Language norms and artistic conventions – selected difficulties which may appear while translating artistic texts

Abstract

The language of art is a specific sort of linguistics which uses not only language norms but also individual artistic conventions. Several language skills are required from the translator as well as individual feeling for the style, form and means of expression used by the artist. This article analyses certain difficulties which may appear while translating artistic texts, such as, for instance, lack of translation possibilities referring to modern theories of translation, along with the need for equivalent vocabulary connected with art (painting, sculpture, graphic, performance, video-art etc.). What seems to be of crucial importance is that the contact with the artist and deep study of his art should be treated as an inseparable element of translation.