The translatability of humour from English into Setswana: Madam & Eve comic strips

Abstract

This study explores the translatability of humour from English to Setswana through a focused analysis of Madam & Eve comic strips—a satirical South African series rich in socio-political commentary and cultural references. Recognising humour as a culturally embedded and linguistically nuanced phenomenon, the research investigates how puns, idioms, irony, wordplay and contextual jokes are rendered in Setswana without losing their intended comic effect. Using descriptive translation analysis and translations from bilingual speakers, the study examines translations for semantic accuracy, cultural equivalence, and humour preservation. The findings reveal that while certain linguistic structures in Setswana offer creative flexibility for adaptation, others present significant challenges—particularly in idiomatic expressions and wordplay. The paper highlights strategies employed by translators to maintain humour across the two languages, including domestication, contextual reframing, and lexical innovation. Ultimately, the study contributes to broader conversations in translation studies and African linguistics, showcasing the delicate balance between fidelity and humour in multilingual storytelling.