Microsoft Word Revised Syllabus Ver doc

Problems in Translation 
A major threat to the quality of translation is posed by the TL which is used in Indo 
English by the translator to transfer an alien text into a native culture through the native 
language. What the Indo English writer does is a transfer of a native text into a native culture 
through an alien language. In such a situation the TL ‘suffers’ a great damage and this is turn 
would affect the SLT. This is a serious problem with Indo English writers. The problem 
could be tackled if the translator associates himself with a native speaker. Another peculiar 
problem with Indo English writing is the use of Edwardian English. This problem can be 
solved only when people with high competency in English translate or when their help is 
ought by translators, who are not so competent in the use of the language. Prema 
Nandakumar’s translation of Akilon uses Edwardian English so much so that Akilon is 
misrepresented. Akilon writes in a simple, common man’s Tamil. His Chittirappavai is an 
illustration of his simple style. But Nandakumar’s translation ‘Portrait of a Woman’ renders a 
totally different picture of Akilon’s use of language. Besides high competency, greater 
responsibility on the part of the translator towards his author is a prerequisite to avoid such 
lapses in languages. 
Another major flaw with the Indo English writings is that many of them lack preface 
or a translator’s note. This is a serious lapse. A good translation ought to have a preface or a 
note. The translator may indicate his reason for choosing a particular text and the author. He 
may indicate the edition he has used and its publishers. If there are other translations of the 
same text in the same TL or in others and if positive, whether they have been consulted or 
not, may be mentioned in the preface. He may also indicate how he has dealt with the original 
i.e. whether as a whole, in part or edited. Though a good work, Menon’s Chemmeen has no 

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mention of how he has dealt with the original. As a result, a reader who has no knowledge of 
the original has no way of knowing that it is an edited work. 
Indo English writer writes for two kinds of audiences and mostly it is for both 
together. The intended audience is definitely made known when the author is working for a 
definite purpose. For instance Menon and J.C.Gosh translated Chemmeen and Krishnakantor 
uil respectively, for the UNESCO collection. Both these translation were done mainly with 
the Western audience in mind. As a consequence they remain more a ‘version’ of the SLT 
than a translation. 
Translations of Indian literature are also made for those who cannot read another 
Indian language other than his mother tongue, but would wish to read, enjoy and respond to 
literature composed in other Indian languages. Such readers read Indo English writing with a 
wish to develop and nurture their acquaintance with the literary culture surrounding him. The 
third kind of readership which Mukherjee points out is the one that wishes to make a 
comparative reading of two or more translations available. 
Publishing in India has not always favoured translators. Only of late there is change in 
its attitude. Earlier, often the translators were at the mercy of the publishers to get their work 
set in print. Publishing of Indo English literature carried little monetary benefit for the 
translator. Added to this was the lack of prestige associated with the task (compared to that 
associated with original writing). Even among thee translator’s distinctions were made. 
Translators of poetry were ranked at a higher status while those of prose trailed much behind. 
Translators of ancient classic of course reigned supreme above all categories. Conditions are 
changing for the better, and more and more translators are coming forward and publishers 
tender a better treatment to them. 
The publishers play a vital role in promoting good Indo English literature. Besides 
encouraging the writers to do more explorations in the field, the publishers must also see to it 
that what has been produced is of good quality. For this, he may scrutinize the material with 
the help of a reviewer. The reviewer first of all must be interested in the text that has been 
translated and must be well acquainted with the SLT. He must be able to view the translated 
text as a translation. If through the act of translation the text has achieved any independent 
status, then he must be able to assess its worth. The reviewer, in other words, must weigh the 
translation in a just balance. 
Given the Indian situation, translation can be of great benefit to a student of literature. 
In India most of the students of English literature are at least bilingual. This is a great 
advantage to the student because the knowledge of another language besides the language of 
study facilitates the assurance that the student has understood the literature he studies, when 
he/she translates them in the other language. For instance, a student of English literature, let 
us presume, knows Tamil. By translating a piece from English into Tamil he exhibits his 
grasp of the English language and literature as well as Tamil. While doing a translation the 
student may be encouraged to study other translations of the same text existing in the same 
language. This would enable him to understand the SLT as well as practically know his TLT. 
Such a task would help the student develop his analytical, interpretative and synthesizing 
capacity. It would enable him to understand the nuances of language. 

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