DIRECTIONS for the question: Identify the most appropriate summary for the paragraph.
A translator of literary works needs a secure hold upon the two languages involved, supported by a good measure of familiarity with the two cultures. For an Indian translating works in an Indian language into English, finding satisfactory equivalents in a generalized western culture of practices and symbols in the original would be less difficult than gaining fluent control of contemporary English. When a westerner works on texts in Indian languages the interpretation of cultural elements will be the major challenge, rather than control over the grammar and essential vocabulary of the language concerned. It is much easier to remedy lapses in language in a text translated into English, than flaws of content. Since it is easier for an Indian to learn the English language than it is for a Briton or American to comprehend Indian culture, translations of Indian texts is better left to Indians.
Which of the following options represents the most appropriate summary of the paragraph?
Correct Answer :
Indian translators should translate Indian texts into English as their work is less likely to pose cultural problems which are harder to address than the quality of language.
Solution :
The correct option is C.
Let's evaluate the passage arguments:
- Literary translation requires both language and culture mastery.
- For Indians, English language control is the challenge, while cultural interpretation is easier.
- For Westerners, cultural interpretation is the major challenge.
- Language lapses are easier to fix than cultural flaws.
- Since learning English is easier than understanding Indian culture, Indian texts should be translated by Indians.
- Option C captures these points: Indian translators should translate Indian texts into English because their work is less likely to have cultural flaws (which are harder to fix than language issues).
- Option A states they face the same challenges, which is incorrect (their challenges are different).
- Option B states that preserving cultural meaning is the essence of literary translation, but the passage doesn't say it's the 'essence', it says culture is harder to master than language.
- Option D misses the specific comparison of ease of remedying language vs culture.
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