1. Introduction
The title of the play in question written by Brian Friel, namely Translations identifies one of the common concerns the leading Field Day dramatist shares with other postcolonial writers and which is subject of analysis in this essay. The playwright himself emerges as a translator of the Irish Gaelic past, illustrated by the fictional Gaelic-speaking community Baeile Beag in Donegal, into the political and economic realities of an Anglicized Ireland. The interpretation will be put forward that the central notion of the play is the unreliability of translation.
Before one examines Friel’s utilisation of the concept ‘translation’ in the same-titled play, the technical term itself has to be clarified by drawing on some insights from translation theory. In addition to that, some brief comments will be made regarding the essay’s underlying ideas of language, culture and identity as these will be frequently points of reference during the course of this essay.
In order to justify the interpretation introduced above, Friel’s theatrical device that is, to have the play enacted monolingual in the colonisers’ tongue has to be commented on. It will be illustrated that the shift from one language (Irish) to another (English) is presented in the play as a predictable consequence of at least three forces: Firstly, the establishment of the National School System; secondly, the utility to learn English; thirdly, the perhaps strongest force presented as a powerful metaphor, the ordnance survey.
The subsequent interpretations are rather based on character readings. Sarah, the mute hedge school student is of special interest because she represents the close connection between name and identity. Owen, the hedge school teacher’s younger son has to be paid closer attention to because of his deliberately performed mistranslation. After considering Yolland’s realistic articulation of the concealed cultural divide that separates him from the people of Baile Beag, Hugh’s remarks about language will be addressed.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Recurring Concepts in the Play
- Friel, a Translator of the Irish Past
- The Theatrical Convention of Accessibility
- The Establishment of the National School System in Translations
- The Utility to Learn English
- The Metaphorical Ordnance Survey
- Naming and Identity
- Owen, a Traitor?
- The Cultural Divide
- Hugh, the Realist
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay analyzes the play "Translations" by Brian Friel, focusing on the author's role as a translator of the Irish Gaelic past into the context of a modern, Anglicized Ireland. The essay explores the concept of translation as a central theme and examines how language, culture, and identity are intertwined in the play's narrative. Key themes explored include:- The unreliability of translation
- The impact of language on identity and cultural belonging
- The role of translation in colonial contexts
- The power dynamics inherent in language and translation
- The consequences of cultural and linguistic assimilation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: Introduces the central theme of translation in Brian Friel's play "Translations," highlighting the author's role in translating the Irish Gaelic past into the context of a modern, Anglicized Ireland. The essay emphasizes the importance of understanding the technicalities of translation theory and the interplay of language, culture, and identity.
- Recurring Concepts in the Play: This section explores the definition of "translation" in its broader sense, encompassing linguistic and cultural aspects. It delves into the notion of "functional equivalence" and the two opposing strategies of "covert" and "overt" translation, highlighting their significance in the context of cultural exchange.
- Friel, a Translator of the Irish Past: This chapter focuses on the play's theatrical convention, where the characters speak English despite the implied setting of a Gaelic-speaking community. The essay examines the implications of this convention, highlighting the power dynamics at play and the cultural shifts that occur as a result of language dominance.
- Naming and Identity: This section delves into the character of Sarah, the mute hedge school student, exploring the connection between name and identity in a context where language is rapidly changing. It sheds light on the profound impact of language on individual identity and how it reflects the broader societal changes taking place.
- Owen, a Traitor?: This chapter focuses on Owen, the younger son of the hedge school teacher, and his deliberate misinterpretations. It examines the complex motivations behind his actions and explores the consequences of cultural betrayal in a shifting linguistic landscape.
- The Cultural Divide: This section explores the character of Yolland, highlighting his position as an outsider who observes the cultural divide between himself and the people of Baile Beag. It delves into the complexities of cultural understanding and the challenges of bridging the gap between two distinct worlds.
- Hugh, the Realist: This chapter examines Hugh's perspective on language and its implications for identity. It explores the role of pragmatism and realism in navigating a world where language and cultural values are rapidly evolving.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this essay include translation, language, culture, identity, colonialism, imperialism, cultural divide, linguistic dominance, and the power dynamics inherent in language use. These concepts are examined in relation to Brian Friel's play "Translations" and the historical context of Irish Gaelic culture and its interaction with English influence.- Citar trabajo
- Bianca Müller (Autor), 2010, The Unreliability of Translations in Friel’s Translations, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/152022
