Culturological Aspect of Russian Interpretation of Avar Literary Works: Based On “My Daghestan” by R. Gamzatov

The topic of this article is up-to-date due to the fact that the problems of adequate Russian interpretation of “My Daghestan” book by Rasul Gamzatov are not completely solved yet. Moreover, the urgency of further solvation of this problem is complicated by the fact that all translations of this book into other languages are done on the basis of its Russian version. Thus all the flops in the Russian interpretation are kept in the translations into other languages as well. The main objective of the article is to claim attention to the importance of original ethnic context for proper reflection of the cultural peculiarities. The source for research is taken from “My Daghestan” book by R. Gamzatov in the original (Avar), as well as from its Russian interpretation done by V. Soloukhin. The main approach in the research is the method of comparative analysis of the original text and its interpretation. The given research results in the conclusion that lack of ethnic cultural knowledge of the Avar language world picture as well as the differences between ethnic and cultural values led to some certain mistakes in Russian interpretation of the text. In some cases the interpreter doesn’t perform literary images corresponding to the original and to Daghestan mentality, instead leading to lack of original artistic and emotional impressions in the translation. The interpreter has also some difficulties with transmission of the original text by Rasul Gamzatov from one linguistic and cultural sphere into other, not though on the reason that it is unknown, but because it is strange for him. We should admit that while interpreting the text it is inevitable for the interpreter to use some of his individual thinking. But the best adequate interpretation needs maximum keeping to the characteristic features of the original. The individualism of the interpreter must not interfere.