As part of my course, I was assigned to translate a novel with colonialism setting. I did not really like the story and it is a challenge to translate itself. I am also very unfamiliar about colonialism stories except a few which I read years ago. Not only but also, this particular novel assigned was heavily containing a Javanese culture. As a translator I have the responsibility to evoke imagination for targeted reader. That would be lucky, if the reader has a background in aforementioned culture. But if not, they rely solely on my translation.That being said,I would say, I still prefer to translate a scientific journal or a technical content rather than a creative writing.
I might do translationese here and there but, I'd take you to a little sneak peek how I did it. I might have altered the story a little due the translation but I solely want the readers to understand. If you are doing a translation in just 5 minutes for 1000 words, you might be doing it wrong. I twisted my hair, bit my nails, 50 tabs opened , finding correct terms, verb and yet, It still does not seem right. I am also still learning so, here it is. I hope you enjoy the story that I think is a little bit exaggerated.
She was giggling remembering a particular event in her life that she could not understood back then.One afternoon, Winarti was traveling with her father on a carriage drawn by four horses of the same color. As soon as the carriage passes by Taman Sriwedari, a communal garden where the citizen usually gather for idle chatter, her father ordered the coachman to slam the speed of the horses. Later she learned, her husband was just standing on the edge of the road to see Winarti from distance.
" What was your impression of me?" Asked her playfully.
"For heaven sake! I supposed it was Supraba, the goddess of love who came down from the heaven to the earth," replied Suprapto.
"Oh, How lovely!" Winarti responded her husband's compliment.
"What about you? what was your impression?" Suprapto asked again.
"It felt like Betara Yamadipati comes out of Candradimuka to take my life." She rose up from the chair, ran and being chased by her husband
<<<< at this point, it is very cheesy. It's so odd that it has Puppet's mythology and stuff>>>
Her smiles fades as she reminiscing of her aunt's advises before she left the House of Kusumojaten.
" oh, little girl, always look up to your Mother. She treated everyone equally. She treated all of us like her own sister and never discriminates. She is fair and just. And you are the only one who stays with us because your sister, Winarsih only visit during the holiday"
" you are more than ready to cope with all the problems that will come in the life of your marriage. Your husband is a charming man. It can bring a heavy burden for you. I only wish nothing will happen to you. Look at your father. Be wise and accept reality as it is. Pardon me, I once asked about your future to an old man. He said, your life will be filled of love and joy but there will be grieves along the way. Always be happy no matter what. Blessed are the servants of God who are still receiving temptations from Him. It's one of the love from our Creator. " Said Winarti's aunt.
Though she was annoyed by the other engineer's wives, she finally understood, she must be patient. Initially, She was also envious with her sister, Winarsih who had a Dutch education, and could speak Dutch fluently, but now that feeling was gone.
<<<<<<<<<<<<< At this point, I want to smack my laptop. This is insane. I'd rather translate whitepaper or some softwares.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Original story is from : Pandir Kelana titled Ibu Sinder.
Original Language : Bahasa Indonesia.
Signed, M.