The Challenges of Interpreting Figurative Language From Kiswahili to English With Focus on Reduplication and Euphemism

Abstract

This study set to find out if interpreters faced any challenges while interpreting reduplicative words and euphemistic language and the strategies they use. The key objective was to investigate how reduplicative words and euphemisms were interpreted and if that had any impact on effective interpretation. This was informed by the fact that reduplication of words and euphemisms are ingredients that make spoken Kiswahili a flowery language. They are aesthetic elements that decorate Kiswahili. The study looked at what is omitted, what is added and what is circumlocuted in the TL in order to bring out the equivalence or near equivalence to the target audience in the source language. The study also investigated what should be retained, what should be interpreted word for word and what should be changed for the TL audience to understand what the interpreter of the SL intends to be understood. Finally, the study looked at strategies that can be employed to deal with such challenges, which may arise as an interpreter renders reduplicative words and euphemisms from SL to the TL. The main objective was to identify any misinterpretations and look into factors contributing towards these and then make suggestions on how to deal with such challenges. This study was guided by the theory of dynamic equivalence also known as functional theory. A speech is given to a qualified interpreters in Kiswahili to be rendered into English. Then the interpretations given were analyzed to see how colour and flavor of the Kiswahili language was lost while interpreting euphemistic elements of Kiswahili and reduplicatives and how the interpreters tried to retain the original message. The study also found that the way euphemisms and reduplications were rendered into the TL had an impact on effective interpretation. These findings unearth a need to come up with clear strategies to use when interpreting the two aesthetic elements. This will ensure anything communicated using the two is not lost in interpretation.