LEXICAL BORROWING IN ICE CANDY MAN: AN ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL ADAPTATION IN TRANSLATION STUDIES

Abstract

The practice of lexical borrowing in translation, particularly in the context of literary works, presents a complex interplay of linguistic fidelity, cultural authenticity, and reader accessibility. This present study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how borrowed lexicon is conveyed in the translation of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel, "Ice Candy Man," from its original Urdu version into English. This research is grounded in the theoretical framework of Translation Studies, focusing on the approach of Vinay and Darbelnet's (1958), translational strategies, such as transliteration, cultural adaptation, and explanatory footnotes, as pivotal tools for mediating the linguistic and cultural divide between source and target texts. The primary objective of the present study is to understand how the chosen translational strategies influence the conveyance of borrowed lexicon, the preservation of cultural elements, and their implications for reader engagement and cultural authenticity in the translated text. The result of this study reveals the refinement interplay of cultural adaptation in translation, preserving cultural authenticity while ensuring reader accessibility. For future readers and researchers in Translation Studies, literary translation, and cross-cultural communication, this study offers a rich resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by lexical borrowing in the realm of literary translation.