Ben Okri's The famished road: a case study in the translation of New Englishes
Date
2008-03-04T07:10:56Z
Authors
Ngam, Roland Nkwain
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Abstract
Abstract
This dissertation suggests a new approach to the translation of African literature, and
more precisely African literature in English, considering that the English language has
evolved. In most former colonies, New Englishes exist alongside standard varieties of
English. This linguistic trend needs to be accompanied by well thought out and
researched strategies, if translations are to match the success of the original versions.
As a first step, the research report engages with a definition of New Englishes as well as
of other important concepts in the research report: colonialism, post-colonialism,
negritude, translation, nativisation and indigenisation. Examples of New Englishes are
established through an analysis of The Famished Road. This is followed by a discussion
of translation theory, with special focus on dynamic equivalence and functionalism.
Finally, recommendations are made in relation to methods and strategies for translating a
West African novel from English to French.
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Keywords
The Famished Road, New Englishes, translation