english.sahitypost.com
Kathmandu, January 4
An event titled Book Discussion and Translation Discourse was held today in the capital amid the presence of writers, translators, and academicians. The event, organized by Translate Nepal, discussed the book titled Beyond Borders: Vol-I and explored various aspects of translation work. The book Beyond Borders is a translation by Australia-based translator Jayanta Sharma that showcases Nepali literature authored by distinguished writers across various genres. It is an annual publication of Translate Nepal that aims to take Nepali literature beyond linguistic and cultural barriers through translation.
For the discussion, the event witnessed Prof. Dr. Govinda Raj Bhattarai, poets and translators Mahesh Paudyal, Keshav Sigdel, Saguna Shah, and Bal Ram Adhikari as speakers.
First, writer and filmmaker Sudarshan Shrestha highlighted the significance of the book’s publication. He stressed the immediate need to take the classical and contemporary works of Nepali authors to a global audience. To address this, Translate Nepal initiated the task of publishing such translations annually. He also made a formal announcement of two different awards, Devkota Anubadh Puraskar and Devkota Anubadh Yogdan Puraskar, provided by Translate Nepal to individuals contributing to the field of translation. Both awards will be conferred starting next year.
Speaking at the event, scholar Bal Ram Adhikari applauded the work of translator Sharma, acknowledging that the job of translation often involves criticism and difficulties. He said Sharma has successfully retained the essence of the original work. He also praised Sharma’s potential and his genuine effort to popularize Nepali literature from a foreign land.
Reflecting on the book, writer and translator Mahesh Paudyal commended Sharma’s work, noting that the translator has accurately captured the tone of the source language and maintained it in the target language. He added that a translator needs to travel extensively to understand diverse cultural values and do justice to translation. “A translator should not just translate language, but the soul of the work,” he said, “and so they need exposure to diverse cultures.” He also argued that translators today often tend to select works that have already been widely translated and should instead look for contemporary and emerging talents.
Another speaker, Saguna Shah, remarked that writers today often appear monotonous, repeating the same old agendas. However, she appreciated Sharma’s work in bringing classic literature to global readers.
Writer Keshav Sigdel critically observed the current trends in translation in Nepal. He pointed out that Nepali translators, one who is born and educated in Nepal, often struggle to connect with international readers. He emphasized the need to maintain consistency and preserve the unique style of expression in translation.
Prof. Dr. Govinda Raj Bhattarai gave the concluding remarks, highlighting the role of translation in popularizing culture and literature. He stressed the necessity of a theoretical framework in the field of translation.
The event was hosted by literary journalist Shilash Thapa Tamang.
