adhere to melodic demands, it is nearly impossible to reproduce their harmony and rhythm in English without sacrificing either form or content.
Moreover, a Western reader unfamiliar with the specific historical and cultural functions of the ashiq and their social role may struggle to understand the symbolism and values embedded in these poems. Therefore, translation should not be seen merely as a linguistic transformation, but as a form of intercultural communication.
Successful translation of ashiq poetry into other languages, especially English, requires more than just linguistic competence. It demands a comprehensive approach, deep cultural knowledge and high poetic sensitivity. Such an approach enables the effective presentation and promotion of Azerbaijani ashiq literature on an international scale.
In the article some problems related to the translation of ashiq poems into English and ways to solve them are shown.