Validation of the Concept of Structural Semantics in the Field of Translation Studies

Abstract

This paper aims to illustrate and validate the concept of structural semantics in translation studies. Indeed, in linguistic description, semantics is not autonomous. It is an outcome of the combination of lexical items in a particular manner. It hinges on syntax. Therefore, syntax and semantics are inseparable, especially in a contrastive linguistic perspective. The methodolgy is both theoretical and analytical. Authors like Chomsky, Halliday, Nida, etc., are cited to support the arguments brought forward. As a result, syntax influences semantics in many ways. The function of each lexical item in a sentence influences the meaning of the sentence. The meaning of a particular word can change depending on its syntactic environment. Poor sentence structuring in translation entails conflicting statements compared to the source language text. An analysis of surface structure and deep structure in a source language enables translators to properly restructure sentences in a target language to produce a meaning that is similar to the source language meaning.