Reflections on the Literary Translation Process: A Focus on Régina Yaou's Sœurs de Sang
Year: 2024
Type: other
Abstract: Translation is vital for bridging linguistic and cultural gaps, particularly in literature, where preserving the author's intent and cultural context is crucial. Régina Yaou's novel Sœurs de Sang, a significant work in African literature, remains untranslated into English, limiting its accessibility to English-speaking readers, scholars, and students. This lack of translation not only restricts appreciation of the novel but also hinders critical discourse on its themes and potential translation strategies. This study aimed to produce an English translation of Sœurs de Sang, addressing the linguistic and cultural challenges encountered. The focus was on analysing and resolving grammatical, syntactic, rhetorical, and pragmatic issues to maintain the novel's authenticity and accessibility. The study revealed significant challenges in retaining the novel’s stylistic and cultural nuances. Adjustments were made to French grammatical structures, sentence syntax, and rhetorical devices to ensure readability for English-speaking audiences. Cultural elements were carefully adapted to retain their specificity, ensuring the translation’s accuracy and cultural relevance. The study recommends that future translations emphasise cultural familiarity and contextual sensitivity. This includes ongoing training for translators, collaboration with native cultural experts, and strategic use of translation tools. Regular feedback from native speakers is also crucial for refining translations and improving their reception among target audiences. By implementing these strategies, future translations can better bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, enhancing the global reach and impact of important literary works like Sœurs de Sang.
Institution: Rivers State University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203469017