Transposition of Registers from Sinhalese into English: With Reference to ‘Madol Doova’ by Martin Wickramasinghe and Its English Translation by Ashely Halpe.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue I, January 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Transposition of Registers from Sinhalese into English: With Reference to ‘Madol Doova’ by Martin Wickramasinghe and Its English Translation by Ashely Halpe

^{Ubhayawardhana P. D. N. M., Gunathilaka D. D. I. M. B., and Hansani J.A.M.
Department of Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka}

Abstract
The process of translation has integrated with many linguistic features immensely in literary translation. According to Catford (1965), translation is the replacement of textual material in one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in another language (TL). When translating literary texts, translators have to deal with different language registers which function as special usages of language in different circumstances. Registers can occur within both written and spoken varieties. While nourishing the language with various types of patterns, registers make the translator’s task more difficult. The selected Martin Wickramasinghe’s novel Madol Doova, has been consummated by using different types of registers as an ancient indigenous novel. The main aim of this case study was to discuss the methods employed by the translator to overcome the untranslatability in register translation. In this regard, Madol Doova and its English translation, were comparatively studied with special reference to the registers in the spoken context. Theoretical reading materials related to the concept of registers and translation methods were also referred. In conclusion of this case study, it was found that the registers under the categories of Frozen, Formal, Consultative, Casual, and Intimate which refers to the Source Text (ST) have been translated by using the methods of Borrowing, Calque, Literal Translation, Equivalence, Adaptation, Modulation, and Transposition to overcome the issue of untranslatability and to be applicable to the Target Text (TT). Further, in addition to the above-mentioned translation methods the translator has used the method of omission where the issue of untranslatability occurred. However, it was observed that in some points there were some inappropriate translations which could not give the SL author’s expected meaning.

Keywords – Methods, Registers, Translation, Transposition, Untranslatability

I. INTRODUCTION
The term ‘language’ has been defined by various linguists according to their perspectives. According to Crystal, “Language is the systematic, conventional use of sounds, signs or written symbols in a human society for communication and self-expression” [1]. The American linguist George L. Trager proposed that, “Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group cooperates” [2]. “Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech-sounds combined into words. Words are combined into sentences,this combination answering to that of ideas into thoughts” [3]. Among many languages spoken around the world, languages belonging to the same language family shares similar characteristics. There are no two languages that share the same features. In such situations, the need for translation arises; especially in literature. According to Peter Newmark, “translation is a craft consisting in the attempt to replace a written message and/ or a statement in one language by the same message and/ or statement in another language” [4]. “Translation is an operation performed on languages: a process of substituting a text in one language for a text in another” [5].
The main feature of a language is functioning as a way of expressing thoughts. In this regard, people change their language style based on the context. According to linguistics, this different usage of a language at home, school, a party, office or in the court defined as ‘Register Language’. “A register is a conventional way of using language that is appropriate in a specific context, which may be identified as situational (e.g. in church), occupational (e.g. among lawyers) or topical (e.g. talking about language)” [6]. Eastern languages have high variety of language registers compared to the Western languages.
In linguistics, register is defined as the way a speaker uses language differently in different circumstances. Language register is the level of formality with which you speak. Different situations and people call for different registers. Registers are marked by a variety of specialized vocabulary and turns of phrases, colloquialisms and the use of jargon, and a difference in intonation and pace. The usage of registers can be seen in both written and spoken forms while the spoken form shares the high varieties than the written. Registers are used in all forms of communication, including written, spoken, and signed. Depending on grammar, syntax, and tone, the register may be extremely rigid or very intimate.
Many linguists proposed that there are several categories of registers, while some argue that there are just two: formal and informal. According to American linguist and German professor Martin Joos (1962), a language has five different registers: frozen, formal, consultative, casual and intimate. Both students and teachers need to know each of the five registers/ styles because the appropriate use of language is a matter of situation. The use of the appropriate register depends on the audience, the topic, and the purpose for the communication [7]. The separate examples from both Sinhala and English languages mentioned below together with a definition of the particular type of register introduced by Joos will give a better understanding about registers.

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