A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF TECHNIQUES USED BY ILECHUKWU DANIEL AND DIM LUCY IN TRANSLATING ‘BEHIND THE CLOUD’ AUTHORED BY IFEOMA OKOYE

Abstract

This study undertakes a critical analysis of the techniques employed in translating Ifeoma Okoye’s novel, ‘Behind the Cloud,’ (N’Azu Urukpuru) from English to Igbo language. For the purpose of this study, twenty strategic terms are carefully extracted from the novel and analyzed to provide insight into the topic. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, this research examines the translation techniques utilized in rendering cultural references and literary devices in the source text. The study reveals that the translator employed a range of techniques, including loaning, calque, adaptation, naturalization, transposition, modulation, equivalence, literal translation, amplification, compensation, particularization, generalization, reduction, substitution, etc. However, the research identifies instances of cultural, and linguistics loss, highlighting the challenges of translating culturally bound texts. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing discussion on translation techniques, particularly in the context of African languages and literature. Ultimately, this research sheds light on the complexities of literary translation and the importance of preserving cultural and linguistic diversities in the translation process.