Though multilingualism has emerged as a very influential field of discourse in the recent past, the intersection of multilingualism and translation has not been seriously probed in academic debates and researches. Since translation is embedded in a multilingual context, it accomplishes the dynamics of multilingualism. It is considered to be very essential for the operation of a multilingual world.
For a long time translation was deemed to be an unimportant exercise attached to the departments of Comparative Literature and Linguistics. It was deemed to be a minor linguistic skill rather than a meaningful component to understand language dynamics. However, translation by definition, is a comprehensive interdisciplinary endeavour which endlessly mediates between different languages, identities and cultures. As Munoz Calvo and others argue “Translation is a cultural fact that means necessarily cross-cultural communication because translation enables language to cross borders and helps intercultural exchange and understanding. This border-crossing in particular signifies the translation’s ability to rise above any limitations to produce communication across different cultures.” (Munoz Calvo, M and Buesa Gomez, C. 2010). Thus, successful translation is contingent not only on the linguistic proficiency of the translator, but also on the expertise in the cultural context of both the source and the target languages. As it is impossible to imagine literary comprehension and critical practice without translation, even the modes of cultural exchange are incomplete without a meaningful interaction occasioned by it.
This conference intends to explore the larger functions of translation as it negotiates the issues of linguistic diversities, ideologies, language policies, identities and cultural exchange in multilingual settings.
In recent times, the proliferation translation enterprise has reduced it to be a mere vertical transfer of ideas from bhasha languages ‘into’ English, creating monolithic perceptions about languages, cultures and identities. Parallel translations from one Indian language to the other, which makes cultural diffusion possible is on the verge of extinction. The proposed conference intends to examine these issues related to multilingualism, translation, cultural diversity, language policies, identities and the inter-relationships between them.
Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara will host a national seminar on Indian Multilingual Situation and Translation on April 29 and 30 at Nayana, Kannada Bhavana, J.C. Road, Bangalore, at 10.30 a.m. Some of the speakers at the seminar are Dr. Carlos, Dr. P.P.Giridhara, Dr. Rajendra Chenni,
Dr. Chandrani Chatterjee, Dr. Vanamala Vishwanatha, Riyaj Ahmed Bode, Kamalakara Kadave, Ahmadnagar, Dr. Joseph Koyippally, Dr. Niladri Shekhar Dash, among others.
The programme will be presided by the chairman of Kuvempu Bhasha Pradhikara, Dr. K.V. Narayana.
