Synаеsthеtic Mеtаphоrs and their Translation in Kutadgu Bilig

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of synesthetic metaphors and their translation in Kutadgu Bilig. Drawing upon theoretical insights from S.Ullman, S.Day, and N.Mahmudov, the study explores how sensory domains such as taste, smell, hearing, and sight interact in metaphorical combinations and how these figurative devices manifest in the poetic text. Through close textual analysis of selected verses, the research reveals that Yusuf Has Hajib frequently employed synesthetic metaphors to enrich meaning. The comparative study of W.May’s and R.Dankoff’s English translations demonstrates that translators faced considerable challenges in rendering such metaphors accurately, frequently opting for literal translation, omission, or semantic shifts that led to a partial or distorted representation of the original imagery. The findings suggest that poetic constraints, such as rhyme and rhythm, as well as difficulties in interpreting figurative senses, were key factors affecting the translation of synesthetic metaphors.