Lesson 1

P20111 : Translation - An Introduction

This lesson offers an introduction to translation. It discusses the importance of translation in today’s world. Translation provides an access to the bulk of literary, political, scientific and technical knowledge available in other languages. It aids in the dissemination of information and ideas across geographical boundaries.     Though the exact origin of the art of translation cannot be ascertained, Vivius Antonicus’ translation of Homer’s Odyssey from Greek to Latin in 250 B.C. is generally regarded as the earliest example of translation. Later in the 8th century A.D., the art of translation flourished in Arabia. A centre for translation was established in Baghdad where a number of books in Arabic were translated into Latin.

    Today the world has become a global village and there is an increasing need for sharing of knowledge. Translation fulfils this need. Translation helps in the understanding and appreciation of other cultures. It opens a window to the literary masterpieces of other languages thereby indirectly shaping and influencing the literary trends in one’s own language. For example, when Shakespeare’s works were translated into Tamil, it brought about enormous changes in Tamil drama. Similarly, when Japanese Haiku poetry was translated into Tamil, it inspired several Tamil poets to experiment with this new form. Translation also aids in gaining an access to the wealth of scientific knowledge available in other languages. It also promotes an awareness of social and political movements across the world. For instance, without translation, Karl Marx’s revolutionary ideologies wouldn’t have had a world wide impact. Translation plays a major role in spreading religious doctrines. The growth of Christianity across the world was made possible by the translation of the Bible.

    The term ‘translation’ was in use in the Tamil language even during the period of the ancient Tamil grammarian Tholkappiar. Konguvel’s Perungathai is regarded as the earliest example of translation in Tamil. A number of Sanskrit texts and the epic Mahabarata were translated into Tamil during the middle ages. With the advent of the Europeans, a greater need for translating literary and scientific texts from the European languages into Tamil was felt. At the same time, texts from Tamil were also translated into other European languages. The Thirukkural is till date one of the widely translated Tamil texts.