Basics in translation

K S SIVAKUMARAN

We come to know literature of other languages via translations. There are good ones and not so good and even bad translations. Some are really not mere translations of words to words but done creatively and some are known as 'transcreations'. We also find that there are many translations even for one single particular work.

A scholar, Azabdaftary said that "translators are the agents for transferring messages from one language to another, while preserving the underlying cultural and discoursal ideas and values." Another scholar, Loftipour underlining the task of the translator, said "it is to create conditions under which the source language reader can interact with one another". In other words, The translator uses the core meaning present in the source text to create a new whole, namely, the target text", added Farahzad.

Those of us who want to be good translators should learn the skills attached to that. In the first place we must read widely and examine "different translations of different kinds of texts'. What is called 'receptive skills' should be developed.

To become a literary critic we must first try to appreciate the work concerned. This depends on our development of what is known as 'taste'. In the same way we must first try to comprehend the original text before putting it in another language. "Receptive skills improve the translator's language intuition and make them ready for actual translating."

The translators should be equally versatile in both languages (the source language and the target language). Otherwise, their attempt may not be as wholesome as it should be. To do this they must compulsorily read widely in both languages. Otherwise there will always be shortcomings.

What should be read? Well, we must read modern and contemporary literature, works in prose, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, announcements, instructions. As we know there are different kinds of writing appropriate to the different categories (genres).

According to Leila Razmjou's Vibhasha (October 2005 issue):

"Being familiar with all these genres is important, since they implicitly transfer culture-specific aspects of a language. Specialized readings are also suggested reading recently published articles and journals on theoretical and practical aspects of translation. The articles will not only improve the students' reading skill in general, but also give them insights which will subconsciously be applied when actually translating."