Literary, Pragmatic and Cultural Equivalence between Urdu and English Translated Poetry of Allama Iqbal

Abstract

Transcending the boundaries of language, culture, and social constructs, translation emerges as a profound mode of communication. At its core, the primary purpose of translation is to maintain a seamless equivalence between the source text and the target text. The skilled translator navigates the intricate tapestry of literary, pragmatic, and cultural elements, striving to preserve the essence and nuances of the original. Yet, this endeavor is not without its challenges, for literature, especially the realm of poetry, often conceals layers of implicit meanings and contexts that demand a delicate touch. Population of the study is Iqbal’s poems that are translated into English. In which only 20 poems selected from the Iqbal’s poetry book “Zarb-e-Kaleem” and its English translation from “Rod of Moses” by simple random sampling method. Employing an integrated framework of analysis, grounded in the rich tapestry of translation theories, the study delves into the complexities of equivalence between the source text and the target text, examining them at multiple levels. The findings suggest a spectrum of equivalence, ranging from partial to distal. While the literary and pragmatic features exhibit a degree of distal equivalence, the cultural elements demonstrate a more partial alignment between the source and target texts. This profound exploration serves to celebrate the aesthetics of poetry and translation, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricate and multifaceted nature of the translation process. It invites the reader to embark on a journey of linguistic and cultural discovery, where the boundaries of language and expression are transcended, and the true essence of the poetic voice is preserved and celebrated.