THE TECHINQUES AND LINGUISTIC PROBLEMS OF ENGLISH-IGBO TRANSLATION: A STUDY OF EMELONE’S SHADES OF STRUGGLE

Abstract

Translation is the act of changing the data of a source language into a target language. By the source language, we mean the language from which the translator is transferring knowledge to another whereas the target language means the language into which the knowledge is being transferred. Translation of a novel falls under literary translation. In literary translation, a lot of problems are usually encountered. This paper aims at bringing the contents of the source language to the knowledge of Igbo audience that do not understand English. This paper also aims to increase the number of the available Igbo cultural related material and to bring to light the techniques and linguistic problems as captured in the source language text. As this aim could not be achieved in isolation and for this reason, the text, Shades of Struggle by Chioma Emelone was selected from the library. The translated novel was analyzed using Interpretive Theory of Translation (ITT). For the analysis, examples from the source and target texts were placed side by side and suitable techniques were employed. The problems encountered during the translation were highlighted. This paper will be of immense value to the native and non-native speakers of the Igbo language, translators and linguists. The highlighted techniques and linguistic problems will be greatly appreciated by the Igbo native speakers, and they also will be helpful to enthusiasts, exponents and teachers of translation. Having seen some of the problems and adequate techniques employed in solving them, literary authors and translators will be stimulated to produce more translated literary works.