TRANSLITERATION AS THE FAILURE OF TRANSLATION | NEP

Transliteration is the process of converting text from one script to another while attempting to preserve the original sounds. Unlike translation, which aims to convey meaning between languages, transliteration focuses on phonetic representation. 

This practice highlights the limitations of translation, especially when it fails to capture the richness of the original content.

Key Aspects of Transliteration

1. Sound vs. Meaning: Transliteration prioritizes phonetic sounds over meaning. For instance, the Hindi word "दिल्ली" is transliterated as "Dilli." While the pronunciation is preserved, the significance of India’s capital city is lost. This exemplifies how transliteration can fail to convey the underlying message or cultural importance.
2. Cultural Context: Language is intertwined with culture, and transliteration often overlooks the cultural nuances in the original language. For example, "आदिवासी" (Adivasi), meaning "indigenous people," embodies cultural identity and heritage. Simply transliterating it as "Adivasi" fails to communicate the complexities of the term and the cultural backdrop it represents.
3. Lack of Clarity: Transliteration may create confusion for speakers of the target language. Take the Hindi term "नमस्ते," transliterated as "Namaste." While the pronunciation is captured, the deeper meaning of "I bow to you" and its significance in social interactions may not be clear to those unfamiliar with Indian customs.
4. Misinterpretation: Transliteration can lead to mispronunciation or misunderstanding, particularly when certain sounds do not exist in the target language. For example, the Punjabi word "қوپ” (kupp) might not translate well phonetically for non-natives, leading to an incorrect understanding or pronunciation.
5. Functional Limitations: While transliteration can be useful for names, places, or technical terms, it falls short when conveying stories, ideas, or emotions. In translating the famous Indian epic "महाभारत" (Mahabharata), simply transliterating it does not provide the rich themes and intricacies of the tale, thus failing in effective communication.

While transliteration serves the function of representing sounds from one language in another script, it showcases a failure of translation in capturing meaning, context, and cultural significance.

Effective communication across languages, particularly in literature, education, and cross-cultural discussions, requires a translation approach that prioritizes meaning and cultural depth. Therefore, while transliteration can be a valuable tool, it should not replace the deeper work of true translation, which captures the essence of the original language.