MICROTOPONYMS AND PROPER NAMES IN TRANSLATIONS OF FICTION LITERATURE: TRANSLATION KILLERS OR CHANCE FOR EXPERIMENTS?

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of microtoponyms and some proper nouns when translating fiction works from the Norwegian to the Russian language. It is noted that commonly used transliteration, as well as transcription of microtoponyms, does not seem to be the most effective solution for the translated fiction text and might be affect readers’ perception of it. As a waiver of the rule, it is analysed a number of translation solutions in novel by contemporary Norwegian fiction writer Tomas Espedal Against Art. It is also brought up translation issues of proper nouns when the translation of the proper noun might be essential for text understanding, used with effect or is substantial for the plot. As an example of a successful translation solution, it is provided Russian translation of children’s graphic novel by Vilde Kamfjord On the detour home.