Intertextuality and its pragmatic distortions in translation based on the novel «Contempt» by Alberto Moravia

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. The research is carried out in line with intertextuality and linguistic pragmatics. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to study intertextuality not only as a formal connection between texts, but also as a tool for pragmatic influence on the reader. Goal. To identify and systematically describe the pragmatic distortions that arise when transmitting the intertextual elements of the novel "Contempt" in Russian translation. Hypothesis. The intertextual inclusions in the novel "Contempt" perform not just a decorative or semantic, but a pragmatic function: they serve as a means of implicitly characterizing the characters, marking their ideological positions and creating certain expectations for the reader regarding the development of the plot. Methods and materials. The methods include linguistic and pragmatic analysis of the intertextual layer of the novel and comparative analysis of translation transformations. The material is the original novel and its translation by G. Bohemsky and R. Khlodovsky. Results. The main body of intertextual references to the Odyssey in the novel, classified by type of reference, is revealed, and the dominant pragmatic functions of these references in the novel's text are established. Conclusions. Intertextuality in the novel "Contempt" is a complex pragmatic mechanism that cannot be reduced to simple citation; its main function is to create a multidimensional dialogue with the reader at the level of subtext.

General Information

Keywords: intertextuality, implicature, linguistic pragmatics, comparative analysis

Journal rubric: General and Comparative Historical Linguistics

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OpenAlex trends: Discourse Analysis and Cultural Communication, Translation Studies and Practices, Language, Communication, and Linguistic Studies

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Discourse Analysis and Cultural Communication

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Translation Studies and Practices

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Language, Communication, and Linguistic Studies

This cluster of papers explores the complexities of intercultural communication in various contexts, including education and business. It delves into topics such as language, cultural competence, media discourse, professional identity, and the challenges and strategies of cross-cultural communication. The influence of globalization on communication and the development of linguistic and cultural skills are also central themes.

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Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/langt.2026130104

Received 01.02.2026

Revised 28.02.2026

Accepted

Published

For citation: Gelasimov, R.A. (2026). Intertextuality and its pragmatic distortions in translation based on the novel «Contempt» by Alberto Moravia. Language and Text, 13(1), 55–65. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/langt.2026130104

© Gelasimov R.A., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Roman A. Gelasimov, PhD Student at the Department of Theory and Practice of Translation and Communication, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Contrastive Linguistics, Institute of Foreign Languages, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0167-2527, e-mail: ra.gelasimov@mpgu.su

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