Die vertaling en groepering van Landeskunde elemente in geselekteerde verhale van Bessie Head

Abstract

This study investigates the value of inter-cultural translation within the new South Africa with its eleven official languages. A selection of stories written by Bessie Head in which she tells stories about the customs and traditions of the Batswana were translated into Afrikaans. The stories on the Batswana culture were taken as representative of other African languages for the specific purpose of the study. In the study the researcher also indicates certain correspondences between the Batswana folklore with the folklore of other South African ethnic groups. The close relationship between language and culture is emphasised. The study also discusses the difficulties encountered in inter-cultural translation and tries to give some solutions to problems encountered in the translation of the Batswana cultural elements (Landeskunde elements). The researcher comes to the conclusion that more knowledge of the traditions and customs of other ethnic groups will lead to a better interpersonal understanding, which is essential for peaceful coexistence of all people in the new South Africa.