Investigating Translation Lapses from English to Hausa in Some Broadcast Media in Sokoto Metropolis

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Investigating Translation Lapses from English to Hausa in Some Broadcast Media in Sokoto Metropolis

Aisha Yasmin Abubakar, Muhammad Abubakar Abdullahi and Nura Dogondaji
College of General Studies, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract: This work examined some lapses in the translation of product adverts and news items in selected media stations in the Sokoto metropolis. The main aim of this research is to examine the lapses evident in translation from English to Hausa in selected broadcast media. The specific objectives of the study are: to identify translation lapses made in commercial advertisements in the three selected broadcast media in Sokoto, to determine the nature of the lapses and to identify ways of overcoming such lapses. This study adopted mixed method using both quantitative and qualitative data. At the end, the research found lapse in spelling, problems of word division, lack of conformity and misuse of words. Also the study found basic translation issues of form, invariance and equivalence, which determine whether the meaning contained in the source language is actually transferred into the receptor language. Furthermore, the research found lapses in commercial adverts from English to Hausa and vice-versa because of the differences in the language structures and cultures. Lastly the study found that the source (English) and the target (Hausa) languages continue to blur effective translation in broadcast media. The research therefore recommends that translators should ensure that the meaning of the message is preserved no matter its nature. The translator should reconsider lexical selection when translating because that is one of the major challenges, and ensure that they use the right syntax in order to reduce lapses in translation.

Keywords: Investigating, Translation Lapses, English, Hausa, Broadcast Media Sokoto Metropolis

I. INTRODUCTION

Mass Media whether electronic or printed onesis the various means of disseminating valuable information with clear message to conveyed the listeners. The purpose of translation is to pass on an understanding to people in their own language and create the same impact as the original text. After all, each translation is somewhat new to the translator and he will always need to work and research to understand a text. Some will tell you “the translator should know”… Well, if he knows about your latest innovations, you might well sue him for industrial spying. (lol) Great translations are not made by translators boasting “omniscient knowledge” of a subject. They are made by hard-working knowledgeable translators suffering from acute dictionary – a dreadful illness.

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