TRANSLATION AS TRANSFERENCE OF MEANING, INTERPRETATION & POLITICAL / SOCIAL PROTEST

Translation is not just the act of changing words from one language to another. It is a complex process that involves transferring meaning, interpreting ideas, and sometimes expressing political or social resistance. In different streams of writing such as Feminist, Post-Colonial, and Postmodern literature, translation plays a powerful and transformative role.

1. Translation as Transference of Meaning - At the basic level, translation is the transfer of meaning from a source language to a target language. The translator tries to keep the original message, tone, emotion, and cultural context intact. However, languages are deeply connected to culture, so exact word-to-word translation is often not possible.

For example, when translating regional Indian literature into English, the translator must carefully convey cultural expressions, idioms, and social realities so that the meaning is not lost. Translation therefore becomes a bridge between cultures.

2. Translation as Interpretation - Translation is also an act of interpretation. The translator makes choices about words, tone, and style. These choices are influenced by the translator’s understanding, background, and ideology.

For instance, translating a novel like Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe involves interpreting Igbo culture, proverbs, and colonial experiences for a global audience. The translator does not simply convert words but interprets cultural meanings and emotions.

Thus, translation is not neutral; it reflects the translator’s perspective.

3. Translation as Political and Social Protest - In many literary movements, translation becomes a tool of resistance and protest.

(a) Feminist Literature - In Feminist writing, translation can challenge patriarchal language and male-dominated narratives. Feminist translators often highlight women’s voices that were ignored or suppressed. They may consciously choose words that empower female characters and question gender bias in language.

For example, works by writers like Simone de Beauvoir have been translated in ways that emphasize women’s identity and freedom. Translation here becomes a means of spreading feminist ideas across cultures.

(b) Post-Colonial Literature - In Post-Colonial literature, translation plays a major role in resisting colonial domination. Colonized nations often had their languages suppressed by colonial powers. Translating native texts into global languages like English allows marginalized voices to be heard internationally.

For example, writers such as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o emphasize writing in native languages and then translating them to challenge colonial influence. Translation becomes an act of reclaiming identity and cultural pride.

(c) Postmodern Literature - Postmodern literature questions fixe meanings and absolute truths. In this stream, translation highlights the idea that meaning is unstable and open to multiple interpretations. Translators may experiment with structure, style, and language to reflect fragmented narratives.

Writers like Salman Rushdie mix languages, cultures, and histories in their works, making translation a creative and complex process. Here, translation shows that meaning is not fixed but constantly shifting.

Translation is more than linguistic conversion. It is a transfer of meaning, an act of interpretation, and sometimes a form of political and social protest. In Feminist, Post-Colonial, and Postmodern literature, translation helps challenge power structures, give voice to the marginalized, and question dominant ideologies. It connects cultures while also reshaping meaning in powerful and meaningful ways.