RECONCILIATION OF MEANING IN TRANSLATED FICTIONAL TEXTS: A GENDER BASED PERSPECTIVE

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Abstract

In the latter part of the 20th century, there has been a growing interest in understanding the intricacies of meaning transfer within translated texts across different languages. This research article delves into the nuanced process of reconciling meaning in texts translated from Urdu to English and vice versa. In this intricate journey of translation, a portion of the original meaning often undergoes transformations and is occasionally lost. Our study examines this phenomenon by focusing on two renowned literary works: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak (originally written in 2010 and translated into English in 2017) and La-Hasil by Umera Ahmad (originally published in 2006 and translated into English in 2011). We apply the theoretical framework developed by Karpinski and Basile (2021) and focus on the dynamics of power relations between genders within these translated texts, with a particular emphasis on cultural-specific references (CSRs). By exploring the influence of CSRs on the representation of gender-related power dynamics, we aim to shed light on the intricate challenges translators face in maintaining cultural nuances while making the text accessible to a broader audience. This research not only contributes to the field of translation studies but also offers valuable insights for future researchers and translators, especially in the context of less-explored translations of Urdu literature. This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of the translation process and its implications for cross-cultural communication by examining the complexities of meaning reconciliation and the impact of cultural-specific references on gender-related themes.