African Diaspora Cultural Studies (Humanities/Social) | 09 August 2007

Translating Across Boundaries: Challenges and Strategies in Lesotho's African Literature Export Policy

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Abstract

Translating African literature for global audiences is a critical yet complex endeavor that involves navigating cultural and linguistic boundaries. The analysis draws upon secondary data from official government documents and academic literature related to Lesotho’s cultural policies and literary export initiatives. A notable challenge identified was the high cost of hiring professional translators, which often led to suboptimal translations that failed to capture the nuances of the original text. Despite these challenges, Lesotho has implemented various strategies such as training programmes for local translators and leveraging international funding opportunities to enhance the quality of translated works. Future policy should prioritise investment in translation technology and foster collaboration between local universities and cultural institutions to improve the export process.