Every year, Bangla Academy brings put three to four translated works although other publishing houses also release Bengali versions of world classics and contemporary literature.
Unfortunately, many of these translated works face criticism due to the low quality of the language.
People say that since translators are not given enough remuneration, the quality of the final work is questionable.
DG of Bangla Academy, says, “Translated works from Bangla bazar are too commercial and since they digress from the main text, the translated ones are filled with errors.”
The actual situation of translation,
Terming the whole translation scene appalling, relevant people opine that translation from Bengali to English is atrocious.
Former DG of Bangla Academy, Shamsuzzaman Khan, observes, “We sent many famous translated works abroad but they refused to accept them saying that the English are fractured.”
The reason behind the low-quality translation
A Bangla Academy official Mozaffar Hossain, told Bangla Tribune, “We have some translators who want to do their work seriously, but to get a proper translation, adequate facilities need to be provided, which is not happening.”
Another problem is that a translated work is not reviewed by anyone; as a result, the work is done by people with inadequate skills, he added.
“Most translators work perfunctorily, never trying to become a specialist in the work.”
Translated works do not go abroad,
DG of Bangla Academy, Habibullah Siraji, says, “W$e attach great importance to translated works.”
Noted Bengali works will be translated to different languages, he said.
He also underlined that to send English versions of Bengali works overseas, agents and management are required.
Calling most translated works “substandard,” he remarked, “one cannot rely on these translations.”
“Once members of the Bangladeshi diaspora overseas learn proper Bengali, there is a chance for getting excellent translations.”
What Publishers say
Publisher Khondokar Monirul Islam, says, “The translators are not nursed. Since translated works never find the place in mainstream literature, no one wants to be established as a translator.”
Previously, translated works received prizes, which has been discontinued.
The work is not being taken seriously and those who sell translated works concentrate too much on profit, thereby compromising on quality.