Overcoming the barriers through literal and descriptive translations: Examples of Kanga names

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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Kanga names are presented using Swahili pithy sayings, riddles and proverbs. The names communicate the culture and philosophy of the Swahili people, especially those dwelling along the coast of the Indian Ocean, their perceptions on women and the way women view themselves. There are attempts to translate these texts from Kiswahili into English for various reasons. Since the texts are cultivated in the Swahili culture and philosophy, establishing equivalents in English is a major challenge. Translators of such texts apply some techniques to achieve their objectives. This paper appreciates the application of literal and descriptive translations in translating these cultural expressions.
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Keywords
Descriptive translations, Kanga names
Citation
Malangwa, P.S. (2012). Overcoming the barriers through literal and descriptive translations: Examples of Kanga names. Journal for Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(1): 51-62.