African Oral Poetry and Performance (Humanities) | 17 April 2002
Translating African Literature: Challenges and Strategies in Côte d'Ivoire Context
A, b, e, n, a, K, o, n, a, n
Abstract
Translating African literature from local languages to global audiences presents unique challenges in terms of preserving cultural nuances and adapting to diverse linguistic contexts. The study employs a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of translators working in Côte d'Ivoire, focusing on interviews and focus group discussions with local and international translators. A key finding is that there is a significant disparity (30%) between translated texts that accurately convey cultural elements versus those that lose important nuances due to language differences. The analysis reveals the critical role of cultural competence training for translators, alongside the need for more culturally-specific translation resources and guidelines. Recommendations include establishing a regional translation centre dedicated to developing materials in local languages and fostering collaborative projects between Ivorian and international translators.