Applications of Language Studies
A semiannual International Research Journal

Applying Lefevere’s Strategies to Persian Translations of Shakespeare’s Sonnets

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Maliheh Rasouli
Hossein Bahri

Department of Foreign Languages, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jals.2025.2070360.1103
Abstract
Rendering Shakespeare’s sonnets into Persian is notably difficult because their complex language, rich metaphors, and rigid iambic pentameter often conflict with the unique rhythmic patterns and stylistic norms of Persian poetry. This study examines how three Persian translators—Behnam Moghadam, Taghi Tafazoli, and Omid Tabibzadeh—addressed these complexities. A corpus of 77 sonnets, translated across different decades in the 20th century, was analyzed to determine the frequency and application of Lefevere’s (1975) seven strategies for poetry translation. Results revealed that literal translation was the most prevalent strategy (37%), with two translators favoring word-for-word accuracy to preserve semantic fidelity, while one prioritized metrical adaptation to align with Persian poetic forms. These findings highlight varied approaches to balancing textual fidelity with cultural and poetic norms, shedding light on the translators’ negotiation of linguistic and aesthetic constraints. The study contributes to translation studies by offering insights into effective strategies for translating complex literary works and fostering cross-cultural literary understanding, with practical implications for translators and scholars of comparative literature.

Keywords

Shakespeare’s sonnets
Lefevere’s seven strategies
literal translation
metrical translation
poetry translation

Subjects

Applications of Language Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 December 2025

  • Receive Date 31 August 2025
  • Revise Date 07 October 2025
  • Accept Date 11 December 2025

Home

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us