Cultural Transference in Translation: A Study of the English Renderings of Jibanananda Das’ “In Camp” (”কযমপ”)

Transference is the ‘implantation’ of meanings of the source language into the texts of the target language. In this process, an SL (Source Language) item is used in a TT (Target Text) keeping the SL meanings intact. It may take place when the TL (Target Language) lacks the suitable equivalence of an SL item. This is predictable when culture, geography etc. are in question. Jibanananda Das, a widely read poet nowadays, has enormous capability of using strong, cultural and apparently ‘unfamiliar’ diction along with the thematic inclination of his poetry. These multifaceted dimensions of his poetry pose a challenge for the translators to translate them with fidelity. In other words, the complex layers of his diction compel the translators to ‘borrow’ words from the SL. ÒK¨v‡¤úÓ, translated into English by many as ‘In Camp’, is one of the most notable poems. It raised much criticism even during his own time, and Jibanananda Das had to write an article explaining his own standpoint against all adverse criticism. This poem, however, is replete with diction that has powerful cultural association. ‘Dakhina Batas’, ‘Bosonter Raat’, ‘Hridoyer Bon’, ‘Romhorso’, ‘Horinir Daak’, ‘Foringey-kitey’ etc. in this poem show why transference in translations is inevitable. This paper will explore the English renderings of ÒK¨v‡¤úÓ, and show the transferences of culture and evaluate them. Again, in translation, some equivalent words used for SL items may emotionally offer different meanings. As a result, translation of some transemes may damage the cultural connotation of the ST. This article will also look into this issue.