The influence of language variation on literary translation : George Weideman's 'Matrys'
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of language variation on literary
translation. This will be done by firstly determining the origin of language variation
and a comparison between standard and non-standard language varieties. The
specific characteristics belonging to a geographical language variety (geolect) will
also be discussed, by referring to the unique grammatical characteristics of Griqua
Afrikaans.
The unique grammatical characteristics of a language variety, has certain
implications for the translation process as well as translation theory. The relevance
of prescriptive translation approaches such as equivalence will have to be
assessed, and alternative approaches will need to be identified. This will be done by
discussing the theories of Even-Zohar, Toury and Derrida. The most relevant
features of these theories will be selected and applied.
The practical implications of language variation will also be investigated by
analysing the source text, namely the short story '(Matrys)' by George Weideman.
'(Matrys)' is written in Griqua Afrikaans, and displays all the unique characteristics of
the geolect. These unique characteristics will influence the translator's approach, as
will become clear after a comparative analysis of two unpublished commissioned
translations of '(Matrys)'. The translation categories of House (1981) and Klingberg
(1986) will also be analysed in terms of their appropriateness for th is study. The
translation strategies employed by the two translators will also be analysed in order
to determine their effectiveness in transferring the cultural element of the source text
to the target texts. The translation strategies of Newmark (1988) will also be
discussed in order to determine their appropriateness for this study. Finally, a
conclusion will be made concerning the influence of language variation on literary
translation, based on the information and data gathered during the course of the
study
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- Humanities [1791]
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