Attitudinal markers of identity in the translation of fictional texts: a diachronic view

Abstract

This paper focuses on how attitudinal markers of identity are rendered in two diachronic translations of a work of literature. It offers a comparative view of the translations in terms of their preservation or adaptation of attitudinal discourse markers and the extent to which they render the literary hero’s identity in the target language. Relevant examples are subject to analysis by applying both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The findings validate both our initial hypotheses, indicating that the hero’s personal and social identity is affected in both target language versions and that the more recent translation is more authentic and believable for the current-day target readership.