FREE TRANSLATION | NEP

Free translation is a method where translators focus on conveying the overall meaning and style of the original text, rather than sticking to a word-for-word translation. This approach gives translators the freedom to express ideas, emotions, and cultural nuances in a way that resonates with the target audience. It's a delicate balance between staying true to the original and making the text accessible and engaging for new readers.

The Translator's License:

1.    Creative Freedom in Translation:

o   Translators have the flexibility to adjust the original text to better fit the target language and culture. This can involve changing sentence structures, words, and even the way metaphors are used. The goal is to make the text feel natural and engaging for the new audience.

Example: When translating Indian literature into English, a translator might choose to focus on the emotional impact of a scene rather than a direct translation of every word. This could involve using different imagery or descriptions to evoke the same feelings in English-speaking readers.

2.    Adapting Cultural References:

o   Translators often replace cultural references with ones that are more familiar to the target audience. This helps readers connect with the text on a deeper level and understand the cultural context better.

Example: In translating Bollywood songs, a translator might replace references to Indian festivals or customs with equivalent Western references. This helps listeners who aren't familiar with Indian culture to still enjoy and understand the song's message.

3.    Preserving the Essence:

o   Despite making changes, the translator's main goal is to keep the original intent and essence of the work intact. This means ensuring that the emotional impact, themes, and overall message remain the same for readers in the target language.

Example: When translating the works of authors like Arundhati Roy, a translator must balance the need to explain complex Indian social issues with the need to keep the narrative flowing and engaging for English-speaking readers. This requires a deep understanding of both the source and target cultures.

The Concept of Zero Translatability:

1.    Understanding the Challenge:

o   Zero translatability refers to the idea that some words, phrases, or concepts might not have direct equivalents in another language. This can make translation particularly challenging, as it requires finding ways to convey meaning without losing the original's cultural or emotional context.

Example: The Hindi concept of "ghar" (home) encompasses not just a physical place but also a sense of belonging and family. Translating this into English as simply "home" might not fully capture the emotional and cultural significance of the word.

2.    Examples of Untranslatable Terms:

o   Certain words and phrases, like the Swedish "lagom" (meaning something is just right, not too little or too much) or the Portuguese "saudade" (a deep emotional state of melancholic nostalgia), highlight the complexities of translation. These terms are deeply rooted in their respective cultures and don't have direct translations in other languages.

3.    Strategies to Address Zero Translatability:

o   Using Footnotes or Explanations: Translators can add notes to explain untranslatable concepts, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the cultural context.

o   Adapting Terms: Finding creative equivalents that capture the essence of the term, even if they're not direct translations.

o   Retaining Original Terms: Sometimes, keeping the original term and providing a brief explanation can help preserve the cultural significance and give readers a new perspective.

Example: In the translation of "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy, terms specific to Indian culture are often explained or used in context to help readers understand their significance. This approach enriches the reading experience and provides insight into the cultural background of the story.