Abstract:
Translation is mostly referred to as the act of transforming the data of a source language in to a
target language. In this process, the translator’s knowledge on these two languages is of great
significance since a minor change has the capacity to change the intended meaning of the
original text. Furthermore it is important for a translation regardless of its category; science,
technical, literary, legal or interpretation. In some instances literary translations may depict
dialectal forms based on the context. Dialects are considered as an inseparable unit of a society
which signifies slight differences of a language that can be noticed either regionally or socially.
Though dialects create a trivial confusion in the speaker’s or listener’s mind it will not affect
the meaning completely as dialects are always based on a language which the community uses
already. A translator should be a keen observer of the dialects of the target and source languages
as dialectal differences may create confusion in the meaning which the translator has wanted
imply. Dialects are of two types and they are considered as regional and social dialects. A
linguist can identify dialects in the branch of socio-linguistics and it is important for a translator
to be aware of the difference which it can cause to a word. This article discusses the Sinhalese
dialects which are prevailing in Sri Lanka and the importance of the knowledge on these dialects
for a translator. On the other hand it will discuss the solutions for the problems which occur due
to dialectal difference in meaning and the role of a translator who should be keen enough to
search and study the dialects of the languages she/he is using.
