PRESERVING HISTORICAL AUTHENTICITY IN THE TRANSLATION OF ARCHAIC TEXTS

Abstract

The translation of archaic texts presents a unique challenge because it requires balancing historical authenticity with readability for contemporary audiences. This article explores the principal strategies used to maintain historical authenticity in the translation of archaic texts, including lexical retention, stylistic adaptation, annotation, and cultural contextualization. The analysis demonstrates that historical authenticity can be effectively preserved through a balanced translation approach that respects both the linguistic heritage of the original and the communicative expectations of the target audience. The findings highlight the translator's role as both a linguistic mediator and a cultural interpreter, emphasizing that successful translation of archaic texts requires not only linguistic competence but also extensive historical and cultural knowledge.