“By translating vernacular texts into English, these distinctive expressions of culture can move beyond regional, and often colonial, boundaries”
IN LESS than 11 months, the cohesive group of Ilokano writers in Metro Manila will mark its 60th anniversary, properly its diamond jubilee, with members challenged to come up with a balanced theme that respects the organization’s history while looking ahead to new summons and opportunities.
We are fully aware the members have rolled up their shirt sleeves as it were as the December date approaches, their strategic planning sessions revealing current initiatives which include inter-generational events for both old and new members.
We know members of the group, called GUMIL Metro Manila, write in the language of their birth Ilokano, and are arguably nimble in Filipino and English.
This is where we raise the challenge for translation of regional literature for wider dissemination and appreciation by scholars and other language specialists to better understand the culture, the heritage of the “regional writers” or those who write in their own language.
Having been involved in the Committee on Literary Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as well as the Ilokano writers group since the 80s, we posit the need for translation, while GUMIL Metro Manila marks this year a long journey of not just sipping steaming coffee and whatever else – if basi is not available – but writing their fiction or non-fiction masterpieces when not bothered by company deadline.
We posit that translating – not killing – regional languages written in the vernacular into English is crucial for breaking down communication barriers, preserving cultural heritage, and facilitating global understanding.
As a widely used global language, English acts as a bridge that allows localized stories, knowledge, and perspectives to reach a wider audience.
Why is translation of vernacular literature important?
Scholars and language experts have a common denominator: their persuasion that vernacular literature, folk tales, and local oral traditions contain rich cultural wisdom that could be lost to future generations if not documented and translated.
Translating these works, their argument which we as well endorse, ensures their survival and promotes a deeper appreciation of diverse cultural identities.
An irrebuttable presumption that translation empowers the marginalized voices, enriches their language and facilitates global exchange and understanding.
Instance, translation provides a platform for voices from marginalized or underrepresented groups – like tribal communities, women, and minorities – to make their stories and issues heard on a global stage, fighting against historical prejudices.
Sans doubt, translating regional works introduces new metaphors, idioms, and narrative techniques into the English language, enriching its literature and allowing for the cross-pollination of ideas, according to some scholars.
Others argue that in a globalized world, translating vernacular content enables cross-cultural communication and fosters empathy and understanding, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect with the “other” and challenge stereotypes.
We note that there have been times when some central offices in Manila wanted their pamphlets translated into the regional languages – these are being distributed in the regions – for easier, if faster, connection with the people in the area.
That is the contrasting part of translation, where translators must have a good grip of the original language as well as the language the former would have to be translated into for smooth comprehension.
It has been said that translating educational materials, government schemes, and, in some cases, business content into regional languages (or vice-versa) is essential for ensuring that information reaches all segments of society, promoting equal access to knowledge and economic growth.
In a multilingual context, like the Philippines where there are at least 12 major regional languages spoken as native tongues by the majority – with Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Bikol, Waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinense being the primary eight.
Overall, over 180 distinct native languages and dialects are spoken across the archipelago of 117 million.
Translating into English allows for broader access to these local perspectives, including in arts and entertainment, according to some scholars.
By translating vernacular texts into English, these distinctive expressions of culture can move beyond regional, and often colonial, boundaries to become part of the global intellectual and artistic landscape.
