BHUBANESWAR: Quality and reach of translation should be increased to promote and propagate literature and knowledge texts of regional languages. Experts attending an international conference on “Translating Literatures of the Global South: Challenges, Questions, and Debates,” organized by the English Department of Utkal University here on Thursday, made this assertion.
Experts stated that books in Indian languages should be translated in such a way that a global audience, including Americans and British, can easily understand them.Other experts emphasized that the quality of translation needs to be improved.
Peter Constantine, a professor at the University of Connecticut, USA, mentioned that translated texts coming from Indian writers should reach a global audience, including Americans.
“They are written in a kind of English that is very accessible, vibrant, and readable to the Indian public but difficult for Americans. Most Indian writers think about the Indian public, and they use regional words in the English translation. When this is presented to a British or American audience, they find it difficult to understand,” he added.
Citing examples, he explained that the use of Hindi words like “Babaji” or “Kaka” in an English translation is fine for Indians, but an American cannot understand this. These words can be replaced with an easier English word. “Even some sentences are very problematic for us. If an Indian translator wants a global audience, he or she can focus on such small things. Now, suddenly, the world is looking at Indian literature,” he added.
Himansu S Mohapatra, former head of the English Department at Utkal University, said that translation activities are on the rise and people have started showing interest in this. “This sector is growing. But we need quality translation works. Focusing on quality is the need of the hour. We should make good progress at national and international levels,” he added.
Asima Ranjan Parhi, head of the English Department at Utkal University, mentioned that people have translated many classics, but the knowledge texts of Odia and other regional languages are yet to be translated for national or international audiences. “We should communicate these to a wider audience,” he added.
He stated that translating knowledge texts of any local culture and regional language would always enhance the culture’s richness. “That is how we can make outside people aware of our unique culture and traditions. Apart from classics, we should translate great pieces of writing found in rural pockets,” he added.