The Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature had the privilege of hosting the insightful session A World in Translation: The Craft and Challenges of Literary Translation with renowned translator Astri Gosh. The event brought together a passionate audience interested in the delicate art of translation, exploring the challenges and nuances that come with translating across languages and cultures.

Gosh shared her extensive experience as a translator, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the ambiance of the original text. She highlighted that while translating, it is essential to not only know words from the dialect but to ensure the expression flows smoothly. The goal she explained is to make the translated text sound natural while preserving the original's essence and emotional tone.

A significant point discussed during the session was the experimentation involved in translation. Astri explained that translating is not a straightforward task, it requires confidence and fearlessness. Translators must embrace the flow between languages, understanding that translation is more than just a linguistic task; it's about capturing the heart of the text and its cultural subtleties.

One interesting observation made by Gosh was the transformation of a simple sentence when translated. As she explained, often, when we do not stick to literal translation, the meaning expands or shifts. For example, a sentence that may be five words in one language could become a ten-word sentence in another. This phenomenon highlights the intricacies of translation, where context and nuance play a crucial role in shaping meaning.
Gosh also shared her struggles and challenges with translations, reflecting on the different publishing cultures that influence how translated works are received. She discussed the tensions between staying true to the original and making the text accessible and relevant to a different audience, navigating the demands of both publishers and readers.

Translation is not simply the act of transferring words between languages; it is a process of negotiation, reinvention, and at times, resistance. Gosh emphasized that a translator occupies a unique space between cultures, tasked with navigating the silences, ambiguities, and untranslatable moments that often define literature. The challenge lies in retaining the essence of the original text while ensuring it resonates with a new readership. She explored the delicate balance of what is lost and what is gained in translation, highlighting the art’s complexity and the deep thought required to bridge cultural divides effectively.

The session was an enlightening experience for all those present, shedding light on the often-overlooked intricacies of translation and the vital role it plays in bringing diverse voices to global audiences.