Lately, there has been an increase in the study of literature
in translation from languages that were not recognized on a global basis
before. The IB requires one translated text to be studied in order to allow for
an enrichment in international knowledge. In order to think about why it is
important to study translated literature, it’s important to know why we study
literature in the first place. Literature helps us know the world around us and
allows us to be more mindful and aware of other cultures and their struggles.
It allows you to empathize and sympathize with characters who are not real and
yet mirror the lives of many humans around the world. Translated literature
works in the same way but on a global scale. In countries where one culture
dominates all other, such as most countries in the world, reading translate literature
allows students and all people to be acquainted with cultures in deeper and
richer ways that previously known. It is important to remember that in order
for translated literature to be studied effectively, minor previous knowledge
about context and culture should be known in order for people to me familiar
with the cultural and linguistic devices present instead of placing the book into
their own cultural schema. That way, people are able to connect with characters
that come from a different culture and a different background and they can
begin making connections with their own culture and the culture of the literary
text being studied. With that being said, there are complications to studying
translated literature. Firstly, no piece of literature can ever be fully
translated. Many translators do not try to translate the text word for word,
but rather use their own interpretations in order to put across the cultural
message that is trying to be conveyed. This poses the risk of main ideas and
cultural staples being lost. Secondly, translated books do not have an
introductory chapter explaining the cultural significance of the text. This may
make the book illogical and lose meaning. With that being said, if studied
correctly, translated texts can provide a basis for understanding another
culture in depth.
Great Blog Post Amirah! I really like how you first clarified why we study literature and then connected that to the overall question. I also agree with the complications of studying translated literature, I haven't thought of those before but they sound insightful!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very well written post, I strongly agree with your statement that texts can lose meaning through translation since it largely relies on personal interpretation. I also agree with how you cite the global value.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this blog post, I think its really interesting how you commented on translated literature being a new form of literature. It is true that the translator does provide their own interpretation and enriches the text in this way. Overall, the ideas your provided were very insightful, well done!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post, and was interested to see that we both took a similar outlook into the presentation when looking it in terms of the IB standards and curriculum. I also enjoyed how you commented on the struggles, its true literature does give us insight on the the culture but its not just that , it goes to a deeper level. I agree that translated literature gives the audience a more intimate connection with the culture. Well done your ideas flow well!
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