Literature in Translation
Translation text A: "Found In Translation"
In the modern world, we are extremely fortunate to have translators, who manage to translate magnificent pieces of literature for us to read and study. Millions of books, poems, songs and more have been translated from their language of origin into English for us to enjoy. Being able to read translated texts provides us with many benefits but also presents us with challenges.
One of the benefits of reading translated pieces of literature is that it exposes us to new information on cultures and backgrounds. Reading a book written about Arab culture by an Arabic author immensely contrasts with a reading a book written about Arab culture by a Western author. With reference to the text "Found in Translation", they make the argument that Arab writers submerge their audiences in authentic Arab culture. Ever since Arabic originated books have been translated into English, (such as The Thief and the Dogs written by Naguib Mahfouz), the rest of the world has had the opportunities to educate themselves with these texts and further their knowledge on these cultures and contexts. It also teaches us that different backgrounds and cultures can shape people differently.
However, with translated texts come with challenges. One of the challenges is that meaning can be lost, especially with a language that has different alphabets from the English alphabet. For example, in Naguib Mahfouz's book "The Thief and the Dogs", the word 'street' is used quite often. Whenever Mahfouz uses this word, it has been written using English letters, but with the pronunciation of 'street' in Arabic. For readers who have never studied or don't know much about the Arabic language, it can cause lots of confusion as they would be unaware of what the word means. They might see it as the name of a place or person.
In relation to part 3 of the English Language and Literature course, this all could tie into the learning outcome of, "Understand the attitudes and values expressed by literary texts and their impact on readers. Linking it to the text given, it can tie in with the concept of freedom of speech or censorship. Mahfouz had to disguise his ideas as characters to avoid a major backlash from the public. In contrast to the United States where the public has freedom of speech to say whatever they want about the presidents and anyone in high authority power.
In the modern world, we are extremely fortunate to have translators, who manage to translate magnificent pieces of literature for us to read and study. Millions of books, poems, songs and more have been translated from their language of origin into English for us to enjoy. Being able to read translated texts provides us with many benefits but also presents us with challenges.
One of the benefits of reading translated pieces of literature is that it exposes us to new information on cultures and backgrounds. Reading a book written about Arab culture by an Arabic author immensely contrasts with a reading a book written about Arab culture by a Western author. With reference to the text "Found in Translation", they make the argument that Arab writers submerge their audiences in authentic Arab culture. Ever since Arabic originated books have been translated into English, (such as The Thief and the Dogs written by Naguib Mahfouz), the rest of the world has had the opportunities to educate themselves with these texts and further their knowledge on these cultures and contexts. It also teaches us that different backgrounds and cultures can shape people differently.
However, with translated texts come with challenges. One of the challenges is that meaning can be lost, especially with a language that has different alphabets from the English alphabet. For example, in Naguib Mahfouz's book "The Thief and the Dogs", the word 'street' is used quite often. Whenever Mahfouz uses this word, it has been written using English letters, but with the pronunciation of 'street' in Arabic. For readers who have never studied or don't know much about the Arabic language, it can cause lots of confusion as they would be unaware of what the word means. They might see it as the name of a place or person.
In relation to part 3 of the English Language and Literature course, this all could tie into the learning outcome of, "Understand the attitudes and values expressed by literary texts and their impact on readers. Linking it to the text given, it can tie in with the concept of freedom of speech or censorship. Mahfouz had to disguise his ideas as characters to avoid a major backlash from the public. In contrast to the United States where the public has freedom of speech to say whatever they want about the presidents and anyone in high authority power.
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