How do you translate neologisms?

Generally speaking, there are four methods for translating neologisms: selection of an equivalent in a target language, transliteration and transcription, loan translation, or calque. The first method is the easiest one. If the word is fixed in the dictionaries, there is usually no problem with finding equivalents.

How do loanwords work in Chinese?

When you have an alphabet to work with, a foreign loanword can simply be transliterated to sound as close as possible to the original language. A Chinese character, on the other hand, can’t be changed in meaning, pronunciation, or form to make it look or sound more ‘foreign’.

What is the main problem in translating neologisms?

New meanings of existing words are also accepted as neologisms. A problem of translation of new words ranks high on the list of challenges facing translators because such words are not readily found in ordinary dictionaries and even in the newest specialized dictionaries.

What is the relation between neologism and translation?

A ‘neologism’ is the name for a newly coined expression, term, word, or phrase: it may not yet be accepted into mainstream language, but it’s in the process of entering common usage. Translators who work in the scientific and technical fields are always coming across difficult words to translate.

How are neologisms formed?

Background. Neologisms are often formed by combining existing words (see compound noun and adjective) or by giving words new and unique suffixes or prefixes. Whether a neologism continues as part of the language depends on many factors, probably the most important of which is acceptance by the public.

Are neologisms words?

Neologisms are newly coined terms, words, or phrases, that may be commonly used in everyday life but have yet to be formally accepted as constituting mainstream language. Neologisms can be completely new words, new meanings for existing words or new semes in existing words.