Ambiguity in Translation of Metaphors: A Case of Dholuo and Kiswahili
##article.subject##:
Ambiguity, Metaphors, Translation, Pragmatic
##article.abstract##
This study investigates ambiguity in the translation of Christian religious metaphors from Dholuo into Kiswahili through a pragmatic approach. Data is drawn from the sermons delivered in Dholuo and translated into Kiswahili. Sampled texts are analyzed and classified in a category referred to as ambiguity. The findings show various causes of ambiguity, mainly, socio-cultural differences and wrong inferences. This can be generalized to apply to translation problems associated with similar contexts. The article gives insight and suggestions in the application of pragmatic theories of communication in translation.
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Yule, G. (1996). Pragmatics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Abdulaziz, M.H. & Sow, I.A. (1993). Language and Social change. In A.A.Mazrui &C.Wondji (Eds). Unesco General History of Africa VIII: Africa since 1935. California: Heinmann.
Ali, C.W. (1981). Problems of Translating from English into Kiswahili-as Exemplified by V.O.K. News Items. Unpublished M.A.
Thesis. University of Nairobi. Nairobi.
Catford, J. C. (1965). A Linguistic Theory of Translation. London: Oxford University Press.
Crystal, D. (1997). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Davidson, D. (1991). What Metaphors Mean. In S. Davies (Ed.) Pragmatics: A Reader. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Pg.495-506.
Greenberg, J.H. (1966).The Languages of Africa. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Gutt, E.A. (1991).Translation and Relevance cognition and context. Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd.
(1992). Relevance theory: a guide to successful communication in translation. Dallas: Summer Institute of Linguistics.
Grice.H.P. (1991).Logic and Conversation. In Stevenson, D (Ed.) Pragmatics: A Reader. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pg.305-315
Hatim, B. (2001). Teaching and Researching Translation. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd.
Indede, F.N. (2007). Lugha ya tamathali katika dini ya Kikristo. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. Maseno University. Maseno.
Kembo-Sure & Webb. (2000a). African Voices: An Introduction to the Languages and Linguistics of Africa. Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
Leppihalme, R. (1997).Culture Bumps: An Empirical Approach to the Translation of Allusions. London: WBC Book
Manufacturers.
Mbaabu, I. (1985) New Horizons in Kiswahili. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau.
Munday, J. (2001). Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. London: Routledge.
Newmark, P.(1988).Translation theory, general remarks: meaning and significance. Hertfordshire: Prentice Hall International.
Nord, C. (1997). Translating as a purposeful activity: Functionalist approaches explained. Manchester: St. Jerome.
(2000).What do we know about the target-text receiver? In A. Beeb, D. Ensinger and M. Presas (eds.) Investigating Translation. Amsterdam and Philadelphia: John Benjamins. Pg 195-212.
Obiero, J.O. (2008). Evaluating Language Revitalization in Kenya: The Contradictory Face and Place of Local Community Factor.
In Nordic Journal of African Studies19(4), 201-226.
Ogechi, N. O. (2003). On Language Rights in Kenya. In Nordic Journal of African Studies12(3), 277-295.
Ogot, B.A. (2009).History of the Southern Luo Speakers. Kisumu: Anyange Press.
Oluoch, J.S. (2006). Maswala ya Tafsiri katika Habari za Kiswahili katika Redio ya Shirika la Utangazaji la Kenya.Unpublished M.A. Thesis.MasenoUniversity.Maseno.
Unpublished Ph.DThesis. MasindeMuliro University of Science and Technology. Kakamega.
Omboga, Z. J. (2006). Siting, text, culture and pedagogy in literary translation: a theorization of translation in cultural transfer with examples from selected texts in Kiswahili.Unpublished Ph.D Thesis. Kenyatta University. Nairobi.
Reiss, K. & Vermeer, H.J.. (1984). Grundlegungeinerallgemeinen translations theorie. Tubingen: M Niemeyer.
Salevsky, H. (1991). ―Bible and General Theory of Translation‖ In The Bible Translator42(1), 134-142.
Shitemi, N.L. (1997). Uaminifukatikatafsiri: UhakikiwaUshairiwaJadiwa Kiswahili. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. MoiUniversity.
Eldoret.
Sperber, D. & Wilson, D. (1986). Relevance: Communication and Cognition. Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd.
TATAKI (2013). Kamusi ya Kiswahili Sanifu. Nairobi: Oxford University Press.
Vermeer, H. (1987). Skopos and Commission in translational action. In L. Venuti (Ed.). Translation. London: Oxford University Press. Pg. 227-238.
Wangia, J .I. (2003).Aspects of Mistranslation in the 1951 Lulogooli Bible. Unpublished Ph.D Thesis. Kenyatta University .Nairobi.
--------------------. 2008. Categories of Translation Problems in the Lulogooli Bible. In Chemchemi Vol5.No. 1.Pg 69-84.
Westermann, D. (1911) .A Study of Ewe Language. London: Oxford University Press.
Yaa, J. D. (1975).A Guide to English-Kiswahili Translation. Nairobi: Course Book.
Yule, G. (1996). Pragmatics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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2018-09-22
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