Mapping Transference in the Translation of African Literature

This book seeks to broaden research and debate on the translation of African literature by mapping out aspects of transference in terms of analysis and transfer strategies. Current issues and features in African Literature in French and English are explored to highlight differences between them and French and English Literatures. The implications of the differences (content, cultural setting, peculiar use of French and English, and target audience) for translation are considered, and a brief analysis of the translation of African Literature provides insight into how translators have approached, and continue to approach, literary works and cope with their target readership. Furthermore, dominant trends in literary translation studies are explored to determine if, and in what ways, they relate and contribute to translation studies in Africa. The analysis of transfer strategies focuses on the distinctive features of francophone African literary texts, drawing on relevant Western literary translation theories and models, on African literary theory and criticism, as well as on other disciplines likely to contribute to an informed understanding of the works.