In a significant academic contribution, University of Hyderabad students Milkuri Ramya (20IHMT15, IMA Telugu, 5th year), Nikhita Donthula (20IPMH15, IMSc Psychology, 5th year), and Baja Ashwini (19IHMT01 IMA Telugu 2019-2024) presented their research paper titled “Challenges in Translating Cultural Depths in Oggu Katha” at the Two-Day National Conference on Indian Literatures in Regional Languages and Their English Translations. The conference, hosted by Christ College, Rajkot, aims to delve into the challenges and innovations in translating Indian vernacular texts into English.
The paper provided a nuanced exploration of Oggu Katha, a traditional folk narrative art form deeply rooted in the Telugu-speaking Kuruma and Golla communities. This vibrant tradition blends storytelling, song, and dance and is a vital repository of regional history, ethics, and spirituality. The research specifically addressed the complexities in translating the cultural and contextual depths of Oggu Katha into English while retaining its original significance.
Key Highlights of the Presentation:
- Cultural Elements of Oggu Katha:
The authors elaborated on the narrative’s intricate components, including community customs, attire, instruments, familial terms, idiomatic expressions, and proverbs. These elements, they argued, are essential to the art form’s identity but pose unique challenges during translation.
- Translation Challenges:
The team highlighted how culturally loaded terms, idiomatic expressions, and ritualistic practices of the Kuruma and Golla communities often lack direct English equivalents, risking the loss of cultural essence. For instance, familial terms like Mena Bava and Mena Maradalu or proverbs rooted in local idioms require careful handling to ensure cultural resonance.
- Proposed Strategies:
Drawing on Valdemar Ivir’s strategies for translating cultural texts, the researchers suggested using adaptive methods such as borrowing, definition, and substitution to bridge cultural gaps. They emphasised preserving the narrative’s performative and symbolic aspects while making it accessible to a global audience.
Impact and Future Directions:
The presentation underscored the broader implications of translating regional folk traditions like Oggu Katha. By addressing the challenges of linguistic and cultural translation, the research contributes to the global appreciation of India’s diverse cultural heritage. It also offers valuable insights for translators, researchers, and policymakers who preserve and promote vernacular traditions.
Conference Overview:
The Two-Day National Conference, held on December 21-22, 2024, brought together scholars, translators, and practitioners nationwide. Organized by the Department of English and Psychology at Christ College, Rajkot, the conference featured plenary talks, paper presentations, and discussions on themes such as cross-cultural adaptations, psychological impacts of translation, and the role of digital humanities in vernacular literature.