How language shapes our lives and transforms the world

IS IT A COINCIDENCE that the month in which the DW team decided to decode the poetry of the Taliban, Found in Translation—a book that re-emphasises the worth of translations, and the work of translators and interpretors—makes its way on our reading list? Poetry of the Taliban left us with a niggling feeling that we were unable (or simply failed sometimes) to grasp the angst behind words and lines; that the pain of the people was lost in poor translation. Found in Translation reiterated that belief. The book begins with strong lines. “Translation. It's everywhere you look, but seldom seen. This book will help you find it.” That is a tall claim. So, does the book help its readers to locate the authenticity of the claim? Yes, it does. Through excellent examples told lucidly with the help of recent global inventions, disasters and phenomena, it makes a strong point in favour of translators and interpreters; a unique breed who are overlooked by academics, critics and media. Those who love reading know the need (yes, the sheer need) of accurate translations especially in the present context when there is fevered academic discussions surrounding the first line of Albert Camus' The Outsider (the one in which the protagonist Meursault finds out about his mother's death). Global literature scene would have been barren indeed, if countries could not share fabulous writers and songsters. Here's a pop quiz; do we think of translators and their work when we think (we beg your pardon) a boob job, or why Japanese men get heart shaped candies on Valentine's Day and why exactly did HSBC cough up $10 million to re-brand? Found in Translation talks of incidents in which mistranslations cost millions, even changed popular customs and how cosmetic tourism is shaped by the work of the peculiar breed who helps us to communicate. There are times we tend to forget that we live in a multilingual world. This book is a reminder that we are indeed slaves to interpretation. In a world where democratisation of ideas is a necessity, and a communication battle is being fought everyday, interpreters are the foot soldiers without who the battle would be half-won. A small point in favour of the easy read, the font and cover design is pretty marvellous. It makes the book a greater delight to read.