Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024

Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4

TRANSLATION PROBLEMS OF THE STORY
“NAUGHTY BOY”
Safarova Zilola Tolibovna,
Associate professor, PhD, Bukhara State University
Berdiyeva Sitora Utkerovna,
MA student, Bukhara State University

Abstract. Literature, as a cultural artifact, often serves as a bridge between

different societies, offering readers a glimpse into diverse perspectives and
narratives. Gafur Gulom’s “Naughty boy”, a literary masterpiece in Uzbek
literature, presents an enriching challenge for translators seeking to convey the
essence of this story to a broader audience. In this article, we delve into the
intricacies of translating “Naughty boy” and the inherent complexities of bringing
author’s narrative in English.
Key words: Cross-cultural communication, linguistic nuances, national
words, cultural sensitivity, idiomatic expressions, literary translation, cultural
identity.
INTRODUCTION
Literary translation is a delicate art that involves more than just rendering
words from one language to another. It requires the translator to navigate the
intricate landscapes of culture, emotion, and artistic expression. Translating literary
works is a challenging endeavor, and each piece presents a unique set of problems
that demand a nuanced approach.
Gafur Gulom, a prominent figure in Uzbek literature, is honored for his
ability to capture the essence of Central Asian life through his storytelling.
“Naughty boy”, a poignant short story, revolves around universal themes such as
family, love, and the struggle for identity, making it a compelling piece for
translation. However, capturing the nuances of G.Gulom’s prose while preserving
the cultural and historical context poses a significant challenge.

https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 10
Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024
Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4
Cultural Nuances and Context:
In the process of translation, when expressed in words, the content may be
the same, but the means of expression are different. Since it is impossible to cover
all cases of semantic difference between two languages, several scholars limit the
principle based on their works. Types of lexical compatibility between two
languages as complete matching of words in translation; partial correspondence;
We can distinguish three main ways of translating words that do not correspond at
all and express reality. “Naughty boy” is deeply rooted in the cultural and
historical backdrop of Uzbek nation. Translators must navigate the intricate layers
of cultural nuances embedded in the narrative. From traditional customs to the
nuances of interpersonal relationships, every element contributes to the story‘s
authenticity. Striking a balance between staying true to the original cultural context
and ensuring accessibility for an English-speaking audience is a delicate task. Here
some examples from the source text “Shum bola” and translated version “Naughty
Boy” by I.Tukhtasinov will be analyzed, the author uses the method of replacing
the culturally associated word with literal equivalents available in the target
language:
a) o‘qlov-stick:
Source text: “Oyim boshimga o‘qlov bilan urganda qalpoq tagida bo‘lgan
tuxum pachaqlangan edi.”1
Target text: “My mother hit me slowly on my head with a stick.”2
In this example, translator used the word “stick” for the word “o‘qlov”,
however, it is not clear that it is a kitchen tool that is used to roll out the dough.
The reader can understand it as any kind of stick, but not a kitchen utensil
belonging to uzbek nation. So, here the nationality of the context cannot be felt.
b) hamyon-pocket, bag:
Source text: “Ola tik hamyonda edi”; “Meniki ham olacha tik hamyon edi”.

1
G‘ulom G‘. Shum Bola. – Toshkent: “Yoshlar” nashriyot uyi, 2018 – B.12.
2
Gulom G. Naughty Boy. Translators: Tukhtasinov I, Yuldashev U. – Tashkent: Yangi asr avlodi, 2017– P.17.

https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 11
Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024
Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4
Target text: “It was in my pocket”; “I also had the same bag as his”.
In the next example, uzbek word “hamyon” is translated as “pocket” and
“bag” in English. The translator selects a specific and appropriate term to convey
the intended meaning. The descriptive adjective “Ola tik” has been omitted by the
translator. But in the other example, “Meniki ham olacha tik hamyon edi”3 “I also
had the same bag as his”4 the word “olacha tik hamyon” is translated with the
word “bag”. Another version to the word “pocket” has been chosen, because it has
the same function- keeping the money. In Uzbek dictionary the word “olacha” is
defined as: Ingichka yoʻlli, odatda paxta ipidan, baʼzan ip va ipakdan toʻqiladigan
mato5, which means a finely woven fabric, usually of cotton thread, sometimes of
thread and silk.
The translation maintains the positional details, specifying that the object
was inside the pocket. The English translation is clear and concise, effectively
communicating the location of the object. “Meniki ham olacha tik hamyon edi” –
“I also had the same bag as his”: The translation accurately reflects the original
Uzbek sentence while introducing some minor adjustments for idiomatic
expression in English.
c) samovar- tea-house:
Source text: “Bir-ikkita samovarga borib ko‘rdik”6
Target text: “We went to several tea-houses” 7
In this example, the translator successfully navigates the linguistic and
cultural nuances present in the original sentence. The choice to translate “samovar”
as “tea-house” helps convey the specific cultural context associated with the term,
as the function of “samovar” and “tea-house” is the same, it is the place where
men gathered and had a meal, drank tea or other kind of drinks.

3
G‘ulom G‘. Shum Bola. – Toshkent: Yoshlar nashriyot uyi, 2018 – B.27.
4
Gulom G. Naughty Boy. Translators: Tukhtasinov I, Yuldashev U. – Tashkent: Yangi asr avlodi, - 2017– P.19.
5
https://izoh.uz/word/olacha
6
G‘ulom G‘. Shum Bola. – Toshkent: “Yoshlar” nashriyot uyi, 2018 – B.28.
7
Gulom G. Naughty Boy. Translators: Tukhtasinov I, Yuldashev U. – Tashkent: Yangi asr avlodi, 2017–P.19.

https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 12
Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024
Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4
Every author has a distinctive style that contributes to the uniqueness of their
work. Translating the author’s voice, tone, and stylistic choices requires not only
linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of the writer’s artistic intent.
Striking a balance between faithfulness to the original style and making the work
accessible to a new audience is a perpetual challenge for literary translators.
Uzbek language, with its Turkic roots and Persian influences, presents
linguistic challenges in translation. G.Gulom’s use of idiomatic expressions,
regional dialects, and poetic imagery adds to the complexity. Translators must
grapple with finding equivalent English expressions that capture the beauty and
depth of author’s original prose, while avoiding the loss of linguistic and poetic
richness.
Certain words or concepts may lack direct equivalents in the target language,
leading to what is often referred to as “untranslatability”. Whether it be a cultural
ritual, a specific emotion, or a unique societal construct, these untranslatable
elements pose a formidable challenge. Translators must devise creative solutions,
sometimes resorting to lengthy explanations or creating entirely new terms, to
convey the essence of the original concept. Translating the emotional resonance of
a story, poem, or novel requires the ability to evoke the same feelings in the target
audience as the original did for its readers. Capturing the nuances of joy, sorrow,
love, or despair demands not only linguistic skill but also a profound
understanding of the emotional undercurrents within the text.
CONCLUSION
The translation of literary works is a nuanced and multifaceted process that
goes beyond mere language conversion. It is an art form that involves balancing
linguistic accuracy with cultural sensitivity, preserving the author’s style while
ensuring accessibility to a broader audience. Literary translators serve as cultural
ambassadors, tasked with bridging worlds and allowing readers to experience the
beauty and depth of diverse literary traditions. In overcoming the myriad
challenges, they contribute to the enrichment of global literary discourse and the
https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 13
Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024
Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4
celebration of human creativity across borders. Translating Gafur Gulom’s
“Naughty boy” was not an easy task for the author demanding much afford and
consideration in understanding national spirit of both languages. The story, rich in
cultural depth and emotional resonance, offers readers a window into the
complexities of Central Asian life. Translators face the challenge of not just
rendering words into English but capturing the soul of Gulom’s narrative.
The list of used literature:
1. G‘ulom G‘. Shum Bola. – Toshkent: “Yoshlar” nashriyot uyi, 2018 – B.28.
2. Gulom G. Naughty Boy. Translators: Tukhtasinov I, Yuldashev U. – Tashkent:
Yangi asr avlodi, 2017–P.19.
3. G‘ofurov I. Tarjima nazariyasi. – Toshkent “Tafakkur Bo‘stoni”, – 2012. 214b.
4. Safarova, Zilola. "G'afur G'ulom asarlarida yetim bola hayoti va yetimlikka
munosabatning yoritilishi." ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz)
22.22 (2022).
5. Safarova, Zilola. "The theme of orphanhood in the poetry of Uzbek and English
literature." ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz) 3.3 (2021).
6. Musayev Q. Tarjima nazariyasi asoslari. – Toshkent: “FAN nashriyoti”, 2005.
– 342b.
7. Safarova, Z. T., & Urayeva, D. S. (2020). THE SIMILAR FEATURES IN
DEPICTION OF ORPHANS’LIFE IN CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE
NOVELS. Theoretical & Applied Science, 4, 343-347.
8. Safarova, Z. (2022). G'afur G'ulom asarlarida yetim bola hayoti va yetimlikka
munosabatning yoritilishi. ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu.
uz), 22(22).
9. Safarova, Z. (2020). Analysis of orphan images and orphanhood in children's
literature. ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz), 1(1).
10.Safarova, Z. (2021). The theme of orphanhood in the poetry of Uzbek and
English literature. ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz), 3(3).

https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 14
Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024
Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4
11.Utkerovna, B. S. (2023). SHUM BOLA ASARINING TARJIMASIDA
TARJIMON MAHORATI. DENMARK" THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL
FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS IN MODERN
SOCIETY", 14(1).
12.Safarova Z, Berdiyeva S, G‘AFUR G‘ULOMNING “SHUM BOLA” ASARI
INGLIZCHA TARJIMASIDA MILLIYLIKNING IFODALANISHI, Buxoro
davlat universiteti Ilmiy axboroti, 2023.
13.Utkerovna, B. S. (2023). UNLOCKING LANGUAGE LEARNING
POTENTIAL: THE IMPACT OF MULTIMEDIA IN LANGUAGE
EDUCATION.
14.Utkerovna, B. S. (2023). Teaching Grammar Effectively: Strategies for
Success. American Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM
Education (2993-2769), 1(10), 241-245.
15.Berdiyeva, S. (2024). EXPLORING INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO
TEACHING. Modern Science and Research, 3(1), 923-927.
16.Utkerovna, B. S. (2023). Effective Ways of Improving Language Learners’
Communication Skills through Story-Based Approach. American Journal of
Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education (2993-2769), 1(9), 563-
567.
17.Berdiyeva, S. U. (2023). THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GAME-BASED
LEARNING AND GAMIFICATION [Data set]. Zenodo.
18.Berdiyeva, S. (2023). BENEFITS OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES
THROUGH ROLE-PLAYING ACTIVITIES. MODERN SCIENCE AND
RESEARCH, 2(10), 723–729. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10034991
19.Berdiyeva, S. (2023). A STORY-BASED APPROACH IN TEACHING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE. Modern Science and Research, 2(10), 262-266.
20.Berdiyeva, S. (2023). THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE PLAYING
ACTIVITIES IN IMPROVING LEARNERS’LANGUAGE SKILLS. Modern
Science and Research, 2(9), 75-78.
https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 15
Modern Scientific Research International Scientific Journal 2024
Volume 2 Issue 2 Impact Factor-8.4
21.Utkirovna, B. S. (2023). Characteristics of the Works of Charles
Dickens. European Science Methodical Journal, 1(3), 24-28.

Berdiyeva, S. (2023, October). ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF

TEACHING THROUGH ROLE-PLAYING ACTIVITIES. In Academic
International Conference on Multi-Disciplinary Studies and Education (Vol. 1,
No. 19, pp. 88-92).

https://academicsresearch.ru/index.php/MSRISJ 16