constructing pathways to translation - Higher Education Commission

Scientific Society of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan translated mainly mechanic, electricity, Pneumatics, natural philosophy and modern farming.
Molvi Zaka Ullah did 17 books of mathematics under this society. Elphinstone’s History of India, Malcolm’s History of Persia and Rollin’s
History of ancient Egypt were translated by special interest of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, into Urdu.
In 20 th centaury known translations were by Bari alig [History] and Saadat Hassan Manto [Russian short stories, drama]. Professor Ahmad
Ali in 30’s. Next elite were the period of left wing movement in all over India and a best Team of Urdu writers were called to Moscow to
translate in DARAAL ISHAAT MOSCO. The translation were so literal that made so great world classic.
In Pakistan by IDARA TARAQI URDU run of translations were started as History by Ghulam Rasool Meher, philosophy and Criticism by
Sijad Baqar Rizvi etc.
Honestly the major work of translation was not by the left wing of literature but by write wing Hassan Askri {old Goria, Mobydick} Ashfaq
Ahmad {fare well to the Arms}.
In 1996, as I remember, a seminar was conducted in Islamabad “Is literature feeding the writer”. All the participants were in the view that in
Pakistan, literature is not feeding except Shakeel Adel Zada, editor of a well known “Subrang” Digest. He claimed that he gave 4000/rupees
per month of a serial “Jangloos” and “Nakhuda” by Asad Mohammad Khan. At that time it was equal to salary of BPS: 16. It is the
reward of original work. I knew some Karachi based Commercial Translators. They were not satisfied from the income they were earning,
all committed it is their side business. It is the problem of readership or dishonesty of publishing institution. It is other thing to debate. None
of the Literary Translators committed to me that they can earn some amount but not even sufficient for the kitchen of a month. They take it
as their lust for knowledge, celebrations or clothes for kids on Eids.
Should we blame this on our educational system, Translators elite, readership, institutionalization or our teachers? I am unable to comment
as I am no more a think Tank.
QNO 4:- Do Professional Translators have any career in or future in Pakistan?
ANS:- See Part V: QNO 3. further I can say it does not seem me in future history of Pakistan either they are Literary or Commercial
Translators.
QNO 5:- What is the role and attitude of the publishing Industry towards translation in Pakistan?
ANS:- Up to me, publishing industry show a good inclination towards Translation as compared to a new original writer who is not
established. In publishing Industry there is a Mafia controlling business. They know a translated Novel of a world wide established writer
give them more money as to attempt at a new original writer from here. I give you own example; all publishing people were offering the
amount for my Translation. I knew it was not me but Garcia who was going to be rated. My Publisher gave me highest amount with the
words “Doctor Sahib, Bolo kitna chahae”. The contract was for one thousand copies. He sold ten thousand copies with in six month. Before
this, he was the same publisher who asked money from me to publish my own short stories.
I admit Translation is honored but corruption by publishing institution makes a person down.
PART VI
QNO 1:- Suggest a model and a guide for Translating from English into Urdu?
ANS:- A good translation should be simple, complete, comprehensive, grammatically correct, meaningful and most important, it should
show the accurate expression of the translating lines and paragraph. I am in the favor if we have to break the rules of translation for
expression it will be ok, because expression in lines will surely be compensated.
QNO 2:- How would you define a BETTER Translation and a POOR Translation?
ANS:- Near to me, a reader is a good judge, for a book a reader travels, goes to shop, purchases a book from pocket money. So that
book is up to standard. The book is rejected, is poor book. All regulations, rules, laws, art and skills are below the choice of the reader.
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