Exploration of Differences in Style and Manner of English to Urdu Translation of Shafak’s Honour: A Study of Translational Shifts

Abstract

Translation ensures cross-cultural communication; it is not an easy process it is quite complicated especially when literary translations are concerned. When talk about translations it is imperative to mention translation shifts as they help translators to overcome the linguistic and cultural differences; because it is the duty of a translator to mediate between the two languages. The source and target languages have their respective cultures, along with the linguistic and literary traditions that require mediation. When translating it is important to adhere to the linguistic, stylistic, and structural norms of the target language; otherwise, the target text would not resonate with the readers. Deviation from the complex translational conditions results in loss of meaning which is against the entire purpose of translation. This research analyses Shafak’s novel Honour and compares it with its Urdu translation, Namoos, done by Anwar. Research finds; myriad of translational shifts has been employed by translators to convey the intended meaning of the source text faithfully. These shifts are imperative to ensure accuracy in message nonetheless, they lead towards stylistic differences and variations in manner between source and target texts.