Pro-colonial Impetus versus L1 Interference in Translating the West

Abstract

Translation involves the interpretation of inner meanings incorporated by the writer. A good translation gives more emphasis on its secondary meaning. If the translation is efficacious in imparting intended meaning, it justifies the translator to be a competent one. For good translation, a translator needs to study both source text, and the culture, norms and values of the source language. Unfortunately, nowadays, translation is more commercial than its social and moral responsibility. A book which wins an international prize, or a regional one recognized by the west, becomes a lucrative target for the commerce. Generally, the publishing houses hire translators. Hence, the translated works lose transparency leaving fidelity on the pages. Since translation is not professionally developed still today, most translations have the direct influence of the native language. Because of syntagmatic and emotional differences between two languages, appropriate meanings are not always ensured in the target language. Individual shift takes place inevitably and the translator willingly or unwillingly inserts his own understanding. This study will show how a translation work faces dual pressures: the selection of the text where pro-colonial thought lurks in the minds of the nonEnglish countries, and the localization of, or L1 interference on, its translation.