Translation theory
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Dynamic and formal equivalence
Dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence are two approaches to translation. The former (also known as functional equivalence) attempts to convey the thought expressed in a source text (at the expense of literalness, original word order, the source text's grammatical voice, etc., if necessary), while the latter attempts to render the text word-for-word (at the expense of natural expression in the target language, if necessary). The two approaches represent emphases, respectively, on readability and on literal fidelity to the source text. There is, however, in reality no sharp boundary between dynamic and formal equivalence. Broadly, the two represent a spectrum of translation approaches.
The terms "dynamic equivalence" and "formal equivalence" were originally coined to describe ways of translating the Bible, but the two approaches are applicable to any translation.
