The above discussion of controversial Biblical terms suggests that it is time to review Strandenaes' assertion that 'formal equivalence' is the UV's main translational principle and that 'functional equivalence' is only supplementary (1987, pp.
The following will explore how the two translation principles, that is, formal equivalence and functional equivalence, are used in translating 'spirit' ([phrase omitted]) and 'soul' ([phrase omitted]) in the UV.
They are set in a
formal equivalence that posits them as similarly opaque and expressionless surfaces of intensified visual incident, concealing a private perceptual experience and essentially unknowable interiority.
First of all, formal equivalence seeks to capture the form of the SL expression.
In most cases, however, both cultures diverge, and it is incumbent upon the translator, for the sake of maintaining a proper flow of communication, to opt for functional equivalence rather than formal equivalence. In a sense, Steiner's moves close to the TL end cline are highly possible.
The second group of articles focuses on the study of the main characteristics of spatial vision (its structure and degree of fit with physical space, the development of space perception with age), as well as the possible formal equivalence between two classic conceptual instruments of this area: Emmert's law and the size-distance invariance hypothesis.
Mariko Imamura and Sachio Nakamizo attempted to verify empirically the formal equivalence between the Emmert's law and the size-distance invariance hypothesis.
Liturgiam Authenticam, which espouses a
formal equivalence approach, recognizes the delicate balancing act that is inherent in a careful translating effort by stating in a dozen instances that the Latin original is to be conveyed in the receiver language "insofar as possible various solutions may be employed." In some instances
formal equivalence may be the way forward, in others a functional (or dynamic) equivalence approach may achieve the needed result.
Nida is well known for developing the theory of dynamic equivalence, which he differentiates from
formal equivalence or the traditional translation method.
Formal equivalence testing in vervet monkeys has been suggested in order to determine the extent to which vervet calls are semantic (Schusterman, 1990).