“Translation is the paradigm, the exemplar of all writing. It is translation that demonstrates most vividly the yearning for transformation that underlies every act involving speech, that supremely human gift.”
– Harry Mathews, American Novelist
Beyond linguistic boundaries, facilitating the exchange of ideas, culture, thoughts, expressions, experiences, imaginations, and observations, Literary Translations are pivotal to global dissemination of literature, creating a profound impact on aspects like preserving cultural heritage, fostering cross-cultural communication, expanding perspectives, and bridging gaps. A fine art of balancing the essence of the original language and giving it a new form in another language, translations possess a transformative power in shaping the literary landscape.
While a school of thought persists that every act of written expression is a translation, whether from experience to expression, thoughts to words, or from source to target. However, there hasn’t been much consensus amongst intellectual minds when it comes to the topic of translation. More than merely an afterthought, translation is a delicate art of flawlessly carrying the essence of one language and culture to another with the entirety of meaning, connotation, subtext, intent, content, sensitivity, and sentiment. ‘Slip of the pen’ can cause great confusion and misunderstandings. Hence, translations have the power to change, and the literary process carries a grave responsibility.
Stemming from the artistic and cultural dimensions of literature, literary translations face delicate aspects that impose difficulties for a translator. Factors like- capturing the author’s voice, thought, and note, interpreting the idiomatic expressions and cultural references, balancing the accuracy and consistency embedded in the original text, and being able to address the equivalence and genuineness in the targeted language. Verses, Rhythm, Indecipherable concepts, Wordplay and Poetic expressions used in the source language require a profound understanding of both the languages and cultures. A creative solution and approach tremendously help in the process. Sometimes, a collaborative effort and cultural consultation also help to ensure the quality and accuracy of the translation work. At times, prioritizing a creative adaptation over literal precision, keeping in account the context and aim, becomes more important in the translation process. Recreating the emotional and artistic impact of the original literary piece through the process of ‘transcreation’ is helpful for creative works like poetry.
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With the world becoming more interconnected and interdependent in recent times, literary translations have become an integral part of communication in the literary landscape. Protecting and safeguarding literary masterpieces, translations help mobilize different segments of society to the dedicated effort of preserving the work for future generations. A skilled approach and deep appreciation for the written work are required to master this intricate art. Providing avenues to diversified readers, allowing them to explore and engage with various narratives, translation traverses beyond boundaries. Linguistic proficiency, along with great regard towards the artistry and integrity of the original author, is mandatory for flawless translation that transcends language barriers.
In the globalized world, it has facilitated communication to a great extent and is becoming more important than ever before. However, has the trend been the same throughout? How has the trend of translation literature in India evolved? What is the role of a translator? Translation literature is a broad field with ever ever-evolving perspective that is essential to comprehend the world around. In this process, the role of a translator also evolves from ‘being a mere passive conduit of information from one language to another’, to becoming an active participant in the creation of cultural exchange, communication, and connection between the two languages and texts. Like the translation literature, the role of translators has also been evolving constantly. However, despite the role of a translator being that of an artist, they have always been battling for recognition and being stamped as an afterthought, mostly. Overlooked in the artistic literary process, the role of translators has changed in recent times, where they are given their spotlight and their contributions are respected. From the era of being erased from the publishing province, translators now find their due credit, visibility, and recognition.
In the growing world of technological advancements and digitalization, the role of literary translations and translators is expanding even more. From being no more simply a language expertise, to becoming cultural mediators who bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, connect diversified readers over cross-cultural understanding, help preserve literary heritage, and aid the process of expanding literary horizons. Continuing to envision a future landscape for literary translations where each creative process finds its space, nurtures its niche, and continues to grow!
About the columnist
Jyoti Jha is a reputed Author, Former HR Professional, Columnist, and Globetrotter. An esteemed winner of Times of India Write India Season 3, she is a proud Panelist and Guest Speaker at IIM Lucknow and IITs. Speaker at the prestigious Times LitFest, an honourable Judge at Kashiyatra, IIT BHU twice consecutively, a Jury Member at Kritva, the annual Fest at IMI New Delhi, and a recipient of several literary awards, she contributes to both English and Hindi literature.
