The Challenges of Language
Language is usually the mode or means of communication between human beings, verbally, or non-verbally language is used to send messages. In the world, there are more than 7000 languages which people speak. Some people are monolingual and can only speak and understand one word, bi-lingual who can speak their mother tongue and another second language and the multilingual people who have knowledge of more than two languages. The existence of multiple languages has necessitated the need for translation so that the intended message is received.
The reason why people speak different languages is many, as seen in the text Assia Djebar a French novelist spoke her native language and wrote in French because it gave her a sense of belonging and identity from the others. Another reason why people speak different languages is for the superiority and prestige that comes with the language. Also, people might speak different languages so that they can fit into society. Although some languages might seem or sound the same, it is possible to find a difference in the meaning of what some words mean.
The difference in the meaning of words in different languages comes in as a challenge for people when speaking or writing in another language. This is because what the word means in one language might be different in another language. Another challenge with the translation of languages is that a word might contain multiple meanings which lead to confusion for the reader or the audience. A word might mean a good thing in its original form, but when translated in another, it turns into an insult or a negative thing. With this then, the intended meaning of the word is lost hence altering the message. In the text, the author mentions the “language of the other” in this statement other refers to the natives
“I had until then utilized the French language as a veil. A veil over my individual person, a veil over my woman’s body; I might almost say a veil over my own body” (Djebar, 312). In this quote, the author tries to avoid the language barrier that can be caused by direct translation and prefers using words that can be understood and convey the intended message or meaning. This quote means that the author used the French language as a shield from other factors and that she was so inclined towards her language that it took over her life.
“I have only one writing: that of the French language” (Djebar 312). This is the position that the author takes, which means that she believes that she cannot write in another language apart from French. But after she stayed abroad, she realizes there is more to writing than just the “language which pushes her to start writing in English this is evident when she says that “I could no longer speak the language of her tribe” (Djebar 317). This counters her previous position, where she stated that she could only write in French as she had been submerged in the language of the others.
- In a situation where there is no right word to replace a translated text, what should one do?
- Is it advisable for a writer to stick to one form of writing, give your reasons?