Background of the study
This study investigates translation strategies aimed at preserving Igbo oral traditions when rendered into written anthologies. Igbo oral traditions—comprising folktales, proverbs, chants, and historical narratives—are foundational to the cultural heritage and identity of the Igbo people. With increasing literacy and globalization, there is a growing need to document these oral traditions in written form without compromising their inherent stylistic and cultural nuances (Okafor, 2023). Translators face the challenge of retaining the vibrant imagery, idiomatic expressions, and performative aspects intrinsic to oral traditions while adapting them to the static medium of text. Various approaches, including literal translation, dynamic equivalence, and transcreation, are employed to balance accuracy with readability. This study reviews published anthologies and conducts interviews with professional translators to analyze the effectiveness of different strategies. It further examines how contextual and cultural factors are managed in translation, the role of collaborative efforts between linguists and cultural custodians, and the impact of these strategies on audience reception. The study’s findings will help to develop best practice guidelines for preserving oral traditions in print while fostering greater cultural continuity and intercultural dialogue (Okafor, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite numerous efforts to preserve Igbo oral traditions through written anthologies, translation practices often fall short in conveying the full depth and richness of the original oral narratives (Okafor, 2023). Challenges such as loss of performative elements, cultural misinterpretation, and overly literal translations can dilute the intended meaning and emotional impact. Inconsistencies in translation methods have led to varying quality across anthologies, making it difficult for readers to fully appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in these texts. This study aims to identify the shortcomings of current translation strategies and to explore measures that can improve fidelity to the source material.
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate current translation strategies for Igbo oral traditions in anthologies.
To identify factors that hinder the preservation of cultural nuances in written form.
To propose guidelines for enhancing translation fidelity and cultural preservation.
Research questions:
What translation strategies are most commonly used in Igbo anthologies?
How do these strategies affect the retention of cultural and performative elements?
What improvements can be implemented to enhance translation quality?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it addresses the critical need for effective translation strategies that preserve Igbo oral traditions in written anthologies. The findings will benefit translators, cultural institutions, and educators by offering insights into best practices that maintain cultural integrity while ensuring accessibility for modern readers (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to examining translation strategies in written anthologies of Igbo oral traditions, focusing on literary texts and translator interviews.
Definitions of terms:
Oral traditions: Culturally significant narratives passed down verbally.
Transcreation: A translation approach that adapts content creatively while retaining cultural meaning.
Anthologies: Collections of literary works or oral texts compiled into written form.
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