Translation- a teacher’s perspective
Introduction
Proper use of communicative language in a timely manner is an essential dimension of good personality. For the exchange and communication of emotions and thoughts that surface in the human mind, language plays an important role alongside body language which alone cannot suffice. Language satisfies the human need for communication with the outside world. Human beings need language to express a plethora of emotions such as happiness, sorrow, hopelessness, sadness, love, anger, etc., as well as to experience life. Language acts as a bridge to communicate with the outside world as well as with the inner world. Humans use language when they are thinking, when they are dreaming. Not only this, with the help of language you can do wonders. Language is essential for human communication, writing and creating literature. In an era of globalisation where boundaries are shrinking and people are coming closer, we are opening up to new cultures and languages. However, to understand this newfound knowledge it is not practically possible to learn every language that exists hence for this, ‘translation’ is the best solution. In the present age, ‘translation’ has become a means to an end.
Is translation difficult?
The translation process is easier if both the source and the target language belong to the same geographical and cultural and have similar linguistic concepts. On the other hand, if both the source and the target language are different, in different cultural environments, in different geographical areas, this process is likely to be more difficult but not impossible. If the translator is alert, well read and inquisitive, he may not find the task daunting at all.
Theory of Translation
The French scholar Etienne Dolet has discussed certain principles of good translation. They are –
- The translator should understand the SL text and be able to capture its sense
- S/he should be competent in both the SL and TL
- S/he should not be literal in translation
- S/he should use common idiomatic language
- S/he should be able to reproduce the correct tone of the original, by a careful use of words, in the TL text
Translators are invaluable
According to the principles of economics if the subject is in high demand and if the number of experts in such a domain are less who can accomplish a task then higher is the cost that one pays to get the task done. A compelling translation takes shape through the combination of the translator’s perceptiveness, sensitivity, and translation skills, who are fluent in both the target language and the source language. There are few such good translators. Due to this, it is advisable to master the art of translation and to use this skill to earn one’s livelihood in the contemporary world.
India is a country of myriad languages, an attribute which aptly reflects the term “unity in diversity” People of different castes, creeds and religions live in different states of the country and communicate in many languages and dialects. Songs, music, literature, plays, films are produced from these languages. Translation is the link that connects the regional artwork to the world and to other parts of India where a particular regional language isn’t spoken or understood.
Religious texts, scriptures and literary works were read and understood by people all over the world by means of translation. Translation acted as an efficient medium to propagate and popularise Indian literature to global readers and vice versa. In the history of modern literature, an age of translation made an appearance. To cite a recent example, Telugu-Tamil film “Bahubali” was translated and released in Hindi and the rest is history. Translation as has been used since ages to market products and goods in non-native markets to reach and capture a wider consumer base. Translation has become the need of the hour across many domains to not just shift from one language to another, but it aids in transmitting the message successfully without loss of meaning. As I mentioned previously India is a land of myriad languages and official documents need to be disseminated across the citizens in languages they understand so these documents can be implemented and acted upon.
Translation as a subject
Translation is taught as a course at Bachelor as well as Master’s level across universities in India. In today’s world it is primordial to be aware of skills that need to be mastered to be a good translator. These courses on translation cover various facets of translation such as the theory of translation, scientific and technical translation, literary translation etc. Emphasis is also laid on comparative translation studies in order to analyse, compare and appreciate Indian works translated in global languages and vice versa so that the students are aware of the contribution that translation can do the literary field. Whilst teaching translation it is also important to cover the technological aspect that is involved in this process. CAT tools have become an indispensable part of a translator’s life. At the same time, we cannot overlook the importance of formatting and editing which is another facet of translation. With changing times there has also been a shift in the work that is actually carried out by a translator, translations are now undertaken by machines and at times the translator performs the duties of an editor. Students need to be made aware of these changing trends and guided accordingly so as to be aware of what to expect when they step into the market hunting for career opportunities as a translator.
Raising awareness about this interesting and enriching domain of translation is of utmost importance to attract and rope in more and more capable and talented translators to further enhance this art.
