A TEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF LINGUISTIC ADAPTATIONS IN THE URDU TRANSLATION OF SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET: AN INQUIRY OF FAITHFULNESS

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the various translation strategies employed by a translator in the process of translating a source text (ST) into a target text (TT), based on Vinay and Darbelnet's model of translational shift (2000). The study also utilizes the Skopos Theory of Translation by Vermeer to achieve its research goals. To carry out this research, the researcher has selected "Hamlet," a renowned English play written by William Shakespeare, as the source text, and its translation into Urdu by Firaq Gorakhpuri as the target text. The data collection process involved Convenience sampling followed by simple random sampling technique, a meticulous examination of the translation at the word, phrase, and sentence levels. The collected data was subjected to qualitative analysis to uncover the translator's utilization of translation techniques and to assess their effectiveness. The researcher selected 27 examples at random from Act One of the source text and proceeded to apply Vinay and Darbelnet's Model of Translation and Skopos Theory. Out of these, only 03 instances pertained exclusively to the faithfulness of the text, wherein borrowing, calque, and literal translation techniques were employed. In contrast, the remaining 24 examples involved the adaptation and alteration of the text to enhance its cultural familiarity for the target audience. This research aims to shed light on the translation strategies employed in the transformation of "Hamlet" from English to Urdu, contributing to our understanding of the intricacies of the translation process. The analysis provided insights for future research in translation studies and comparative literature, focusing on linguistic adaptations in translating classical texts like Shakespeare's.