Translating India

Post nineteen eighties, what made English translation from Indian languages a culturally desirable activity? This question leads Kothari to examine the changing cultural universe of urban, English-speaking middle class in India. She examines in detail readership patterns, attitudes to English, and the course of translation studies in general. The comfort with which English is used with an Indian language as in "Yeh Dil Maange More" or "Hungry Kya" reflects a sense of familiarity that has been made with English. From this broader context of bilingualism in the first part of the book, Kothari moves on to the state of Gujarat. Taking up the case of Gujarati, she demonstartes the micro issues involved in translations and politics of language. Kothari asks new questions in translation studies and makes the production, reception and marketability of English translation her chief concern. Translating India brings amultidisciplinary perspective to literature and translation, authenticity and representation.