The task of the translator and Ngugi's Decolonising The Mind

Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Research Prompt-Critical Thinking
Walter Benjamin argues that translations ought to focus on the relationship between the source and target language rather than conforming to the reader. Translation from an original text to the target language partly depends on historical relevance, but translation goes beyond reproducing or copying the original. In “Decolonizing the Mind”, Ngugi wa Thiong’o focuses on the place of language in history, culture, and identity, and he supports literally translating texts in African languages into European languages. Walter Benjamin uses the critical theory to challenge perceptions about translation, while Ngugi’s engagement with history is based on the post-colonialism approach.
The two works focus on the role of language in a society, but the writers use different approaches as they tackle different subjects and write to diverse audiences. To Benjamin, language reflects meaning and the literal translation is one way that translated works are linked to the original (St André 105). Differentiating the approaches between Benjamin and Ngugi then would provide insights on how they understand the place of language in society. Ngugi’s focus on African language highlights the case for being authentic and challenges the notion that African literature has a minor role in the literary world.
For the translators, the difference in languages is a challenge that they have to overcome for the translation to be effective, as they look into ways to overcome the differences. Translation does not necessarily have to reflect an accurate meaning of the original text, as the minor details are reconstituted and reassembled in the translated work (Sandbank 220). For the translator, language is a powerful tool to get the intended meaning and intention, where context provides meaning, and the translation does not have to be word-for-word. Additionally, Benjamin challenges the notion that translations are meant for the reader.
Imperialism and neo-colonialism have influenced the African literary landscape where most texts on Africa are in European languages. There have those who look to pursue western interests and are ashamed of their own culture, and this has led to the exclusion of African literature texts (Capan 2). Ngugi believes that one’s first language is so important to their identity that “Decolonizing the Mind” was his last book in English, and he would start writing in native language kikuyu. Colonial discourse and history are a recurring theme in Ngugi’s work, and he links them to the predominant use of European languages in Africa, and while this is practical because there are thousands of languages spoken, the status of English and other European languages is elevated (Thiong'o 6).
In the research, both writers highlight the power of language, with Ngugi looking at the past, and Benjamin focuses more on how translation reflects the relationship between languages. For the readers to understand a text there is a need for the meaning to be clear and in context regardless of whether the work is translated. Ngugi’s stance that he needs to write in Kikuyu and abandon English, limits his influence and reach as Kikuyu is one of the many languages spoken in Kenya. In a translated work the meaning of the words is reflected by the communication and this ought to be considered to understand the text well.
Decolonisation challenges the dominant narratives and characterization of African literature, where there are few African literature texts and narratives that are widely celebrated. Colonial powers influenced the history of African languages, but there have not been an honest revaluation of how the Europeans and Africans limit accessibility to African literature. Translating literature to African languages and from African languages to European languages is also helpful to evaluate how different people have analyzed the claims to historical truth in art, literature, and music. Thus, the post-colonialist approach challenges public and dominant narratives about African culture, language and culture by analyzing colonial legacies.
Imperialism and the school system have influenced African literature, and this is also reflected in culture and society. The failure of intellectuals, academics, and journalists being politically engaged to challenge the dominance of European language and narratives on the African continent shows that Africans are not fully independent “The language of African literature cannot be discussed meaningfully outside the context of those social forces which have made it” (Tiogng 4). To Ngugi, imperialism is an extension of colonialism and there is continued control of African, economies, politics and culture, which means that European self-interests are dominant. The colonial forms of domination are also present in the power relations between the former colonial powers and the independent countries (Capan 4).
Colonialism is still reflected in the norms, beliefs and cultural values of the Europeans influenced the colonies and the economic power and technology and the Europeans allow them to propagate European perspectives. This is most apparent in the language and religion of the countries where they settled. Controlling the education in the colonized countries influenced the...