constructing pathways to translation - Higher Education Commission

d. The fourth problem arises if the translator does opt for a broad SL dialect; what
dialect the TT should be in? In this case, if one decides to adopt a TL dialect, there is a
need of familiarity with all characteristics of the TL dialect. If the translator does not
have an accurate knowledge of the salient features of the TL dialect chosen, the TT will
become as ludicrous as all the texts. So the safest way of avoiding this would be to
transplant the extra work setting, characters and all.
II. Sociolect :
Sociolect is language varieties typical of broad groupings that together constitute the
‘class structure’ of a given society. It is noticeable, and typical that designations like
‘lower class’, ‘urban working class’ are relatively vogue in reference. In more rigidly
stratified societies, like that of India, there is a strict division into formally recognized
cases; where the concept of Sociolect is more obviously applicable.
If Sociolect features are obtrusive in the ST, the translator cannot afford to ignore them.
As with translating dialects, there may be considerations militating against this, such as
whether the Sociolect has a textual role in the ST, or the purpose for which the ST is
being translated. In such cases, the translator may include just enough devices in the TT
to remind the audience of the sociolectal character of the ST. But practice has revealed
the fact that Dialect to some extent, but Sociolect at no extent, could be translated. Most
of the time in translations, from Urdu into English, the translator has altogether omitted
the translation of ST dialect in the TT.
But, once the translator has decided on a TT containing marked Sociolectal feature, the
problems that arise are similar to those created by Dialect. The class structure of different
societies, countries and nations never replicate one another. Consequently, there can be
no exact parallels between sociolectal varieties of one language and those of another. At
best, something of the prestige or the stigma attached to the ST Sociolect can be
conveyed in the TT by a judicious choice of TL sociolect. Finally, as with Dialect, the
translator must actually be familiar enough with the chosen TL Sociolects, to be able to
use them accurately and convincingly.
III. Code-Switching:
It consists of rapid alternation from one movement to another, between using different
language varieties. The translation of the ST containing Code Switching should convey
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