Keywords
Translation, Context, Culture, Multicultural Language, Globalization, Multiculturalism, India, Cultural Context, Sanskrit, Translation Studies, Multicultural Cities, Language, English language, Cultural Diversity, Reading, Emotions, Hindi, Cultural Words
Summary
Introduction to Translation
– Translation is a complex cultural activity involving technical aspects and cultural influences.
– It involves understanding the meaning of a text in one language and replicating the same idea in another language.
– Translators must accurately convey the intended message while considering cultural nuances.
Evolution of Translation Studies
– Translation studies have gained importance in recent times.
– Earlier, practical translation work was more emphasised than theoretical knowledge.
– Literal and contextual meanings are two types of meanings in translation.
Literal and Connotative Translation
– Literal translation doesn’t always convey the intended meaning.
– Connotative or cultural meanings should be considered.
– Example: ‘Saree’ cannot be accurately translated as ‘a piece of cloth’.
Saree: Beyond Literal Translation
– Literal translation of ‘saree’ as ‘a piece of cloth’ misses cultural context.
– Importance of providing context for accurate understanding.
Cultural Words in Translation
– Cultural words have specific meanings and should be used directly in the target language.
– Using generic terms like ‘piece of cloth’ loses the cultural context.
– Examples of cultural words include ‘saree’, ‘lathi’, etc.
Cultural Nuances in Translation
– Literal translation can be misleading due to cultural differences.
– Each language has its own unique cultural context and meaning construction.
– Considering cultural nuances is crucial for accurate translation.
English and Sanskrit: The Languages of India
– English is a foreign language in India, despite its widespread use.
– Regional languages, especially mother tongues, are culturally inherited.
– Sanskrit is the language of emotional makeup, while English is the language of intellectual makeup (Raja Rao, Kanthapura).
Sanskrit Language in the Past
– Sanskrit was commonly used within Brahmin families for religious and literary purposes.
– Earlier, people studied Sanskrit despite low literacy rates, which were limited to elite and Brahmin families.
– Sanskrit was considered a mother tongue and understood better by these families.
Language of Emotional and Intellectual Makeup
– Raja Rao’s statement about Sanskrit being the language of emotional makeup is limited and impractical.
– Mother tongue is a more accurate representation of emotional makeup for most Indians.
– English remains the language of intellectual makeup in India.
Cultural Significance in Translation
– Cultural context is crucial for accurate translation.
– Previous translations may be unsatisfactory, leading to multiple iterations.
– Translation involves more than just conveying the literal meaning of a text.
The Value of Reading and Translation
– The true value of reading lies in the aesthetics and pleasure it brings.
– Translation can convey meaning, but it often loses the unique appeal of the original language.
– The example of the English translation of Shrilal Shikl’s Raag Darbari illustrates this concept.
Hindi as a Language of Intellectual and Emotional Expression
– Hindi is a language of emotional makeup for people in northern India.
– Reading Hindi literature provides delight, but translations may not capture the same excitement.
Clash of Cultures
– Societies are becoming multicultural due to globalization.
– Cultures have clashed since the beginning of human civilization.
– Rejection of other cultures leads to isolation and conflict.
Cultural Diversity in India
– India has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from various religious and linguistic groups.
– Before independence, there was a strong sense of division between Indian and Western cultures.
– Despite this division, Indian society has always been multicultural in nature.
Globalization and Multiculturalism
– Globalization led to borrowing ideas from different cultures, creating a global village.
– Multiculturalism began with trade, businesses, and European empires’ expansion.
– India is a prime example of multiculturalism, with diverse cultures, languages, and lifestyles.
Multicultural Cities and Translation Challenges
– Delhi attracts people from all over India for various purposes.
– Other cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, etc. are also becoming multicultural.
– Translation becomes more challenging in multicultural societies.
Multicultural Language Evolution
– Languages are becoming multicultural due to borrowing words from different cultures.
– Oxford Dictionary adds around 3000 words annually, which are culture-specific and not directly translatable.
– These words are added to the dictionary without direct translation, preserving their cultural meanings.
Words from different languages are being adopted into English
– Lathi and Mithai are Hindi words that have different meanings in English and Hindi.
– Words from different languages are being incorporated into English, making it a multicultural language.
– When translating text from one language to another, it’s important to consider the cultural context and select appropriate words.
Understanding the Nuances of Language and Cultural Context
– Challenges in conveying exact meaning during translation.
– Difficulty in fully comprehending a language without living in its cultural context.
– Importance of immersion and experience for true understanding and appreciation of a language.
Understanding the Nuances of English Language
– English language has depth of meaning and emotions.
– Learning English in India is through courses and exams, not for emotional connection.
– Best translations are done by those who travel and live in different countries and cultures.
Translation: A Complex Art
– Native speakers understand the depth of their language better than non-native speakers.
– Translation involves conveying emotions and cultural context, not just literal meanings.
– A good translation aims to capture the feelings and aesthetics of the original text.
How Translation Works
– Translation involves conveying the meaning of a text from one language to another.
– It requires understanding the context and nuances of both languages.
– The goal is to accurately communicate the intended message to the target audience.
Literary Latitude 