Abstract
Equivalence in translation is a fundamental concept in translation studies, addressing the challenge of transferring meaning across languages while maintaining the integrity of the original text (Jacobson, 1959, p. 113). This paper explores the theoretical foundations of equivalence and non-equivalence, examining key contributions from scholars such as Roman Jakobson, Eugene Nida, Peter Newmark, and Werner Koller. Jakobson’s work on the untranslatability of languages and the concept of “equivalent effect” laid the groundwork for understanding translation as a dynamic process. Nida introduced the concepts of dynamic and formal equivalence, focusing on the role of the reader's response. Newmark’s semantic and communicative translation approaches provide a practical framework for balancing fidelity to the source text with cultural adaptation. Koller’s five types of equivalence further refined these approaches, offering a more detailed view of the translation process. This paper discusses the theoretical developments in translation studies and the ongoing challenges in achieving equivalence in cross-cultural communication.