Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Italian expression “traduttore, traditore” (“translator, traitor”) is commonly used to refer to those problems that arise from a bad translation or even the difficulty of the task. It is well known that in the translation process from L1 to L2 some things will not be “equivalents”. This is not only because there is no such thing as a “word by word” translation (Rendall, 1997, p. 161), but also because each language carries a cultural context that becomes particularly evident in idiomatic expressions. According to Pym (2010), when a text is translated, an act of transfer occurs. Even if it is unintentional, translators “will necessarily be using linguistic and cultural knowledge accrued from previous translations, depending on previous transfers, which are themselves responses to previous translations” (Pym, 2010, p. 17). This, specifically in literary translation, seems to be crucial. In this transfer, translators sometimes use footnotes in order to highlight cultural aspects that cannot be fully understood by reading the text alone. This sense, what happens when a translation comes from an already translated text? What if the first translator of a book or literary work does not attend to crucial cultural aspects? What if this translation is the only way to access certain bibliographical resources or authors, ultimately making it the basis for further translations into other languages? How does a translator then use footnotes strategically? These questions arise in the context of Indian literature – specifically, Saadat Hasan Manto’s works, originally written in Urdu, a language both geographically and linguistically distant from Spanish. This paper analyses my experience of translating Manto’s short stories into Spanish, to make them available to a class of Spanish-speaking university students in Argentina with the goal of expanding the literary canon taught at universities. Being unable to read Urdu myself, I accessed the texts in English and translated them into Spanish in order to teach a college-level class of students who understand neither Urdu nor English. Several cultural aspects needed to be considered in order to produce an accurate translation.

Resumo em Português:

Resumo A história da tradução na China pode ser amplamente dividida em dois momentos cruciais, cada um impulsionado por necessidades distintas: traduzir de fora para dentro e de dentro para fora. Este artigo se concentra no primeiro, especificamente no projeto monumental de tradução do cânone budista, que abrange sutras, vinaya e sastra. O “projeto budista” (Cheung, 2014), um termo usado para descrever a tradução de todo o cânone budista e conhecimento importado da Índia, abrangeu de meados do século II ao início do século XII. Esse esforço sem precedentes influenciou significativamente a formação da “escola de tradução chinesa”. Para entender essa influência, devemos primeiro examinar o contexto histórico das relações Índia-China no século II. Feito isso, o artigo então explorará o desenvolvimento de um discurso sobre a tradução de sutras, destacando as contribuições dos prolíficos tradutores An Shigao, Daoan, Zhi Qian, Paramārtha e Kumārajīva. Por fim, discutiremos o impacto de longo prazo da importação e tradução de filosofias e pensamentos indianos durante o projeto budista. Esse impacto moldou a “escola chinesa de tradução” e desencadeou mudanças na “protopolítica linguística” da China para línguas estrangeiras. Ao analisar esse período transformador na história da tradução chinesa, obtemos a compreensão sobre a profunda influência da troca intercultural no desenvolvimento linguístico e filosófico.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The history of translation in China can be broadly divided into two pivotal moments, each driven by distinct needs: translating from the outside inward and from the inside outward. This article focuses on the former, specifically the monumental project of translating the Buddhist canon, which encompasses sutras, vinaya, and sastra. The “Buddhist project” (Cheung, 2014), a term used to describe the translation of the entire Buddhist canon and knowledge imported from India, spanned from the mid-2nd century to the early 12th century. This unprecedented endeavor significantly influenced the formation of the “Chinese translation school”. To understand this influence, we must first examine the historical context of India-China relations in the 2nd century. The article then explores the development of a discourse on sutra translation, highlighting the contributions of prolific translators An Shigao, Daoan, Zhi Qian, Paramārtha, and Kumārajīva. Finally, we discuss the long-term impact of importing and translating Indian philosophies and thoughts during the Buddhist project. This impact shaped the “Chinese school of translation” and triggered changes in China's “proto-language policy” for foreign languages. By analyzing this transformative period in Chinese translation history, we gain insights into the profound influence of cross-cultural exchange on linguistic and philosophical development.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of this article is to discuss the relevance of the translation into the Portuguese language of some the short stories by Munshi Premchand (1880-1936), one of India’s greatest writers in Hindi and Urdu, by Evágrio Jorge (1925-1978), a Goan Freedom Fighter. These translations, and their publication in the Goan newspaper O Heraldo/Herald, took place during the transition of Goa, from a Portuguese colony (1510-1961) to a state of the Indian Union. I argue that these translations were not random but due to Premchand’s critical portrayal of some aspects of Indian culture – the exploration of the peasantry, the caste system, the condition of women, communalism— they can be interpreted as Jorge’s desire to call the attention of his fellow countrymen to the situation of Goa under the new Indian aegis. Jorge's translations stand as a warning to Goans, who had fought for the end of colonial rule, to maintain a critical eye on their new social and political status.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This article examines the challenges of translating gender-based violence (GBV), focusing on English translations of select Hindi fiction depicting ‘honour’ killing—a specific form of GBV. Situated at the intersection of caste, gender, and sexual violence, these texts challenge societal structures and often remain non-canonical or controversial. As markers of violence, they present significant linguistic, cultural, and ethical challenges for translators. Honour killing narratives, often classified as ‘problem texts,’ expose the faultlines of the socio-cultural framework in which they are set. Consequently, translating such texts involves negotiating not only linguistic complexities but also cultural sensitivities and ethical responsibilities. This article adopts a methodological focus on translating key passages from two long short stories in Hindi: Tiriya Charittar ([1987]2010) by Shivmurti and Daag Diya Sach (2012) by Ramnika Gupta. These passages, central to the narratives, require careful translation strategies to address issues such as non-standard registers, oral traditions, graphic depictions of violence, and linguistic assertions of identity. By problematizing these challenges, the article explores strategies for rendering the socio-cultural complexities embedded in the source texts, particularly the tension between rural linguistic specificities and the demands of the target language. Through textual and contextual analysis, it foregrounds the ethical imperatives of translating GBV and honour killing narratives. Ultimately, it argues for the necessity of making such literary works available in English and across Indian languages, not just to introduce ‘new’ knowledge but to contribute to broader discussions on gender, caste, sexuality, and marginality in contemporary India.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Science is an integral part of our society, and modern technology has made the discovery of scientific phenomena commonplace. In India, most people learn about these discoveries through media reporting and translation into various languages. This makes scientific reporting in newspapers a daunting task, as it requires both subject knowledge and linguistic creativity to ensure accuracy in language translation. Whether discussing the frightening pandemic or celebrating the launch of the Chandrayaan, effective scientific reporting is crucial. The genre of popular science is primarily disseminated through newspapers, which are often filled with debates and discussions about science and technology that require equivalence and accuracy to educate the Indian population about the latest scientific breakthroughs. Translation plays a pivotal role in scientific reporting, as translating scientific registers, jargon, and technical terminologies is essential due to the distinct nature of scientific writing compared to creative writing or general communication. Media reporters are crucial in disseminating scientific awareness, but the mistranslation of technical jargon and scientific concepts can distort the content, leading to misinformation and disrupting the knowledge dissemination process. With new scientific discoveries frequently emerging, especially from the West, reporters face the dual challenge of ensuring linguistic and conceptual accuracy while meeting the urgency of news reporting. Demonstrable gaps exist in scientific reporting in translation, particularly in reporting key concepts, theories, policies and practices. This paper explores the extant theories and examines the policies that influence the reporting and translation of scientific literature in Indian languages. It discusses the practical challenges faced by translators. By addressing these issues, the paper aims to propose language and translation strategies to enhance the quality of translation in scientific communication.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Translation is widely regarded as an art that involves retelling an author's story in an entirely different language while preserving the essence and meaning of the original text. The primary significance of translation lies in conveying words and expressions from one language to another without distorting the original meaning. Ideally, there should be minimal addition or omission during the translation process. Furthermore, the translated text should be both highly expressive and accurate. This study examines the extent of cultural and linguistic challenges in translation through a comparative analysis of V. J. James’s Nireeswaran (2014), a highly acclaimed Malayalam novel, and its English translation Nireeswaran (2022) by Ministhy S. The novel, noted for its rich cultural elements and literary significance, poses unique challenges in maintaining equivalence between the source and target texts. The study explores how effectively the translated text conveys the original’s cultural and contextual nuances by analysing translation strategies and the translator's techniques in overcoming linguistic gaps. This work aims to analyse the potential loss of meaning that occurs due to cultural and linguistic challenges through a comparative reading of V. J. James's Sahitya Akademi award-winning 320-page novel, Nireeswaran (2014, 582 pages in Kindle edition 2016) which has already undergone 22 editions, and its English translation Nireeswaran (2022) by Ministhy S. The author, V.J. James grew up in Changanacherry, Kerala, and worked at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. This debut novel received the DC Silver Jubilee Award (1999), Malayattoor Prize and Rotary Literary Award. Nireeswaran also received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Basheer Puraskaram and Vayalar Award.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Remakes have been a global phenomenon in the entertainment industry for a long time. Though language and translation are key components of a remake, research from the perspectives of language and audio-visual translation in the case of remakes has been petit. Aiming to fill the existing gaps in research, this paper examines the instantiations of remakes as instantiations of audio-visual translation and Adaptation Studies. It offers to comprehensively study remakes from the standpoint of audio-visual translation by drawing similarities and dissimilarities between them as a suitable theoretical issue within the ambit of Adaptation Studies. Specifically, it focuses on Zabaan Sambhal Ke the Indian remake of Mind Your Language, an internationally renowned sitcom remade into ten languages and eleven countries. In India, the Hindi remake of this British sitcom appeared in two phases with slight variations in the spelling of the title; Zabaan Sambhalke in 1993-94 having 54 episodes and Zaban Sambhal Ke in 1997-98 having 52 episodes. The IMDb ratings of 8.5 for the Mind Your Language series and 8.1 for the Zaban Sambhal Ke series point to interesting aspects about not only the popularity among the viewers but also the remaking i.e., audio-visual translation of the series. The English and Hindi versions of the sitcom selected for study in this paper have anchored their comic contents in language use, socio-cultural gaps and translation in a classroom representing linguistic and cultural diversities. The data for this paper comes from the episodes of both sitcoms. The main axes of discussions in this paper include points for grounding remakes in audio-visual translation, disciplinary comparison between audio-lingual translation and Adaptation Studies, instances of internationally acclaimed remakes of TV series and the linguistic and socio-cultural intricacies involved in the success or failure of the remake activities.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Manuscripts—handwritten compositions on materials such as paper, bark, cloth, or palm leaves—serve as invaluable records of human knowledge, often dating back centuries and holding immense historical, linguistic, and cultural significance. This paper explores the role of translation in preserving and disseminating ancient manuscripts, with a particular focus on the translation of Sanskrit texts into English. By examining the historical impact of translation, particularly during the Renaissance, the study highlights how this process has been instrumental in shaping scholarly discourse. Beyond its function as a preservation tool, translation is positioned as a research methodology that bridges past and present, offering insights into ancient Indian philosophy, culture, and thought systems. Engaging with these texts through translation not only facilitates interdisciplinary research but also contributes to the decolonization of knowledge by amplifying marginalized voices and challenging Eurocentric perspectives. The study emphasizes the urgent need for scholars to undertake systematic translation efforts, as India houses over 10 million manuscripts—two-thirds of them in Sanskrit—that remain untranslated and at risk of deterioration. By centring translation within academic research, scholars can promote a more inclusive and globally relevant knowledge production framework.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study examines the decisive role of translation as a method of linguistic documentation and its implications for language standardisation, focusing on the case of Rajbanshi, a language spoken in northeastern India. It critically engages with Charu Chandra Sanyal’s (1965) documentation of Rajbanshi in relation to earlier colonial initiatives, particularly Grierson’s Linguistic Survey of India (1909), which employed translation as a primary tool for data collection. While translation has historically been seen as a neutral mechanism for representing linguistic diversity, this study argues that translation has instead functioned as an instrument of linguistic hierarchy and standardisation, reinforcing dominant language ideologies. By examining both colonial and post-colonial approaches to translation-based linguistic documentation, the study highlights how the standard language ideology (SLI), as conceptualised by Lippi-Green (1997) and Kroskrity (2004), has shaped Rajbanshi’s representation. It demonstrates how translation choices—ranging from lexical selection to value attribution—have influenced Rajbanshi’s classification as a dialect of Bengali, marginalising its linguistic distinctiveness. The analysis extends to contemporary linguistic policies, revealing how recent efforts to standardise Rajbanshi (2015-2016) echo colonial-era documentation biases. By tracing the historical trajectory of translation in linguistic data collection, this study calls for a re-evaluation of translation-based documentation methodologies to ensure more inclusive and representative linguistic records.