Translating Form over Lexis: A Study through Select Odia Poetry in English Translation

Abstract

Translation is a productive e xercise born out of linguistic activity. It not only shares the knowledge system of one literary narrative with the target language readers but also fulfils the pedagogical requirements. In fact, translation of the poetic form is caught in the perennial dilemma of transferring the sense, form, mode, and content. A kind of poetry that manifests its lyricism, formal beauty by relying on native imagery or a certain sentiment poses the biggest challenge before the translator in the sense that unless its very mood is captured in the target language, the essence would be lost. Utilitarian prose does not run this risk since the transfer of idea becomes its prime aim. So the translator of the poetic domain categorically develops a formal sche ma by retaining rhyme, metre or other such devices of the source language thereby guiding the readers to the original text. The present paper is an attempt to explore the nature of translation in terms of poetry, specially written for consumption by the common mass. The data for the same is drawn from Odia poetry in English translation. The main focus of the paper will be on: i. The importance of translating the form while balancing the originality of work and in recreating a piece that evokes the same response and sense. ii. Comparing portions of the poetic text in translation and ascertaining a valid space for this conceptual and philosophical essence.