Terminological equivalence in legal translation: A semiotic approach

Equivalence has been a critical issue in translation, as well as in legal translation. Based on a literature review of the concept of equivalence and analysis of the features of legal discourses, the article adopts a semiotic approach to the translation of legal terms. By adapting some principal propositions in semiotics, the paper argues that total equivalence can be achieved via meta-lingual adjustment, because a sign is not born with meaning but invested with reference by a sign user. The paper also provides some linguistic strategies for realizing terminological equivalence in legal translation, such as the use of a semantic reference scheme, componential analysis, and the principle of productivity and economy.