ISSUES INVOLVED IN TRANSLATING METAPHORS IN SELECT WORKS OF ASHOKAMITRAN INTO ENGLISH

Abstract

Communication becomes effective and enjoyable when the literary endeavor elevates itself with a distinct style. Imagery is used in literature as a stylistic device which evokes sensory experiences. These devices are employed to decorate it with a distinguishing style, adding color and interest, awakening imagination. Metaphors are important images that load the expressions with aesthetic values, along with the expressive values. In the process of translation the stylistic peculiarities pertaining to the language of the original in the form of these metaphors has to be respected and an earnest attempt to reproduce it in the target language should be made. The present paper discusses the various rendering strategies adopted by Lakshmi Holmstrom and Kalyan Raman in transferring the imagery in the form of metaphors used by Ashokamitran while translating four of his important novels into English. Vila malai podhil and Thanneer have been translated by Lakshmi Holmstrom and Manasarovar and Otran by Kalyan Raman. These novels abound in metaphors which naturally pose translation difficulties as they are embedded in the linguistic and cultural background of the source language that they defy easy transfer into a foreign language.