Sociolinguistic and Anthropological Observations in the Translation of Andrea Camilleri into Albanian

Abstract

In modern times there is still discussion about the postulate of the untranslatability which is based on the assumption that there cannot be an authentic asymmetry between two different semantic systems. In this confrontation of school of thoughts on the efficiency, poorness, and brilliance of the translation theory and practice, fortunately, the continuous blossom of translations testifies the opposite. With the translation in albanian of Andrea Camiller, especially through some sociolinguistic and cultural anthropological observations we will try to prove the opposite of the abovementioned assumption. The translation of Camiller in albanian constitutes a fortunate encounter between the dialect invented by him in 'sicilian' and the dialectical albanian. Moreover, this case constitutes also the best confirmation that translation has historically carried out a noble mission, that of the intermediation and reconciliation of different cultures. The objective of this study is to point out the eventual problems that may arise in the translation of Camiller' novel 'La rizzagliata' (in albanian, The death of Amalia Sacerdote) through the key of sociolinguistic and anthropological reading. At the same time, we aim to highlight the favorable aspects that the albanian language has proved to have in comparison with the other foreign languages in which this author has been translated.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n1p525