A Critical Analysis of the Translation Strategies Used by Pathisa Nyathi in the Book Traditional Ceremonies of AmaNdebele (2001

Abstract

The aim of this research is reveal the problems that are encountered when writing culture bound words from the Ndebele language to English language. This is done with special focus on the book Traditional Ceremonies of AmaNdebele (2001) by Pathisa Nyathi. The problems he encountered are highlighted and the strategies he took to overcome those problems are discussed. This research discussed elements that qualify cross cultural translation as a special translation that is different from other forms of translations. The findings of this research reveal that borrowing is often used when a translator is faced with the problems of untranslatability, however there are some other strategies like adaptation, transliteration and transportation that can be used.