Translators must remain vigilant regarding both linguistic and cultural aspects during translation: Professor Ali Rafadd Fatihi

Patna: Translators must align not only with the surface structure of a language but also with its civilization and culture. Mere literal translation is insufficient; if translators ignore the cultural aspects of the original text, the resulting structure will be inadequate. Consequently, new translators appear to advocate a middle path, distinct from the old principles of translation. They seek to find a form of collaboration in the translation process.

Professor Ali Rafaad Fatihi, former Head of the Department of Linguistics at Aligarh Muslim University, made these remarks while addressing research scholars on the second day of a five-day translation workshop organized by the National Translation Mission, Mysore, and the Department of Urdu, College of Commerce, Arts and Science, Patna. He was discussing the linguistic principles of the art of translation with the workshop participants.

He characterized the era of translators from fifty years ago as “word-based,” referring to various experts and theorists in the field. He noted that the focus of older translators was limited to issues of language and words, and they continued their efforts only to find substitutes for words. However, he explained that over the past three decades, a specific change occurred in the principles and rules of translation, adopting a “Dynamic” approach in finding equivalents. Translators’ attention was also drawn to the author’s intentions and the context of the expression, alongside the words of the original text. Today’s translations appear equipped with both literal and cultural skills.

He illustrated with examples that translators also deal with meaningless words and successfully craft new words and expressions for them.

Earlier that morning, Professor Syed Afroz Ashrafi, a lecturer in English, began his session on the topic “Issues in Literary Translation.” He started by stating that a good translator must have complete proficiency in both languages between which the translation is being done. If a translator is weak in one language, they will stumble during the translation process. He advised new translators to assess whether their minds are in harmony with this work before entering the field, reminding them that they are creating a new text in a new language. He noted that translators face many practical issues that are not apparent on the surface but emerge during the work. Therefore, a translator must be extremely serious about their craft.

Professor Ashrafi stated that there must be fidelity to the original text from beginning to end during translation. Therefore, a translator does not act as a critic, and there is no direct relationship between translation and criticism. Regarding poetic translation, he stated clearly that it is a difficult task and is generally considered impracticable. He cited several texts to explain how translators faced difficulties with cultural and social matters, as well as issues of prosody and rhetoric, which led to their failure as translators. He advocated for greater caution and attention in translating religious texts.

Professor Saffar Imam Qadri, a senior lecturer at the College of Commerce, took up the culture of translation as his topic, speaking as the final speaker of the day on its traditions and global prospects. He explained that translation helps in forming a tolerant society. Through translation, we open the closed windows of our language and attempt to draw inspiration from other languages for things that do not exist in our context in the same way. He reinforced his points with examples from the major pillars of world literature.

He noted that while in Europe, every student and research scholar learns English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish with great emphasis, such a favorable environment has not yet been created in India. However, he reminded the audience that India is more multilingual and multicultural than Europe. Here, the spoken language changes every twenty kilometers. The great heritage of regional languages, alongside major languages, also demands our attention.

Professor Qadri encouraged all participants to adorn themselves with this linguistic diversity and strive to seize new opportunities in life. He urged students to increase their closeness to Arabic and Persian languages alongside Urdu and use them to seek opportunities for themselves in the global market. He concluded by saying that if this translation workshop creates an environment for participants to enter the amazing world of languages in the future, its purpose will be fulfilled. Research scholars from various universities in Urdu, Hindi, and English have been invited in large numbers to this workshop, where they are being trained by experts.

Finally, Dr. Muhammad Nowshad Alam, Coordinator of the National Translation Mission, thanked the experts and workshop participants, and announced that addresses will be delivered on Thursday by Dr. Krishn Asmadha, Professor Ali Rafad Fatihi, and Professor Syed Ahmed Badr. Dr. Vashudeep Gagoee from Mysuru will address the session in online mode. He expressed the expectation that the utility of this workshop has been enhanced due to its subject matter, and hoped that it would be fully beneficial to the participants.