Aspects of Ideology in Translating Literature

Babel ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan K. Abdulla
Keyword(s):  
Literary Translation ◽  
The World ◽  
Traduction Litteraire

Abstract Although there are many meanings associated with "ideology", both Marxist and Humanistic associations of the term are ignored since they regard it as a term of abuse. Instead, the meaning associated with critical linguistics is adopted as it refers to the propositions or assumptions we hold about ourselves, the world, or others in a way similar to a lens which colours, clarifies, or wraps the world. The paper attempts to explain how ideology exerts pressures and constraints on literary translation. The text undergoes a series of transformations or distortions depending on the stance or ideology of the author. Many examples from literature are cited to highlight the dilemma that faces the translator when his/her ideology contradicts the author's, or when the translator unconsciously adopts a technique that is different from the author's. Such differences can be construed as deviation, changes, or adoption of an ideology which is at variance with what the author intends. Several texts are discussed to show how, when and where ideologies are compromised in literary translation. Résumé Bien qu'il existe de nombreux sens associés au terme "idéologie", les acceptions marxistes et humanistes ont été rejetées étant donné que ce terme y est considéré comme injurieux. Par contre, l'acception adoptée par la linguistique critique est retenue puisqu'elle réfère aux suppositions ou idées que nous nous faisons de nous-mêmes, des autres et du monde qui nous entoure, à l'instar d'une lentille qui colore, éclaircit ou assombrit l'image perçue. L'auteur de cet article tente d'expliquer de quelle façon l'idéologie exerce des pressions et impose des contraintes dans la traduction littéraire. Le texte traduit subit une série de transformations, voire de distortions, en fonction des convictions ou de l'idéologie du traducteur. De nombreux exemples tirés de la littérature illustrent le dilemme auquel le traducteur fait face lorsque son idéologie s'oppose à celle de l'auteur du texte, ou lorsqu'il adopte inconsciemment une technique différente de celle utilisé dans le texte original. De telles différences s'expliquent par des déviations, des changements ou l'adoption d'une idéologie en contradiction avec celle visée par l'auteur. Différents textes sont commentés dans l'article afin de démontrer comment, quand et où les idéologies sont bafouées dans la traduction littéraire.

Jordanian Folkloric Songs from Arabic into English

Babel ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Shunnaq ◽  
Fayez Abul-Kas
Keyword(s):  
Special Reference ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Lyric Poetry ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
Literary Texts ◽  
Sign Structure ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Communicative Translation ◽  
Traduction Litteraire

Abstract Poetry in general and lyric poetry in particular are perhaps the most difficult types of texts to be rendered from one language into another without much change in meaning and structure. That is why folkloric songs could be considered as toilsome to be rendered, because they are often culture-bound. Moreover, they have a highly complicated sign structure which plays an important role in transmitting culture. It may be helpful and useful to investigate a number of difficulties in translating these rhymed texts which reflect certain aspects of culture (social, political and ecological, among others). Despite the dearth of references, the authors have succeeded in obtaining the necessary data of translating these folkloric songs. They aim to reach modest findings which could be beneficial to students of translation. In this paper, it may be useful to introduce some ideas about the nature of translation and translatability as well as literary translation with special reference to the semantic vs. communicative translation. It also aims to shed light on the translatability of some Jordanian folkloric songs. This study partly provides examples of the authors' translations from Arabic into English, which are only attempts of translating these literary texts. The translations are meant only for the aim of comparison or to support data. Some conclusions and recommendations about the translatability of folkloric songs are reached. Résumé La poésie en général et la poésie lyrique en particulier sont probablement les types de textes les plus difficiles à reproduire d'une langue dans une autre sans introduction de changement de signification ou de structure. C'est la rasion pour laquelle les chants folkloriques, généralement liés à la culture sont difficiles à traduire. De plus, la structure des signes est éminemment compliquée et joue un rôle important au niveau de la transmission de la teneur culturelle. Il peut donc être intéressant et utile d'analyser un certain nombre de difficultés qui surgissent lors de la traduction de ces textes rythmés qui reflètent certains aspects culturels (sociaux, politiques et écologiques, entres autres). En dépit du manque de références, les auteurs sont parvenus à obtenir les informations nécessaires à la traduction de ces chants folkloriques. Leur but est d'obtenir certains indications susceptibles d'être précieuses pour les étudiants en traduction. Dans le présent article, les auteurs ont estimé qu'il pouvait être utile d'introduire certains notions concernant la nature de la traduction et de la traductibilité mais aussi de la traduction littéraire, en particulier dans le domaine de l'opposition traduction sémantique — traduction communicative. Les auteurs souhaitent aussi aborder la traductibilité de certains chants folkloriques jordaniens, et ce à l'aide d'exemples de traductions arabe-anglais réalisées par les auteurs mais qui ne sont d'après ces derniers que des essais de traduction de ces textes littéraires. Ces traductions visent uniquement à comparer les informations ou à fournir des indications utiles. Ce faisant ils sont parvenus à formuler un certain nombre de conclusions et de recommendations concernant la traductibilité des chants folkloriques.

Social deixis in the translation of dramatic discourse

Babel ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-73
Author(s):  
David Horton
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
Second Person ◽  
European Languages ◽  
First Case ◽  
Social Deixis ◽  
Traduction Litteraire

Abstract Pronominal modes of address are an instance of the kind of structural incompatibility between languages which presents a considerable challenge to the translator. Indeed, they have been described as an "impossibility of translation" (Lyons). The structural contrast between English and most other European languages with regard to this feature has significant implications for literary translations, since address behaviour encodes social relations and thus functions as an important signal of unfolding interpersonal dynamics in texts. This article explores the implications of divergent address systems in the translation of dramatic discourse, using examples from French-English and English-German translation to illustrate the problems involved. In the first case, the absence of differentiated second-person pronouns in modern English means that other signals have to be found to encode the social dynamics of the text. In Sartre's subtle exploration of shifting human relations in Huis Clos/In Camera we witness a constant switching between the "tu" and "vous" forms of address as the characters seek to establish their roles. Translation into English inevitably results in a loss of explicitness and the introduction of alternative indices of interpersonal relations. In translation from English into German, on the other hand, as an analysis of Pinter's The Caretaker/Der Hausmeister demonstrates, selection between the "du" and "Sie"-forms becomes necessary, and a further level of differentiation is added to those available in the original. Here, pronominal choice presupposes a careful analysis of the dynamics of the text, and results in an explicitation of the attitudinal nuances of the original. In both cases, the process of translation implies a re-encoding based on the translator's individual conception of the source texts. The issue under discussion thus emerges as an archetypal feature of literary translation, showing how the latter manipulates texts by opening up some interpretive possibilities and closing down others. Résumé Les pronoms appellatifs sont un exemple du type de l'incompatibilité structurelle entre les langues qui représente un défi considérable pour le traducteur. En fait, ces pronoms ont été décrits comme une "impossibilité de traduction" (Lyons). Le contraste structurelle entre l'anglais et la plupart des autres langues européennes vis-à-vis de cet aspect a des implications significatives pour la traduction littéraire, car la façon de s'adresser encode des relations sociales et fonctionne donc comme un signal important d'ouverture des dynamiques interpersonnelles dans les textes. Cet article explore les implications des systèmes divergents d'appellation dans la traduction du discours dramatique, en utilisant des exemples de traduction français-anglais et anglais-allemand pour illustrer les problèmes. Dans le premier cas, l'absence de pronoms de la seconde personne différenciés dans l'anglais moderne signifie que d'autres signaux doivent être trouvés pour encoder la dynamique sociale du texte. Dans l'exploration subtile de Sartre des glissements de relations humaines dans Huis Clos (en anglais In Camera), nous sommes les témoins d'un transfert constant entre les formes d'abord "tu" et "vous", alors que les personnages cherchent à définir leurs rôles. La traduction vers l'anglais résulte inévitablement en une perte d'explicité et l'introduction d'indices alternatifs pour les relations interpersonnelles. Dans la traduction de l'anglais vers l'allemand, telle que le démontre une analyse de The Caretaker de Pinter (en allemand Der Hausmeister), le choix entre les formes de tutoiement et de vouvoiement devient nécessaire, et un niveau ultérieur de différenciation s'ajoute à ceux disponibles dans l'original. Ici le choix pronominal présuppose une analyse soigneuse de la dynamique du texte, et se conclut par une explicitation des nuances d'aptitude de l'original. Dans les deux cas, le processus de traduction implique un ré-encodage basée sur la conception individuelle du traducteur des textes sources. Le point discuté apparaît donc comme une caractéristique de type archétypal de la traduction littéraire, indiquant comment cette dernière manipule les textes en les ouvrant à certaines possibilités d'interprétation et en les fermant à d'autres.

scholarly journals Ideologically-adapted Translations: Challenge for Adequacy, Need for Retranslation

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Aida Salamat Suleymanova
Keyword(s):  
Historical Development ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Translation Studies ◽  
Main Channel ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
Soviet Period ◽  
Central Authority ◽  
Translation Practice ◽  
The World

Translation has always been regarded as the main channel for disseminating works of art, literature and culture. Throughout the history, Azerbaijani writers and poets have contributed to the world literature, as well as benefitted from the best literary masterpieces of the world by means of translation. The art of translation is the credit to the interaction between nations, cultures, and literatures in particular. However, the path of historical development of the national translation studies and translation practice in Azerbaijan has not always been smooth. Azerbaijan has for 70 years been a part of the USSR, and consequently all fields of human life, as well as translation activity were under strict control of the central authority. Ideological censorship imposed on culture, art and literature, particularly, on the literary translation can still be sensed today. The aim of this paper is to study the ideological deviations, adaptations and modifications in fiction translation during the Soviet period in Azerbaijan and to show why retranslation of such works is necessary in our country.

Degrees of Acceptability in Literary Translation

Babel ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xose Rosales Sequeiros
Keyword(s):  
Literary Translation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Traduction Litteraire

Abstract This article argues that acceptability in literary translation depends on judgements of relevance regarding the degree of (non-)interpretive resemblance between the interpretations intended in the original and target texts. Interpretive resemblance is defined as the relationship between two propositions in terms of the logical and contextual assumptions shared by them. Faithfulness in translation reflects this degree of interpretive resemblance and, as a result, is susceptible to varying degrees. The claim is made that for a translation to be acceptable, its degree of (non-)interpretive resemblance must be such that the resulting translation ought to meet the expectations of relevance it raises in the audience. Résumé Dans cet article nous voulons démontrer que l'acceptabilité dans la traduction littéraire dépend de ce qu'on juge être pertinent quant au degré de similarité (non-)interprétative entre les interprétations du texte original et du texte traduit. La similarité interprétative se définit comme le rapport entre deux propositions en termes de suppositions logiques et contextuelles qu'elles partagent. La fidélité dans la traduction reflète le degré de similarité interprétative et par conséquent elle y est sensible à différents degrés. Nous affirmons qu'une traduction est acceptable si le degré de similarité (non-)interprétative est tel que la traduction qui en résulte répond à l'attente de pertinence soulevée chez le public.

scholarly journals MODERN GEORGIAN COMPARATIVE STUDIES: DIRECTIONS OF RESEARCH, MAIN ISSUES

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-36
Author(s):  
Liudmyla Hrytsyk ◽  
Ivane Mchedeladze
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ages ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
National Literature ◽  
Literary Texts ◽  
Material Research ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
Theory Of Literature

Taking into account the factual material, research methods, and tasks, the authors trace the evolution/changes in Georgian comparative studies. It is notable that typological approaches, along with contact-genetic ones, are now actively used. These changes become firmly established due to the studies of iconic figures and periods, which attract the special attention of the scholars. Eurocentric concepts give place to other ones that have their basis in the study of the national literature and include philosophical, anthropological, psychological, and religious factors in the field of research. A lot of attention has been given to the principles of selecting literary texts for translation. The field of Georgian comparative studies has been remarkably changed/updated in the late 20th — early 21st centuries. Along with historians of literature, the theorists, critics, translators, and specialists in European and Oriental languages have been involved, which affected the level of comparative studies. Among the raised issues are reception, imagology, typology of anti-colonial narratives, genre transformations, postmodern discourse, etc. The character of Georgian-Ukrainian comparative studies changed drastically: it is obvious in the approaches/assessments of literary translation and in all connecting issues in general. Comparative studies came as close as possible to the theory of literature, which let the researchers (R. Khvedelidze, N. Naskidashvili, S. Chkhatarashvili, I. Mchedeladze) update the methodology and intensify their work on the diff erent levels of research, regardless of the presence/absence of contexts. The present surge in Georgian comparative studies started in the 2010s. It is connected to the organization of effective specialized research centers. Of great interest are the comparative studies aiming to show the history of Georgian literature as an individual version of the world literature (I. Ratiani), to identify the features of the Georgian literary canon based on the three main literary models (Middle Ages, Romanticism, post-Soviet), with a focus on the combination of ‘canonical’ and ‘non-canonical’ in innovative writing.

scholarly journals AESTHETIC DOMINANTS AND THE STRATEGY OF LITERARY TRANSLATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 190-200
Author(s):  
Ксения Ивановна Леонтьева
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
Cognitive Mechanisms ◽  
World Model ◽  
Translation Strategy ◽  
The World ◽  
Literary Integrity

Рассматриваются доминанты стратегии перевода, позволяющие реализовать в переводах категорию ХУДОЖЕСТВЕННОЕ, системообразующую в когнитивном акте поэзиса. Это принципы художественной целостности, гармонии формы и содержания, иконичности и отграниченности художественной модели мира, структурные принципы отождествления, со- и противопоставления, а также механизмы детализации, глоссализации и (де)автоматизации восприятия в основе приёма остранения. The article outlines a set of aesthetic dominants constitutive of the cognitive act of poesis and thus fundamental to the translation strategy aimed at the category THE LITERARY. These are the principles of literary integrity, of form-content harmony, of the iconic and delimitated nature of the world model construed in the text and of structural equation, juxtaposition and opposition, as well as the cognitive mechanisms of specification, glossalization and perceptual (de)automaticity crucial to the estrangement technique.

scholarly journals The Potential of Literary Translation in Intercultural Communication: Ota Pavel’s Short Stories for the Russian Reader

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiia Cherepanova
Keyword(s):  
Intercultural Communication ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Contextual Analysis ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
Original Text ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Translation Tools ◽  
Jewish Humor ◽  
The World ◽  
Cultural Texts

The purpose of this article is to reveal the specifics of the translation of cross-cultural texts by the Czech writer Ota Pavel. The main research methods are a description of potential difficulties and possible solutions, a comparative analysis of the translation and the original, contextual analysis, the use of analog texts to indicate the genre nature of the translated text. The main conclusions of the article are as follows: to convey the style of Ota Pavel, the translator must recreate the model of the world presented in the original text, which includes the specific features of Czech and Jewish cultures, by transmitting such characteristics of the text as slow narration, an abundance of retreats, repetitions, details, comparisons, specific Jewish humor using such translation tools as historical and cultural translation comments and compulsory translation transformations. The latter include: lexical transformations (translational transcription, tracing, lexical-semantic substitutions); lexical and grammatical transformations (explication, transformation); grammatical transformations (syntactic assimilation, division of sentences, combining sentences, grammatical replacements). Keywords: cross-cultural texts, analog texts, contextual analysis, adaptation, translation transformations

Peripherality and World Literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid Azadibougar
Keyword(s):  
World Literature ◽  
Literary Translation ◽  
Political Effects ◽  
Political Impact ◽  
The World ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Translated Literature ◽  
Academic Relevance

Abstract Critiques of World Literature often come with assumptions that are formed with reference to more central cultures’ conceptualization(s) of the relationship between literature, society and politics. As a result, they almost always neglect, perhaps unwittingly, the pluralities of literature in the world, and the specific and unexpected way(s) translated literature functions in diverse contexts. Focused on the condition of peripherality and engaging literary translation, academic relevance, and political impact, this paper addresses some of the critiques with specific examples from a peripheral context, to argue why the study of World Literature matters, and how it can lead to social and political effects that are not visible from the perspective of central cultures.

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