Evaluation of the study of literature in translation

The differences between languages cannot be ignored, as this may vary from more syntax to idioms. The subtleties present in the text that is most understood by its native speakers can oftentimes be lost in translation. Literature is a tool for self-expression and social commentary and with use of it, aspects of socio-cultural backgrounds, history and politics can be easily drawn and voiced by authors. However, with the multitude of languages spoken, it is impossible to speak all languages, which drives it to be essential to translate texts from their original tongue. These translated works offer an insight into cross-cultural differences and give authentic views as well as drives the reader to be more open-minded. This is recurrent in the portrayal of cultures in specific ways of the media. It is also notable to add that even if a piece could be originally written in Arabic, it is a dissolved version as it is made for an audience that is not familiar with the culture, and the author themselves might not be as much as those who write in their native tongues.

Translated books essentially, although they are always translated years later for an audience that was not intended, give a precise view of the author of current issues in the country, which is prominent in the reading Found in Translation and the novel The Thief and the Dogs. Various translated works have given a more precise perspective of the culture, but it can also bring clarification to the new audience, as they could have been affected from pre-existing ideas, but this does not necessarily prevent from understanding the text. In other terms, even if the reception, on a contextual, socio-cultural or economic basis is not the same, the translated work can still be understood by the new audience, although this does require readers to understand the original context of the publishing. Translating works can be challenging, as it may change the intensity of the passage and challenge the actual translation ability of the translators, as they are required to interpret the ideas of the text, and try to salvage as much as it as possible. There are words or idioms which can not be translated and are unique to the language, other formats for example poetry may lose its entire purpose, or the interpretation could even change the targetted audience such as age group from the original one. With the fast globalisation of the world, there is more risk of cross-cultural ambiguity and this can also be problematic as the authenticity can be lost.

Nevertheless, reading translated works is very insightful as the readers acquires a better understanding of the context and the culture at stake through the values and attitudes that are expressed, which may largely impact them as individuals.