Metaphorical Euphemisms in the Original Text and Italian Translations of F.M. Dostoevskij’s Novel Crime and Punishment

Abstract

The following paper deals with the euphemisms occurring in the original text and some Italian translations of F.M. Dostoevskij’s novel "Crime and Punishment." Particular attention is given to the euphemisms formed via application of metaphor, as it appears to be one of the most effective veiling instruments. First of all, the main thematic areas of metaphorical euphemisms use are indicated and, subsequently, a lexicographic-cultural analysis is conducted paying attention, as well, to the essential functions and processes of formation of such a type of words and expressions in Russian and Italian. An important part of the article is devoted to the contrastive analysis of Russian metaphorical euphemisms found in the text of the novel and their translations into Italian. Apart from the masking meaning, metaphorical euphemisms contain those cultural and symbolic, expressed by means of semiotic content of denotatum, and this characteristic makes of them often a complicated translation problem to resolve. Some examples will be delivered in order to demonstrate the major tendencies translators follow dealing with the issue.