Lesson 6

P20126 : Problems in Translation

This lesson analyses some of the problems in translation and the means of overcoming them. Many of the difficulties in translation can be overcome if the translator possesses certain skills. A good translator must have a sound knowledge of both the source language and the target language. He must possess research skills and should be aware of the basic principles of translation. While translating, he should neither add nor detract from the information in the original text. An effective translator must have a scientific attitude.

    The problems in literary translation can be broadly classified into 2 types: viz. problems that are general to any language and problems that are peculiar to a specific language. Proverbs, idioms, culture - specific words, puns, riddles etc usually pose a problem in literary translation. The lesson briefly discusses the means of handling them.

    The difficulties in scientific translation relate to clarity, accuracy, technical terms, scientific jargon and symbols. The lesson explains the ways of overcoming these difficulties with suitable examples. Translators must remember that, unlike literary translation, style is only of secondary importance in scientific translations.

    In the case of translation of legal texts, creation of equivalent legal terms in the target language is important. This process is called “Kalaicholaakkam”. While coining new terms, the translator must remember that simplicity, appropriateness and consistency in usage are important. Publication of a dictionary of legal terms in Tamil and compiling a list of commonly used legal phraseology in Tamil, would be of great help in tackling problems that arise in translating legal texts. Legal advisers who offer their services free of cost to the public could also be requested to correspond in Tamil.

    While translating for the newspaper, television and radio, clarity, accuracy, simplicity as well as style should be taken into account.

    The last section of the lesson briefly touches on the problems that are specific to the translation of texts from English to Tamil and vice versa.