Translation Issues of Zoonym-Based Phraseological Units in Azerbaijani and French

Abstract

This article examines the translation challenges posed by spoken-language phraseological units containing animal names (zoonyms) in Azerbaijani and French. Drawing on comparative phraseology and cognitive-cultural linguistics, it analyzes how semantic fields and cultural imagery of animals diverge between the two languages. Key theories of equivalence and translation strategies (Vinay & Darbelnet, Nida, Baker) are applied to classify idiomatic equivalence as full, partial, or zero. For example, Azerbaijani itlə pişik kimi yola getmək (“like dog and cat”) corresponds to French être comme chien et chat (full equivalence), whereas Azerbaijani dövəsi ölmüş ərəb (“the Arab whose camel died”) has no French idiom (zero equivalence). Structural analysis shows French prefers simple nouns (e.g. paon) where Azerbaijani uses compounds (e.g. tovuzquşu for “peacock”). Cultural connotations differ: pigs and cows are derogatory in French idioms but neutral or taboo in Azerbaijani culture. The study reviews translation strategies – literal rendering, equivalence (cultural substitution), modulation, compensation, paraphrase, and omission – with examples from literary, audiovisual, and everyday contexts. For instance, translating the French idiom avoir un cœur de lion may use Azerbaijani aslan ürəkli olmaq (“to be lion-hearted”) for equivalent effect. These insights can guide translators and language learners in handling animal metaphors cross-culturally, balancing fidelity to form and function.