"Total translation" and literary texts : the case of Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Abstract
This study is essentially aimed at demonstrating that a "total translation" of any
literary text is not possible. This is done with special reference to a
translation/rewriting of a representative section from Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr
Hyde.
The conclusion arrived at is that the only viable option to deal with a literary text
intended for cross-cultural, interlingual communication is to rewrite the text by
retaining as fully as possible the narration of events. The study also involves
discussion of and recommendations about changes to the lexical structure and cultural
contexts needed to effect cultural equivalence in the target text.
It emerged from the study that a literary translation is indeed a new creation and a
cross-cultural event of significance.
Collections
- Humanities [2644]