TRANSLATIONS ACT AS BRIDGE

There are about 6,500 languages around the world. One can’t learn all of them and read everything that gets published. So, under these circumstances “Translations” come in handy and breaks the communication gaps and eases wider reach of the work.

’’ Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my country. The translator is my most important ally. He introduces me to the world.” – Italo Calvino

Reading books from different geographical, social, economic, cultural back grounds, the opportunity to educate ourselves increases manifold. Translation help to share ideas, thoughts and cultures of each other and builds the bridge between two societies of  different culture and language. The transmission of meaning from one language to the other needs linguistic as well as cultural knowledge of both languages.

The basic function of translation is to transmit appropriate meaning of a word or a sentence linguistically, semantically and pragmatically. If this complex process is carried out on a professional level, then, it is possible to say that translation has reached its ultimate goal.

Translation is an old practice and a means of communication between people. It is a crucial tool to transfer knowledge. The practice of translation is more prominent in the world of Literature. Translating literary works plays a role in shaping an understanding of other cultures. A novel, is considered as a self- representation code for others as it opens a window to other cultures.

One of the best of translation is DON QUIXOTE by Cervantes (translated by Samuel Putnam), without the translation many of us would not be aware of Don quixote & Sancho pancha.  Translations helps us to read many Literature from around the world. This provides us to know about their civilisations, culture, lifestyle, traditions and their perspective on things in general.

A Good translation is imperceptible. It reads as if the book were written in the language into which it has been translated. Within the text, the translator is invisible. A Good translation removes the barrier imposed by an unfamiliar language and allows the writer to communicate directly with the foreign reader. A Good translation is itself a work of art. Translation and culture are related to each other and go hand in hand.

 

(PROMPT: TRANSLATED LITERATURE IS A WINDOW TO OTHER CULTURES)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

STICK TO YOUR TIME AND LINE

 

 

A book review is a description and a critical evaluation of a book. It gives a summary of the content and assesses the value of the book focusing on the book’s purpose, contents, and authority.

Book reviewer should focus on the writing, on the treatment of the topic, on the characters, on the storyline, on the research, on the facts, and so on. He should not comment on Author’s personal opinion & ideas. He should identify the strengths of the Author and provide constructive comments to help the author to resolve weaknesses in the work. A reviewer should respect the intellectual independence of the Author. Reviewer should present a review in accordance with genre, audience, and writing style. He should also include whether the author succeeds or not in convincing readers in his or her points.

There are mainly four of the most common book reviews: endorsements, trade, reader, and editorial reviews. It is important to note that any one of these reviews can help the book become a success but using a combination of all four will give the best chances. But it depends on Author and publisher’s wish.

One can be a responsible book reviewer by not misleading the reader, He/ She should never spoil the reputation of the Author, not to use foul or abusive language.

 A Reviewer should write a review of precise length with well- placed praise and critique. Most importantly a reviewer should submit the review before the deadline so that it can reach the readers before the launch or at the first few days of the book launch. This will facilitate the readers to decide whether to buy the book or not. Reviews presented after months of the book launch will never fetch good results to anyone.

 

(PROMPT: HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE BOOK REVIEWER)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

TO PROMOTE BOOKS

 

 

A Good book review is a guide for potential readers. Book reviews are written to provide suggestions to readers in picking up the books. The book reviews ensures the readers about the quality of the content in the book. Basing on the ratings and reviews by expert reviewers, readers buy the book. Book reviews act as a bridge to connect the Author and the reader.

Book reviews play a big role in promoting the book. For a new author, the first step of the book is to fetch him ideal and quality remarks through a book review.  Then the chances of the book to find place in the hearts of the readers becomes practically easy.

I love reading books. When reading is complete, I share my thoughts on the writings, the message and the story. Overall my opinion of the book. I may or may not like the book, a subjective evaluation of the book is presented before the readers in the form of a book review.

Book review is a form of literary criticism. The origin of this form dates back to 9th century. Photios I of Constantinople has been called “the inventor of the book- review” for his work Bibliotheca.  Literary criticism is essentially an opinion, supported by evidence. Every literary piece requires a criticism to bring out the hidden treasure in it and enable the reader to focus on it. The book reviewer should describe, analyse and interpret the book thoroughly so that the Author and the reader is benefitted with it.

Book reviews inform readers whether it is a good writing, well edited, new and original, easy or difficult and will make them cry or laugh. Readers should get a sneak peek about the selected book when they read a book review. It should help them to understand whether they can enjoy it and whether they should buy it. For a book reviewer it is an opportunity to read, enjoy and learn from the book.  Book reviews should be logical and they should put forth the merits and demerits of the book. Reason for writing a book review can be a job or a hobby but needs to be done in a professional way.

 

 

(PROMPT: WHY WRITE BOOK REVIEWS OF THE BOOKS YOU LIKE (OR DON’T)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

READING PREFERENCES

 

Books come in wide varieties and every day a new sprout is assured one. We need to take time go through them or at least lend your ear to it. Then only we can be in a position to know about the new releases and new formats of book coming into the market.

The primary genre in literature are poetry, drama/play, essay, short story and novel. The term genre is quite often used to denote sub classification of literature such as comedy, tragedy, thriller, romance, science fiction etc. All these come under the two main divisions- fiction and non- fiction.  Fiction refers to plot, settings, characters created from imagination. Non-fiction presents Truth and accuracy of information, events or people.

Under fiction only romance novels and short stories are my cup of tea. Always ready to read writers from different countries, cultures and styles. It helps to know new perspectives and a new way of presentation. Memoirs, biography, auto biography, cookery books and travelogues are my preferred genres under non- fiction. I’m more inclined towards these.

“To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one.”

My preference to re reads lies with self- help, cook books and travel. In fiction I re read only classics.   In romance and short stories when once read and the plot is known, the surprise ends. So, mostly no re reads takes place Were as I re read poems many number of times and enjoy its sweetness as often as possible. Poetry anthologies are always best for re-reads.

Knowledge of new releases of books can be had through face-book pages, Twitter, Instagram, book launch programs of book stores or Authors, few online portals and websites. Many sites offer free down load of PDF format and Kindle of new releases. With these chances of reading new releases at the earliest has increased two folds. E-books are also a great platform for both writers and readers.

Seeking out different books for me means, in my choicest genre Authors from around the globe and translated works are also included in my reading. By subscribing to newsletters of the publishing houses I get know to about different books from my inbox itself. Then I will go through it and select basing on genre, author, title, size of the book, format, theme, book cover, popularity and description.

(PROMPT:  YOUR TYPICAL READING ROUTINE – IN TERMS OF GENRES, NEW RELEASES OR REREADS AND SEEKING OUT DIFFERENT BOOKS)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

READ AT YOUR OWN PHASE

 

“It is not true we have only one life to love, if we can read, we can live as many lives and as many kinds of life as we wish.”

Reading Provides this unique chance for humans to enjoy and equip themselves with more knowledge. Any activity done out of his own interest fetches him more benefits rather than the one done under pressure or force. The former one bestows energy &enthusiasm were as the later credits more stress &strain.

Reading for pleasure or as a hobby with reasonable goals or deadlines to complete a book gives wider scope for improvement in all aspects. Reading has been shown to improve stress management, memory, focus, writing skills and imagination. Reading at comfort level (number of books) is best and if stands a chance to do more, it’s quite welcoming to increase it gradually. So that quality of reading is not decayed. The increase in reading should cover both quantity and quality wise, without compromising any one. Just increase in number of books is of no use and it leads to total waste of time and money. It is undoubtedly better to read well than read more.

 “Slay” is a new slang term that means something along the lines of performing or doing something well. Here “slay” stands to accomplish or do well with reading goals. Reading goals helps us to know the purpose of reading and to have a clear focus. Reading varies depending on the individual’s time, speed and length of the book. Every individual should set a reasonable reading goals according to his ability. Generally it is suggested that the reading should be carried out in a disciplined way with a clear plan of action. Choose the genre which you like to read at any time of the day or whenever you get a chance to read. Start with minimum number of books. If you have a library near- by, it’s better to read with a company of readers. It will be highly motivating. Try new authors, the new style of writing springs in us the urge to move forward quickly. Choose the format of the book that is most suitable to you and your way of life. Most importantly read at your own phase, after all it is for your pleasure not definitely for others.

 

(PROMPT:  HOW TO READ MORE AND SLAY YOUR READING GOALS)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

BOOK STORES AT OUR DISPOSAL

YES! We all need to support independent book stores, they are the ones in the earlier decades who brought us the books when we order or pre book, in our neighbourhood. These stores are retail book stores owned independently by a particular person.  The sales in the retail stores usually depend on location; marketing; store layout and appearance; service and assortment, and bundle –selling. In this connection I remember an American film “You’ve got a mail”, it is about the rivalry between an independent and chain book stores. It is worth watching.

To help and support the Independent retailers, IBAI (Independent Bookshops Association of India) extends its hands. Its main objective is to promote the independent bookshops in India.  When the competition between Independent and chain stores,   increases, then the IBAI steps in and encourages independent stores to compete with the chain stores. But unfortunately many independent stores were closed due to the high level of competition of online giants.

In this pandemic, as books are considered non –essentials and many book stores were closed down for a long period of time. But now few stores in collaboration with swiggy are delivering books to the readers.

Independent stores are a must not only for literary life but also for human community in general. It is our responsibility to support them in the time of the crisis. Avail the discounts provided by them, attend the programs organised by them, spread a good word about them, try to buy gift vouchers from them and encourage “book hugs”.

“The key to independent book stores growth in the digital era has been their strong and deep ties to neighbours” writes Raffaelli. We, the book lovers has to prove it by being with our own neighbourhood stores.

 

 

(PROMPT: DO WE NEED TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

PLEASING AND INTERESTING BOOKS

 

  Adults are happy to be around children. Children’s books are undoubtedly appealing to almost everyone. The main reasons being

·        It brings out the child in us

·        It helps to compensate the joy of reading those books, which we missed in our childhood.

·        It helps to stay connected and interact well with our children.

·        It helps to de stress

Generally books are the best friends to many and children’s books attract quite easily with their colourful pictures and adventures.  Few of the Children’s books are small and can be completed in hours. It demands less time. This is an advantage when we want to have a complete reading in a short time.  The basic pattern in children’s literature is the circular journey. That is trajectory home- departure from home –Adventure- return home. Children’s books supply solutions to many problems in a more simple & childish way and that builds in paramount optimism in adults.

 Children’s book offer a sense of joy, they are great to read aloud and there is a definite relationship between the words and the pictures. The characters in the children’s books, either simple or complex make us laugh or cry. All these inspires adults to read children’s books along with the ones that are made for them. Anyhow, Reading makes better people. 

The late 19^th and early 20^th   (1865-1926) centuries are known as the “Golden Age of Children’s Literature because many classic children’s books were published then. Peter Pan, Alice, Dorothy and Tom sawyer all hail from the Golden Age. Their adventures are loved and remembered by Adults and they have a special place in their hearts.

  

(PROMPT: CHILDREN’S BOOKS: WHY DO THEY APPEAL TO ADULTS)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blog chatters Half-marathon August 2021)

JOHNSON AND JANE AUSTEN

THE AGE OF JOHNSON AND FIELDING (1740-1780) – The 18^th century is an age of great prose.  For nearly 50 years after the death of Pope, Johnson was the dominant figure in the literary life of the day. Poetry was in the second place in this century. In the closing years; a change took place in the character of its verse that gradually became more and more pronounced and finally led to the splendid outburst of romantic poetry at the dawn of the new century.

The 18^th century produced many number of Great novelists like Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, Tobias George Smollett, Laurence Sterne etc. Letter and Memoir writers also flourished.  Along with novelist, historians too evolved in this Century. The art of the historians and the art of novelist are closely related. In both the cases a faculty for story –telling and a sense of characterisation are of high importance. The rise of women novelist is also in the list of credits to this century. From Aphra Behn to Jane Austen it is full of fresh ideas and mild characters of feminine Genius.

The Age that gave us the first dictionary, A DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, written by Samuel Johnson and published on April 15 1755, is the influential dictionaries in the history of the English Language.

Richardson introduced sentimentality into English Fiction and popularised it for ever.  He is not only the first novelist of character but also the first novelist of feminine character. The novel Pamela is considered to begin the first great flowering to the English Novel.

In this 18^th century Jane Austen played a significant role in popularising the idea that readers could be interested in the everyday lives and emotions of characters who were not experiencing anything out of the ordinary.

 Arnold, said “the age of prose and reason, our excellent and indispensable 18^th Century.”

  (PROMPT: MY FAVOURITE ERA OF LITERATURE)

 (This blog post is prepared for Blog chatters Half- marathon August 2021)

TWO LITTLE BOYS

                                                   

PIP and SCHWAMM are the fictional characters that have stayed with me from my school days. One from U.K. and the other from Germany. Charles dickens and Siegfried are the writers who were successful in handling the delicate and sensitive issues of a child and his parents.

Charles dickens GREAT EXPECTATIONS, was introduced to us in our high school NON-detailed portion in English part –II. PIP is a character I liked very much for his innocence. More over the name “PIP” was quite appealing and spelling was also too easy than Estella and Havisham in the book.

WHY PIP?

PIP is a humble and loving character. The promise of a great inheritance and the failure of it are the theme of the story, and PIP is the recipient of that great expectation.

CREDITS TO DICKENS:

Dickens did not describe a child-he became a child for the time being. He lived over again his own childish days. Hence the poignancy and actuality of his pictures.

  The merits of his three notable studies of sensitive, nervous child hood- Paul, David and Pip- are universally recognised.  Here obviously his own temperament is speaking; but he was also extremely happy in describing children and young people of other temperaments than his own.

  In the striking description of the marshes at the beginning of GREAT EXPECTATIONS, with its creeping fog and flat loneliness, his language becomes almost a mist of words and phrases.

Siegfried’s THE NIGHT AT THE HOTEL is a lesson in our English Textbook Part –I. It is a touching story about a father and a son. In those days trains and buses are mostly used for travel. With a railway crossing, in between his house and school, he encounters an incident every day. Here in this story the efforts of a father are laudable. The Author highlights the responsibility of a father to fulfil the emotional needs of his son. The story was so impressive and most of the school children can relate themselves easily to the protagonist. The story revolves around a small wish and feelings of a little boy. After reading the story, and getting to know about schwamm, to wave in return of a wave during travel has become a habit for me. Even I included Schwamm in my poem “A TRAIN JOURNEY”.

https://bookfoodlanguage.blogspot.com/search?q=a+train+journey

 ( PROMPT: STRONG FICTIONAL CHARACTERS IN BOOKS THAT HAVE STAYED WITH YOU)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blogchatter Half marathon, August 2021)

4 THINGS TO MIND

In this year of 2021, almost 7 months gone by, completed reading only three books.  Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. One such thing is the book “It’s a wonderful life, roads to happiness” by Ruskin bond.

Identifying simple pleasures and enjoying it without regrets is the way to be healthy and happy.  Eat, sleep, read and write with due respect is the strong message delivered through these words:

EAT-RESPECT YOUR BREAKFAST –

I quote from page 104 of the book: Respect your breakfast, said Manu the lawgiver. Actually, he said “respect your food”, which, for me, means breakfast since is the meal which sets me up for the day.

SLEEP- RESPECT YOUR BED-

I quote from page 127 of the book:

In bed we lie, in bed we sleep,

In bed we laugh, in bed we weep,

In bed we groan when racked with pain,

And when we’re well we smile again.

In bed we toss, in bed we snore,

We wake up late, then sleep some more,

In bed we scratch, in bed we curse

If bugs abound, or something worse!

In bed we dream, in bed we mope,

We sigh but never give up hope.

In bed we’re born, in bed we die

Unless of course we climb a peak

And from it fall a thousand feet!

Most of one’s life is spent in bed

A horizontal human, better than

Standing still with unsupported head

Respect your bed, my friend

It’s there beside you till the end.

So keep it soft, and keep it neat,

And may God bless your tired feet.

READ- A POEM

I quote from page 118 of the book:

Poetry always give you a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams, no nightmares. Keep an anthology of great poetry on your bed side table, and dip into it before switching off the light. This late hour is the best time for poetry; a time to remind yourself that there is still beauty in the world, and that sleep comes gently when we look for the beautiful in thought and words.

WRITE- PAPER & PEN

I quote from page 79 of the book:

Fortunately, my writing hand is in good shape, and I can still put down a thousand words before breakfast without any difficulty. If my hand is still in good shape it is probably because it has been wielding a pen or pencil all these years.

 WHAT CAN BE MORE MEMORABLE THAN THESE !

(PROMPT: THE MOST MEMORABLE BOOK YOU READ THIS YEAR)

(This blogpost is prepared for Blogchatter Half marathon, August 2021)