Els noms propis geogràfics no catalans

Resum

One of the least studied topics in translation is how to deal with proper nouns in the target language. This paper sets out to study this issue in depth and analyze the problems raised by the rendering of non-Catalan place-names when the target language is Catalan, given the lack of consensus regarding criteria for the transformation of non-native proper nouns. Following an initial survey showing the diversity of criteria to be found in relation to the definition of the toponym, the authors deal with the features of proper nouns that should be taken into consideration when translating texts. They discuss the more general problems arising in connection with the translation of such nouns (whether or not they possess a traditional form in the target language, how to transcribe them if the source language does not use the Latin alphabet, etc.) and some general criteria are set forth in an attempt to solve these problems. In particular, practical and specific criteria are proposed to solve problems arising in connection with the rendering of non-Catalan place-names in official documents (taking into account legislation on the subject, which is summarized in the paper), journalistic texts and general scientific texts. Lastly, some examples are given of proper nouns with and without adaptation to Catalan, of heavenly bodies in general, geographical features outside Catalonia, and exotoponyms (i.e., geographical proper nouns from outside Catalonia) designating places inhabited either in the present or the past, including states, settlements and singular monuments.