THE IMPACT OF POLYSEMY ON TRANSLATION ACCURACY

Abstract

Polysemy, the phenomenon whereby a single word possesses multiple related meanings, poses significant challenges for translators attempting to preserve semantic precision and contextual relevance. This paper investigates the implications of polysemy in translation practice, exploring how meaning shifts depending on linguistic context, cultural assumptions, and grammatical environment. The study highlights key risks such as semantic ambiguity, misinterpretation, and loss of nuance, while also offering practical strategies for improving accuracy in polysemous word translation. Case studies from English and other languages are used to illustrate the translator’s decision-making process in navigating polysemous terms.