Eco-Translation of The Dove’s Necklace

Abstract

Objectives: This essay aims to examine how environments and places are portrayed in a literary work and their translation, drawing attention to how spaces and landscapes are reflected and recreated in this work. The emphasis is on the premise that language, environment, and landscape, which are at the heart of literature, should be translated into certain other linguistic and environmental mediums throughout the translation. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to reveal, through an ecocritical approach, Alem's translators' translational preferences to recreate the ecological and spatial setting she expresses in her novel, The Dove’s Necklace. Additionally, to investigate if these translational preferences aid in enhancing environmental awareness and space image amongst target readers. Methods: This is a descriptive study that employs qualitative approaches. A comprehensive reading of the work is necessary to verify the novel's translations of landscape and bioregion references following Toury's (2012) proposed translational norms. Results: The results show that the translators of the target text have generally benefited from the tendency towards literal translation. In other words, the translators' literal translation method aided in conveying the same environmental image. Consequently, the intended reader becomes aware of an ecological reality that exists outside of their own settings. Conclusions: Scholars do not widely accept literal translations, although they may effectively convey the text and its impact.