Postcolonial Approach to Translation Ideal Language as an Empty Set in Specific Target Audience Set

Ariole, Victor C.

Babel 2002 47 (3)248-257
(ReLIS:jul:oibfdn:y:2002:v:47:i:3:p:248-257)

Abstract:

Though African writers use foreign languages (English and French in particular) to mirror their society, these languages have been proved inadequate in conveying the message of the writers. Some writers have adapted the languages so much so that the original speakers found them difficult to understand. Translation has made the inadequacies very glaring. This article presents two African authors translated by Euro-centric translators and the critique on their translation proves that the target audience set is an empty set in their conception. At most, the plausible target audience set could be elements of European background. Hence a postcolonial translation that still fails to identify with a specific target audience.

Keywords: Postcolonialismo ; Traducción ; Africa
Pages: 248-257
Volume: 47
Year: 2002
Issue: 3

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