9 months ago
Translating Marginalized Texts: Integrity and Impact
Two authors from marginalized communities in Kerala, Narayan and Paul Chirakkarode, wrote important books about their experiences.
Their works, Kocharethi and Pulayathara, were initially ignored by the mainstream literary world.
However, when these books were translated into English, they gained attention and recognition.
This translation helped bring visibility to the authors and their communities.
The translation process was challenging but crucial in ensuring these important stories were not forgotten.
Despite the late recognition, these translations have made a significant impact on how these texts are viewed and studied.
Narayan's Kocharethi and Paul Chirakkarode's Pulayathara are significant works from marginalized communities in Kerala.
Both books faced initial neglect from the mainstream literary community but gained recognition through English translations.
Kocharethi won several awards and was included in academic syllabi after its English translation.
Pulayathara's translation led to a rebirth of the source text after decades of obscurity.
Translating these texts required uncompromising integrity to accurately represent the authors' voices and cultural nuances.
- Who
- Narayan and Paul Chirakkarode, tribal and marginalized authors from Kerala, India.
- What
- The translation and recognition of their works, Kocharethi and Pulayathara, into English and other languages.
- Where
- Kerala, India, with translations reaching international audiences.
- When
- Kocharethi was published in 1998, Pulayathara in 1962, and their translations gained traction in the 2010s.
- Why
- To bring visibility to marginalized texts and challenge the mainstream literary community's neglect.
Key facts
- Authors
- Narayan (Kocharethi), Paul Chirakkarode (Pulayathara)
- Translators
- Mini Krishnan, Catherine Thankamma
- Awards
- Kerala Sahitya Academy Award, Crossword Award, Assam Sahitya Academy Award
- Publication Years
- Kocharethi (1998), Pulayathara (1962)
- Tribes
- Mala Araya, Pulaya
- Publishers
- Oxford University Press, Raven Books, Malayala Manorama
- Universities
- University of Calgary
- Translation Impact
- Increased visibility and academic inclusion
Quotes
Narayan
India's first tribal novelist and author of Kocharethi
“I walked half a kilometre to get here. Can you guarantee that I will walk out of this hospital?”
scroll.in
