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Article published In: Babel
Vol. 63:2 (2017) ► pp.214–229

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When stylistic features are overlooked in translation

The case of Mohammed Abdul-Wali into English

 | Ibb University
Published online: 31 August 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1075/babel.63.2.04alm
Abstract
If a literary translator wishes to produce a rewarding and successful translation, his main focus should be not only on content but also on the stylistic manipulation of the text. This paper considers how overlooking the writer’s stylistic varieties affects the quality of translation, rendering the story questionable. Problems related to translating the present tense within a past narrative and reported speech, drawn from Leech and Short (Leech, G.; and Short, M. 1981. Style in Fiction. London: Longman.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, 2004), will be discussed. The textual illustrations will be taken from Mohammed Abdul-Wali’s representative collection They Die Strangers (1966) in English (2001), which was published by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. The argument is potentially helpful to the study of stylistics and translation studies as a whole.
Résumé
Si un traducteur littéraire veut réaliser une traduction gratifiante et concluante, sa principale préoccupation doit porter non seulement sur le contenu, mais aussi sur le traitement stylistique du texte. Cet article se concentre sur la manière dont la qualité d'une traduction est mise à mal lorsque l’on ignore la diversité stylistique de l'auteur, ce qui rend l'histoire discutable. Nous débattons des problèmes de traduction du temps présent dans un récit au passé et le discours rapporté, tirés de Leech & Short (Leech, G.; and Short, M. 1981. Style in Fiction. London: Longman.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, 2004). Les illustrations textuelles proviennent du recueil représentatif They Die Strangers (1966) de Mohammed Abdul-Wali, publié en anglais (2001) par le Center for Middle Eastern Studies de l'université du Texas (Austin). L'argumentation peut se révéler utile pour l'étude de la stylistique et la traductologie dans son ensemble.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The present tense in past narrative
    • 2.1Present tense transitional problems
      • 2.1.1“The Last Class”
      • 2.1.2“The Chinese Road”
      • 2.1.3“Saturday Market”
  • 3.Reported speech presentation in fiction
  • 4.Reported speech presentation in Arabic narrative
  • 5.Reported speech presentation in Abdul-Wali’s fictional world
    • 5.1“The Color of the Rain” and “On the Road to Asmara”
    • 5.2“Abu Rupee”
  • 6.Conclusion
  • References
References (43)
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