Lost or Found Literature in Translation

The values and beliefs different cultures have are reflected through the literature presented. As each culture is different the values reflected can be either seen as conflicting interests, or common ground. Literature in translation is a tedious task as it requires an individual has to translate each word to communicate the same thing in another language.

 The IB curriculum has always practiced open-mindedness in the essence of worldliness. Considering that reading a translated text is a requirement for language and literature students it is important to understand the purpose. The purpose of studying literature in translation is that it helps one understand the context of the time period through the characters conflicts,emotions, etc. Therefore when studying translated literature the reader is enabled to connect and understand the time period on an intimate level, through the eyes of a realistic character understanding the different cultural beliefs and values. 

After reading articles on how literature is translated there is an understanding that a novel cannot be 100% accurately translated. The reason for this is that one word may have one literal and cultural representation in one language and a completely different meaning both literal and cultural in another. For example the article talked about the Urdu word; :sharmana. In Urdu the translation means blushing. Culturally the word used describes a girl blushing from happiness. Although when look it at the same term in another culture for example a western image there are many reasons for blushing, out of embarrassment, happiness, etc. Therefore when looking at translated literature it is important to take into perspective the culture it was written for, the target audience as it enables the reader to enhance and understand an authentic translation. 

 Based on this it is important to understand that meanings can be lost. In the context of the novel, Thief and the dogs a meaning that was lost between translation was the name Nur. Arabic speakers are able to identify that Nur is word used to mean light, whereas English speakers were not able to distinctively compare this. Additionally in when the novel was translated to English the audience can see the actions of the characters as over-dramatized where as Arabic speakers who understand the culture see no irregularities or over dramatization.

Studying literature in translation is not only about understanding the direct translation, but the culture it comes from as well. A reader reading a translated text will most commonly not get the same experience as the original novel reader would but they will still be able to get an understanding of the cultural values first hand. That is why I think its so important to read translated literature, its a primary source a way to get a accurate authentic portrayal of a culture, written by the people who are a part of it.