An illustration of the potential of translation to effect cultural learning

Abstract

The main argument of this research is that translation has the potential to effect cultural learning in the Afrikaans language context. Afrikaans is a language which is culturally isolated from both the indigenous South African cultures and African culture in general due to a lack of translation from African languages into Afrikaans. This strengthens the associations of Afrikaans with elitism and segregation, which were prevalent during apartheid. Translation from African languages into Afrikaans is thus vital to correct this isolation. But, the way in which translation is conducted influences its ability to bring about cultural learning. Three chapters from a French book on the Rwandan genocide have been translated in this research for the purpose of illustrating how cultural learning through translation can be achieved. This book is called Murambi, le livre des ossements and is written by African author, Boubacar Boris Diop. . It is argued that not only the text choice, but also the approaches to translation can provide an opportunity to promote cultural learning. The approaches of Foreignisation and Thick Translation have been applied as theoretical departure points in this research and are illustrated in the translated sections from the book. These approaches are advocated as means to best allow cultural learning in order to transform national identities and promote tolerance in current South Africa.