Translating Nigerian Indigenous Literature into English: Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
Abstract—Translating Nigerian indigenous literature into English narrows the cultural gulf and makes Nigeria’s literary heritage available to the world. This article examines the constraints and the possibilities introduced by this process in terms of linguistic challenges naunced idiomatic translation, loss of idiomatic nuance, cultural contexts, etc., and opportunities cultural preservation, cross-cultural interactions, and literary diversification. A mixed methods approach is used, using text analysis of selected indigenous texts and their English translations, semi-structured interviews with translators and authors, and reader surveys. It was revealed by key findings reveal that tonal languages and culturally-specific expressions (proverbs, folklore) pose significant translation difficulties and it often requires creative adaptation or explanatory footnotes. Translator interviews highlight strategies like balancing domestication and foreignization so as to maintain authenticity, while reader surveys as well indicate strong appreciation for culturally rich translations but mixed perceptions on translation quality. The impact of these findings displays the role of translation in preserving endangered languages and enriching the world literary canon. Ultimately, the research offers insights into effective translation strategies that honour the source culture, and it calls for additional scholarly and practical attention to empower indigenous language literature in the global arena.
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