Equivalence, Transposition, Modulation, and Adaptation in English or Urdu Translation of Shafak's Honour

Abstract

Translation is a complex process that ensures cross-cultural communication in the realm of literature and literary writings, translation has been used to educate and inform readers about other cultures and traditions. The source and target language English and Urdu respectively vary a great deal from each other therefore; the underlying differences between these languages become apparent contributing towards inevitable shifts in translation. This research comparatively analyses Elif Shafak’s novel Honour and its translation in Urdu done by Huma Anwar titled Namoos looking at oblique translation techniques such as: equivalence, transposition, modulation, and adaptation. This research analyses the various examples where these translational shifts are apparent and studies how they have an overall impact on the target text. This research is grounded in the theoretical framework postulated by Vinay and Darbelnet in their seminal work Comparative Stylistics of French and English: A methodology for translation (1958). Wherein, two main categories of translations have been identified: direct translation and oblique translation further classified as, direct translation and oblique translation. The study finds that translational shifts and techniques have been utilised by the translator to convey the intended meaning and message to the target audiences with minimal loss of essence.

Keywords: Equivalence, Transposition, Modulation, Adaptation, Honour.