 |
| |
 |
By K.S. Sivakumaran
Vibhasha is a tri-lingual publication published by the Centre for Policy Alternatives.
We understand that in Sanskrit "Vibhasha" means "Alternative".
We learn that it is "a programme designed to generate a culture and theory of
translation as well as to foster mutual enrichment among Sri Lanka's three main
languages. Vibhasha aims to disseminate disciplinary knowledge, making it
accessible to a wide and diverse audience, and to provide both a learning
opportunity and the recognition of skills through certification in translation studies, to
all those interested across the country". Prof Arjuna Parakrama, I believe, is the
academic in charge of this exercise. The CPA is located at 105, Fifth Lane, Colombo
03.
Its vol. 2, issue 3 (February 2005) carries an interesting and informative essay on
"Linguistic Approaches to Translation".
For the benefit of the readers, and most importantly for those involved in translation
here are some excerpts from the article:
"The relationship of linguistics to translation can be twofold: One can apply the
findings of linguistics to the practice of translation, and one can have a linguistic
theory of translation, as opposed, say, to a literary or economic theory of translation.
Authors such as Albrecht (1973), Hatim and Mason (1990), Bell (1991), and many
others effectively list the main elements of linguistic theory and show how they
supposedly impact upon elements in the translation process and its product.
two strategies of overt and covert translation and of Shveister (1987), who draws
amongst other two strategies of overt and covert translation and of Shveister (1987),
who draws amongst other things on generative and situational linguistics to describe
translation as a rewriting process, which is also in effect, the approach adopted in
translation theories based on linguistically founded taxonomies of translation
techniques.
founded taxonomies of translation techniques.
In terms of the levels of language involved in translation, a definition is drawn
between total translation and restricted translation.
Total translation is what is generally meant as replacing all linguistic levels of the
source text by target-language material. In restricted translation, on the other hand,
there is a "replacement†of SL textual material by equivalent TL textual material at
only one level."
Hill Country (Malayaha) Novels
"Malayaham" in Thamil means Hillcountry. A considerable number of people who
speak Thamil live in Malayaham. From Natesa Iyer through K.Ganesh, C. V. Velupillai
and R. Sivalingam to present day writers a number of outstanding literary
personages have emerged from the hillcountry.
Kandy Ira A. Raman writing to the Kalaikesari of the Virakesai (June 10, 2005) lists
some of the novels written in Thamil on the lives of the people in the hillcountry. This
is the list: Yaar Kolaikaran? (Who is the Murderer?) by M. V. P. Samy in 1952,
Kangani Mahal (Supervisor's Daughter) by T. M. Peer Mohammadu in 1954,
Thootathu Pacchai (Distant Pastures) by Kokilam Suppiah in 1964 Malai Kolunthu
(Tender Leaves from the Hills) by Nandhi in 1964
Sonthakaran (the Owner) by Benedict Balan in 1968, Thayaham (Motherland) by T.
Sikkanraju in 1969 Kaalangal Saavathilai (Times Don't Die) by Teliwatte Joseph in
1974, Vatalaru Avalai Thoattuvuddathu (History Had Lost Her) by K. R. David in
1974, Kututhimalai (The Blood Mountain) by T. Gnanasekeran in 1979, Veedattavan
(The Homeless) by C. V. Veluppillai in 1981 Mooddathinullae (Amidst the Mist) by
Pulolyoor K. Sathasivam in 1983, Ini Paddamaddaen (Won't Suffer Any More) by C.
V. Veluppilai in 1984, Maanika Gangai (The Menik Ganga) by Rajam Krishnan—an
Indian writer in 1986, Angamellam Nirainja Machchan (The Second Cousin Filling My
Body) by A. P. V. Gomes in 1988, Vali Piranthathu (A Way is Born) by Matale
Karthigesu in 1992, Ellai Thaanda Ahathigal (Crossing Disabled Refugees) by
Matala Somu in 1994, Antha Ulagathil Intha Manitharkal (These Men in That World)
by Matale Somu in 1994, Layathu Chiraihal (Prisons of Lines) by T. Gnanasekeran in
1994, Aval Vaalathan Poakiral (She's Going to Live, Certainly) by Matale Somu in
1996, Kavvathu (The Plucking Knife) by T. Gnansekeran in 1996, Ithayathil Inaintha
Itu Malarkal (Two Flowers joined by Heart) by Matale Rohini in 1997, Paalayee by
Teliwatte Joseph in 1997, Kannana Kanmanikku Kathai Keadka Nearamillai (My
darling of the eyes has no time to listen to stories) by T. Rajagopalan, Sittikkum
Sevvanthi Poo (Smiling Sevvanthi Flower) by T. Rajagopalan in 2004, Vaalvatta
Vaalvu (Lifeless life) by C. V. Velupillai in 2002.
Benedict Balan
Prof. K. Arunachalam says there are more than 30 novels and short fiction in Thamil,
English and Sinhala depicting the lives of the plantation workers in the country and
they form a part of Lankan literature. The Malayaha (Hillcountry) Literature includes
folk songs, poetry and short stories as well. Some of these writers are from outside
the region. They are from the north. K. R. David, the late Pulolyoor Sathasivam, the
late Prof. Sivagnansundaram (Nandhi), Dr. T. Gnanasekeran, and the late Benedict
Balan are the Yaalpaanam writers.
Benedict Balan was a Marxist writer of Maoist hues. His noteworthy novel was
Sonthakaaran (The Owner). He wrote frequently to Kumaran, now defunct, which was
edited by forefront novelist and critic, S. Ganesalingan. In this journal he wrote
"Kuttik Kathaikal" (Mini-Stories) which exposed and depicted politicians who wore
masks and treated the masses as gullible fools. Benedict Balan taught in estate
schools and uplifted the standard of education in those schools. He was a graduate
with a Masters degree. He was later attached to the Educational Publications
Department and subsequently held a high position in the Department of Education.
Apart from Sonthakkaran which depicted the houselessness of the hillcountry
people, he also wrote Kutty (The Little One), Thani Choththu ( Individual Property)
and Kalvi Ulaviyal Adipadaikal (Basics of Educational Psychology) and his latest work
was in 1995 when he published Vipacharam Seiyathirupayaha (Do Not Resort to
Prostitution), a collection of short stories. He won the Sahitya Mandalaya prize for
this book. His other collection of short stories was Thalaivithiyai Parikoduthoar
(Those Forsook Fate) and he also wrote a short fiction titled Palastinam Ennai
Alaikkirathu (Palestine Calls Me).
Coming from a so-called depressed class in the north, the late Benedict Balan rose
up in status as a writer of importance with his social consciousness.
