Literary translation: trend and practice in Bangladesh

Abstract

Literary translation is a gateway to bringing in unity amid diversity in literature. There are many prominent literary voices in different cultures and communities who deserve space, attention and recognition in world literature. Literary translation plays an important part in making the voices familiar throughout the world. Translation of Bengali literature into English, thus, helps Bangladeshi writers bring to light the country and its culture on the world stage. Two forms of translation take place in the country: from Bengali into English and vice versa. The practice of literary translation in Bangladesh is wide-ranging, although English translation of Bangladeshi literature has not catapulted to international success, but the number of books translated into English to date is not few either. Academics and professionals have begun to grow interest in translating remarkable books into English, and they have, by this time, translated a good number of titles that are also enjoying warm reception. This paper is an attempt to demonstrate the trend and practice of literary translation, from Bengali into English, in Bangladesh. The paper also seeks to explore how Bangladeshis who translate from Bengali into English grapple not just with the target language but the target culture as well.