Abstract:
This research attempts to determine the cohesive inter-relationship between the semantic layer
of language and literary translations with reference to the selected literary translations including
prose, poetry and drama. This research also addresses the issues which arise when translating
literary works without grasping the authentic meaning which the original author has conveyed
through the original text. The paper tries to bring out the difficulties faced by the translator when
successfully achieving the above challenge and also it reiterates that it is not an easy game of words
using a dictionary. Subsequently the paper indirectly reinforces the idea that the linguistics
knowledge is necessary for a translator especially the knowledge on semantic layer. The paper
discusses salient points which are useful for a literary translator by drawing linkages to the
semantic layer of the language supported by the selected literary works translated into Sinhala and
vice versa and equivalents. The research uses the methodology of illustrating the meaning
conveyed in the original text and analyzing the way in which it has been translated in the target
text and measuring and weighing the effectiveness of translating the meaning by finding out the
particular strategies used by the translator so as to convey the meaning effectively,
comprehensively and vividly which enable the reader of the target language to enjoy and feel it in
the very same way that the source language reader does.
