Prevođenje satiričnog aforizma

The paper shows specific features and problematic issues in the translation of satirical aphorism. The corpus is mainly based on the anthology of Serbian aphorism, Afocalypse, antologia dell’aforisma serbo contemporaneo.(ed. Carmagnani, Torino 2012). This form of literary expression is characterised by the frequent use of fixed phrases which with the semantic transposition, the use of metaphors, achieve a humorous-satirical tone. Polysemy and puns are used by the authors of this aphorisms in order to achieve double and unexpected meanings. These encourage contemplations and discussions on the success of the translation in case it is not possible to transfer at least one of the elements (either contents, meanings or the form) into the target language. In the ex-Yugoslav countries satirical aphorism has been highly popular, especially since the beginning of the 1980s. This popularity is closely connected with the cultural and political situation in the country. They often serve as “let off steam” from the accumulated tensions, therefore, they seem to be a kind of catharsis. I will deal with this (un)translatable features and the very perception of this kind of aphorisms, but also with the ones of more universal nature, that extend beyond a single nation or culture.