An accepted goal of translation seems to be to produce as much as possible the same effect on the TL Readers as was produced by the original text writer on the SL Readers. We have already been told in DTS 411 that this is called the EE (= Equivalent Effect) Principle. In an interesting article, Singh (1994) raises an important question in this respect, and answers it, too. The question is the following: is there any area of translation where the EE principle can be used profitably? It seems that it is most rewarding in the area of creation of technical terms. The main area of applicability of it according to him are - |
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In interpretation of technical terms of the source language, culture or scenes for the benefit of the TL Readership, |
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When the translator wants to give a set of unambiguous and non-overlapping technical terms to the TL Readership. |
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When the TL is not as advanced as the SL, and is not a language of science, technology and administration, the translators may create new lexical items to do justice to the task at hand by being more innovative or semantic here. |
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The technical translator has to see that his coinages have precise meaning - neither more or less than the semantic range, denotation or the connotation of the original terms. |
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Every language is capable of expression and can be used to express Scientific and Technological ideas and thoughts. But it is obvious that English has a large stock of words and phrases to express complex and subtle notions in the area of Science, Administration, Trade and Commerce. It has a vast body of literature on these disciplines. Indian languages do not have richness of expression in the areas of science and technology. Nevertheless "every language has built in potential for expanding its lexical resources and so to fulfil the communicative demands of the people who use it. Language grows and develops by being made to function in newer contexts and in newer interactions. There is no such thing as an efficient language or a language that cannot be shaped to function as a tool of modern scientific knowledge" (Ekbote 1984).
Although the Article 343 of the Indian Constitution declared Hindi as the official language of the Union, it has provided a caveat that English could be continued for a period of fifteen years for all the official purposes of the Union. Subsequently, this limit of 15 years was extended, as we all know.
Article 344 authorizes the President to substitute English with Hindi gradually during the course of fifteen years. The Official Language Act 1963 was amended in 1967, which permitted the use of English for an indefinite period. From the compilation of orders preparing the ground for use of Hindi in the changed context - a publication issued by department of official language - it is seen that directions have been issued regarding specified documents required to be issued both in Hindi and English, i.e. items for which Hindi is to be used and items for which both Hindi and English to be used. In chapter VI measures which are required to be taken, which would facilitate the use of Hindi for official purposes are indicated. They relate to Hindi officers and Hindi Translation staff, etc. A mechanism has been evolved for keeping watch on the progress achieved in the implementation of requirements regarding the use of Hindi for official purposes. Another important step taken in for the translation of manuals, forms, as well as non-statutory follow up actions. |
