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Paragraph Summary Questions
Ques 26. The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the authorâs position.
A translator of literary works needs a secure hold upon the two languages involved, supported by a good measure of familiarity with the two cultures. For an Indian translating works in an Indian language into English, finding satisfactory equivalents in a generalized western culture of practices and symbols in the original would be less difficult than gaining fluent control of contemporary English. When a westerner works on texts in Indian languages the interpretation of cultural elements will be the major challenge, rather than control over the grammar and essential vocabulary of the language concerned. It is much easier to remedy lapses in language in a text translated into English, than flaws of content. Since it is easier for an Indian to learn the English language than it is for a Briton or American to comprehend Indian culture, translations of Indian texts is better left to Indians.
A. While translating, the Indian and the westerner face the same challenges but they have different skill profiles and the former has the advantage.
B. As preserving cultural meanings is the essence of literary translation Indiansâ knowledge of the local culture outweighs the initial disadvantage of lower fluency in English.
C. Indian translators should translate Indian texts into English as their work is less likely to pose cultural problems which are harder to address than the quality of language.
D. Westerners might be good at gaining reasonable fluency in new languages, but as understanding the culture reflected in literature is crucial, Indians remain better placed.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: C
In this question, the author deals with the topic of translations.
There are two basic issues encountered while translating something:
A. Issues related to content, which are harder to address if one is alien to the culture (as in the case of Western individuals being alien to Indian literature).
B. Issues related to language, which would be faced to a greater degree by a non-native (as in the case of an Indian).
Now let us look at the options.
Option A is incorrect as the Indian and the westerner do not face the same challenge.
Option B is incorrect as the author does not run a comparison of the two aspects; he simply states which is easier to correct.
Option C is the correct choice here as it highlights what the author is trying to convey: language errors can be fixed but content errors are tough to fix.
Option D is incorrect as there is no comparison with respect to who is better in understanding culture; this paragraph is simply about the translations of Indian texts and who is better at it.
Word-1: Translator
Context:
"A translator of literary works needs a secure hold upon the two languages involved, supported by a good measure of familiarity with the two cultures." - Literary Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
A "translator" is someone who converts written or spoken material from one language into another. But beyond simple word-for-word substitution, a good literary translator must capture tone, nuance, and cultural references. The context emphasizes that effective translation requires deep fluency in both languages and an intimate understanding of the cultures they reflect.
Meaning: A person who renders speech or text from one language into another (Noun)
Pronunciation: TRANS-lay-tur
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin translator, from translat- ("carried over"), from transferre ("to carry across")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of a translator as a bridgeânot just between languages, but between ways of thinking. A great translator doesn't just switch words; they transfer meaning, tone, and emotion. This word has value far beyond its everyday useâespecially in literary, cultural, and diplomatic contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: interpreter, linguist, converter, decoder
Antonyms: originator, speaker (in the source language)
Usage Examples:
- The translator managed to capture the poetic rhythm of the original text.
- As a translator, she specializes in bringing Latin American literature into English.
- Good translators must avoid literal translations that lose cultural meaning.
- He worked as a military translator during international peacekeeping missions.
Cultural Reference:
"Without translation, we would be living in provinces bordering on silence." â George Steiner, literary critic
Think About It:
Can any literary work be fully translated, or is something always lost in the process?
Quick Activity:
Pick a short sentence in your native language and try translating it into another language you know. What changedâand why?
Memory Tip:
Think of âtranslatorâ as someone who âtransfersâ meaning across bordersâtrans (across) + lator (carrier).
Real-World Application:
Translators are essential in literature, diplomacy, business, medicine, and even AIâanywhere precise cross-cultural communication is required.
Word-2: Familiarity
Context:
"A translator of literary works needs a secure hold upon the two languages involved, supported by a good measure of familiarity with the two cultures." - Literary Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Familiarity" refers to the state of knowing something well, often through experience, exposure, or repeated interaction. It implies ease or comfort with a subject. In the context of translation, familiarity with both cultures is essentialânot just knowledge of vocabulary, but insight into idioms, traditions, values, and historical references that shape language use.
Meaning: Close acquaintance with or knowledge of something or someone, often gained through experience (Noun)
Pronunciation: fuh-mil-YAIR-ih-tee
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French familiarite, from Latin familiaritas, from familiaris ("domestic, intimate, friendly")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is more subtle than it seems. It's not just about "knowing" somethingâitâs about being at ease with it. When working with languages, having familiarity with cultural cues, tone, and expression makes the difference between a flat translation and a vibrant one.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: acquaintance, understanding, knowledge, awareness
Antonyms: unfamiliarity, ignorance, confusion, alienation
Usage Examples:
- Her familiarity with ancient myths made her an exceptional translator of epic poetry.
- Daily practice builds familiarity with new vocabulary.
- His familiarity with the local customs helped the team avoid cultural blunders.
- There was an easy familiarity in the way they spoke, like old friends reuniting.
Cultural Reference:
"Familiarity breeds contemptâand children." â Mark Twain, humorist and writer
Think About It:
Can too much familiarity with something blind us to its deeper or changing meanings?
Quick Activity:
List three topics or skills you're very familiar with. Then list one new thing you could learn about each to deepen your understanding.
Memory Tip:
Think of âfamiliarityâ as the feeling you get around something familiarâitâs comfortable and known, like an old friend.
Real-World Application:
Familiarity is vital in communication, leadership, translation, and even designâit helps professionals anticipate needs and avoid missteps.
Word-3: Equivalents
Context:
"Finding satisfactory equivalents in a generalized western culture of practices and symbols in the original would be less difficult than gaining fluent control of contemporary English." - Literary Translation Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Equivalents" are things that are equal in value, function, meaning, or significance to something else. In translation, equivalents refer to words, expressions, or cultural references in the target language that closely match the sense or impact of the original. The sentence suggests that identifying such cultural and symbolic equivalents can be easier than mastering the complexity and nuance of modern English itself.
Meaning: Things that are equal in meaning, value, function, or effect to something else (Plural Noun)
Pronunciation: ee-KWIV-uh-lunts
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin aequivalentem, from aequi- ("equal") + valere ("to be worth")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âEquivalentsâ is a key word in translation, economics, science, and logic. It's not about literal samenessâbut about functional similarity. When using this word, think in terms of what matches purpose, tone, or meaningânot just surface form.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: counterparts, substitutes, matches, parallels
Antonyms: opposites, contrasts, mismatches, disparities
Usage Examples:
- The translator struggled to find cultural equivalents for certain idioms.
- There are no true equivalents for some emotions across languages.
- In mathematics, different formulas can serve as equivalents for the same solution.
- Vegetarian recipes often use tofu or lentils as meat equivalents.
Cultural Reference:
"There is no equivalent in English for the Portuguese word 'saudade'âa deep emotional state of nostalgic longing." â Cross-cultural Linguistics
Think About It:
Can any two things truly be equivalent, or is something always lostâor gainedâin the translation or substitution?
Quick Activity:
Pick a word or phrase in your native language and try to find an equivalent in English. Note what changes or stays the same.
Memory Tip:
Think: equal + valent = equivalent; something of equal worth or meaning.
Real-World Application:
Understanding equivalents is vital in translation, international law, currency exchange, education systems, and intercultural communication.
Word-4: Contemporary
Context:
"Finding satisfactory equivalents in a generalized western culture of practices and symbols in the original would be less difficult than gaining fluent control of contemporary English." - Literary Translation Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Contemporary" refers to something that belongs to the present time or is current. It can describe modern culture, language, art, or people who are living at the same time. In the given context, âcontemporary Englishâ refers to the modern, living, and often evolving usage of Englishâcomplete with its idioms, expressions, and cultural references, which a translator must understand and use fluently to ensure an effective translation.
Meaning: Belonging to or occurring in the present time; modern (Adjective); a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another (Noun)
Pronunciation: kun-TEM-puh-rair-ee
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin contemporarius ("with time"), from con- ("together") + temporarius ("of time")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is essential when discussing modern trends, language, and literature. It helps distinguish between what's relevant today and what belongs to the past. As a translator or writer, awareness of âcontemporaryâ usage ensures relevance and resonance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: modern, present-day, current, up-to-date
Antonyms: outdated, old-fashioned, archaic, historical
Usage Examples:
- Translating into contemporary English requires sensitivity to current slang and idioms.
- Many contemporary artists use digital media to express themselves.
- Shakespeareâs contemporaries included playwrights like Marlowe and Ben Jonson.
- Contemporary literature often tackles themes like identity, technology, and globalization.
Cultural Reference:
"Contemporary art is often defined not just by when it was created, but by how it reflects present-day concerns." â Museum of Modern Art
Think About It:
How does contemporary language reflect the values and anxieties of our time?
Quick Activity:
Take a sentence from a classic novel and rewrite it in contemporary English. Compare the tone and clarity.
Memory Tip:
Remember: âconâ (with) + âtemporaryâ (time) = contemporary, or âwith the times.â
Real-World Application:
Knowing contemporary norms is crucial in professions like translation, advertising, design, and politicsâwhere staying relevant shapes success.
Word-5: Interpretation
Context:
"When a westerner works on texts in Indian languages the interpretation of cultural elements will be the major challenge, rather than control over the grammar and essential vocabulary of the language concerned." - Cross-Cultural Translation Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Interpretation" refers to the act of explaining, understanding, or presenting the meaning of something. In literary and translation contexts, it often involves grasping subtle cultural nuances, symbolism, and intent behind wordsâfar beyond just translating vocabulary. The sentence highlights that for Western translators of Indian texts, the real difficulty lies not in the technical aspects of language, but in interpreting the embedded cultural values, emotions, and perspectives accurately.
Meaning: The act of explaining or understanding the meaning or significance of something (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-tur-pruh-TAY-shun
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin interpretatio, from interpretari (âto explain, expoundâ)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âInterpretationâ is more than decoding wordsâitâs about grasping deeper meaning. When dealing with culture-heavy content, your interpretation can shape understanding or lead to miscommunication. It's a critical skill for readers, thinkers, and translators alike.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: explanation, understanding, reading, analysis
Antonyms: misinterpretation, confusion, misunderstanding
Usage Examples:
- The poem allows for multiple layers of interpretation, depending on the readerâs perspective.
- His interpretation of the ancient text emphasized its spiritual rather than historical meaning.
- Cross-cultural interpretation is often more difficult than direct translation.
- The directorâs interpretation of the novel was bold and unconventional.
Cultural Reference:
"Meaning is not something you find, but something you create through interpretation." â Reader-Response Literary Theory
Think About It:
Can there ever be a âcorrectâ interpretation of a story, symbol, or traditionâor is meaning always subjective?
Quick Activity:
Take a proverb or cultural phrase you know. Write down what it means to you, and then ask someone else for their interpretation. Compare.
Memory Tip:
Think: to âinterpretâ is to âinter-actâ with meaningâto go between what is said and what is truly meant.
Real-World Application:
Interpretation skills are vital in translation, law, literature, diplomacy, and even everyday communicationâwhenever nuance and understanding matter.
