MODERN MILITARY TERMINOLOGY THROUGH THE PRISM OF TRANSLATION

Abstract

Modern military conflicts, global threats and dangers, challenges to the established world order, improvement of methods of warfare encourage the intensification of international communication and information exchange at the level of military departments and personnel. The result of such communication is the creation and development of the latest military terminology, algorithms for its improvement, clarity and correctness in translation. Terminology is not a static system, it is constantly evolving along with the development of technology and scientific knowledge. This is especially important to consider when translating the latest terms in the military branch, where each new invention or technology requires the introduction of new terms or revision of old ones. Changes in the military sphere and technological progress lead to an increase in the number of new terms and, accordingly, difficulties in translating them, but at the same time there are semantic changes such as expanding or changing the meaning of existing terms. At the present stage of nativization of the Ukrainian military terminology, it is important to unify terms and search for an exact match in the target language. A structural analysis of the military terminology indicates its division into one-word and multicomponent. Analytical terms make up the majority and show a steady tendency to increase their number. The most productive are two-, three- and four-word units, as well as a various types of shortenings, including abbreviations and acronyms. The choice of a translation method depends on several factors, such as the context, the target audience, the specifics of the term, its consistency in the language, and external aspects of the culture. A word-for-word translation is the best option for displaying technical terms when accuracy and clarity must be maintained. Adaptation is more relevant for new terms or those that have cultural specificity and contextual dependence. Transcription is usually resorted to when a term is a proper name or when its sound matters. Translation of abbreviations and acronyms, the meaning of which are determined by the context and organizational affiliation, cause particular difficulties.