D. Ravikumar, MLA and writer, has appealed to Tamil University here to conduct free summer refresher courses in translation for accredited journalists and others who are interested in the subject.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘media and translation' at Tamil University, here on Tuesday, he said, “Such a course will help journalists to overcome problems they face in translation.”
The writer said pronunciation of names of leaders, especially those coming from abroad and other parts of the country to Tamil Nadu should be understood by media persons properly and reported. He cited examples of French and German names which have different pronunciations than what they suggest to be when written in English.
Media persons working in small towns should be taught how to ask questions during press conferences or when they meet VIPs accidentally. They should be mentally prepared for questioning. .
He also said internet comes in handy for media men to know the right pronunciation of words.
He said the first book ‘Thambiran Vanakkam' printed in Tamil was a translation book. Thus printing and translation started simultaneously in Tamil Nadu.
M.Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil University, said a refresher course would soon be organised by the university for journalists .
Tamil University is taking part in the National Mission for Translation where S.Radhakrishnan, Head of the Department of Translation, is a member . Translations from Tamil to other languages and vice-versa were abundant. Valmiki Ramayanam was translated in Tamil. Thirukkural has been translated into many languages world wide. Sangam literature is now translated in Hindi. Many works in Pali, Prakrit and Sanskrit were translated into Tamil.
P. Jasmine Sundanthira Devi, Professor, English department, PRIST University, V. Renuka Devi, Professor, Linguistics department, Madurai Kamaraj University and V.Vijayalakshmi, Professor, English department, Urumu Dhanalakshmi College, Tiruchi, conducted the technical sessions.