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)