Translator learners' strategies in local and textual metaphors

Introduction Metaphor is more than understanding and expressing an abstract concept in terms of a concrete one. Pre-linguistically, it the conceptual creativity that resides entities yet to be expressed. Linguistically, invention expands boundaries words. Contextually, preservation or generation polysemy brings about confrontation meanings. As such, metaphor also universal creative mechanism semantic innovation artful discourse feature. Both Translation Studies, however, have mostly addressed conventional metaphors professional translators, thereby neglecting students' behaviors when translating metaphors, especially at level. Methods/Aim The main objective this task-based descriptive study therefore investigate what extent how translation strategies spontaneously adopted by 73 translator students are influenced local, their textual patterning. analysis data showed while isolated, non-conflictual did not pose any challenges, diverse patterns conflictual ones hampered outcome. At micro-level, literal explicitation result neutral, less connotative renditions. When omission prevails correlation clusters, target texts appear condensed, overtly informative, lack metaphorical diversity cohesion source ones. result, appealing linguistic jocularity deriving from exploiting puns toned down. Discussion Since tend avoid solutions, these findings will serve as preliminary discussion on strategic competence can benefit cognitive-informed, conflict-based inferencing skills metalinguistic nature puns.