Translating lexical gaps: A contrastive corpus-based analysis

In the context of lexical semantics, the issue of lexical gaps can be approached not only at an intralinguistic, purely theoretical level, since the native speakers of a language usually do not perceive them, but especially at an interlingual level that through a contrastive analysis offers numerous linguistic reflections. In the present paper we will try to propose a systematization of lexical gaps starting from existing research (Ivir 1977; Grzegorek 1977; Altenberg and Granger 2002; Šipka 2015) and introducing reflections that are the result of personal work in teaching and translation. On the other hand, we will try to give an answer on their nature, which according to many scholars is due to a lack of conceptualization of some phenomena in one of the languages observed. Given the shortage of bilingual dictionaries for minor languages, especially those based on language corpora, consultable online, which would allow immediate and detailed research, it is necessary to find alternative methods. Parallel corpora, which offer a wide range of translations already attested in books or other translated texts, are suitable for contrastive lexical research. Parallel corpora for Serbian and Croatian do not currently have enough words to represent a solid basis in order to obtain reliable results. For this reason we will try to integrate the research by applying the model proposed by Tognini Bonelli on the complete functional units, analysed in the context through their concrete linguistic use (Tognini Bonelli 2000). In this way some new aspects of lexical gaps will be highlighted in a contrastive perspective, while the application of the methodology described will allow to identify, systematize and offer possible translations of some lexical units in question. The results can be used in the field of translation, the teaching of Serbian and Croatian as foreign languages and in lexicography.