Translation into isiZulu: Complexities in Translating across language families / Sihumushela esiZulwini: Ubunkimbinkimbi ekuhumusheni phakathi kwezilimi ezingenakuhlobana

In this era of intellectualisation of indigenous languages, translation has become more important than ever. Njabulo Manyoni; translator and editor of all UKZN official documentation chats to Makhosazana Xaba, an award-winning multi-genre anthologist and short stories writer who has just completed a translation of one of Fanon’s works and Gugu Mazibuko, an isiZulu language and culture specialist who translated Golden Melodies from Hindi Cinema. They chat about intricacies involved in translation – especially translation across different language families. They share their experiences in grappling with the differences inherent in culture and context, which are crucial determinants of an acceptable translation. Tshikani Mabasa from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture also shares with the audience the department’s contribution in promoting efficient translation.

Kulesi sikhathi sokukhulisa nokuthuthukisa izilimi zabomdabu, ukuhumusha kubekwa eqhulwini. UNjabulo Manyoni; ongumhumushi kanye nomhleli wemibhalo yase-UKZN esemthethweni ulumana indlebe noMakhosazana Xaba, umbhali osehlomule izindondo ngemibhalo ehlukahlukene futhi osanda kuphothula ukuhumusha umsebenzi wombhali owaziwa umhlaba wonke ngemibhalo yakhe ephicayo, uFanon. Uphinde axoxisane noGugu Mazibuko,  ungoti kwezolimi lwesiZulu namasiko kanjalo nokuqanjwa kwamagama, yena owahumusha imizwilili etholakala emafilimini esiHindi. Lapha baxoxa ngenselelo ababhekana nayo ngesikhathi behumusha le misebenzi. Babelana nangalokho abahlangabezana nako lapho kukhona ukungaxhumani kwezilimi ngenxa yesiko nomongo wendaba, okuyizona zinkomba zokwamukeleka kwesihumusho. uTshikani Mabasa ovela eMnyangweni Wezemidlalo, Ubuciko Namasiko uchaza kabanzi ngegalelo lomnyango ekuthuthukiseni ukuhumusha ngempumelelo.