The Value of Urdu Translations

Translators serve as cultural bridges, helping to connect different societies. However, translation goes beyond just swapping words; it requires understanding the cultural, social, and political layers embedded in the text.

Shabbir Hussain Imam

Lede: A Personal Note: In the coming weeks, I celebrate 15 years as a translator for the editorial pages of Daily Aaj, a project of AAA Publication. Daily Aaj Peshawar stands as one of the most widely circulated newspapers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (the northwest region of Pakistan) and a successful business model—perhaps one day, someone will study its case. I never anticipated that this journey would be both so easy and so challenging. It teaches me new ideas every day, pushing me to excel and infuse a unique flavor into my translations. While some may find the task tedious, I believe this is how we complete the art of mass communication.

English writers strive for excellence, often crafting their pieces just once a week, which allows for more in-depth research and elaborate thoughts. I owe my position to Editor Abdul Wahid Yusufi (late), who entrusted me with this responsibility. I promised him that I would remain committed to the job, even though it offers limited financial rewards and isn’t sustainable in the long run. As I reflect on my journey, I think it’s the right time to share some of my experiences, translation rules I’ve learned beyond textbook definitions, and insights from the feedback I’ve received over the years.

Much of the feedback comes from those preparing for civil service exams, and I am grateful for all their emails and messages. Their love for Urdu is undeniable and deeply understandable. I remember a chief secretary once saying, "Every morning, a number of newspapers land on my desk, and I must pick the English ones while the Urdu newspaper speaks to me." This illustrates the untapped power of Urdu. I hope that young journalists will take the time to study the art and science of translation, embracing its significance in connecting cultures and ideas.

SHI.

By recognizing the significance of translations, we can appreciate the rich complexities of diverse cultures and encourage more inclusive conversations.

Over time, there have been occasional opinions on social media regarding Urdu translations that create the impression that reading an Urdu translation is the work of a lower mind. Some people, who read English better, express that they prefer to read books directly in English, viewing Urdu translations as if they belong to certain "lower" professions or castes. Others may not even realize that the English book they are reading is itself a translation from another language. Thus, the problem lies not in translation but in the irrational "superiority" associated with the English language, a reality of the postcolonial era that deserves compassion.

Translations facilitate the transfer of cultural discourse. The language in which literature is written and spoken plays a significant role in meaning formation within a society. A normal sentence follows grammatical principles, but discourse generates new meanings arising from the connections between sentences, often reflecting political undertones. For example, the phrase "The people of the subcontinent are culturally and intellectually backward," widely quoted in articles, appears straightforward. However, it represents an attempt by the "masters" of the colonial period to impose their culture. Similarly, the statement, "The people of the subcontinent have not yet freed themselves from mental slavery," carries more profound political implications than its literal meaning. In today’s postcolonial era, these "masters" often attack those who challenge "local imperialism," labeling them as "westerners," "traitors," or even "betrayers" of their religion.

A good translator serves as a negotiator between different cultures.

The process of forming discourse in a language cannot be understood without knowledge of that language. However, literature, through translation, can make even alien or irrelevant discourses feel familiar and relevant. This demonstrates how layered the thinking of people in other societies can be and how deeply they formulate guidelines for their lives. Understanding the influence of discourses in our language and lives can illuminate the importance of translation. A good translator serves as a negotiator between different cultures.

There is much discussion about translators, but the most crucial aspect is whether they can grasp the understanding of meaning rather than just the words. If the author presents a word as part of a discourse, its literal meaning alone cannot complete the translation process. This often results in translations that feel tasteless, as if the author has distanced their language from their intent.

While a translator may find an alternative word in the dictionary, as structuralism suggests, meaning carries additional significance. If this deeper meaning is not understood, the cultural context can be lost in translation. A simple translation of a straightforward sentence is possible, but the meaning of that sentence is often formed within a cultural and political context. To capture this meaning, it is beneficial for the translator to be familiar with contemporary linguistic and philosophical concepts of discourse.

Interpretation of language, referring to the meaning of words. In our conversations and movements, we usually convey our ideas in layers. In literature, we use words for this purpose, creating multiple layers of meaning in our statements. Accessing these various layers is a fundamental challenge in translation. This is often why translations are seen as flawed, placing the translator in a difficult position.

A key point in understanding meaning in translations is that it is typically stated that meaning is formed within a cultural context. This means the translator cannot break this relationship, even momentarily. Within the translation process, meaning-making continues in the language of the text, grounded in its cultural context. If the translation pertains to a work of fiction, it not only conveys the story but also a package of cultural, social, economic, and political ideas. If a translator holds an ideology centered on cultural conflict, they may act more as a partisan than a true translator. Despite their confrontational mindset, their interest in texts from other languages may be limited, leading to a rejection of the entire cultural package. This rejection simultaneously dismantles one system of meaning while creating another, resulting in a conflicting and complex translation process.

The endeavor to find suitable alternatives illustrates a routine activity among language experts. As long as the process of language development continues, it will not feel overwhelmed by the cultural packages of other languages, nor will it regard them as "other."

The core confusion in this discourse revolves around whether the language of the source text is superior. Is translation merely marginal in comparison? Through the lens of Jacques Derrida's philosophy of deconstruction, I have found that the process of language is constantly evolving. Any alternative word must exist within the language of translation, acknowledging the universal exceptions where languages share common terms. Language offers an opportunity for familiarity during the transition of terms. Derrida's correspondence with a Japanese professor highlighted the complexities of finding a Japanese equivalent for "deconstruction," emphasizing that any alternative must resonate within the Japanese linguistic context. No one language can dominate another. The endeavor to find suitable alternatives illustrates a routine activity among language experts. As long as the process of language development continues, it will not feel overwhelmed by the cultural packages of other languages, nor will it regard them as "other."

Ends.