Major - 9

Name : kuvadiya prinsi h.

Paper : Major -9

Class :  S.Y B.A( English ) 

college : Maharanishree Nandkunvarba mahil arts and commerce College

Class assignment 

History growth and role of translation in India

Introduction

Translation in India has a very long and rich history. Because India is a multilingual country with hundreds of languages, translation has always played an important role in connecting people, cultures, religions, and regions. It has helped in the exchange of knowledge, literature, science, and philosophy from ancient times to the modern period.

1. History of Translation in India

1. Ancient Period

In ancient India, translation was mainly connected with religion and philosophy.

The sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Ramayana were originally written in Sanskrit.

Later, these texts were translated or retold in regional languages like Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, and others.

The Mahabharata was also translated into many Indian languages to make it accessible to common people.

Buddhist and Jain texts were translated from Sanskrit and Pali into Chinese, Tibetan, and other Asian languages. This helped Indian philosophy spread to other countries.

2. Medieval Period

During the medieval period, translation became more active due to cultural contact between Hindus and Muslims.

Persian became an important language during the Mughal rule.

The Akbar established a translation department in his court.

Under his orders, the Mahabharata was translated into Persian as Razmnama.

Many Sanskrit works were translated into Persian and Arabic, and vice versa. This created cultural harmony and mutual understanding.

3. Colonial Period

The British period brought a new phase in the history of translation.

English became an important language.

Western literary works were translated into Indian languages.

Indian texts were translated into English by British scholars.

For example:

The Bhagavad Gita was translated into English by Charles Wilkins in 1785.

Translation helped introduce Indian literature to the Western world and Western ideas to India. It also played a role in social reform movements.

4. Post-Independence Period

After 1947, translation became more organized and systematic.

The Sahitya Akademi was established in 1954 to promote literature and translation among Indian languages.

Many universities started translation studies as an academic subject.

Translation is now used in education, administration, media, law, and technology.

Growth of Translation in India

Multilingual Society 

  India has 22 scheduled languages and many regional languages. Translation is necessary for communication.

Educational Development – Textbooks are translated into regional languages.

Literary Exchange 

 Writers from one state become popular in other states through translation.

Globalization 

  Indian English literature and regional literature are translated into foreign languages.

Digital Age 

 Today, translation is growing rapidly through online platforms and technology.

Role of Translation in India

1. Cultural Unity

Translation promotes national integration by connecting different cultures and traditions.

2. Spread of Knowledge

It helps in sharing knowledge of science, law, medicine, and technology in different languages.

3. Literary Development

Translation enriches Indian literature by introducing new styles and ideas.

4. Social Reform

Reformers used translated works to spread new ideas about equality, freedom, and justice.

5. National Integration

Translation supports the idea of “Unity in Diversity” by making literature accessible to all Indians.

Conclusion

Translation in India has played a vital role from ancient times to the present. It has helped in preserving culture, spreading knowledge, and promoting unity. In a multilingual country like India, translation is not just a linguistic activity but a powerful tool of national integration and cultural development.

Home assignment 

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Two Friends 

By Guy de Maupassant

🔹 Introduction

Two Friends is a powerful anti-war short story written by Guy de Maupassant in 1882. The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), when Paris was surrounded by Prussian soldiers. Through the simple story of two friends who love fishing, Maupassant presents the themes of friendship, patriotism, sacrifice, and the cruelty of war. The story shows how war destroys peace, happiness, and human values.

🔹 Historical Background

The story takes place during the Franco-Prussian War. Paris was under siege, and people were suffering from hunger, fear, and poverty. Normal life had stopped. Through this background, Maupassant shows how war affects common people who have no direct connection with politics or fighting.

🔹 Plot Summary

The story begins with the description of Paris during wartime. People are starving and unhappy.

One day, Monsieur Morissot, a watchmaker, meets his old friend Monsieur Sauvage, a cloth merchant. Before the war, they used to spend Sundays fishing together near the river Seine. Fishing was their favorite hobby and a symbol of peace and happiness in their lives.

They feel nostalgic and decide to go fishing once again, even though it is dangerous. They get permission from a French colonel to cross the military lines and reach their old fishing spot.

For some time, they forget the war and enjoy catching fish. They talk about politics and express their hatred for war. They believe that rulers start wars, but common people suffer.

Suddenly, Prussian soldiers capture them. They are accused of being spies. A Prussian officer asks them to reveal the password that will allow French soldiers to cross the border. If they tell the password, they will be saved.

The officer privately offers each friend a chance to live by betraying the password. However, both Morissot and Sauvage refuse to betray their country. They remain loyal and silent.

As a result, they are shot dead. Their bodies are thrown into the river, and the fish they caught are cooked by the Prussian soldiers. The story ends with a shocking and ironic scene.

🔹 Character Sketch

1. Morissot

A simple and honest watchmaker.

Peace-loving and emotional.

Brave and patriotic.

Ready to sacrifice his life for his country.

2. Sauvage

A cheerful and friendly draper.

Loyal and courageous.

Strong sense of patriotism.

Supports his friend until death.

Both characters represent ordinary citizens who become heroes through their loyalty and sacrifice.

🔹 Major Themes

1. True Friendship

Morissot and Sauvage share a deep bond. They enjoy simple pleasures together. Even at the moment of death, they stand side by side. Their friendship remains unbroken.

2. Patriotism and Sacrifice

They choose death instead of betraying their country. Their sacrifice shows true patriotism.

3. Cruelty and Meaninglessness of War

Maupassant strongly criticizes war. Innocent people suffer while leaders remain safe. The killing of two harmless fishermen shows the inhuman nature of war.

4. Irony

The greatest irony is that they go in search of peace but find death. The fish they catch become food for the enemy after their execution.

🔹 Style and Technique

Simple and realistic narration.

Strong emotional impact.

Use of irony and contrast.

Detailed description of setting and atmosphere.

Maupassant’s realistic style makes the story powerful and touching.

🔹 Message of the Story

The story teaches that:

War destroys humanity.

True friendship is stronger than fear.

Loyalty and patriotism require courage.

Peace is more valuable than political power.

🔹 Conclusion

Two Friends is a deeply moving and tragic story. Through the simple lives of Morissot and Sauvage, Guy de Maupassant shows the horrors of war and the greatness of true friendship and patriotism. The story leaves a lasting impression on the reader and clearly conveys an anti-war message. It remains one of Maupassant’s most powerful short stories.

Essay 

Types of Translation

Translation means transferring a message from one language (source language) to another language (target language) while keeping the meaning clear and natural.

There are different types of translation:

1. Literal Translation

Word-by-word translation.

Focuses on exact words.

Sometimes meaning may not sound natural.

Example:

“He is in hot water.”

Literal translation may not show the real meaning (trouble)

2. Free Translation

Focuses on meaning, not exact words.

Sentences are changed to make them natural in the target language.

Used in stories and general texts.

Example 

English: He is in hot water.

🔹 Gujarati (Free): તે મુશ્કેલીમાં છે.

👉 Focus on meaning, not exact words.

3. Faithful Translation

Keeps the original meaning and tone.

Tries to remain loyal to the source text.

Often used in literary works.

Example 

English: The sun sets in the west.

🔹 Gujarati: સૂર્ય પશ્ચિમમાં અસ્ત જાય છે.

👉 Keeps original meaning and structure.

4. Semantic Translation

Similar to faithful translation.

Gives importance to the beauty and style of the original text.

Common in poetry and literature.

Example 

English (Poetic): The golden sun hug the mountains.

🔹 Gujarati: સુવર્ણ સૂર્યએ પર્વતોને બાથ ભીડી.

👉 Maintains beauty and style.

5. Communicative Translation

Focuses on the reader’s understanding.

Message should be clear and effective.

Used in advertisements, speeches, public notices.

  Example 

English (Notice): Keep silence.

🔹 Gujarati: કૃપા કરીને શાંતિ રાખો.

👉 Clear and practical message.

6. Technical Translation

Used for scientific, medical, or technical texts.

Requires subject knowledge.

Example:

 manuals, reports, instructions.

English: Switch off the main power supply before repair.

🔹 Gujarati: મરામત પહેલાં મુખ્ય વીજ પુરવઠો બંધ કરો.

👉 Used in manuals and instructions.

7. Legal Translation

Used for legal documents.

Requires accuracy and correct terminology.

Example: contracts, court documents.

Example 

English: The agreement shall remain valid for one year.

🔹 Gujarati: કરાર એક વર્ષ માટે માન્ય રહેશે.

👉 Accurate and formal language.

8. Literary Translation

Used for novels, poems, dramas.

Maintains style, emotion, and creativity.

Example: translating works of Rabindranath Tagore or William Shakespeare.

Example: 

Works of Rabindranath Tagore translated into English from Bengali.

🔹 Original (Bengali): Where the mind is without fear…

🔹 Gujarati Meaning: જ્યાં મન ભય વિના હોય…

👉 Maintains emotion and literary beauty.

9. Machine Translation

Done by computer software.

Example: Google Translate.

Fast but sometimes inaccurate.

Example:

 Translating a sentence using Google Translate.

👉 Fast but sometimes mistakes happen.

10. Audio-Visual Translation

Used for films and TV programs.

Includes dubbing and subtitles.

Example: translating movies on Netflix.

Example 

 Hindi dubbing of English movies on Netflix.

👉 Includes subtitles and dubbing.

Conclusion

Translation is not just changing words from one language to another. It is the art of conveying meaning, culture, and emotion accurately. Different types of translation are used according to the purpose and nature of the text.